Slow Guy

I don't know why Matt chose to close his thread but here's a doc that should answer his question.

6th one down on page 1.

Edit: Removed the 2009 vers. and replaced it w/ the 5/2010 vers. from
Mobil One site

Edit #2:

A newer version of the product guide is now on Mobil's site. (dated 10/17/2011)
Mobil Oil Q&A
In the "Answer" section click on "show" for the guide.

IXLR8

What I don't get is Porsche's recent approval of 0W-40 in place of what was originally recommended for the 993, 20W-50, 15W-50, I believe.

I can see a better flow rate to vital components at start-up, but how do the hydraulic lifters cope with the thinner oil till it warms up? Are they, can they be noisy?

Matt Lane

Thanks Bill. Just realized that Pandora's box had been re-opened... by me! Thanks for the link.

Best,

Matt

PS - as for the changed rec to lower viscosity oils, that's a mystery. While oil formulations and additives have no doubt changed and improved, I cannot imagine why something as fundamental as viscosity specifications would be different - thin oils are not new. My best guess is that they've standardized on an oil that the newer cars need, and that the older cars (should) tolerate.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

The newest 0w-40 is an API-SN rated oil and friendlier to the cats. Further, its easier for the dealers to inventory one oil for all, instead of two different, non-backwards compatible products.

Speaking only for myself, I would not use M1 0w-40 in any air-cooled engine.

Cactus

Last oil change I got my tech used Total 5W-40 because he said it had the correct amount of zinc. Thoughts on this Steve?

Slow Guy

I do not want to put words in Steve's mouth but I'm guessing your disapproval has little to do with the Mobil 1 brand and everything to do with the 0w40 designation?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Its a little short of the 1200ppm these engines need, however the rest of the package is superior to the like M1 product.

Its what we use in the water-cooled engines that are not raced.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

My concerns are with this specific product chemistry as well as the too-light viscosity for our air-cooled engines,....

Slow Guy

Gotcha So it is both.

Cactus

Thanks and sounds like I'll stick with this.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

A footnote to those using oils containing less than 1100ppm of ZDDP,....

My advice is to change this stuff more often as ZN & P are consumed during the time between oil changes. This will help prevent premature camshaft failures; something we've see a lot of in 993 engines due to extended drain intervals using oils that are a little short in the critical additives.

Bill Verburg

JMO, but I've been fine w/ M1 15w-50 w/ 1200 & 1300ppm of Phosphorus & Zinc I like it mainly because I can go to Walmart and buy the big jugs for under $20 a pop. I gets changed at ~2500mi intervals whether it needs it or not.

IXLR8

Even though I came across the Porsche Service Bulletin, my thoughts exactly when I got my first Porsche (993) just over a year ago.

I chose to use Mobil 1 15W-50 which I believe has 1300 ppm Zn, not that that is the ultimate deciding factor seeing how my car is used; it has an easy life compared to track cars. Plus I don't rev the engine to some silly number till the engine oil has circulated and fully warmed up.

There are others oils such as Mobil 1 V-Twin with 1700 ppm Zn. I just don't know how it rates in other aspects for our needs. Motorcycle oils generally have higher Zn content.

I can't remember where I discussed it, but I believe the Zn is a last line of defense should the oil break down.

vincer77

Hi Bill,

On the subject of oil..

How did the adjusting of the oil level sensor work out? How was it reading before adjusting and is it reading better now?

Vince

Van1

Hmm, all I want to know is am I good on continuing to use Brad Penn 20w-50?

I do have some left over Mobil 0w-40 from a BMW I owned. Been using that in the snow blower to get rid of it.