[Z06] Major Screwup?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: hollywood, fl usa
Major Screwup?
My wife was driving my Z and the low oil level light came on. She took it upon herself to add a quart of oil, but she does'nt know the difference between synthetic and regular oil, so she added a quart of Mobil(at least she got the brand right) 5W-30 regular oil. Is this a major mistake, or is it okay for a few hundred miles until I get a chance to change the entire oil to Mobil 1? A quick reply is needed as she just did this about 30 minutes ago.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Prescott AZ
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
I would change it. To be on the safe side. I also would get your car checked for oil cosuption. Next time to take the cap inside with her and tell show them what oil she needs
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 487
Likes: 13
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
I hestitate to post any response because the oil police are gonna raise hell with me, but here goes: Mobil 1 is completely compatible with conventional motor oil -- any brand, any weight. The principle reason that reason Corvettes (and Porsches, Mercedes, etc.,) run synthetic oils is because sythethics can withstand almost twice the temperature extremes of conventional motor oil and still provide the protection required to prevent wear, scuffing, etc. As heat became more of a problem, manufacturers opted for synthetic oils rather than add oil coolers. It's not much more complex than that. By adding a quart of conventional oil to a 6.5 - 7 quart sump, you "lost" something on the order of 12-15% of Mobil 1's capacity to absorb extremes of heat and cold. I, too, would change the oil, but I wouldn't worry about doing so until it was convenient.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Manhattan, KS Missing SoCal since 2005
Re: Major Screwup? (Mechanic)
Some Forum members have reported using conventional oil improves the oil consumption problem with the Z. I wouldn't worry about it either.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,903
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From: Oakhurst NJ
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
I dont think it would cause a problem. The owners manual states that if you are low on oil and synthetic isnt available you could use a quart of conventional motor oil to get you back up to the full line. I would fill it to capacity with Mobil 1 but not be worried about getting the oil changed any sooner.
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Joined: May 2000
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Re: Major Screwup? (Mechanic)
This is the "Oil Police", Mechanic. You're dead on correct.
Mixing a quart of mineral oil with synthetic is no big deal and isn't going to cause any harm. What do you think all those semi-synthetic blends are?
Just change the oil at your normal interval based on the DIC oil monitor, mileage, time, or whatever algorithm you use.
Duke
Mixing a quart of mineral oil with synthetic is no big deal and isn't going to cause any harm. What do you think all those semi-synthetic blends are?
Just change the oil at your normal interval based on the DIC oil monitor, mileage, time, or whatever algorithm you use.
Duke
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Hillsborough NH
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
whatever you do, don't tell your service manager.
Thats grounds for(and yes its stupid), voiding your engine warrenty. :(
Thats grounds for(and yes its stupid), voiding your engine warrenty. :(
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2
From: Chicagoland Illinois
Re: Major Screwup? (rschiltz)
I'm with rschiltz...most would have ran it dry...buy her a nice dinner...it WILL win you points...unless she reads this Forum!!! :D :jester :lol: :chevy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,333
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From: USA
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
Your wife did the right thing.
I would not change it until the next oil change is due.
The non-synthetic oil will not hurt a thing.
You know that 6 1/2 quarts that go in the Z06.
Mine only has 6 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic. Don't tell anyone. :lol:
I would not change it until the next oil change is due.
The non-synthetic oil will not hurt a thing.
You know that 6 1/2 quarts that go in the Z06.
Mine only has 6 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic. Don't tell anyone. :lol:
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 29,689
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From: Central Florida
Jax Events Coordinator
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'08
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
The oil issue and opinions that come up on the subject just amaze me.
Did you know that the majority of LS1's on the road today are running regular oil in them? Thats what GM puts in every single Z28, V8 Firebird, Trans Am and that 4 door car they sell down under. The only cars getting the Mobile 1 are the Vettes. Camaro SS & and the Firebird WS6.
Personally, I think they do it because of the marketing agreement with Mobile - not any performance improvement. Ever notice that Mobile 1 uses the Vette in its commercials? I also think that the Mobile 1 is the source of the problem for those Vettes that are burning oil. Mobile 1 is so slick, it doesn't allow the rings to set the way they should.
I'm running 10 W 30 in my Z06, I have had zero perfromance degradation and with 4000 miles, I only cooked off a little less than a quart. Thats probably due to my many visits to the local drag strip, not bad rings.
Just my $.02
Did you know that the majority of LS1's on the road today are running regular oil in them? Thats what GM puts in every single Z28, V8 Firebird, Trans Am and that 4 door car they sell down under. The only cars getting the Mobile 1 are the Vettes. Camaro SS & and the Firebird WS6.
Personally, I think they do it because of the marketing agreement with Mobile - not any performance improvement. Ever notice that Mobile 1 uses the Vette in its commercials? I also think that the Mobile 1 is the source of the problem for those Vettes that are burning oil. Mobile 1 is so slick, it doesn't allow the rings to set the way they should.
I'm running 10 W 30 in my Z06, I have had zero perfromance degradation and with 4000 miles, I only cooked off a little less than a quart. Thats probably due to my many visits to the local drag strip, not bad rings.
Just my $.02
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 58
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From: Allentown PA
Re: Major Screwup? (01Z06)
wow...WHAT A WIFE!!! For her to even know where to lift the hood, locate the proper fill area...is amazing!!! She is either a car buff herself or has seen you under-the-hood a few times... kudos to her!!!! :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,423
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From: western colorado colorado
Re: Major Screwup? (PAGJA)
Hey keep her shes ok...I heard a story about a woman in Toronto who added a quart of oil to the gas tank...When the gas station attendant asked her why she was putting oil in the gas tank, she said "It all goes to the motor, right?"
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,630
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From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Major Screwup? (corvette dave)
Corvette Dave, haven't you heard that '01s and '02s take 7 qts to reach the MAX line on their dipsticks (as opposed to the 97 thru 00 models which only require 6.5 qts)?
At least that's what the posters on the forum believe when polled. ;)
[Modified by Mark S., 10:59 AM 10/29/2001]
[Modified by Mark S., 11:00 AM 10/29/2001]
At least that's what the posters on the forum believe when polled. ;)
[Modified by Mark S., 10:59 AM 10/29/2001]
[Modified by Mark S., 11:00 AM 10/29/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,596
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From: Atlanta GA
Re: Major Screwup? (Mark S.)
My 01 ZO6 took 7 qts to the full line. I did raise the rear end higher than the front when I drained the oil. I think if you raise the rearend higher then the front you will need 7 qts to fill it to the full line. If you do a level drain 6.5qts will fill it to the full line. JMO