I have an oily situation, anyone slide me some advice?

sandy44 · Post by **sandy44** » 05 Oct 2012, 19:52

Ok. Here's the deal. Very oily situation. I have a 1983 GLT Volvo 240 which I purchased this summer from the original owner. The car has 135000 miles. Mileage documented by the State of PA annually. It's now time for an oil change. When I bought the car, the original owner told me that he never used any oil other than Mobile 1, 10w/40w. EVER. He was very specific about that. However, he also stored the car in a warehouse during the winter months in Pittsburgh because it was rear-wheel drive and didn't get around very well on the hills, snow...etc. There's no rust to speak of on the car.

So... I'm in Kansas City and there are very few hills. Pretty flat. I have a 3 mile commute to work, so I'll probably drive the car during the winter.

My question is... when I change the oil this weekend, should I stick with the Mobile 1 10w/40w- or break the wisdom of 135,000 miles and use something else in the engine? If I should use something different, what kind/brand of oil and what weight should I use? I went to three different auto stores today and got three different answers. So, I thought I'd throw this out to the site and see if I can get a consensus on this very slippery slope...

Post by **kcodyjr** » 05 Oct 2012, 20:00

Don't screw with success, or with 29 years of habit. Stick with the Mobil 1 10W-40.

Also, make a point of using either the Mann or Volvo branded oil filter, though judging by the length of your sig, you already know that.

sandy44 · Post by **sandy44** » 05 Oct 2012, 21:01

My brain says kcodyjr is right on the money. What I couldn't believe today is how many "experts" were steering me away from conventional wisdom and telling me to buy 4 quarts of Royal Purple! What a Royal Hype!

Post by **precopster** » 06 Oct 2012, 16:02

One thing I DO know about Mobil 1 is that when changed at recommended intervals it doesn't allow sludge build up. Early in my mechanical career I rebuilt a Mitsubishi 2.6 litre 4 with the contra rotating balance shafts for a 1974 Galant Coupe (your Dodge imported coupe) I exclusively used Mobil 1 in that vehicle. I stripped it down at 20,000 kms because of compression problems. Turned out the head wasn't straightened properly causing partially opened hydraulic valves so I swapped to a manual setup. Upon stripping it the motor was cleaner inside than the day I sealed it up. That motor served 3 cars ( a Mitsubishi Scorpion or Dodge Sapporo and a Mitsubishi Sigma) and completed around 90,000kms while under my care. I used to open the oil cap and see NO sludge whatsoever. It never used oil as the valve stems were fresh and never gave any trouble. I believe this was solely attributed to the use of Mobil 1.

sandy44 · Post by **sandy44** » 08 Oct 2012, 19:39

Precopster--- you nailed it! I've owned Volvos for over 23 years. This is the first Volvo that's had Mobil 1 run it it for its entire life. I have always marveled that, even with the turbo w/o intercooler, I've never had to add even an ounce of oil! I plan on driving this beast for another 300K, which means, this is probably going to be my last Volvo I ever own. Aww heck... who am I kidding?