What oil to run

[altrego]

OK I was just wondering if there would be any disadvantage of running 10w40 in her instead of 10w30. It sees mostly 3k on the free way but I will be taking her off road so might get higher. Any input would be great.

 

Thanks Tim

[bobaru]

yes more input please

 

I bought this subaru with abad carb so in other words it didnot run

 

webered it changed oil with delo 400 15/40 runs GREAT but

 

the lifters tap [ off&on]

[GeneralDisorder]

Chevron 10w30. Get it at Costco for very reasonable. Change it every 3k to 5k depending on conditions and how much you add due to leaks between changes. You can change the filter every other oil change per Subaru's guidelines.

 

There's lots of reasons for my choice - primarily I've torn down many oil lubed peices of equipment and engines and I'll tell you that the important part is that it's changed regularly and that it's the correct viscosity for the equipment and conditions. There are so many variables that it's best to judge each vehicle based on it's condition and driving conditions rather than a blanket statement. If I had a brand new or rebuilt engine for example I would run synthetic and change it much less frequently.

 

One of the best indicators of oil condition is actually the simplest - color. In a clean engine with a properly operating PCV system the oil should be a nice golden color. If it's jet black or you can barely see through a sample of it then it needs to be changed - regardless of the mileage. A distinct color change indicates contamination and temperature related breakdown. It's as good a way to judge oil as any and trust me - if you sample your oil for color change, top it off regularly, and change it when you get a large color change, at the 3k to 5k interval, or after a significant mechanical event, you'll have trouble free operation for as long as anyone else.

 

GD