BoxsterG

So I went to the local Walmart to pick up some Mobil1 Synthetic 0-40W oil so I could change my oil again. As it turns out, the local Walmart's in my area do not carry the 0-40W in the stores. I can find the quarts in the local AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts and O'Reilly parts stores. However, none of them have the 5 Quart 0-40W in stock and one indicated that it would take them nearly a week to get it in if they were to order it for me.
So while I was at Walmart I did see that they carry the Mobil Synthetic 5 quart 0-30W for a mere $23.50 which is very cheap compared to buying the individual 5 quarts for $7.99 each.
My question is, can I used the 0-30W or will it not be acceptable. I realize that it is thinner and I change my oil every 4K-5K miles.

BTW..I looked and searched threads in the forums prior to asking this question but did not find anything regarding the specific weight I am referring to in this thread.

f4 plt

I actually use 5-30 or 5-40 the majority of the year. Maybe in the dead of winter ( yea we really have those once in a blue moon) I wil lmake sure and use the 0-x Its just warmer here

LlBr

IMO, Use ONLY what is explicitly recommended by Porsche. In our engines oil is used as hydraulic fluid as well as lubricant; I guess that complicates things. Non-official-Porsche advice on oil can't be trusted.

utkinpol

buy it online - 5w50 mobil1 is the best oil to use imho.
http://www.sparktecmotorsports.com/98hf24.html

I think it was an another online shop that sells it cheaper, just search for it and you will find it - here or on 6speedonline forums.

ADias

5W40 is fine, 0W30 is not.

BoxsterG

Thanks all for the info. I wasnt sure if the 0-30W was acceptable for my car. I can find the 5-40W aywhere but was curious about 0-30W.

pttrash

porsche reccomends MOBIL1 Synthetic 0W-40

BoxsterG

This direct from the Porsche owners manual for MY 2009 Carrera S:

"Engine Oil Recommendation
Porsche recommends .
Recommended oil viscosity ranges dependent on ambient temperatures
Suitable oils are:
Use only engine oils tested and approved by Porsche (Porsche approval list). Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to advise you.
You will find a sticker in the engine compartment which provides information (manufacturer) about the initial factory filling of your engine.
Generally you can find the manufacturer suggestions on the oil containers or as a bulletin on the market.
Ambient temperature
seasonal
SAE Viscosity Range
engine oils
generally above –13 °F/–25 °C SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50
approved by Porsche
generally below –13 °F/–25 °C SAE 0W-40 approved by Porsche"

I can go with either the 5W-40 or the 5W-50 based on the temperature here in Texas. Most likely I will get the 5W-40 since my local Walmart has it readily available.

kosmo

BoxsterG, as a walmarts (as my Mom calls it) shopper I know exactly what you are talking about. My comments/questions:
1. as the book says, 0-30 is not recommended.
2. in several of the Houston and Dallas stores the 0-30 single quarts are about $6.99 so $23 for 5qts is a good deal. I actually use it in my Bimmer.
3. the 0-40 is about $6.99/ Qt and I was told that the 5qt was NOT available. Did Walmart say it could be special ordered???
4. separately, have you been able to find 0-40 in anything other than Mobil 1? I can not.

tks

BoxsterG

No they can't special order the 0W-40 5 quart at all. I inquired and it appears that they only carry a certain weight in the inventory for the 5 quart. I dont really need the thinner weight as it is much warmer here most of the year anyway. If we do get cold weather lower than 40 degrees , I would not be driving my car for the 1-2 days that it last so I am really not affected by the oil.

BoxsterG

I realized that the 5W-40 at Walmart is only 4 quarts at $23.50. I is cleverly disquised to look like the 5 quarts containers. I am not sure why it is reduced a quart but the price remains the same. In fact, Auto Zone and Advance Auto didnt even carry it in the larger container at all. I would have to purchase two 4 quart containers and 1 addtional quart to change my oil.
Now this is where I got really confused, the label stated it was for turbo diesel engines. So a person can get really lost in trying to purchase the Mobil1 Synthetic Oil for their vehicle. I was looking to see if maybe there was a different container for the "regular" 5W-40 oil. My guess is that it is all the same.
So is the 5W-40 the same evn though the label says for Turbo Diesel engines?
Of course, they had stocked 6 quarts of the 0W-40 on the shelf this morning so could always go look for another 3 quarts at another store.

kosmo

if it specifically states for turbo diesels only I wouldnt use it. Just make sure the API rating is SM.

also, w/ any product if there's enough demand Walmart can use its buying power to get it done. Several years ago they got producers to decrease the size of packing as it saves on shelf space and Mother Earth. So keep pushing them to offer the 0-40 in 5qts. I always do.

utkinpol

if car does not go to the track it does not matter to have 40 or 50 high mark. if car gets revved to redline on regular basis you want more viscosity and want oil to be 50. a lot of folks who run their cars hard use 15w50 in summer.

that is why i said 5w50 is a best compromise oil. 0w40 is pretty much water.

BoxsterG

Unfortunately, I cant 5W-50 in my area at all. I can only find 0W-40 and 5W-40 in certain locations. However, most places are only offering it in individual quarts and that just seem crazy. The cost difference is dramatic based on buying it in individual quarts.