M1 Syn 0W-40...swing and a miss

[fatgroundhog]

I ran M1 synthetic 5W-30 in my WRX for about 90k miles without a second thought. When I noticed the oil consumption early on, a quick search of Subaru sites revealed this was "normal." I thought nothing of it...

Then I deployed to Iraq, got bored, discovered BITOG, a found the possible error of my ways. While my driving style is mostly tame, I take the occasional autobahn trip averaging about 80 mph, so I concluded I should care more about my oil.

Living in Germany, my oil choices are limited (on the economy there is some good stuff...for about $70 for 5 qts). But I sprung for the Liqui Moly syn 5W-40 ($70 for the oil alone). Sadly, I still saw oil consumption, though I felt I was better protected from the light weight M1 I had been running. But when it came time to change the oil, I decided to try the M1 0W-40 synthetic. Again, like the Liqui Moly, some consumption but not as high as the 5W-30. However, unlike with the 5W-30, I had a heck of a time checking the oil level with both the Liqui Moly and M1 0W-40. Check, recheck, wipe, cold, hot, sorta hot, after pumping gas, after short prayers. Sigh, never quite sure where the oil level was. FWIW, I'm a car guy and have successfully checked oil in lots and lots of cars.

I just changed the M1 syn 0W-40 after about 5k miles. I had added about 1/2 a quart during this time frame (after thinking I had a good oil read...still not so sure). I measured what I drained out...3.2 quarts. Eek! I believe it was decent up until my 3 hour round trip on the autobahn yesterday. Sooo...the heavier M1 isn't the answer to my oil consumption. I got a sample for Blackstone labs I'll send off. Here's hoping I don't need to budget for a bottom end...

Long post, but hey, I'm obsessive I guess...

Thoughts?

 

[drewjp]

Why not try a 10W-30 then?

It's worth a shot...granted it doesn't get below zero too often over there!

 

[TeeDub]

I'd try the Mobil 1, 5w-50 or 15w-50, both of which should be available at the BX.

Subaru allows the use of thicker oils for severe service conditions...

 

[fatgroundhog]

I figured the 0W-40 would be heavy enough to stop the consumption, so I'm surprised I'm still see so much. I don't believe I have many choices in the BX here, but I look again. If I have to, I'll spring for the pricey oil on the economy or try to line up a shipment of Amsoil or RL.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
Thoughts?


You need 15W-40 from your local OBI Baumarkt.

 

[fatgroundhog]

I'm having trouble following the logic (because this stuff quickly confuses me!). Getting a thicker at-temp oil, such as XW-50, makes sense to me. But I'm not following the benefit of getting a thicker weight for cold, such as the 15W-40. Or does this just mean that I'm left to experimenting until I find something that works?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
I figured the 0W-40 would be heavy enough to stop the consumption, so I'm surprised I'm still see so much.

Two things that come to mind:

1) Most engines will consume some oil when ran at high(er) speeds - like on the autobahn. And I think most manufacturers consider it "business as usual" - no need for concern.

2) M1 0w-40 has a tendency to shear down to an Xw-30 grade rather fast. So, once it reaches that point, the oil consumption will probably increase even more.


Now, if you are still concerned about the oil consumption (despite it not really being a problem), I would try an Xw-50 oil, like the M1 5w-50 mentioned earlier.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
Or does this just mean that I'm left to experimenting until I find something that works?


That's what I was I was trying to say in an obtuse manner.

In my car's engine, using 15W-40 (Delo 400) has resulted in the lowest oil consumption compared to 5W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40, 10W-40 and 5W-50.

 

[fatgroundhog]

Thanks for the input. And thanks for confirming I likely don't have need for concern.

Maybe I'll cruise the local "markts" and see what I can find. Oil here is expensive though!

 

[TopFuel]

You're not alone on trying to cipher out what the actual oil level is. Depending on how long it sits... mine "makes" up to a quart of oil if I let it sit for 2 days and then stick it.

 

[SubLGT]

Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
............Oil here is expensive though!


Why? Is it heavily taxed?

 

[fatgroundhog]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT
Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
............Oil here is expensive though!


Why? Is it heavily taxed?


I imagine it is...socialism=lots of taxes. I can get 19% off of anything though since non-citizens don't have to pay the VAT (Value Added Tax). Still though, when I ran the Liqui Moly synthetic, oil alone was $65. I can get Mobil 1 synthetic for a little over $7 per quart at the BX. While that price is horrid, not as bad as $65. Maybe if I relax a little, I'd feel more comfortable getting non-synthetic which could be had for about $30 on the economy.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
I can get Mobil 1 synthetic for a little over $7 per quart at the BX.

Well, most places here in the US will charge you around $6/quart for M1, so it's not that far off. The only way to get a better price would be to buy those 5-qt (or 1-gallon, whatever they are) jugs on sale.

 

[John K]

I have never had any luck trying heavier oils to combat consumption. Various cars, regular oil or synthetic. Had a 2001 PT Cruiser burned oil from day one, varied some but typically a quart every 1500 miles, sometimes more, sometimes less. Other cars over the years, some variation in oil burning with different weights, but not much. Some variation with brands too. Good luck...

 

[itb76]

Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
...I take the occasional autobahn trip averaging about 80 mph...

Wow! I drive faster on the Interstate, I can't imagine going less than 100 on the Autobahn, where it's allowed anyway.

 

[fatgroundhog]

Originally Posted By: itb76
Originally Posted By: fatgroundhog
...I take the occasional autobahn trip averaging about 80 mph...

Wow! I drive faster on the Interstate, I can't imagine going less than 100 on the Autobahn, where it's allowed anyway.


To each their own, but driving faster drinks gas and takes a lot out of you on long trips. I enjoy the trip more when I don't have to worry about closing on someone in the left lane doing 30 mph less than me...Nevermind the liability if you get into an accident going over 130 kph.