Oil... buy by bottle or bulk?

[Motorhead350]

I used to buy oil at a dealership and filled my own container. It saved me a ton of money. I blew my engine this summer and had a TON of sludge inside of it. I have heard different stories as to the cause of sludge... most saying oil would not do it if I changed synthetic every 3,000 miles.

I have switched back to bottles, but its 5 times as much as going to the dealer. I want to go back to the dealer, but want to know what you all think.

Is it safe to buy by bulk? Did my sludge issue cause my engine to blow as a result of dealer oil? My oil pump got clogged and my engine starved for oil and locked up.

BTW about two days before the freeze up I put in half a bottle of STP fuel injector cleaner... any blame to this?

Opinions please.

[jwibbity]

i use amsoil full synthetic every 10K, I buy it by the case (12 X 1qt bottles) for both my vehicles

if you pay 20 bucks a year you can get amsoil for $8 and some change a quart instead of their regular $11 price

even though i havent took apart my engine and looked for sludge the car seems to run pretty smooth, especially right after an oil change

[a_d_a_m]

Your issues were not the result of 'dealer oil'.

[RF Overlord]

Your issues were not the result of 'dealer oil'.Roger that.

The STP fuel injector cleaner had nothing to do with it, either, mostly because it's worthless. If you're going to use FI cleaner, use Chevron's Techron or Gumout's Regane.

If your engine was sludged, one (or all) of the following was the cause:

Bad rings causing blowby.
Faulty PCV system.
Engine ran way too cool.
Crap oil that was not changed often enough.

[Motorhead350]

This is exactly why I was questioning the oil, but it was Valvoline synthetic every 3,000...

[Limited360]

Fresh mobil 1 every 3000 miles, more like once a year since I don't do that many miles in a year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1) so I may sound retarded.

[ctrlraven]

212k miles on 5k mile intervals, have been running full syn since 40k miles.

I buy M1 5 quart jugs from Wal-Mart, usually two at a time.

[RF Overlord]

This is exactly why I was questioning the oil, but it was Valvoline synthetic every 3,000...If you were actually getting Valvoline Synpower then the oil was NOT your problem...but...you stated that buying it by the bottle is 5 times what you were paying the dealer so I'm questioning if you actually got what you thought you were getting.

Buy oil in the 5-quart jugs at Wally World, don't pay the ridiculous prices that VatoZone and the other national chains charge.

[Marauderjack]

Bulk oil is dangerous since someone is responsible for putting the RIGHT oil in the RIGHT tank........this can go very WRONG!!:eek:

A friend of my daughter had her engine blow from bulk oil that turned out to 75W90 gear oil instead of 10W30 HD "Bulk Oil"......7 months later they replaced the engine but it took a lawsuit to get it done!!:shake:

Bottled oil is only the way to go Dom!!:beer:

[Joe Walsh]

Mobil 1 full synthetic in 5 quart jugs at WalMart.

(Junkyards do have great deals on used oil and antifreeze!)

[fastblackmerc]

Mobile 1 and filter every 5k. I get the oil at Wally World 5 quart container and 2 x 1 quart containers.

[Bigdogjim]

full synthetic can go a lot more than 3=5K miles. I run the full synthetic for at least 10K and get oil samples from time to time and have no issues what so ever at 71K.

[Spectragod]

My oil is rusty from the lack of driving.....


But really, Wally World is the best place to buy oil cheaply.

[Vortech347]

When I tore down my factory engine in my 90' GT with 129k I had run Castrol threw it religiously. It had a 1/4" film of nasty on everything. That same weekend I tore down a explorer 5.0 with 200k that had only had fomoco semisynthetic oil in it. No sludge anywhere. I've torn apart at least two dozen engines....

I wouldn't run castrol unless the apocalypse is here and its the last on the shelf.

Its FoMoCo or Mobile 1 for me.

[VMARAUDER]

I don't how many are Royay Purple fans, but I just paid 85.00 a piece for 2 -12 qt cases and free shipping on ebay...that is $7.08 per qt

[a_d_a_m]

Okay, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, Dom. I'm not trying to start ****, but:

I blew my engine this summer and had a TON of sludge inside of it. Threads started by Motorhead350 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/search.php?searchid=5429620&pp=25)
^How many of those involve you beating the piss out of your car, doing something incorrect that Zack ended up having to fix, etc....and bragging about it later?

I applaud that you want to drive the car all the time and have fun doing it, but let's all remember that this car did not have any easy life prior to the engine going kablooey.

A used oil analysis at the time of the motor going sour (or prior) may have provided some valuable information.

[fastblackmerc]

I don't how many are Royay Purple fans, but I just paid 85.00 a piece for 2 -12 qt cases and free shipping on ebay...that is $7.08 per qt

That's at least $1.50 or more a quart than Mobile 1 @ Wally World. Is Royal Purple really worth it?

[Mebot]

Since we're talking about oil, I've always wondered: what are the pros and cons of switching brands?

Let's say (hypothetically) one has been using Mobil 1 full synthetic for the past 30k but wanted to switch to Valvoline full syn. Is this recommended?

[ajdereicup]

Ummmm people are spending the money to change their oil way more then needed with the oil they're choosing to run so I don't really see why they'd have a problem spending a few extra bucks per quart of oil if they wanted to run RP. It's not like its $20 more a quart or something. Granted some people will always refuse to accept that synthetic oils don't break down like the old school oils did and some people will always refuse to pay more for potentially better oils (not saying RP is a better oil in any way shape or form though just not understanding why it's a big deal to bring up such a small price difference compared to how much some people spend on other things or changing the oil more often then actually needed) :dunno:

I'm running full synthetic whatever they have on the shelves at the time in my weight changing every 7500 miles while beating on it from time to time and the oil is still looking good. Going to go with Brad Penn race oil once I build the new engine and drop it in. Only partially synthetic so you need to change it more often then full synthetic but it is GREAT oil. "Sticks" to the internals even when the engines been sitting for a long period of time it'll still have a nice coating of oil as opposed to a lot of other oils that you leave it sit and most of the oill'll will just run off within a certain amount of time. I'd prefer to not have any dry starts if my cars been sitting for a while when I have the new engine in there but that's just a personal opinion. I've seen MANY engine builders say to use it, many engine building books say to use it, people with some balls to the walls race cars using it, and got their break in oil to use on my Mustang when I bought the engine for it. Ran oh so sweet on that oil. I've tried a few different oils after that all full synthetics and none have been as nice for my baby.

But a lot of times oil are all just personal opinions.

[RF Overlord]

what are the pros and cons of switching brands?
There are none. You can switch oils whenever you please, but there's no point to it if the original oil is performing well.

Of course, you can get esoteric. For instance, I switched Mary's car from Pennzoil Platinum to Quaker State Ultimate Durability because it has a slightly lower Noack volatility, which is better for a high-mileage engine that sees a lot of highway. Will it actually matter? I doubt it but it's a fun hobby. :rolleyes:

[Motorhead350]

Okay, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, Dom. I'm not trying to start ****, but:
Threads started by Motorhead350 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/search.php?searchid=5429620&pp=25)
^How many of those involve you beating the piss out of your car, doing something incorrect that Zack ended up having to fix, etc....and bragging about it later?

I applaud that you want to drive the car all the time and have fun doing it, but let's all remember that this car did not have any easy life prior to the engine going kablooey.

A used oil analysis at the time of the motor going sour (or prior) may have provided some valuable information.

Popeyes Chicken serves chicken, Burger King serves burger and Panda Express does not serve pandas.

Explain.

[yjmud]

dom why don't explain how and why your oil pick up was clogged with a fibrous material THE SLUDGE WAS EFFECT NOT THE CAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#blown up

[RF Overlord]

Popeyes Chicken serves chicken, Burger King serves burger and Panda Express does not serve pandas.

Explain.Because, contrary to popular belief, pandas do not taste like chicken.

[RF Overlord]

why your oil pick up was clogged with a fibrous material A fibrous material? It wasn't just plain sludge?

[Motorhead350]

Ok then.

I have no idea what got in my oil pump.

[Phrog_gunner]

The most likely scenario is 6 quarts of dumass being put in the engine.

[a_d_a_m]

Popeyes Chicken serves chicken, Burger King serves burger and Panda Express does not serve pandas.

Explain. I'd explain if I knew what you were talking about. If my post is unclear, or you disagree with it, say so.

[Motorhead350]

I'd explain if I knew what you were talking about. If my post is unclear, or you disagree with it, say so.

Its just as off subject as The Anti-Nowhere League at The Tony Awards.

[L.Mark]

I do have a question about the dealer oil. You just walked in with your own container and they filled it with whatever you wanted and it was way cheaper??? I 've never heard of this animal, please explain more...:hmmm:...I thought all they had on hand was Motorcraft...

[Motorhead350]

I do have a question about the dealer oil. You just walked in with your own container and they filled it with whatever you wanted and it was way cheaper??? I 've never heard of this animal, please explain more...:hmmm:...I thought all they had on hand was Motorcraft...

Yes $2.10 a quart and I filled it myself. They knew me from when I used to work there. Thiscwas not a Ford dealer.

[BlueFusion]

Yes $2.10 a quart and I filled it myself. They knew me from when I used to work there. This[ was] not a Ford dealer.

What dealer was it? What oil brand and weight did they have in their container?

I'm no professional when it comes to engines and lubrication. Hell, I'm not a professional. I do know that sludge is not caused by the brand of oil, but by the addition of impurities and the breakdown of oil.

As someone suggested above, you had an underlying issue with your engine.

FWIW, I've used Auto-RX with great success to get rid of sludge and varnish in my sister's Corolla and use it to keep my 4.6L clean. YMMV.

[a_d_a_m]

Its just as off subject as The Anti-Nowhere League at The Tony Awards.

My post was quite on-topic. You suspected your engine blew up because of the oil you put in it, not the interval it was changed or the abuse your car went through prior.

[Joe Walsh]

JEEZ.....:rolleyes:

a 3 page thread because Dom doesn't know how to buy oil.....:shake:

Let's keep this useless train wreck rolling!

BTW: Help me out here guys:
When I buy gas.....
Is it better to pull into 16 gas stations and buy 1 gallon at a time?....
or just take a wild chance and buy all 16 gallons at one gas station?!?!

[RF Overlord]

At $2.10 a quart I'd be suspicious. That's less than Walmart pays for oil. That's less than Jiffy Lube pays for conventional oil in a drum, nevermind synthetic.

[Mebot]

JEEZ.....:rolleyes:

a 3 page thread because Dom doesn't know how to buy oil!
It's only one page for me :D. (40 posts per pages thread setting)

[Joe Walsh]

$2.10 per quart x 7 quarts = $14.70.
Definitely cheaper than Mobil 1, or any other good oil for that matter.

But look at the bright side Dom....the money that you saved on cheap oil and infrequent oil changes can be used towards rebuilding the wasted Cobra shortblock!

[Bigdogjim]

I just don't understand if you bought oil in bulk and you think it caused a major problem for engine then why on Gods green earth would you even think of returning to that dealership and buy even more trouble?

Someone please tell me what I missing?

[RubberCtyRauder]

It was a Lawn Boy dealership..damn 2 cycle oil:lol:


Kidding aside...how many times a year are you changing your oil? Maybe you should get a 89 octane tune as well and save another .10 to .20 per gallon..You use alot more gas than oil.

Just buy oil like the rest of us...in quarts or the 5 quart jugs at Walmart, FLaps etc..Your motor will appreciate it.

[RF Overlord]

It was a Lawn Boy dealership..damn 2 cycle oilA little TC-W3 in the gas isn't a bad thing, but I wouldn't fill the crankcase with it... :eek:

[Motorhead350]

Its cheaper because you do not pay for thr physical bottle.

My question was answered on the first page. Good job extending it everyone... with off topic subjects and bring up the past quicker than my wife during red wings week.

[a_d_a_m]

My question was answered on the first page. Good job extending it everyone... with off topic subjects and bring up the past quicker than my wife during red wings week. I don't see how bringing a car's maintenance and usage history into the discussion is taking it off topic. Both of those things factor very largely into why a motor goes kablooey. (Moreso than what oil you put in a car.)

Ask Zack if he thinks your choice of oil was a bigger factor than the things we brought up. I bet I know the answer.

[RF Overlord]

Its cheaper because you do not pay for thr physical bottle.The bottle probably adds 15 cents to the cost...if that. With something as important to a blower motor as oil, I would just pay the $25 and buy a jug of known good oil at Wally's. Not saying the oil you were getting WAS sub-standard, just that you really don't know for sure WHAT it was...

[Vortech347]

The bottle probably adds 15 cents to the cost...if that. With something as important to a blower motor as oil, I would just pay the $25 and buy a jug of known good oil at Wally's. Not saying the oil you were getting WAS sub-standard, just that you really don't know for sure WHAT it was...

Yup for all you know you were getting the same **** that gunked up the engine I mentioned. You put unknown oil in your car. That's like going to the doctor and getting a blood transfusion without checking blood type.

[jwibbity]

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

i like dom's threads........

[Motorhead350]

The oil was labeled as Valvoline.

Zack wants nothing to do with me anymore as mentioned many times over.

[J-MAN]

Don't change a thing. :shake:

[Motorhead350]

Don't change a thing. :shake:

So do not change the oil? Even my thick skull can detect that is not a good idea.

[RF Overlord]

The oil was labeled as Valvoline.If they were selling you Valvoline synthetic for $2.10/qt, they were taking a loss.

...or the guy selling it to you was pocketing the money.

[Joe Walsh]

Its cheaper because you do not pay for the physical bottle.
All 3 cents worth of plastic...

My question was answered on the first page. Good job extending it everyone... with off topic subjects and bring up the past quicker than my wife during red wings week.

Glad we could help!



I consider my job here done....carry on!

BTW: Dom, what did you do with all the excellent forged Manley rods, forged pistons and forged, but scarred, crank from the deceased Cobra engine?

[Motorhead350]

The usable parts have been sold. Thats when I was told my crankshaft should not be purple.

[J-MAN]

Don't change a thing. :shake:


So do not change the oil? Even my thick skull can detect that is not a good idea.

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse you.
Don't change a thing from what you have done in the past. Good oil changed at regular intervals with a quality filter. What could go wrong? :confused:

[RF Overlord]

*SIGH* Why do oil threads always degenerate into name-calling...

[Motorhead350]

*SIGH* Why do oil threads always degenerate into name-calling...

Its because these people have anger issues. Hopefully, one day they can control themselves.

[Joe Walsh]

The usable parts have been sold.

Thats when I was told my crankshaft should not be purple.

That means that you are gripping it too tightly!.......:P

LOL.....Happy New Year!

[Motorhead350]

That means that you are gripping it too tightly!.......:P

LOL.....Happy New Year!

Oh my goodness. Lol

Happy New Year to you too!

[Vortech347]

The oil was labeled as Valvoline.

Zack wants nothing to do with me anymore as mentioned many times over.

I can't imagine why...

[Motorhead350]

I can't imagine why...

EDIT: Who am I trying to impress? Who could care less?

[L.Mark]

I thought this was an oil thread not and oil spill... a $1 saved is a $1 spend on something wanted...

[Motorhead350]

Meh. People love to ruin everything.

Question answered on first page.

[Spectragod]

EDIT: Who am I trying to impress? Who could care less?

I liked your first response better, much more accurate and direct. :beer:

[Motorhead350]

I liked your first response better, much more accurate and direct. :beer:

Very well. I will repost, since so many people are curious.

I was of no benefit to Zack, that is why he is no longer in my life.

An engine shop is not in my possession for him to use, I cannot drink him under the table and I am not the one giving him a mouth hug. So, no benefits for him with me around.

I did tow his car 100's of miles from KY all the way home when he wrecked it, I did call him when I knew he was in need and would not admit it, offered him a place to sleep of he ever needed it, I would go along with him on roadtrips for pinball machines to keep him company, I was there for him when nearly everyone else black listed him, I would drive to the liquor store when the party ran outta booze... and drive a few of his friends home, I would make a stop at Waffle House on the way back home from a road trip. All of this was meaningless to him.

Now, I had my downfalls too, but I really got sick of being yelled every time I broke the car. Being told "Out of all of the Marauders I work on, your's is the only one that breaks." Yeah well 200,000 miles on mine and the others are lucky to see 3,000 a year. NOT A GOOD COMPARISON. Last time he worked on the car he threw metal parts on my trunk when unloading it. I got really livid about that and had to listen to SLAYER on the way home, but I kept my mouth shut. He didn't swap the engine to help me, he only did it because he wanted to get to MV and I was the fastest way to get $$$$. He would not even look at me in the eye. I've seen that look all over the world from people that do not like what they are doing, for the first time I saw it on Zacks face. On top of all of that he gave me the car back misfiring saying "It could be a million things. I'm not going to fix that. Get your car out." So, he may have swaped the last engine, but I got it in running order with COPS and a new fuel filter. Misfires gone. To top it all off when Rex died I texted him saying "Differences aside, I am offering to give you a ride to see Rex one last time." He did not want to go and later went on to say "And you wonder why people quit talking to you." Nope I don't you f-ing idiot... my exact words.

Usually most people are cold, distant, selfish and hesitant. Zack was never that, but I am now under the impression he is unless there is something in it for him. I did what I could, but I had enough too. To top it all off before the last engine swap I found someone else to do the work for only $100 more. I let Zack do the work because I liked him. He is not the only game in town that knows DOHC engines.

Maybe we can patch things up, but knowing him, he will never admit to anything and will never say he is sorry. Upon our last email he found all of this amusing. So be it.

[RF Overlord]

And on that note, ladies and germs, I think this thread has run its course.