engine oil

[sumdood]

Hello, I'm preparing to change the oil on my 2010 3.8L coup. In going through the manual, it looks like the recommended oil is 5W-20, for better fuel economy. The temperature range for this oil is much wider than the other weights (ex 10W-30), which is better for where I live. My only concern is engine longevity and performance. Would anyone recommend this oil? Also, synthetic or non? The manaul didn't specify this. It does say to use Quaker State.

 

[homeofstone]

I run my vehicles to over 220000 miles before I replace them. I use 5 w 30 Valvoline synthetic. Never had engine problems, never had oil burning. Oil and filter changes every 5000 miles. I have used Valvoline for about 20 years. If you are going to keep your car past 150000 miles then I recommend Synthetic. If you are going to replace your car before 150000 then use regular 5w30.

 

[sumdood]

Good to know. Thanks.

Anyone change their own oil on a gen coup? Are ramps the best way to lift the front? Also, how much torque needed to tighten the oilpan bolt?

 

[yellow3.8track]

Just changed mine. The worst part is getting all the bolts out of the two plastic covers, getting them out of the way and then putting them back when you're done.

I used 10W30 Mobil 1 oil.

The part of the oil filter cap/cover the big socket goes on has "34 N/m on it. My torque wrench doesn't have N/m stamped on it so I just replaced the O-ring on the cap and screwed in back in snug.

Fired it up and watched for leaks for a few minutes and then went ahead and shut it off and put the covers back on.

We'll do it again in 6,000 miles (I only run the synthetic oil 6,000 miles before changing it).

 

[Mark_888]

Hello, I'm preparing to change the oil on my 2010 3.8L coup. In going through the manual, it looks like the recommended oil is 5W-20, for better fuel economy. The temperature range for this oil is much wider than the other weights (ex 10W-30), which is better for where I live. My only concern is engine longevity and performance. Would anyone recommend this oil? Also, synthetic or non? The manaul didn't specify this. It does say to use Quaker State.

The Quaker State thing in the owners manual is a paid advertisment. Quaker State is owned by Shell Oil Products US, which also owns Pennzoil.

10W-30 is not an appropriate oil for newer engines. You should use 5W-20, 5W-30, or 0W-30 (Mobil 1 0W-30 AFE, but do not use a European Forumula 0W-30 like Castrol Syntec).

I use and would recommend Mobil 1 0W-30 AFE, which you can buy in a 5-quart jug at Walmart for about $25.