My truck likes Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30

[Deltona_Dave]

After lurking on this board for a while, I made the decision to use PP 5W-30 in my Titan and the Wife's Altima 2.5S. After 1K on my truck, I have no start up clatter (like after an oil change), I have gained about 1 MPG based on 3 fill-ups. I never put in only 10 bucks, I always fill to the pump shut off. I use the same gas station, grade of fuel, etc. The engine seems to run just a little cooler according to the stock dash gauge.

I used to run Mobil 1 5W-30 for the past 3 changes and had a little clatter after the truck sat for a day. may have been due to the OCOD and it's [censored] anti-drain back valve.

The Wife's Altima has about 500 on it (I changed both vehicles the same day). Her data center shows about a 2 mpg difference from 27-29 average mpg. Hers was using whatever Wally mart or JL bulk they had at the time. Hers had a OCOD when I changed out to a ST7317.

I think Pennzoil earned a customer from me. Is this scientific? No. I am going to cut open the ST filter(s) when I do my next change in a month or so.

Am I product biased? No. My previous F-150 with 100K was happy with Amsoil 5W-20 and P-1 Filters. The Wife's previous Expedition was happy with MC 5W-20 dino and Wix filters every 3-4K. I experimented with both for a while until I found one that was liked by the engine.

Just my .02
Dave

 

[ThirdeYe]

Are you talking about the coolant temp gauge running cooler? I can't imagine that it would depend on the oil you're using, considering it's controlled by the thermostat... but maybe I'm wrong. I noticed no difference on my gauge when I used Pennzoil Platinum.

 

[tig1]

In 46 years of changing my own oil the only time I ever had start up noise was when I went on the cheap and used a WM ST filter. Now with that said I did try a few of those before this happened and they were fine.

 

[DieselTech]

Sometimes personal observation is better then Scientific. This way atleast you notice a change. I noticed the same in our fords when I went from MC to PP and even more when I went to Redline. The 07 will have PU in it tomorrow

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Yeah, the coolant temp gauge. I can't be for certain though, as our weather here in Central Florida goes from 25 degrees to 70 degrees F in a day. I have just noticed that the coolant gauge is not in the center anymore, but about 5 degrees towards the cool side. Would I swear by it? no. Just an observation.

I am not knocking M-1 by any means, my 97 Z28 LT-1 engine loved it with a Wix filter.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Originally Posted By: tig1
In 46 years of changing my own oil the only time I ever had start up noise was when I went on the cheap and used a WM ST filter. Now with that said I did try a few of those before this happened and they were fine.


I think the start up noise was probably due to a filter issue and did not happen all the time, but at least once a week. May have been a bad filter (Fram Pro?). I am not keen on Frams, as I usually use ST's or P-1's if I can get them on sale, but some filter is better than no filter.

 

[tig1]

Coolant temp less? Crank case temp can be a little less with synt because of less friction. Gear boxes may run a little cooler with synt also, but coolant temp?

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Coolant temp less? Crank case temp can be a little less with synt because of less friction. Gear boxes may run a little cooler with synt also, but coolant temp?


The coolant temp is a little lower, but then Nissan Titan gauges are not noted to being the most accurate. My fuel gauge light comes on when there is 10 gallons left in the tank. The most notable thing is that the idle is quieter.

Just an observation.
Dave

 

[SLCraig]

Start up clatter has a lot to do with things like oil filter.. Did ya change which brand you used on this OC?

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Yes, I went from OCOD (from a quick lube) to a Wally World Super Tech. Just bought some P-1's from Amazon for the next change.

 

[jeepman]

First off

to the board!

Good choice on the oil. PP is highly regarded here, and the UOA' show it is a good performing oil. Congrats on the change, and glad to hear you are happy with your choice. Sleep well at night.

 

[demarpaint]

Mine van likes PP too.

 

[Steve S]

My vehicles have to like what ever I put in them . They don't get to choose. PP is a great oil

 

[fdcg27]

Of course your truck likes PP.
I've used it in both of my Accords and the Aerostar from time to time, and they liked it as well.
PP is a solid oil with good specs and good UOAs on here.

 

[beast3300]

Good stuff PP is.

 

[mechtech2]

Dave - I like seeing good reports like this, but I can't help but notice all the details. Like how a different brand oil makes your coolant thermostat actuate sooner!
Add this to 1 to 2 MPG more gas mileage! A stunning achievement that all car mfrs would jump on and change to in a second!

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Dave - I like seeing good reports like this, but I can't help but notice all the details. Like how a different brand oil makes your coolant thermostat actuate sooner!
Add this to 1 to 2 MPG more gas mileage! A stunning achievement that all car mfrs would jump on and change to in a second!

I am just blogging what I am observing. Normally, my trucks temp gauge is at 12o'clock position, now it is about 5 degrees to the left. I wish I had a digital temp gauge. I know there are a lot of variables with gas mileage, but I record how many gallons for a fill up and divide into what is on the trip meter. The only gauges that are really reliable in a Titan are the tach, speedo, and oil pressure (2004-2006's have real time oil pressure gauges, 07 up is just an average). I don't believe in "miracles and advertising hype", but I do believe in a quieter valve train and less startup noise due to better oil and filters.

I have verified my speedometer at the shop where my fellow employees get their patrol cars certified. Mine was dead on through 90 mph. I work as a vehicle electronics specialist at a local Sheriff's Office.

Not gonna say PP is miracle oil, but It is very good and I will continue to use it in my vehicles.

Dave

 

[JohnG]

I switched to PP in my 2008 DTS (from M1 5-30) and noticed that the temp gauge dropped a little bit too. I went to the Caddy boards, where it was suggested that I get my thermostat checked! Anyway, the drop in temperature wasn't much, in my case about 1/2 a needle width (maybe that's 5 degrees, who knows) but it was lower, and visible to me just the same.

I can't say that it increased fuel economy, but the engine seemed to like it, a lot!

 

[Noshow13]

My 2005 Silverado loves PP also.

 

[mechtech2]

Dave - Speedometers and odometers run off of the same signal or cable, but they can both be off, both be right , or either one be right. Gas mileage is not figured by an accurate speedometer, in any event. You should use the odometer, which reads accumulated mileage.

Start up noise is definitely improved with the proper oil filter, but "better" oil? Thinner or thicker oil can help for sure, depending on why an engine is making noise. It's all about viscosity .