^^^ I agree. A quality dino every 5000 miles on a highway driven vehicle will do just fine.
Synthetic at that interval would just be a waste of money.
Synthetic at that interval would just be a waste of money.
Question from my wife, 05 Chry caravan 3.3
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IMO, 5 k dino runs would be the minimum maintenance. 4k on dino gives some added insurance. Chryslers seem to run very hot, generally, and their track record indicates that they have had major issues in the past with sludging. The 5-20 spec for your van MAY come into play here also, if you choose an oil "less robust" that some others. If she wants to keep the van 10 years, it is certainly possible, but regular maintenance is the key, along with quality products. Motorcraft 5-20 is highly regarded here on the board, and the price is right at less than 10.00 for the 5 quart jug at WM. The Supertech synthetic oil is less than 13.00 for 5 quarts, (5-30 grade for after warranty) and could be considered also. An oversize FL-1A filter will fit, and raises the capacity to the 5 quart mark. The ST-8 filter could/would be another option, and also works in this case. YMMV, but I think MC 5-20, and an ST-8 will get you to 150,000 miles.
I change my synthetic at 5000. Go with what your heart tells you.
Changeing that often I would consider an oil like Mobil 7500. It is a GII/GIII blend. It will willmore then take care of that engine with that OCI. I think synthetic is always a good choice but would be over kill if you are changeing the oil more often then once every 6 months! Now if cost is no option then sure go with a true synthetic. If you go with dino oil then I would stick with proven winners like Chevron Supreme and Havoline.
Really, I have never heard of a sludging problem with the 3.3/3.8 motor.
The 3.3/3.8 is 5 qts with the standard filter, the oversize will got you at least 5.5 qts.
Yes, use a full synthetic such as Redline or RoyalPurple 5-20wt. Change it in the late Spring and Early Winter. 10 K each Oci...use a quality oil filter. If you really want a good oil and airfilter...look into Amsoil
No, NO, NO!!!
I ran ST syn in my 2000 GC 3.3 for 2 years, 5K one year, 6.9K the 2nd. year. It worked well. The last fill with M1 10W30 went 8200 miles including A-RX the last 1600 miles. in the rinse phase now. When done with the rinse I'll go back to the M1 and change it every 10 months, about10K miles. I have 83K miles on it and expect to keep it to at least 200K miles.
The 3.3 engine is not hard on oil and doesn't sludge at all. It IS important to clean/replace the PCV valve at least twice a year. My son has a 94 GC 3.3 with 205K miles on it and it is as clean as a new engine inside.
Edit: Almost forgot, I use Motorcraft FL1a filters on all 5 of my cars. This is the best bang for the buck, only $3.28 at WM.
The 3.3 engine is not hard on oil and doesn't sludge at all. It IS important to clean/replace the PCV valve at least twice a year. My son has a 94 GC 3.3 with 205K miles on it and it is as clean as a new engine inside.
Edit: Almost forgot, I use Motorcraft FL1a filters on all 5 of my cars. This is the best bang for the buck, only $3.28 at WM.
I use Chevron 5w-20 or havoline 5w-20, and usually a Wix filter (this time Pure one) on our 2005 GC 3.3, this combo is really cheap. From what I've read the 3.3 is a reliable engine, just frequent fluid and filter changes and you should be good (and no timing belt to change).
If the driving is that much highway and YOU will be doing the changes, and you don't like changing oil that much, I'd say synthetic at 7500 minimum.
However, if you really like changing oil or you'll be taking it to a shop, I'd go regular or synthetic blend at 5,000 mile intervals, even in winter (unless you start doing many short trips, then back it down to 3,000).
I really don't think synthetic in and of itself will get you more longevity (unless your in Death Valley or the Arctic Circle); it definetally allows longer drains though, especially with mostly highway miles.
However, if you really like changing oil or you'll be taking it to a shop, I'd go regular or synthetic blend at 5,000 mile intervals, even in winter (unless you start doing many short trips, then back it down to 3,000).
I really don't think synthetic in and of itself will get you more longevity (unless your in Death Valley or the Arctic Circle); it definetally allows longer drains though, especially with mostly highway miles.
I agree. This is the BEST method if you plan to own a car for the long haul.quote:
Originally posted by ekpolk:
In the end, knowing is so much better than guessing and presuming.
Good question from my spouse..She is planning on keeping this vehicle for the next 10 years[not m idea]....I have told her that frequent oil changes with a quality oil/filter is a guaranty for long term motoring..
Now the question...How much difference would it make using a good synthetic oil...Driving is mostly highway about 20000 miles per year...Oil change done 5000 miles in warmer weather, 3500-4000 in winter...Would the synthetic really make much difference in your opinions?
Now the question...How much difference would it make using a good synthetic oil...Driving is mostly highway about 20000 miles per year...Oil change done 5000 miles in warmer weather, 3500-4000 in winter...Would the synthetic really make much difference in your opinions?
Changing the oil that often you would be just fine with a good dino oil.
If you were changing the oil every 10,000 miles a synthetic oil would be the way to go.
If you were changing the oil every 10,000 miles a synthetic oil would be the way to go.
We've got a 1998 DGC with the 3.8 (same basic engine as the 3.3) that has been fed a steady diet of Mobil 1 (currently using 0W-40) since about the 15,000 mile mark. It currently has 118,000 on the clock, and even though I've typically run an extended OCI of 10,000 to 12,000 miles, it is still using only a quart of oil every ~7,500 miles, just like it did when it was new.
Said another way, I agree with the folks that suggest you use a high quality synthetic and change the oil every 10K miles. I'd add to that a suggestion to perform a UOA every year or so.
Said another way, I agree with the folks that suggest you use a high quality synthetic and change the oil every 10K miles. I'd add to that a suggestion to perform a UOA every year or so.
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