Mobil 1 Formula 15W-50
02-23-2003, 08:36 PM
#16
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Knute:
<strong>I think I've heard that comment before in another post on the topic, but can you enlighten me what you mean by "scary"? i.e. color, smell, viscosity, sludge, etc. So far, I have not been able to locate anything beyond conjecture about why the thin stuff (0-40) would be bad...
Thanks!
-Knute</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">color: completely black
viscosity: like water, extremely thin
smell: you got to be kidding me
My mechanic is a 30+ year Porsche specialist, racer a pretty famous mechanic really will never use the thin stuff on any 911 engine. Frankly besides trusting him 200% in his opinion, just the thought that this "oil" came out of my engine and the previous days I was hammering away on the rev limiter in the Texas heat on the race track, really made me sick. That is why it was scary...
If you are looking for scientific explanation, sorry. If you want to continue using 0-40 in a hot climate or on a car that sees track action it's your own choise really.
<strong>I think I've heard that comment before in another post on the topic, but can you enlighten me what you mean by "scary"? i.e. color, smell, viscosity, sludge, etc. So far, I have not been able to locate anything beyond conjecture about why the thin stuff (0-40) would be bad...
Thanks!
-Knute</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">color: completely black
viscosity: like water, extremely thin
smell: you got to be kidding me
My mechanic is a 30+ year Porsche specialist, racer a pretty famous mechanic really will never use the thin stuff on any 911 engine. Frankly besides trusting him 200% in his opinion, just the thought that this "oil" came out of my engine and the previous days I was hammering away on the rev limiter in the Texas heat on the race track, really made me sick. That is why it was scary...
If you are looking for scientific explanation, sorry. If you want to continue using 0-40 in a hot climate or on a car that sees track action it's your own choise really.
02-23-2003, 09:46 PM
#17
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This is odd. I just bought my 993 a month ago and was at an auto parts store the other day and thought "I better get some synthetic oil while I'm here". I didn't have my manual with me as I drove my other car, so I called my Porsche repair shop to see which synthetic to get and he said to buy Mobil 1 10W40 
. I asked the clerk if they had any as I didn't see any there, and she said she'd try to find me some. 5 minutes went by and she never came back out! I just left. I'm assuming from the above post that 10W40 is the wrong oil? I live in the Wash DC area and it's cold as heck and snowy in the winter here, so I don't drive it too much, but I drive it in the spring, summer and fall, and when it's dry in the winter. AFTER they fix the potholes, I'll drive it again soon. Should I just buy the 15W50 and call it a day?
Our streets got REALLY torn up from this 27" snowfall and we now have the worst potholes I've ever seen and the roads are littered with rock fragments. You wouldn't believe the awful condition of these roads, just a week after this last storm. It's like driving through a minefield trying to dodge the potholes. I'm SOOOOO glad I have a daily driver that's NOT the 993.
Peace,
Steve
(daily driver pics below!
on page 3)
. I asked the clerk if they had any as I didn't see any there, and she said she'd try to find me some. 5 minutes went by and she never came back out! I just left. I'm assuming from the above post that 10W40 is the wrong oil? I live in the Wash DC area and it's cold as heck and snowy in the winter here, so I don't drive it too much, but I drive it in the spring, summer and fall, and when it's dry in the winter. AFTER they fix the potholes, I'll drive it again soon. Should I just buy the 15W50 and call it a day? Our streets got REALLY torn up from this 27" snowfall and we now have the worst potholes I've ever seen and the roads are littered with rock fragments. You wouldn't believe the awful condition of these roads, just a week after this last storm. It's like driving through a minefield trying to dodge the potholes. I'm SOOOOO glad I have a daily driver that's NOT the 993.
Peace,
Steve
(daily driver pics below!
on page 3)
02-23-2003, 11:51 PM
#18
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Steve
My climate is much the same as yours. I've always used 15W50 in my 993 which is what both my P dealer & the independent I use recommend. That said, IMO, the ideal would be 0W40 for winter & 15W50 the rest of the year. However, although a daily driver, I don't put many miles on so oil is changed 1x per year. The car is always garaged at night so I'm more concerned about oil performance on a 100 deg track day than a 15 deg morning. You'll be fine w/15W50 M1.
My climate is much the same as yours. I've always used 15W50 in my 993 which is what both my P dealer & the independent I use recommend. That said, IMO, the ideal would be 0W40 for winter & 15W50 the rest of the year. However, although a daily driver, I don't put many miles on so oil is changed 1x per year. The car is always garaged at night so I'm more concerned about oil performance on a 100 deg track day than a 15 deg morning. You'll be fine w/15W50 M1.
02-24-2003, 02:33 AM
#19
Three Wheelin'
I use the Mobil 1 15-50 year-round (NY). I use the car rarely in winter, and ran it for the first time a few days ago. It was 10 degrees, and I took it out because it hadn't snowed in a while -- the roads weren't salty. It was so cold that the snow along the edge of the roads wasn't melting, so the roads were dry.
Now, finally, my point FWIW -- the oil pressure gauge registered pressure instantly, even on this 10 degree day (the car is kept in an unheated garage). This is at least some indication that the oil was flowing quickly. 911s seem to register oil pressure far more quickly than any other car I've owned.
BTW, since I hadn't driven the car in almost two months (the ocean is probably no more salty than the roads lately), I was impressed all over again during the drive. I'd gotten used to my 993, but after being away from it for a while I'd gotten used to other cars -- getting back into the 993 was a revelation. It's truly awesome -- the feel of the controls, the quality, the performance -- everything!
Now, finally, my point FWIW -- the oil pressure gauge registered pressure instantly, even on this 10 degree day (the car is kept in an unheated garage). This is at least some indication that the oil was flowing quickly. 911s seem to register oil pressure far more quickly than any other car I've owned.
BTW, since I hadn't driven the car in almost two months (the ocean is probably no more salty than the roads lately), I was impressed all over again during the drive. I'd gotten used to my 993, but after being away from it for a while I'd gotten used to other cars -- getting back into the 993 was a revelation. It's truly awesome -- the feel of the controls, the quality, the performance -- everything!
03-06-2003, 09:09 PM
#20
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by DJF1:
<strong>
color: completely black
viscosity: like water, extremely thin
smell: you got to be kidding me
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I didn't quite realize what you meant by the "smell" part, but after changing Sputnik's oil, I understand.
Never have I smelled oil that was so foul! Smelled like sour metal ( if you can image that. )
I'm suspecting that his oil has not been changed in a while, becuase my oil has never smelled like that during my oil changes.
<strong>
color: completely black
viscosity: like water, extremely thin
smell: you got to be kidding me
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I didn't quite realize what you meant by the "smell" part, but after changing Sputnik's oil, I understand.
Never have I smelled oil that was so foul! Smelled like sour metal ( if you can image that. )
I'm suspecting that his oil has not been changed in a while, becuase my oil has never smelled like that during my oil changes.
03-07-2003, 01:07 AM
#21
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By records/receipts I have from PO the oil we changed with Jeff had 5.600 miles on it. It was changed 8 months ago (no oil filters were changed). Taking into account of the oil condition of 5000-6000 miles I am now going to do oil change in much shorter intervals! For me it is Mobil One 15W 50. I don't know why..I just feel it is right one
03-07-2003, 01:43 AM
#23
Racer
<I called my Porsche repair shop to see which synthetic to get and he said to buy Mobil 1 10W40>
Hi Steve,
Can't be done, Mobil 1 doesn't come in 10W40.
I use 15W50 year round.
Hi Steve,
Can't be done, Mobil 1 doesn't come in 10W40.
I use 15W50 year round.
03-07-2003, 11:32 AM
#25
Rennlist Member
Kevin,
Castrol Syntec 5W50 is on the official Porsche list of approved oils. I'm currently running Syntec 5W-50 in a '90 C2, starts a little more easily than Mobil 1 15W50 on cold (near freezing & below) mornings. Of course, some folks worship at the Mobil 1 altar.
When I see some Mobil 1 0W40 locally I think I'll try it.
The approved oils (as of Nov 2001) are:
Castrol/Syntec 5W50 (ncp G)
Mobil/Mobil 1 5W40, 0W40 (ncp GL)
Sun Oil/Synoco Synturo Gold 5W40 (ncp GL)
Texaco/Havoline Formula 3 Synthetic 5W40 (ncp GL)
Valvoline/High Performance Synthetic 5W30 (ncp GL)
Here is some text from the relevant TSB, which Porsche issued on 30 November 2001:
11/00 1701
Binder - Group 1, Part 2. This bulletin replaces bulletin of same name dated 6-1-01.
Date: 11-30-01
Vehicle Type:
911 Carrera (996) / 911 Carrera 4 (996)
Model Year:
As of 1999 (X)
Concern:
Engine oils approved by Porsche
Information:
Beginning January 24th 2001 all Porsche vehicle are now factory filled with 0W40 Mobil 1 engine oil.
The engine oils listed in this Technical Information are approved for the 911 Carrera (996) / 911 Carrera 4 (996). They can also be used for all 4, 6 and 8 cylinder Porsche engines from model 1973 onwards.
The 911 Turbo (996) is an exception in this case - see Technical Information 911 Turbo (996) Group 1, No. 5/00.
Explanations:
Oil quality and non-conventional basic oils:
The basic oil and the additives added to it essentially determine the properties of engine oil. Non-conventional basic oils (synthetic or hydrocrack) have more favorable properties as compared to conventional oils (mineral oil). Non-conventional oils are relatively similar with respect to performance, regardless of whether they were produced using the synthetic or hydrocrack process.
In our approved oil list (Type column), the engine oils are identified as follows:
cp = basic oil produced conventionally - "conventional processing" (mineral oil).
ncp = basic oil not produced conventionally - "non-conventional processing" (synthetic or hydrocrack).
Non-seasonal "GL" light running oils:
GL oils have good light running properties because of their light low temperature viscosity as well as a high level of temperature stability. They have a particularly low tendency to evaporate at high temperatures due to their composition. The oils, that meet such high performance requirements, essentially synthetic or hydrocrack oils, can be used without restriction as non-seasonal oils (see approval list, "Type" column).
Non-seasonal "G" oils:
GL oils can be used as non~seasonal oil, but do not have the same light running properties as "GL" oils
Viscosity and temperature ranges:
The viscosity of an oil depends on its viscosity rating, as identified by its SAE class (and respective temperature range). Non-conventional oils have superior viscosity properties and very large temperature ranges (see also "non-seasonal light running oils" point).
Castrol Syntec 5W50 is on the official Porsche list of approved oils. I'm currently running Syntec 5W-50 in a '90 C2, starts a little more easily than Mobil 1 15W50 on cold (near freezing & below) mornings. Of course, some folks worship at the Mobil 1 altar.
When I see some Mobil 1 0W40 locally I think I'll try it.The approved oils (as of Nov 2001) are:
Castrol/Syntec 5W50 (ncp G)
Mobil/Mobil 1 5W40, 0W40 (ncp GL)
Sun Oil/Synoco Synturo Gold 5W40 (ncp GL)
Texaco/Havoline Formula 3 Synthetic 5W40 (ncp GL)
Valvoline/High Performance Synthetic 5W30 (ncp GL)
Here is some text from the relevant TSB, which Porsche issued on 30 November 2001:
11/00 1701
Binder - Group 1, Part 2. This bulletin replaces bulletin of same name dated 6-1-01.
Date: 11-30-01
Vehicle Type:
911 Carrera (996) / 911 Carrera 4 (996)
Model Year:
As of 1999 (X)
Concern:
Engine oils approved by Porsche
Information:
Beginning January 24th 2001 all Porsche vehicle are now factory filled with 0W40 Mobil 1 engine oil.
The engine oils listed in this Technical Information are approved for the 911 Carrera (996) / 911 Carrera 4 (996). They can also be used for all 4, 6 and 8 cylinder Porsche engines from model 1973 onwards.
The 911 Turbo (996) is an exception in this case - see Technical Information 911 Turbo (996) Group 1, No. 5/00.
Explanations:
Oil quality and non-conventional basic oils:
The basic oil and the additives added to it essentially determine the properties of engine oil. Non-conventional basic oils (synthetic or hydrocrack) have more favorable properties as compared to conventional oils (mineral oil). Non-conventional oils are relatively similar with respect to performance, regardless of whether they were produced using the synthetic or hydrocrack process.
In our approved oil list (Type column), the engine oils are identified as follows:
cp = basic oil produced conventionally - "conventional processing" (mineral oil).
ncp = basic oil not produced conventionally - "non-conventional processing" (synthetic or hydrocrack).
Non-seasonal "GL" light running oils:
GL oils have good light running properties because of their light low temperature viscosity as well as a high level of temperature stability. They have a particularly low tendency to evaporate at high temperatures due to their composition. The oils, that meet such high performance requirements, essentially synthetic or hydrocrack oils, can be used without restriction as non-seasonal oils (see approval list, "Type" column).
Non-seasonal "G" oils:
GL oils can be used as non~seasonal oil, but do not have the same light running properties as "GL" oils
Viscosity and temperature ranges:
The viscosity of an oil depends on its viscosity rating, as identified by its SAE class (and respective temperature range). Non-conventional oils have superior viscosity properties and very large temperature ranges (see also "non-seasonal light running oils" point).
03-07-2003, 01:49 PM
#26
Passed On
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica"> being new to this, I have always used Castrol Syntec 5-50 in the Audi and the Mazda. Would this be good for the Porsche too?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Many years ago, I used Castrol Syntec 5W50 exclusively in my Porsche. Then I read a report somewhere ("Excellence?" "European Car?") indicating it had a propensity to break down under heavy use. So I switched to Mobil 1. Initally used 15W50, but now have gone to 0W40 bought at local Autozone store.
03-07-2003, 03:40 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
Some folks have correlated Mobil 1 with higher wear rates on cam lobes and rockers (see <a href="http://www.pcapotomac.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=002775" target="_blank">thread1</a> , <a href="http://www.pcapotomac.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=002278" target="_blank">thread2</a> , <a href="http://www.pcapotomac.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=001704" target="_blank">thread3</a> ).
Is Mobil 1 superior to Syntec, or vice versa? I don't know. I suspect each has some advantages over the other.
I'd love to see hard numbers, more empirical test results comparing premium synthetics (Syntec, Mobil 1, Amsoil, ...). I'd also like to see a performance comparison of old formula Syntec ("fully synthetic") vs. new formula Syntec (hydrocrack).
Is Mobil 1 superior to Syntec, or vice versa? I don't know. I suspect each has some advantages over the other.
I'd love to see hard numbers, more empirical test results comparing premium synthetics (Syntec, Mobil 1, Amsoil, ...). I'd also like to see a performance comparison of old formula Syntec ("fully synthetic") vs. new formula Syntec (hydrocrack).
03-07-2003, 05:11 PM
#28
I use Mobil 1 SuperSyn 0-40, year round in NE. I think 15x50 is fine too, but I believe for my usage when the 993sits for days, and in winter for weeks, the thinner the oil will provide quicker initial lubrication. Since using 0-40, I no longer get the valve tap/lifter noise occassional I did at start up. I did hear F1 cars run 10x30. Bottom line the oils are so good today, that it regular changing at about 4-5,000, or once a year, is more important than weight.
