I have been using Castrol GTX 5w30 conventional motor oil for the last couple of oil changes. I was wondering what brand and type of motor oil do you people use and recommend for 4 cyl. Volvo engines (non turbo) thanks.

 

I normally use Castrol GTX 10W-30 and Mann oil filters. I switch to 5W-30 during the cold winter months (below freezing).

 

I used resolute (citgo) 10W30 for my first oil change. I really don’t have any brand preference so whatever oil is the cheapest or on sale is the one that goes in any of my cars regardless of mileage. I have 0 faith in "high mileage" oils, mostly because I have been in the auto industry for 10 years. Oil is oil, as long as it's the right weight, if it's fossil oil. If it's synthetic, that's a different story. Synthetic oils are very different and I can see being opinionated on them. Synthetic "blends" on the other hand are usually 99% fossil oil and 1% synthetic in my experience, because there's no regulation as to how much there has to be in them.

Just change it every 3k regardless of what everyone, including the dealer, tells you and you'll have a happy engine.

 

I use 10-40 Castrol since day one.

 

Castrol is a pretty solid fossil oil. I never had any trouble with it. I've also used quaker state, havoline, citgo, shell, and most of their "off brands", OEM brands, bulk brands, and store brands, because most, if not all, store brands are made by one of these 4 companies. I have never used regular valvoline, and the couple of times I used the valvoline high mileage oil my car leaked worse than it did before (old ford 302).

 

Thanks guys, I guess I'll be sticking with Castrol.

 

I'd use 10-30 of any reputable brand at 4,500-5,000 miles. Anymore you are throwing $ away-oil company propaganda to change @ 3,000miles.

 

I will agree to disagree on this one. I like 3k and as long as I'm using fossil oil I'll change mine every 3k.

The Saturn dealer I worked at for 10+ years had the same 3k mentality for a good reason. All of the saturn cars (00+) had "oil life monitors", and several salesmen told their customers to go until the "change oil soon" light came on. What they didn't know is that some people went 20k+ before their light came on, not knowing any better and being told to do so, AND a quart or 2 low on oil. I realize that this is a site of diy-ers so I don’t need to preach to the choir, just using this as an example of how being negligent can lead to locked up motors at 50k (which is exactly what happened).

 

I made a mistake, I am using 10w30 not 5w30, Sorry. Thanks for the replies.

 

We had a pretty interesting discussion on oils at a different forum. Here is a link to that discussion. What you really want is to scroll to the very end, and there is a post to Bobistheoilguy. Read this article (please allow some time for this as it is pretty extensive). I just might change your views on the right weigt oil, I know it changed my ideas.

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...hp?f=9&t=37010

(you may have to cut and paste into you browser)

Jerry

 

Thanks for the link, I will definitely read it.

 

All these hyper oil discussions are a little pointless when it comes to these cars, the Volvos red blocks. The Red Block is usually the last thing to die in a Volvo, unless overheated. Better discuss changing coolant/radiators/hoses, or better yet the ATF in the tranny which is much more neglected service item than the oil. Or the plastic interiors/seat that are what I see trashed in the Volvo's with 200+k miles on the clock... There are some motors that are much more oil sensitive but the 230F is not one of them.

 

I know the the volvo red blocks are quite durable. I already replaced all of the coolant hoses, replaced the coolant,, and serviced the transmission not to long ago. I was just wondering about what oil type was best but I do understand your point lev.

 

I think full synthetic is probably best... although not really a must for non-turbos. Turbos can benefit from the synthetic oil properties, higher op temperatures, longer retained viscosity. In turbos I use full syn, and extend the change interval to 6-7K.

 

Castrol GTX 10W-40 since day one.
274,000 miles later it looks like the right choice.

 

How often do you change the oil. Car looks to be in great shape, specially with 274,000 miles.