0W-30 Oil too thin for GDI?

[Rambaud]

Oil (0W-30) & filter changed ~ 4500 miles ago. Now looking very black .

Had to top up about 2.5 litres during the past 3 months. Do you think 0W-30 might be too thin for this type of engine, and it has done 130,000 miles?






[I have PM'd Don at AMSOIL for his input.]

[I-S]

Black - that's the GDI effect.

2.5 litres is quite a lot though, you'd clearly see if you were burning it.

[White Lightning]

The fact that the oil is black is actually a good thing as it means that all the cr*p in the engine is getting pulled out. I just changed mine after about 4k and it was black (using the same oil as you) and my engine has only done 40k.

I would be a little concerned about the amount of oil you are using / losing though. Are you leaving any puddles under the car?

[Rambaud]

No puddles and no black smoke.

Just having to top-up from low to high level on several occasions over the past 3 months. Perhaps an over-fill(s)?

I find that the oil level quite critical to prevent tappet noise.

[Rambaud]

The fact that the oil is black is actually a good thing as it means that all the cr*p in the engine is getting pulled out. I just changed mine after about 4k and it was black (using the same oil as you) and my engine has only done 40k.

Don (at AMSOIL) agrees that the black colour is a good sign, and the oil should still be fine.

[Kieran]

Black oil on a GDi is pretty common, as Isaac suggests. GDi engines do make a mess of their oil very quickly!!

Not heard of any oil consumption problems with them though.

[I-S]

When I bought mine the oil was blacker than crude (and about as thick). I changed it the same day along with a can of engine flush, and then I changed it again 1500 miles later which Kieran witnessed also being very black and thick. 1500 miles later again, I changed it and it was much cleaner, as it was 2000 miles later again when I changed to 5W30 amsoil.

Mine has started ticking a little bit with the 5W30 - I think it might actually be quieter with a 40 hot rating, so I will try amsoil 5W40. Unless, of course, I continue to find it of benefit to change the oil at silly short intervals to combat the carbon build-up, in which case I shall stop using amsoil and use cheaper oil.

[Rambaud]

Unless, of course, I continue to find it of benefit to change the oil at silly short intervals to combat the carbon build-up, in which case I shall stop using amsoil and use cheaper oil.

That is what I am beginning to think also.

I used to buy semi-synthetic oil by the 25 litre barrel and change it every 3000 miles or so in my Audi 90 quattro.

[amsoil]

Given that the Amsoil filter will take 5 times more muck out of the oil than normal filters and filter below 1 micron I wouldn't be too concerned about what is in the oil you are running. I would be looking to at least double the mileage if not more before even thinking of changing the oil. (last change I did on my TDI (Ford/VW) was 37.5K and the oil passed analysis! This makes Amsoil very cost effective.
Semi synth at 3k, sounds right and so would I.
If in doubt get an analysis kit and check things scientifically.

[Rambaud]

Thanks for the input, Don.

I suppose it's psychological - if the oil is dirty, I want to change it!

[bradc]

the gdi's are a bit different to normal engines though.

I'm going to keep to 5000km or 6 month changes on my VR-4 and 850CSi, I'll only be doing about that many km's per year most likely in the cars, so I don't see much point in trying to save a few pennys per year

[Goku]

I change my oil every three months regardless of k's.....

[Jerry Shaw]

Can someone give me advice on flush methods please?

Also is it worth putting expensive oil into a high mileage engine?

I have a 98 (R), GLS at just over 160k. The noise from cold is horrendous but goes to a gentle tick when warm.

The chap I got it from had "serviced" it quite soon to my buying, but I think it was cheap mineral oil and a bog standard filter. I have done around 3000 miles since then. It has got louder as time has gone on.

I love this car and want to do the best I can to extend its life but, as with most people, its not a bottomless pool of funds to do it with.

So the basic questions are, how to flush effectively and what type of oil / interval for my mileage.

Cheers.

[amsoil]

Yes it is worth getting a decent oil in the engine, not the least because it will last longer which can make it cheaper. Same applies to the filters. Yes worth flushing first when you havent had a real synthetic in there before. Also worth joining the club as the discounts you will get from doing 1 oil change throughout the car will more than pay for it. You also get to see all the site with all the tech articles etc.