Hello everyone, my first post here. I have a 1997 Nissan Hardbody pickup with the 2.4 KA24E. I've had it for about 3 years now, and I am the second owner. I bought it when it had about 222,000 miles and now I am at 285,700 with only minor issues. I understand that these trucks are pretty much indestructible, but I still want to find what would be the best engine oil to run in this truck.
When I first got it I used to run just Castrol 5W-30 dino oil. I would change it every 3-3.5k miles. (I had just started getting into working on vehicles.) Fast forward to now, and for the past 25k miles I have been running Mobil 1 HM 5W-30 with a Mobil 1 EP oil filter. I've really had no issues with the oil or anything, however this last oil change I did notice that I was about half a quart low 4,200 miles into this OCI. If the truck also sits overnight always has the clacking noise when I turn it over. I'm wanting to say the noise is caused by a dry-start (which is common for the trucks due to the filter being horizontal). I figured the Mobil 1 oil filter would help solve this, but it seems like I might be wrong. I was thinking about trying Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra Platinum 5W-30.. but considering the high mileage on the vehicle and the amount of dry starts should I go with a thicker weight of oil such as 10W-30? I'm planning only going to 6,000 miles maximum per oil change.
TL;DR : Pretty much I want to hear y'alls opinions on Pennzoil Platinum compared to Mobil 1, and also if I should go with a thicker oil or stay with what Nissan recommends which is 5W-30. Thank you all in advance, and I hope that this post isn't a complete train wreck.
When I first got it I used to run just Castrol 5W-30 dino oil. I would change it every 3-3.5k miles. (I had just started getting into working on vehicles.) Fast forward to now, and for the past 25k miles I have been running Mobil 1 HM 5W-30 with a Mobil 1 EP oil filter. I've really had no issues with the oil or anything, however this last oil change I did notice that I was about half a quart low 4,200 miles into this OCI. If the truck also sits overnight always has the clacking noise when I turn it over. I'm wanting to say the noise is caused by a dry-start (which is common for the trucks due to the filter being horizontal). I figured the Mobil 1 oil filter would help solve this, but it seems like I might be wrong. I was thinking about trying Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra Platinum 5W-30.. but considering the high mileage on the vehicle and the amount of dry starts should I go with a thicker weight of oil such as 10W-30? I'm planning only going to 6,000 miles maximum per oil change.
TL;DR : Pretty much I want to hear y'alls opinions on Pennzoil Platinum compared to Mobil 1, and also if I should go with a thicker oil or stay with what Nissan recommends which is 5W-30. Thank you all in advance, and I hope that this post isn't a complete train wreck.