C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Oil Weight

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2006 | 06:25 PM
  #1  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default Oil Weight

I took my car into the dealer and had the oil changed. I later found out they used Mobil-1 10W30 in lieu of the 5W30. SHould I take it back and get it replaced? Or is it no big deal now that summer is here.
Reply
Old May 20, 2006 | 07:24 PM
  #2  
xs650's Avatar
xs650
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,375
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
Default

Originally Posted by Astronomer
I took my car into the dealer and had the oil changed. I later found out they used Mobil-1 10W30 in lieu of the 5W30. Should I take it back and get it replaced? Or is it no big deal now that summer is here.
No big deal. IIRC you live in Southern Califoprnia. Unless you live at Lake Arrowhead, 10W-30 would be good all year long.

For a SoCal summer, they may be some nearly unmeasurable advantage to 10W-30.
Reply
Old May 20, 2006 | 08:03 PM
  #3  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by xs650
No big deal. IIRC you live in Southern Califoprnia. Unless you live at Lake Arrowhead, 10W-30 would be good all year long.

For a SoCal summer, they may be some nearly unmeasurable advantage to 10W-30.
Thanks!!
Reply
Old May 20, 2006 | 09:57 PM
  #4  
VET4LES's Avatar
VET4LES
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Default

Originally Posted by Astronomer
I took my car into the dealer and had the oil changed. I later found out they used Mobil-1 10W30 in lieu of the 5W30. SHould I take it back and get it replaced? Or is it no big deal now that summer is here.
That's another reason I do my own maintenance work. Next time you take it in show them the sticker on the fill cap and tell that's what GM says to use and thats what I want.
Reply
Old May 21, 2006 | 10:46 PM
  #5  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

My Owner's Manual says that the ONLY approved grade of oil is 5W-30. Technically, that means GM could deny a warranty claim if you had engine problems, although that seems pretty unlikely.

Since the dealership's techs are bozos, I'd either:
Avoid them like the plague, or
Go back and make them give me a free oil change because they put in the wrong stuff.

Of course there's always the possibility that they used the correct oil but the paperwork is wrong, my dealer once showed that my c5 got a Subaru oil change. But they used the right oil, and we all had a good laugh.
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 12:00 AM
  #6  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
My Owner's Manual says that the ONLY approved grade of oil is 5W-30. Technically, that means GM could deny a warranty claim if you had engine problems, although that seems pretty unlikely.

Since the dealership's techs are bozos, I'd either:
Avoid them like the plague, or
Go back and make them give me a free oil change because they put in the wrong stuff.

Of course there's always the possibility that they used the correct oil but the paperwork is wrong, my dealer once showed that my c5 got a Subaru oil change. But they used the right oil, and we all had a good laugh.
I would have had no idea, but I walked back to the service area and saw the 10W30 empty jugs laying by the car. I asked and the tech told me they ONLY had 10W30 and the change was already completed. Sigh.

I wasn't even going in for an oil change but to turn my roof in. The oil change was a "well I'm already here may as well get that done". I was pissed. They did not even have 5W30 available so I was stuck big time.

Fortunately the paperwork just says oil change. Nothing about weight.
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 09:00 AM
  #7  
6 speed Sid's Avatar
6 speed Sid
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 3
From: New Bern NC
Default

Typical GM dealer work. Not too long ago I was at a GM shop and the Car Quest truck made two deliveries of parts. I guess they were "genuine GM".
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 10:38 AM
  #8  
Irv's Avatar
Irv
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 1
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by Astronomer
I took my car into the dealer and had the oil changed. I later found out they used Mobil-1 10W30 in lieu of the 5W30. SHould I take it back and get it replaced? Or is it no big deal now that summer is here.
Odd that they would even stock M1 10W-30, as no GM car I'm aware of has ever specified it. It used to be that Corvettes allowed it, but since '92 M1 5W-30 has been the recommended weight for all conditions. That would make me wonder if they really used Mobil-1...

As an aside, many people that worry these sorts of differences between motor oils think M1 10W-30 is superior to 5W-30, though most of these nit-pickers also say 0W-40 is superior to both.

GM is never going to deny you warranty coverage over something a Chevy dealer did, but if you are the type that cares about what GM says, the owners manual specifically says not to use different oil weights than 5W-30. I'd find a different dealer... these guys are obviously not detail-oriented. A bad trait in a service department.

Last edited by Irv; May 22, 2006 at 01:53 PM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 22, 2006 | 10:54 AM
  #9  
MitchAlsup's Avatar
MitchAlsup
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,529
Likes: 1,943
From: Austin Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Astronomer
I took my car into the dealer and had the oil changed. I later found out they used Mobil-1 10W30 in lieu of the 5W30. SHould I take it back and get it replaced? Or is it no big deal now that summer is here.
A) it is no big deal,
B) the difference between these to oils is so small that only at negative temperatures will anything show up
C) M1 specs for these two oils are so close that it is possible that Mobil runs large batches of the product. Batches that come out a little thick go into 10W-30 cans, batches that run a little thin go into 5W-30 cans, and batches that hit the numbers can go in EITHER can!
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 01:35 PM
  #10  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by Irv
Odd that they would even stock M1 10W-30, as no GM car I'm aware of has ever specified it. It used to be that Corvettes allowed it, but since '92 M1 5W-30 has been the recommended weight for all conditions. That would make me wonder if they really used Mobil-1...

As an aside, many people that worry these sorts of differences between motor oils think M1 10W-30 is superior to 5W-30, though most of these nit-pickers also say 0W-40 is superior to both.

GM is never going to deny you warranty coverage over something a Chevy dealer did, but if you are the type that cares about what GM says, the owners specifically says not to use different oil weights than 5W-30. I'd find a different dealer... these guys are obviously not detail-oriented. A bad trait in a service department.
What first clued me in was the green cap of the mobil-1 jugs. I picked one up Mobil 10W30. - Sigh.
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 01:36 PM
  #11  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by 6 speed Sid
Typical GM dealer work. Not too long ago I was at a GM shop and the Car Quest truck made two deliveries of parts. I guess they were "genuine GM".
Sheesh!
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 01:38 PM
  #12  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by MitchAlsup
A) it is no big deal,
B) the difference between these to oils is so small that only at negative temperatures will anything show up
C) M1 specs for these two oils are so close that it is possible that Mobil runs large batches of the product. Batches that come out a little thick go into 10W-30 cans, batches that run a little thin go into 5W-30 cans, and batches that hit the numbers can go in EITHER can!
Thanks. It is summer so I was not too worried. However, I was surprised.
Reply
Old May 22, 2006 | 04:37 PM
  #13  
andreas g.'s Avatar
andreas g.
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
Default

I've always used 10w-30 mobil 1 in every LStype motors I've had (3).
Never had a problem. Live in SO CAL. Even in Utah sking at 10000 feet in temps at 0 degrees it starts and I have oil pressure right away. And if you ever had an oil related problem, which I dought. I defy those service techs to be able to tell if it was 5w-30 or 10w-30.BTW 10w-30 doesn't void anything.
Reply
Old May 23, 2006 | 03:21 PM
  #14  
Astronomer's Avatar
Astronomer
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 745
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by andreas g.
I've always used 10w-30 mobil 1 in every LStype motors I've had (3).
Never had a problem. Live in SO CAL. Even in Utah sking at 10000 feet in temps at 0 degrees it starts and I have oil pressure right away. And if you ever had an oil related problem, which I dought. I defy those service techs to be able to tell if it was 5w-30 or 10w-30.BTW 10w-30 doesn't void anything.
Cool! Thanks to all who replied on this thread.

You all are great!
Reply
Old May 24, 2006 | 03:44 AM
  #15  
CMEPASU's Avatar
CMEPASU
Instructor
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Default

Mobil1 10w30 meets the 4718 spec as required in your manual. No worries.
Reply
Old May 24, 2006 | 04:56 PM
  #16  
calemasters's Avatar
calemasters
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
Default

Originally Posted by Astronomer
I took my car into the dealer and had the oil changed. I later found out they used Mobil-1 10W30 in lieu of the 5W30. SHould I take it back and get it replaced? Or is it no big deal now that summer is here.
It is confusing to the customer when the dealer does something contrary to GM's recommendation.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Oil Weight





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:59 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE