davidl@tekig.UUCP (David Levadie) (10/08/84)
I have been told just the OPPOSITE - that ASPHALT based oils, Havoline in particular, are superior because they "break down" (become less viscous) at higher temperatures than the "other" oils. I HAVE noticed that the oil pressure in my 49 Chevy drops LESS when the motor is hot if I am running Havoline, than is the case with Valvoline (Throw rocks here). So, which kind is Mobil's regular old 30W ? I used to run that before my redneck friends threatened to disown me for not running Havoline. I run Torco MPZ50 in my 650 Yamaha, and have found that it lives up to the ravings of the MANY motorcycle maniacs who recommend it - it really hangs right in there... but, then... it IS 50-weight, and it DOES cost $2.50 a can... Anybody know the TRUTH about Castrol ?
tron@fluke.UUCP (Peter Barbee) (10/10/84)
I don't know the TRUTH about Castrol but I do use GTX 20/50 in my Alfa and I'm very pleased. Except when it comes time to buy more, unfortunately Alfa recomends (and I like warantees) an oil change every 3000 miles. The car uses 7 quarts, at $1.25/qt. this makes an oil change cost ~$13 including filter, bummer!
jackh@zehntel.UUCP (jack hagerty) (10/10/84)
> Anybody know the TRUTH about Castrol ?
All I have to go by is personal experience. I've used nothing but Castrol
20w-50 in my 10 year old Alfa GTV (which I've owned since new). The oil and
filter are changed every 3000 mi as reccommended by the factory. I also do
all of the other maintenance items on the factory schedule.
The car now has 154,000 miles on it and the engine is still all-original.
The last time I pulled the head (at 100k to replace some oil seals) there
were still hone marks visible in all cylinders. The guides are finally starting
to wear so the engine is using a little oil. Still, the mechanic who works
on the car (when I don't want to) is amazed. He says that the OEM Alfa guides
are usually good for only 60k or so.
I'm hoping to make 200k before having to do major engine work but I'm afraid
it'll have to be next summer which would be about 170k.
I should also mention that the sump holds 8 quarts, which helps dilute the
crud and keeps the engine cool.
-- Jack Hagerty, Zehntel Inc.
... ihnp4!zehntel!jackhrs55611@ihuxk.UUCP (Robert E. Schleicher) (10/12/84)
I've had good experiences with Castrol 20W50. My Mercedes sedan has 138,000 miles on it, and gets ~3,000 miles to a quart of oil, despite being an OHC design (which in my experience are often more prone to oil leakage past the valves). The engine never had a complete overhaul, but the previous owner had new valve guides put in at 100,000 miles, as well as con-rod bearings and rings. The bearings and rings were done as a matter of course because the heads were off, but they didn't really need it, and the oil consumption was the same before this work as after. (Basically, the prev. owner did this work as kind of a 100,000 mile routine maintenance job. He had ~20 cars on his property, and had his own mechanic come out to his car storage barn for work. He bought Castrol by the drum, and changed each car every 3,000 miles, or one year, whichever was first, as many of his cars were collector cars that only got driven ~50-100 miles a year.) - Plus, if you have a car that burns oil, the smell of Castrol bean-oil is better than other oils! Bob Schleicher ihuxk!rs55611