I have a local dealer who is trying to sell me on AMSOIL for my engine and tranny. I am told that AMSOIL has a 25k or 1 year change interval. I currently use Mobil 1 in my 1995 850 turbo wagon, and I’m a little hesitant to switch.

Based on a cost model, a year of AMSOIL would be about $55.00 (6 qts at $5.85 and two filters at $9.75). AMSOILS recommends that you change the filters every six months. Three Mobil 1 changes a year cost about $77.00 (18 qts oil and three MANN filters).

The cost difference is obviously minimal, so I’m looking for some personal testimony.

Does anyone have any experience using AMSOIL?

RT
1995 850 turbo w/113K

Let's start with: I'm totally biased, since I've been using and selling AMSOIL for over 25 years now.
I've run my non-turbos for a year or 25,000 between drains, filter change at 6 months. I run my turbos (currently 3) at 10K or 1 year.

Mobil 1 is excellent oil. AMSOIL is better. If you want comparisons, go to the AMSOIL website and look it up.

If you open your own AMSOIL account, either as a dealer or as a preferred customer, and if you can accept the longer drain intervals, then AMSOIL is the least expensive oil on the market. If your local dealer doesn't offer you this opportunity, find another.

Even more important than the engine oil is the automatic transmission fluid.
Runs cooler, resists oxidation better, lasts 2-3 time longer than the non-synthetic.

I have used Amsoil (100% Synthetic) for 20 years. I use it in my cars, lawnmower, chainsaw, weedeater, blower, etc.
I got 237,000 out of my '93 Saturn SL and it was still going. I traded for a '96 Volvo 850 with 70,000 miles, because I needed a bigger car. It now has 127,000 miles and is doing fine.
I change my oil and filter every 10,000 miles. The key is the Amsoil filter. Standard, paper filters filter down to 25 microns, whereas, the Amsoil filter filters down to .5 microns. I'm sure I could go 25,000 miles (changing the filter at 12,500) and it would be fine, but I don't. My procedure may cost a little more, but I keep my cars til the wheels fall off. I intend to keep this 850 for at least 400,000-500,000, if it will hold up. Atleast I'm confident that it's not the engine lubrication that should be any problem.
Steve

The 25k quoted won't really happen without there massive external filter kit. I just buy Mobil 1 oil by the jub full (5 qts) from walmart for 18 bucks. I tried amsoil for a while, but wasn't cost effective. Both Amsoil and Mobil 1 are good products, I suggest Mobil 1 since it is cheaper and readily available in many areas.

Kevin

Keep in mind that it is not only the solid particals suspended in oil that cause engine wear but also the corrosive by-products of combustion. Viscosity breakdown is not the only consideration.

Volvospeed was sampling engine oil and found that it deteriorates after 5,000 miles. Check their site for details.

If your dealer is telling to go 25,000 miles or a year between oil changes, I'd find another dealer. If Amsoil says 25,000 miles between oil changes, keep using Mobil 1.

Do what the owner's manual says.

Mike

x

My 88 240 has ran it since 75k it now has 165000. knock on wood.