Change Oil concern
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Change Oil concern
What do you think? On March 24, 2009 I changed my oil and filter using Amsoil Signature Series 2000 - drain interval of 35,000 miles or 1 year. The mileage at the time was 140,230. Its a 94 coupe - LT1. After I did it, I forgot to reset the oil change indicator light. The owners manual said not to do this in that if it is not reset, the indicator won't work right.
So today at 150,300 the change oil light came on. A little too soon for the Amsoil I'm using I thought - so I just reset the indicator.
If the oil really needs changing, will the indicator come on again?
Should I just change the oil anyway?
One of the reasons I use the Signature 2000 is so that I can go a long time between changes.
So today at 150,300 the change oil light came on. A little too soon for the Amsoil I'm using I thought - so I just reset the indicator.
If the oil really needs changing, will the indicator come on again?
Should I just change the oil anyway?
One of the reasons I use the Signature 2000 is so that I can go a long time between changes.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
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The oil life monitor has no way of knowing if your oil really needs changing or not.
It can't actually "test" the oil.
You are supposed to reset the monitor at each oil change.
Now that you have reset it, it won't come on again until it calculates an oil change is needed. It does this using some type of math formula based on engine temps and revolutions.
So, you've put 10,000 miles on since your last oil change?
Oil changes are not that expensive, even if you use the highest priced oil out there.
I'd change your oil again now.
It can't actually "test" the oil.
You are supposed to reset the monitor at each oil change.
Now that you have reset it, it won't come on again until it calculates an oil change is needed. It does this using some type of math formula based on engine temps and revolutions.
So, you've put 10,000 miles on since your last oil change?
Oil changes are not that expensive, even if you use the highest priced oil out there.
I'd change your oil again now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,253
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley CA
These are very stout oils and although 35,000 is probably way to far to go on your first change to this oil without oil analysis, I am sure you can push it another 5000 miles without any concerns. It takes thousands of miles of heat and pressure for complex organo-metallic films to build up and provide maximum wear protection: https://shop.sae.org/technical/papers/2007-01-4133
As you change the oil(desirable from a sludge and varnish point of view with conventional oils) the active detergents strip the films and the process must reestablish.
As you change the oil(desirable from a sludge and varnish point of view with conventional oils) the active detergents strip the films and the process must reestablish.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
The oil life monitor has no way of knowing if your oil really needs changing or not.
It can't actually "test" the oil.
You are supposed to reset the monitor at each oil change.
Now that you have reset it, it won't come on again until it calculates an oil change is needed. It does this using some type of math formula based on engine temps and revolutions.
So, you've put 10,000 miles on since your last oil change?
Oil changes are not that expensive, even if you use the highest priced oil out there.
I'd change your oil again now.
It can't actually "test" the oil.
You are supposed to reset the monitor at each oil change.
Now that you have reset it, it won't come on again until it calculates an oil change is needed. It does this using some type of math formula based on engine temps and revolutions.
So, you've put 10,000 miles on since your last oil change?
Oil changes are not that expensive, even if you use the highest priced oil out there.
I'd change your oil again now.
I know certain companies claim their synthetic is good for 35K...but I also know what I've seen under valve covers (not Vettes) of engines with 28-30K using these"certain" oils. The engines I'm speaking of do have a questionable PCV system and the time factor was closer to 3 years instead of 1 year both of which were contributing factors to the sludge I found. In the scheme of things though...as was mentioned above... oil changes really aren't that exspensive---particularly when compared to the cost of a engine. JMO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
the 'change oil' light is almost totally bogus, has NO sensing capabilities of actual oil condition...merely a 'calculated' display based on arbitrary inputs to ecm of number of starts, temp,etc,etc..great traffic/profit generator for the stealership, tho.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
The change oil light is useless. It is an idiot light for idiots who can't keep to a maintenance schedule. Why in the cornbread hell would you want to go 35,000 miles?
Last edited by MK 82; Sep 8, 2009 at 11:05 PM. Reason: ApexOverstuffed may be watching.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 1
From: Superior WI
From Amsoil.com:
"AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is recommended for extended drain intervals in unmodified(1), mechanically sound(2) gasoline fueled vehicles as follows:
• Normal Service(3) – Up to 35,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first."
The one year is the key here, I use amsoil too (they make it about 1/2 mile from my house) and usually use the 5w-30 (10K miles or 6 months)so I change the oil twice a year on my truck and will probably just change my oil each spring in the vette.
"AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is recommended for extended drain intervals in unmodified(1), mechanically sound(2) gasoline fueled vehicles as follows:
• Normal Service(3) – Up to 35,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first."
The one year is the key here, I use amsoil too (they make it about 1/2 mile from my house) and usually use the 5w-30 (10K miles or 6 months)so I change the oil twice a year on my truck and will probably just change my oil each spring in the vette.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
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Thanks for the replies. Obviously the indicator idiot light is just that. I thought it was doing some kind of real sensing. Evidently not. I don't want to go 35K on this oil - I generally cut it in half. Just thought 10K for this highest grade Amsoil was too little.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh Pa
i would assume as long as its not contaminated too badly it won't have too bad of an effect on anything leaving your oil in your corvette for a year.. holy god. its not like its a ferrari and like $3000 an oil change.. loosen up a little.
