| Author |
Message |
Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member
Username: Donv
Post Number: 141
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 3:41 pm: | |
Which dealer can get you the Helix Ultra oil for ~5/quart?
My dealer (Ron Tonkin) told me it was still $16.99/quart.
Also, I learned that on the 456, at least, you should check the oil with the engine running to get the most accurate indication. |
Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member
Username: Aehaas
Post Number: 80
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 8:16 pm: | |
I am only familiar with Shell and Mobil synthetic oils. They specifically state one should not mix one synthetic with another. They do state that mixing with any petroleum based oil is OK.
However, any additives of each will be diluted in half with for example a 50-50 mix of each oil. Many additives need to be at a certain concentration to work properly. In my book, you should not mix oils.
aehaas |
Dave (Maranelloman)
Advanced Member
Username: Maranelloman
Post Number: 2514
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 6:56 pm: | |
Don, I think you would be OK as long as the weights are the same, ie, 5-50 to 5-50, etc.
My 550 takes the Helix stuff, which I can get from my dealer for ~5 or so a quart (they found another source besided FNA...) |
Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member
Username: Donv
Post Number: 137
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 6:52 pm: | |
Can you mix brands of synthetic oil?
I noticed a Castrol 5w-50 synthetic at the local autoparts store. Would that work for adding a quart? |
dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member
Username: Davehanda
Post Number: 1552
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 4:14 pm: | |
Shell Helix is basically a "dealer only" item...You CAN find the Shell Rotella T 5w-40 synthetic (truck) oil, that is similar but not identical in specification (it says it meets all passenger car specs). It must be "acceptibly" close, as I know a few years ago many FNA dealers used it when there was a temporary shortage of Shell Helix...You can find the Shell Rotella T synthetic at most Wal-Mart stores in quart and gallon containers. Be sure and check the bottles, as it is made in both synthetic and dino versions... Of course I make no garantees of compatibility so if there is a problem, I will accept no responsibility....but I am using it in my 328 for the past couple oil changes with no problems... |
Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member
Username: Donv
Post Number: 136
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 3:51 pm: | |
Thanks. I'll have to get some tomorrow, unless it's commonly available at an auto parts store. |
Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member
Username: Aehaas
Post Number: 79
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 3:49 pm: | |
The current rec. is probably the Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40. The best choice is to add a qt. now and take a qt. or two on the trip.
aehaas |
Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member
Username: Donv
Post Number: 135
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2003 - 10:49 am: | |
When checking the oil on my 456, I noticed that it was below the "MIN" mark. I also noticed that the manual specified checking the oil IMMEDIATELY after shutdown of the engine, and when I checked it this way it was only slightly below the MIN mark.
Is this normal for a 456?
Also, the car has been serviced with the Shell Helix 5-50 oil, and I noticed that the manual specs an Agip 5-50 oil. Are these the only oils that should be used?
(I'm headed off on a trip to central Oregon, where I doubt these oils are available). |