How often do you guys do the oil change?
09-14-2008, 10:51 AM
#16
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although in the minority, I do not change the oil at a specifically set interval (time or miles). Rather, I change the oil when it starts to appear dirty. There are so many road and driving conditions that factor into play (i.e., dirt roads, hard driving etc.).
09-14-2008, 11:12 AM
#17
Drifting
Thread Starter
You mean when it starts to turn dark grey? Nothing but dirt free highways here in sunny SF...
09-14-2008, 11:14 AM
#18
Drifting
Thread Starter
Go to www.lnengineering.com and there is a good write up there on why not to change to frequently. Thru testing, not theory, they discovered that oil doesn't reach it peak until well after 3k that we've all been acustom to doing. Actually premature oil changes cause more wear in the engine. Also, they've done dyno and engine tear downs on nearly every oil out there and have established info on those oils that have the least wear capabilities.
In older engines, synthetics may not be your best choice.
They can also test your oil and tell you what is going on with the oil and your engine, how frequent you should change it.
When I bought my 951, the guy that owned it used Mobil 1 religiously. Also told me there was no oil leaks. Drove it a few times, got it home and started to notice spots of oil under the car. A friend told me about dumping syn and going dino and I didn't believe him. I then went to a seminar on oil by Charles from LN Engineering and Jay Raby (air cooled race engine builder). They explained the differences in formulas and calcium vs. ZDDP additives, blah, blah, blah. However, succes in their engines were from oils with more ZDDP and saw no wear advantages from syn oils. However, they did say in low HP motors they did discover that Amsoil was slightly better then Mobil 1 for HP gain.
So, I switched to a dino oil with more zddp and the engine runs more quiet and no more oil leaks.
Oils with more ZDDP are ASI rated SG, SH, of SJ. Oils rates SL/SM have none or a lot less zddp and more calcium. Motorcycle oils usually contain more ZDDP.
Another proponent of oils with more ZDDP is Lindsy Racing. I think they would know what they are talking about.
In older engines, synthetics may not be your best choice.
They can also test your oil and tell you what is going on with the oil and your engine, how frequent you should change it.
When I bought my 951, the guy that owned it used Mobil 1 religiously. Also told me there was no oil leaks. Drove it a few times, got it home and started to notice spots of oil under the car. A friend told me about dumping syn and going dino and I didn't believe him. I then went to a seminar on oil by Charles from LN Engineering and Jay Raby (air cooled race engine builder). They explained the differences in formulas and calcium vs. ZDDP additives, blah, blah, blah. However, succes in their engines were from oils with more ZDDP and saw no wear advantages from syn oils. However, they did say in low HP motors they did discover that Amsoil was slightly better then Mobil 1 for HP gain.
So, I switched to a dino oil with more zddp and the engine runs more quiet and no more oil leaks.
Oils with more ZDDP are ASI rated SG, SH, of SJ. Oils rates SL/SM have none or a lot less zddp and more calcium. Motorcycle oils usually contain more ZDDP.
Another proponent of oils with more ZDDP is Lindsy Racing. I think they would know what they are talking about.
09-15-2008, 02:18 PM
#19
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
09-15-2008, 03:12 PM
#20
Race Director
I was racing my NA in 102F temps this weekend and hit 260-270F on the oil for 30 minutues at a time. I also ran a 3 day even at miller in June including a 2 hour enduro. My oil will be changed before my next race.
On second though I may change the entire engine after my next race weekend so I may not change the oil. I hate to put in $65 worth of oil for just one weekend. I will need to inspect it first.
On second though I may change the entire engine after my next race weekend so I may not change the oil. I hate to put in $65 worth of oil for just one weekend. I will need to inspect it first.
09-15-2008, 07:41 PM
#21
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Some say changing to oil too often is bad as the oil's additive package has to adapt to the conditions in your motor, increasing wear during that adaptation. I don't know about that, but I do know that it's a sad waste of money and resources to recycle all that half-used oil and that perfectly good filter.
I end up changing my P-car's oil pretty often in terms of mileage because I usually change it every year and with several cars in the fleet I do not get near the 12K-15K change interval. My Audi A8 is supposed to get 10K oil changes but I do it about every 8K-9K. 3000 mile oil changes with 2 gallons of synthetic? No way. It's over $50 if I do it myself, so 3k changes would mean $100 thrown away for no reason. Plus the dirty oil fitler going to a landfill and the need to recycle four gallons of oil needlessly.
-Joel.
09-15-2008, 09:14 PM
#22
Drifting
Thread Starter
09-15-2008, 11:52 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: out in the sticks and flat lands of va wondering around for an open field or pavement!!!
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I change my oil every 1500 miles or 1.5 months. I don't know of the oil being changed too early issue but I have had no oil problems because of it. My oil looks the same almost coming out as it did goin in just a slight tint to it. I do quite a bit of track driving and street driving but I just feel on the safe side doin it this way. The oil of choice for me is castrol 5w-50. I know it sound kinda extreme but im in and out my motor alot so it's no big deal to me.
09-16-2008, 08:52 AM
#24
Advanced
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Singapore
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I found this to be a good read-it does explain the chemical changes oil goes through during its service life.
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html
Gerald
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html
Gerald
