1997 850 Engine & Transmission oil change results / requesting feedback

[moses3]

When I got the car 6 months ago I immediately took it to one of those quick oil shops that you're not suppose to go to and had the oil changed (synthetic blend Valvoline 5W30 High Mileage) and the transmission drained and filled 3.5 quarts. I brought with me a genuine Volvo filter that they used. I normally don't go to these places but I was dealing with severe health issues and didn't have a choice.

Yesterday I got under the car and discovered that the oil filter was loose and dripping, huge mess. Took it off and replaced with a new Volvo Filter. The oil itself was dark black, and there was a little gunk built up in the plug! I added 5.6 quarts Full Synthetic Valvoline High Mileage 5W30.

But the transmission oil really surprised me.... It looked rather new! Translucent red, I was expecting a darker color to come out. I've been wrenching for 30 years on Toyotas and I've never seen Transmission fluid come out so clean of a car.

Looking for thoughts, feedback, and recommendations.

[MoVolvos]

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The trans-fluid from the 00 S70 with around 143K miles purchased last year also had pretty clean fluid. Owner either had it flushed or there was transmission work. Car was in good shape overall. Oil was not too dirty either.

On the otherhand the 98 S70 T5 purchased in 2012 with 230K miles had thick silver coffee for transmission fluid and the oil was pretty dirty also. It's hit and miss.

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[MoVolvos]

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The 5W30 is a later model engine oil so too thin besides not enough ZDDP and other additives for these older cars. If you live in a climate that does not go too much below freezing in winter use a 5W40.

My first choice is Swepco 306 15W40 which the 98 S70 T5 thrived on. Can do changes once a year regardless of mileage. They have an oil analysis program but not sure if it's still free. Company was sold not too long again. Big rigs can get 100K, yes 100,000 change intervals when using this program. Have to find a local rep or a local Porche repair shop for the oil however.

"The initial test proved the savings. Milltown Trucking now has switched their entire
fleet over to SWEPCO and reports these benefits:
■ they now achieve drain intervals in excess of 100,000 miles
■ SWEPCO’s comprehensive 23-point Laboratory Oil Analysis reports which are
run every 15,000 miles are documenting reduced engine wear metals that will
ultimately translate into longer engine life and lower ownership costs
■ savings per 100,000 miles totals $748.80 or 3/4 cents per mile on labor and oil
alone"

https://www.clubtitan.org/attachments/m ... pdf.44792/

10 HP Gain on Dyno
https://www.clubtitan.org/threads/swepc ... ory.56584/


Second choice is Rotella T6 5W40
(www.amazon.com/Shell-Rotella-Synthetic- ... NrPXRydWU=)


Third is Castrol Edge 5W40 or 0W40

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[moses3]

I live in a very cold state, I was told 5W30 for cold states?

[June]

You are correct 5W30. I would use conventional and change it more often at first. June

[MoVolvos]

I live in a very cold state, I was told 5W30 for cold states?

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If you have a turbo and exercise it besides a couple of months of warmer weather, a 0W40 or 5W40 would be a good year round oil. Change every six months with max of 5K miles. 30W is thin for a turbo unless you never see 70 degrees and above.

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[moses3]

Car is purring with the new oil, also shifting better.

[454cid]

I don't understand, why were you surprised that 6 month old transmission fluid still looked good? Why were you changing it already?

[WhatAmIDoing]

As per the manual (viscosity pictogram attached):

Oil must meet API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or Energy Conserving (EC) II

Do not use oils with other viscosity ratings. The use of incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life.
Volvo recommends the use of energy-conserving oils. Look for the API label. Synthetic oils complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for: Driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances or for a prolonged driving in mountainous areas.

NOTE: SAE 15W-40 is should only be used in extreme operating conditions such as trailer towing in sustained ambient temperatures over 104° F (40° C). However, SAE 10W-30 synthetic oil would be a better alternative in such conditions.
SAE 15W-40 should not be used under normal operating conditions.

Turbocharged models change oil every 5,000mi or 12 months, whichever comes first.

I ran Rotella T6 5w40, until that engine most likely ate a bearing (that's anecdotal). If you live somewhere very cold in the winter and hot in the summer, then 5W40 would be a good year round oil if you don't want to change before winter. Admittedly, It's much easier to find 10w30 or 5w30 in the USA than it is 5w40 compared to Canada or Europe.

I don't put much faith in oil analysis services or extended drain intervals anymore.

[moses3]

I don't understand, why were you surprised that 6 month old transmission fluid still looked good? Why were you changing it already?

It was not 6 month old transmission oil, I only changed 3.5 quarts 6 months ago, full capacity is 8 quarts.