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Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Hal Michael on
Wednesday, 22 October 1997, at 7:27 a.m.
I took our T-5 in for the 10,000 service earlier this week to the selling dealer. While the "experience" was a mixed bag, mostly bad, they did tell me something I found curious.
University Volvo in Charlotte tells me that Mobil 1 oil is not recommeded by Volvo for either normal or turbo cars. As such, they do not even stock it for special requests. Oil change frequency aside -COST-, it would seem to me that the superior properties of a synthetic would make it the ideal choice for a turbo.
Any and all comments are appreciated.
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Wednesday, 22 October 1997, at 9:48 a.m.
They are wrong!!! Awhile back, also at my 10000 mi srvc, when I asked my selling dealer to start using synthetic, they obliged. What they put in was Quaker State SYNQUEST 5W-50. Because that wt is outside the normal recomendation, I called Volvo corp, who told me that Synthetics were not only approved, but were recommended for Turbo 850s. But that the wt used was NOT acceptable. Among the list of approved synthetics, in the proper viscosity, were Amsoil and Mobil1. What you'll find is that the oil used is a dealer specific thing, often not in keeping with Volvo's recommendations. Imagine that multi car dealers, for instance, will not stock 3 different oil brands, if that is what the respective factories recommend. I found that my dealer uses the 5W-50 becuase the 5W-30 which a recommended weight does NOT come in the big drums, so its harder for them to handle. While there has been much debate on line about different oil viscosities, Mobil1 is universally hailed by the most people as an excellent oil to use for most applications. I started doing my own 5000 mi oil service. If you want to use Mobil 1 and your dealer wont oblige, you can always do it yourself. Perhaps, you can buy it on your own and have your dealer install it. but of course, you have no guarantee that they actually USED what you brought them! Good luck.
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Subir Baksi on
Wednesday, 22 October 1997, at 9:06 p.m.
Paul--
My sentiments exactly. I use mobil 1 on my '94 854T. i called volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Here are some other recommended synthetics:
Amsoil (Where in the world can you get this stuff? )
Mobil 1
Kenzall Elite
Penzoil Performax.
regards,
subir
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Thursday, 23 October 1997, at 9:44 a.m.
Re Amsoil, this product has kind of a cult following. There are those, including the Administrator of the VCOA List, who feel that becuase of its additive package, it is the best stuff going. If you want to buy it, you usually have to get it from on of their indivudual distributors. On the internet, do a search on Amsoil, and several of them will come up. You can also buy it on line at their web site. I'd take Volvo's list somewhat lightly. For example, while Quaker State regular oil is on their list, their synthetic called Synquest is not. This does NOT mean it is not good for your application...just that they havent tested it yet either because the manufacturer has not submitted a sample, or for some other reason. But a content analysis suggests that there are more folks who believe in synthetic who use Mobil1 than any of the others. I recently had the 5W-50 Synquest which my dealer installed analyzed. After 5000 miles, the analysis showed everything was in normal range and the prognosis was good. I then switched to Mobil1 5W-30 which I have in their now. I like the lighter weight for energy saving reasons. After 5000 mi with this, I plan on switching to Mobil1 0W-30, which I plan on using all the time thereafter. Mobil has a good web site to gather some information. Also, if you do a search on Oil on the internet, you'll come across loads of good information. Once you get into the viscosity thing, you'll find different positions defended with absolute religious vigor. Have fun!
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Mark Klein on
Thursday, 23 October 1997, at 10:40 p.m.
I use Mobil 1 10w30 in my 3 four wheel vehicles, my dirtbike transmission and my lawnmower. Excellent stuff!!
Concerning Volvos approved oil list. I would use it like a Bible. If the oil in question is on the list, then by all means feel free to use it. If its NOT on the list, who'se to say why? Your oil may very well not be on it due to the fact Volvo hasn't received a sample but it may also be due to the fact it didn't pass their requirements.
I do know this. Volvo can deny oil related (turbo failures, for instance)warranty claims for improper oils (this includes wrong viscosity). I have seen it done.
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Paul Elliott on
Friday, 24 October 1997, at 8:40 a.m.
They can, I suppose, but I doubt, in this case, they ever would. The case I'm referring to is a large Volvo Dealer, often visited by the regional and national Volvo reps, who uses Quaker State Synquest 5W-50 for all synthetic Volvo applications. Neither the brand, when used as a synthetic, nor the weight, are on Volvo's list, yet the dealer routinely uses it with impunity. With the Volvo rep's knowledge. Could you imagine the scenario where Volvo denies a warranty claim because the oil is not listed, when it was installed by the authorized Volvo dealer??! I dont think it would ever happen. As far as weight goes, while Mobil1 is listed, their new 0W-30 is not. Probably too new to be. Nevertheless, Mobil states that this viscosity is appropriate for Mobil1 to be used anywhere 5W-30 or 10W-30 conventional oil is appropriate. If you check the MSDS specs, you'll see why... My point is that while its good to adhere to the list, it should indeed be read like the bible. That is, open to interpretation and common sense. If Volvo were to say that Mobil1 0W-30 is non warrantiable, tnan Mobil would be culpable to a degree, in that their claim is that they are completely intercnangeable. The advantage by the way to 0W-30 is its ability to more quickly distribute throughout the engine. Yet its functionality in heat yields all the protection of the 10W-30 and 5W-30....Just look at the numbers.
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by G. Prosnik on
Tuesday, 4 November 1997, at 2:02 p.m.
Based on an US Army study on synthetic oil in trucks that I was aware of, I have used Mobil 1 in my 1981 244DL 190K since I purchased it in Europe. The Army study took apart truck engines that had 150K on them and found no sludge and honing marks on the cylinder walls still present. Recently, local mechanics had my Volvo engine apart for an apparent oil pump problem (low pressure at idle). Looking around the engine they found no bearing wear, no sludge and a "like new" appearance. So I am a believer in this stuff!
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by dib on
Wednesday, 5 November 1997, at 8:03 p.m.
I have thinking about switching over to Mobil 1 synthetic oil in my 1982 245dl, but the guy at my local parts store said it could cause leaks in older cars and would recommend changing all gaskets and seals before changing over to the synthetic oil. Has anyone had a problem switching over to a synthetic in an older car?
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Ira Blumberg on
Thursday, 6 November 1997, at 9:59 a.m.
Switching to a synthetic oil like Mobil 1 in a high mileage car can result in oil leaks for 2 reasons. First, Mobil 1 has fairly strong "detergent" that disolves sludge build up in oil passages. Sometimes older cars would leak oil but for this sludge that can form around some of the seals. Also, synthetic oil by virtue of its superior flow characteristic is better at finding its way past even the best seals. In either case, if you use Mobil 1 and get leaks, you should be able to go back to regular oil without a problem. On the other hand, if your oil seals are old and dried out, it might be a good idea to get them replaced in any event.
--Ira
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Alex Hughes on
Monday, 10 November 1997, at 11:52 p.m.
I have had no problems using Mobil 1 in various cars. I started it in my 86 745T w/ 75k miles. This past weekend, at 87k, I drained it and filled it up with the new Mobil 1 0w-30. Supposed to be very good at startup, my oil light goes out right away. Mobils web site say it can be used anywhere a 5w-30 is used. Check out their site, don't know the address,just web search.
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Toni Arte on
Tuesday, 11 November 1997, at 12:42 a.m.
I have tried Castrol SLX 0W30 (the first 0W oil in the market), but
it was too thin for my brick. I usually change the oil after 10 000 km
and I don't have to add any oil, but with Castrol the oil level got
too low after only 6000 km.
--
Toni
Re: Where to get AMSOIL[ALL/1998] posted by Ray Hartle on
Thursday, 23 October 1997, at 11:40 p.m.
Subir,
Amsoil is marketed world wide by independent dealers (like myself). Recently Amsoil instituted a factory direct catelog sales program where private individuals can order synthetic products themselves ... straight from Amsoil.
The number to call is 1-800-956-5695, 7 am to 5 pm EST. You'll have to provide some info about you car, ie. year,make, model, and engine. If you switch to Amsoil, you should purchase the Amsoil full flow filter also to take advantage of the extended drain intervals and Amsoil's warranty.
Also you will need to provide a customer number which is actually the ID of the dealer which introduced you to Amsoil. You can use #347158 which is my dealer ID.
If you (or anyone else)want some specifics, please e-mail me. I'll be glad to help.
Amsoil is all I've used in my '87 740T since I bought it new. I use it in every other gas engine I own including my lawn mower and "weed wacker".
Ray
Re: Mobil 1 Oil[ALL/1998] posted by Topi on
Wednesday, 22 October 1997, at 9:56 a.m.
Mobil 1 is the best oil money can buy! Use it.I don't believe Volvo is against it, either.Mobil1 could even cure 960 6-cylinder bearing problems. I've been using Mobil 1 since 1982 on all street and race cars with great success. I do change oil every 5000 mainly to keep engine clean inside. Stop & go traffic is a carbon builder. Oil coulds go up to 15 000 miles but oil is cheap compared to engine repair...The best weight for turbo is 15-50W "Turbo & Race proven" type. Good luck with your R !