What motor oil should I use?

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4 total messages Started by R. Zurawski Tue, 12 Nov 1985 04:02

#475

Author: R. Zurawski
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1985 04:02

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The other day I took my car in to one of those 10 minute
oil change places.  I asked for 10W-40 oil.  The guy who was servicing
my car said that I should be using 10W-30.

I was surprised by his suggestion. I thought that 10W-40 was an all
season motor oil.  He told me that 10W-40 oil was going to be phased out
in about two years (by the oil makers) and
that I should use 10W-30 all year round since I have an aluminum engine.
He said that lately most auto manufacturers suggest 10W-30 for all
year care. He suggested that I may want to use an oil like 15W-50
during the summer since I do a lot of highway driving, but 10W-30 was O.K.

Also, the 10W-30 oil that they used was rated SE-SF-CC. I never heard 
of this rating. 

Questions:
1) What is this rating SE-SF-CC?
2) Is it true that 10W-40 will be phased out?
3) Is 10W-30 safe to use ALL year round?
4) If the answer to number 3 is "no", what oil should I use?

Please kept the following in mind as you answer:
I have an aluminum engine, I drive about 15,000 miles a year,
75% of my driving is at highway speeds (60+) and I live in the midwest.


Thanks in advance.
Bob Zurawski
...!ihnp4!ihexp!rjz

Re: What motor oil should I use?

#483

Author: Lee R Carlson
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1985 20:50

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*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH 5W-30 ***

> Questions:
> 1) What is this rating SE-SF-CC?
> 2) Is it true that 10W-40 will be phased out?
> 3) Is 10W-30 safe to use ALL year round?
> 4) If the answer to number 3 is "no", what oil should I use?
> 
> Please kept the following in mind as you answer:
> I have an aluminum engine, I drive about 15,000 miles a year,
> 75% of my driving is at highway speeds (60+) and I live in the midwest.
> 

1) SF - Current state-of-the-oil service grade.  In order for oil to use
	SAE-API "SF" designation it must meet a bunch of specification
	that include viscocity stability, detergent content, and who knows
	what else.  SE was the previous grade.  SD, and SC were probably
	before that.  CC and CD are designations pertainant to Diesel owners.

2) Probably.  GM is now specifying 5W-30, 30, and 10W-30 oils in it's new
	cars.  My '85 STE owner's manual makes mention of 10W-40 only to
	prohibit it's use.  That may be for a Diesel application.  The
	reason is 5W-30 and straight 30 are lower viscocity -> lower
	internal fluidic "friction" -> higher mileage.

	Also, GM is specifically excluding mention of 10W-40 to strong-arm
	the oil makers into offering 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils.

3) Look in your owner's manual.  I think my STE manual suggests it.  Your
	owner's manual should have some sort of a temp vs. viscocity
	graph.

4) A family friend is a real oil expert.  He tells us to use 10W-30 in
	everything, including our 78 Vette.
	
My question is:  Anyone have any (non-synthetic) oil brand preference.
My supply of Sears has run out.


-- 

					-- Lee Carlson
					-- Boeing Errorspace, Seattle
					...{uw-beaver|fluke}!ssc-vax!carlson

Re: What motor oil should I use?

#488

Author: osmigo
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1985 00:42

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*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE ***

Re: What motor oil should I use?

#480

Author: Steve Falco
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1985 13:14

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> 1) What is this rating SE-SF-CC?
> 2) Is it true that 10W-40 will be phased out?
> 3) Is 10W-30 safe to use ALL year round?
> 4) If the answer to number 3 is "no", what oil should I use?

1) I believe SE and SF are gasoline engine ratings while CC is a diesel
   rating.  In all cases it refers to the durability and lubrication
   capability of the oil.  The auto manufacturers recommend a classification
   to use.  For example, in '79, Chevy said use SE or better.  They said
   don't use SE/CD (does anyone know if SE/CD is different from SE-CD??)

2) I have seen notices that GM no longer recommends 10W-40, they are
   switching to 10W-30.  I don't know why.  I also doubt that 10W-40
   will become unavailable.

3) Again, check with the manufacturer.  My Chevy can use 10W-30 most of
   the year but there are different recommendations for extreme
   climates.

	Steve Falco

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