Ferrari Factory mechanic says SHELL HELIX sucks! | FerrariChat
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Ferrari Factory mechanic says SHELL HELIX sucks!

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Tipo815, Sep 20, 2004.

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  1. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Newport Beach, CA
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    Jeffrey
    #1 Tipo815, Sep 20, 2004
    I have a post about a ticking noise in my 360 and the first suggestion from my mechanic - who is an ex-factory technician - is to change the oil and NOT replace it with Helix. Instead, he has recommended a 10W-60 weight synthetic like Castrol. He says Helix is terrible. Anyone else hear this or have an opinion? P.S. I know Phil (ferrarifixer) agrees with my mechanic! :)
     
  2. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,142
    Orange County, CA
    #2 SrfCity, Sep 20, 2004
    Well the price sure sux at $16 a quart. I think I'll use Mobil 1 next time. Anybody have a good price for oil change using Mobil 1 and close to Huntington Beach? International Motorsports said $160.
     
  3. 4i2fly

    4i2fly Formula 3

    Apr 16, 2004
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    #3 4i2fly, Sep 20, 2004
    That is damn good price, grab it if you can trust the guy doing it.
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #4 f355spider, Sep 20, 2004
    Who knows...but the Castrol is readily available at your local BMW dealer. Try it, and let us know what happens.... ;)
     
  5. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Sep 20, 2004
    $160 to drain the oil and pour new in is a great price?
     
  6. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
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    #6 LetsJet, Sep 20, 2004
    I like Mobil 1....................
     
  7. Gary(SF)

    Gary(SF) F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2003
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    #7 Gary(SF), Sep 20, 2004
    Like I said in the other thread, I go with what the factory recommends, I don't think those guys are total idiots, or getting a skim from Shell. Everything I have heard about Helix is very positive, Phil being the exception.

    Gary
     
  8. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 18, 2002
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    #8 tbakowsky, Sep 20, 2004

    The oil is expensive and the filter is not too cheap either(if your buying the filter from the dealer that is).

    Say 7.00 per liter. The car will take about 9 to 10 liters. So lets say 10 for the sake of the math..there is $70 right there. Plus 50 for the filter plus 1/2 hour labor..whats the total?

    70+50+50= $170.00 not a bad price after all...plus the 360 is a bit of a pain to set up on a hoist..and it would appear that they are not charging a disposal fee for the oil. Seems very reasonalbe to me.
     
  9. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Sep 20, 2004
    That makes sense except the $50 for a filter

    (I change my own oil)
     
  10. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,142
    Orange County, CA
    #10 SrfCity, Sep 20, 2004
    Is there anything that sustantiates this claim other than it just sux? I'd be curious to know what he has experienced that makes him say this?
     
  11. 4i2fly

    4i2fly Formula 3

    Apr 16, 2004
    1,333
    SF, Bay Area
    #11 4i2fly, Sep 20, 2004
    There are few threads regarding the synthetic oils which include the helix. If you read the data and compare the stats vs. other synthetics, other than the price Helix does not appear to be any different.

    Sometimes when we can not explain something we blame it on other stuff. I think that's what happend to Jeffery, where he got this ticking noise and the mechanic blamed it on the oil. my $0.02.
     
  12. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

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    #12 Tipo815, Sep 20, 2004
    Could be true. I am planning to change the oil and we'll see if it solves the problem. If it does ... there is merit to his (the mechanic's comment) as my last oil change was 1100 miles ago. Shell Helix - or any oil for that matter - should not have broken down in that period of time with that kind of mileage use.
     
  13. TCM

    TCM Formula Junior

    Nov 10, 2003
    552
    Tyngsborough, MA
    #13 TCM, Sep 20, 2004
    Sounds like you have a lifter running dry of oil. Not a huge problem as long as you do not pound on the car until the nosie goes away (lubricate the lifter). An oil change sometimes can move a spec of dirt or a particle that is blocking a passage way in the lifter and allow fresh oil to get up there and lubricate it. That being said, I have not heard anything abotu the Shell Helix, but I know the BMW Castrol and Mobil 1 are both decent engine oils. Please let us know how you make out.
     

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