Do big block Chevy motors not like synthetic oil?

[Dogmeat]

What happens when you run a thicker oil? Worth a test. If you're towing frequently, the 5w40 is likely not the best choice. I run 0w40 in the winter in my diesel, and it uses a bit but nothing like that, even in twice the mileage.

Why have you changed synthetic oil 3 times in 10k? Get your oil analyzed by someone like Blackstone Labs. I push 8k miles on a synthetic change, towing included and they suggest trying for 8500 next time.

I don't know when I'll be home and it's easier for me to change oil at my parents house than at the farm house I live at in Vernal

I try to change it ever 3,000 miles even if I'm using synthetic.

I'm gonna switch back to dino oil and see what happens.

 

[milehighassassin]

The 8.1 will use oil, no big deal. Some prefer an engine that uses a little. The oil life monitor does not sense or test anything. It simply a timer type setup.

That is not true (or modern monitors). New Monitors will measure injector pulse to know how much load is being put on the motor, it also checks resistance by running a small current through the oil at a certain point, that value will change in certain ways depending on what is in the oil and what is NOT in the oil.


BTW.... if you have the option between 0w-40 and 5w-40 you are WAY ahead to chose the 0w-40. That first number is the startup weight of an oil. So at startup (were more wear occurs) it is a lighter oil. This is particularly important in colder climates. Once the oil gets to operating temperature both oils are the EXACT same weight. (this is assuming everything else is equal in the oil, additives, synthetic, etc)

Read my following links for more info:

Basically there really is no way in most cars to get too thin of an oil (as long as you are using a recommended weight)
(this can change if you PULL a lot of weight, and make the motor work out, or race the car on a track).

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136052

Read the entire thing. I won't bother to copy and paste because there is a LOT of reading (probably a good hour, but it SO worth it, if you want an informative oil chat).

 

[Beels]

I bought a 2005 8.1L last November ... I've put about 10,000 miles on it so far.

I'm on my third oil change with synthetic Mobil 1 5W30 ... the last two oil changes I've done, my "Check Oil Level" light has come on about 3,000 miles in even though my oil life indicator still read like %60 or so ...

My question is, do the BBC motors just not like synthetic? I ran Mobil 1 5W30 for nearly 250,000 miles on my last two vehicles combined and neither one of them ever burned a drop of oil ...

Any thoughts?

I've got an '01 8.1L and it'll use about the same amount of oil as yours depending on how hard I drive it. My intake gaskets were done, there is a bulletin on the intake studs (oil usage issue) and mine were changed. I also just had the oil cooler lines changed as they were leaking. So, I shouldn't have any leakage issues. Everyone I've talked to who's had anything to do with these engines all say they normally use oil. Not a big deal.

BTW, I'm running Castrol Syntec 5w30 in mine.

 

[Beels]

I don't know when I'll be home and it's easier for me to change oil at my parents house than at the farm house I live at in Vernal

I try to change it ever 3,000 miles even if I'm using synthetic.

I'm gonna switch back to dino oil and see what happens.

I'll put money on it using the same amount.

 

[switchback]

This is where you are wrong. The GM Oil Life System tells you when it's time to change your oil, based not only on your driving patterns and mileage, but also things like the climate of your area. This means that changing your oil every 3,000 miles may no longer be necessary.

Really. Explain to me how it senses the climate. The 3,000 mile interval isn't always necessary and that depends on your driving. Has been that way before the oil life monitors. Also explain how it judges your driving patterns. Please provide references as I love to learn.

 

[switchback]

Here's a good explanation of how the algorithms are caculated by the monitoring system.

http://www.clubavalanche.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7301&

 

[switchback]

Found this from the General.




GM Oil Life System

GM’s Oil Life System informs the driver when an oil change is required based on driving conditions and not on a predetermined time or mileage basis, such as the three months or 3,000 miles recommended by many manufacturers in the past. GM’s Oil Life System monitors engine speed and temperature, and the computer continuously examines engine conditions to determine when it's time to change the motor oil. This system can double or even triple the time needed between oil changes, and if used properly, can help consumers save time and money connected with unnecessary oil changes.

 

[Mafesto]

I'm gonna veer a bit off the yopic here, sorry.

Why in the heck did GM drop the 8.1 ????

This engine is a far better puller than the 6.0 !!!!!

With the price of diesel fuel, they would own the 3/4 ton gas market if they kept the 8.1

Can anyone enlighten the rest of us as to why they did this?

 

[Beels]

I'm gonna veer a bit off the yopic here, sorry.

Why in the heck did GM drop the 8.1 ????

This engine is a far better puller than the 6.0 !!!!!

With the price of diesel fuel, they would own the 3/4 ton gas market if they kept the 8.1

Can anyone enlighten the rest of us as to why they did this?

From what I've read on a few different truck sites, it was due to meeting EPA regulations.

I've got my eyes open looking for a bit newer one to replace my '01. Absolutely love my 8.1 / Ally....

 

[teeroy]

I'm gonna veer a bit off the yopic here, sorry.

Why in the heck did GM drop the 8.1 ????

This engine is a far better puller than the 6.0 !!!!!

With the price of diesel fuel, they would own the 3/4 ton gas market if they kept the 8.1

Can anyone enlighten the rest of us as to why they did this?

no more 8.1? ditto on the pulling aspect, it uses way less fuel than my pop's 6.0 when loaded. it uses within 1 litre of fuel over a 500 mile trip when empty compared to the 6.0, my '06 HD 2500 uses about one litre of oil between changes with Delo 5-30 synthetic.

 

[H2SNOW]

don't know much about the new stuff but I got a 460 punched to 498 in my bigtruck pushing 612 and all I have ever used is Amsoil !!! period any questions ????