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NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
11:53:39

Subject: Best Oil
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OK I am thinking about changing to a different oil and changing interval. Currently I am using Havoline ever 2-3000 miles with the cheap Fram filters (2.50).

My new (to me 95) dakota has been running with Mobil oil so I am looking at that (5000 Miles per change stated on container). I was thinking maybe changing both vehicles to this (2.10/qt) or a synthetic (4.95/qt). The problem is the differences in price. My old system is about $10/change (Havoline 1.48/qt) where with synthetic and a better filter (5.95) due to longer change intervals would be about $30/change. I don't put alot of miles on a year probably 8-9000 so is the change worth it? Both say to change every 6 months regardless of milage. So that said a synthetic would run $60/year where changing at 2k would be $40-50. Changing to the Mobil 5000 with a better filter would be $33 (2 times a year). So what would I gain in changing to synthetic? Is this Mobil 5000 any different/cleaner than the others or just a 5000 label to help with sales?

I was using Amsoil as the synthetic oil for prices at my local store. Citgo has one too which is about half the price of the other synthetics but don't know anything about it so if you do please elaborate on it for me too. If the Citgo synthetic is better than the Mobil 5000 I may change to that for my SUV as that does the towing of my popup camper.
Thanks



JimmyD
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
12:28:16

RE: Best Oil
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If you change your oil regularly, it really doesn't matter if you use synthetic or not.
Buy a good, name-brand oil in the proper viscosity range, usually 5W-30, and a good quality filter such as Bosch, Motorcraft or Wix, check the level often, change it every 3000 miles or so.
Go here and learn about oils and filters:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi



NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
12:56:13

RE: Best Oil
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Jimmy
Thanks for responding. I have heard of that site before but never taken the time to read through the info. I have a business trip this week so I bookmarked it to do some research. Thanks for the reminder.





Sam
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
12:58:14

RE: Best Oil
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I agree, run a good oil filter with good name brand oil. Doesn't have to be expensive, just has to be reputable. Change your oil every 3,000 miles and you'll be good to go.



haha
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
13:19:31

RE: Best Oil
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Just remember if you go with a Synthetic Oil you may see some leakage if your 95 Dak has been getting regular oil. Sludge builds up around the seals from regular oil and with the syn oil, it may cause leakage around those seals. I'd say just use what you've been using and change at the proper intervals. If you have not been having any problems in the past, why change and spend more money? Not trying to be a smart butt with that comment, just trying to use common sense. I haven't change the type oil/filter I use for 15 years. No engine probs at all.
Castrol and fram every 3K.



NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
14:12:26

RE: Best Oil
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haha that is what I was thinking too but hear alot of talk about synthetics and thought there must be more to it. I had a stratus I bought new. I changed every 2500 or so and when I sold it with 80k the oil was still clean looking. I never got the black look like all other engines I have ever changed have.

As for the leaking I agree too. I want to run the engine flush through it but fear the possibility of leaks. I also have heard different brands of oil have different cleaners so that is why I am changing oil to the Mobil for the Dakota as that is what they claimed to use and they were first owner (85k). I was more considering for my SUV as that only has 33k and will be used for towing about 2500# on weekends.

As a sidenote I was out at Walmart over lunch and saw they have the Mobil 5000 for about $0.40 cheaper or about the price of the Havoline at the other store. That would bring that price down to $8 and they had Mobil 7500 (partial synthetic) for about $0.30 more so I think I will just use the Mobil 5000 and buy it from another store than I did. Maybe there is another deal at a different store too.



Peter
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
14:26:55

RE: Best Oil
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NDTracer-I recently switched over to Amsoil when I bought my truck, 97 3.9L 90K miles. I'm proud to report, no known leaks. I didn't notice any performance increases or anything, but it's nice not having to worry about going a little over on the mileage when I don't have time to do it. I also switched my wife's 96 civic w/ 130K to Amsoil, and it started to leak around the oil pan gasket.



haha
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
14:38:47

RE: Best Oil
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If you start with Synthetics, stick with them. If you have high mileage and have been using regular oil, stick with the regular unless you want the POSSIBILITY of leaks. Not all will leak, but the chance is there. But, if you want to change the seals and go with oil that "scientifically" is supposed to be better, you can do that as well.

It's all personal preference. It's like the old saying, "opinions are like as$holes; everybody has one."

When I bought my used vehicle (car), the person always used Castrol 10W30. Therefore, buying the vehicle that had 45K on it, I continued to use Castrol oil (regular type).

When I bought my Dak used, the previous owner was using Synthetic Blend, so that is what I continued to use. No problems either way.

Once again, if you take care of what you got, it will normally last. Hence the word "normally"

Shiite happens!



OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
14:41:48

RE: Best Oil
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I got to disagree somewhat > Not to say everybody is wrong because there not > Things change as the years go by > Example would be HAHA > 15 years ago FRAM made a good oil filter > Castrol was top notch and still is one of the best > But FRAM fikters went cheap with there oil filters and they can cause problems that are not in the best interest of your engine > 3000 mile oil changes are old tech keep alive by the quick lub joints to keep there busineses alive > 3000 mile oil changes are only benificial on automobiles used under bad conditions > heavy long range pulling > dusty conditions and anything putting obnormal strain on your engine > most automobiles don't qualify for this putting them at the now recomended 7000 or so oil changes > most any oil and a desent oil filter will be fine > myself, I average about 7 to 8 thousand a year and I do one change a year > I use mobil 1 synthetic along with mobil's best filter > My cars run great > burn no oil and oil is still clean when it is changed > There would be nothing realistic to gain if I did it any differant > my cost facter couldn't be better



haha
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
14:59:13

RE: Best Oil
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I can buy into that OBIO3.

But like I pointed out before, it's really what makes you happy and feeling good about your investment. The old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it could come into play here. It works for me what I do, but it may not work for you. Personally, I put about 22K per year on my vehicle, 2/3 highway, 1/3 city. Even if I did all highway, I'd still probably continue to change like I have been; it's a comfort zone for me.

Your point is well taken and I know there are others who agree with you. I could agree with you, but it's just not what is in my comfort zone, for the main fact, I haven't had any problems either.



NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
16:28:28

RE: Best Oil
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OBIO3 I agree with what your saying. However I looked in my owners manual for the SUV and they manual didn't recommend a milage change or even time frame. It simply stated look in the Warranty and Specification manual. Guess what Bought used and don't have this manual. I guess I will have to go to their website and look.



jayb
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
18:18:40

RE: Best Oil
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haha said that opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one....
how do you know everyone has an a$$hole? ive seen some really deformed people before.



Caulk04
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10/10/2005
19:09:05

RE: Best Oil
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I don't know if any of you realize this, but Mobil Clean 5000 is NOT Synthetic. It is a dino oil, the Clean 7500 is syn-blend and the Mobil1 Extended Performance is full synthetic and states 15000 mile interval oil changes.

I use the Mobil 1 EP and change every 7500 miles with a Wix filter right now for the local availibility.

What ever oil you use, PLEASE use a quality filter. From filters are poorly built and clog easily rendering the filter useless. Wix (among others, Wix is just my preference so don't kill me) makes a great filter.

One last point: Think of how much money you spend in gas for that 3000 or more miles per oil change... Lets say you get and average of 18 miles per gallon, divided into 3000 miles is 166.6 gallons times an average of say $2.75/gal. You have spent nearly $460 in gas and you're looking to save a few bucks here or there on oil.

I don't want you to take that the wrong way, I just use that argument with a big-headed HEMI-driver that I work with who refuses to change his oil on a regular basis because of the oil cost. Using the same numbers, he spends nearly $700 per 3000 miles for fuel...needless to say, hes retarded.

Sorry for the long post, I'm feeling gabby today.



'02 4.7 HO, ArmorThane spray-in...FUN and MINE!

Oiler
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
20:14:27

RE: Best Oil
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Best oil? This will be a very l o n g thread



KJS
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10/10/2005
21:26:10

RE: Best Oil
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wheres the Amsoil guy when you need him!
Steve! are you there buddy someone has a question for you.


it's all fun and games until someone loses a tranny
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365

OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
22:54:59

BEST OIL
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I don't think this thread will get all that long > There is no perfect answer > I stated already > MOST ANY OIL IS OK BUT USE A GOOD OIL FILTER > AND IN REALITY THERE IS THE SECRET TO IT ALL > The rest of my thread was personal preferance > My choices > They work well for me > I have never had an engine use oil or knock or anything but run like a scalded dog > Does'nt get no better then that >



NDTracer
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2005
08:45:23

RE: Best Oil
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Caulk04 I did realize the Mobil 5000 is not synthetic which is why I asked if it is any better than a standard oil like Havoline. It costs a bit more and says 5000 but is that all marketing or does it last longer and start out cleaner?

As for the filter I agree and only switched to the cheap Fram when my AC-Delco were removed from the shelves. I just changed the filters to Purlator as they sold them too and have heard better things about them. The bad part is they didn't have their upper level in the sizes I needed.

I also realize that the oils are only as good as the filter and change cycle. I was kinda hoping for Amsoil guys comments too. I am sure he will find this sooner or latter. The title kinda is an invite for him.:D



haha
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2005
08:57:24

RE: Best Oil
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If you are waiting for comments from the Amsoil guy, keep in mind, they will be one sided as that's his job. Not saying that's good or bad, but his job is to sell Amsoil so he will try to convince you that Amsoil is the way to go.

Bottom line...CLEAN oil is the best oil as long as it is changed before it can do any damage and as OBIO3 said, the filter is the bigger choice of the two. But with that said, WalMart or any other off brand oil is stuff I would stay away from. And...do it yourself. If you can't see what is being put in your car, you don't know if they are giving you what you paid for. And oil from a drum is a no-no as far as I'm concerned. Some of these in-and-out oil change places have been found to use recycled oil. That's not a rumor either. I do know people who worked at these places and even THEY wouldn't use that oil in their vehicles.




Super-bee
Dodge Dakota
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10/12/2005
14:29:13

RE: Best Oil
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what about K&N oil filters?



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