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best oil to use for the northstar 4.6


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I have a 2002 seville sts with 105,000km which is about 65,000 miles .

I purchased it recently and im not sure if it's using regular or synthetic oil. times coming for an oil change and i was curious to know what people on the forum think of mobil 1 synthetic and if it's worth it, or is it just as good to use a good quality regular oil.

Also, on the oil cap for the engine it says 5w-30 however i heard that the northstar performs better with 10w-30. maybe it's just a rumour, but anyway, i really take care of my cars in and out and i always use 94 if not 91 octane gasoline. I am not exactly an aggresive driver but there has almost never been a time when i take it out that i haven't punched it once or twice.

Please let me know what type of oil you think i should use and what viscosity. thanks.

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I would read your manual, if it came with synthetic from the factory, I would use it. However, if it came with standard oil, that is what I would use. Oil is a very emotional topic. We were told by a Northstar powertrain engineer that using synthetic when its not called for is a waste of money because it is overkill. Many swear by synthetic and feel they are REALLY TAKING CARE of their car if they spend more for oil. Synthetics resistence to thermal breakdown is great but under the conditions we use our cars its not necessary.

I think your engine is designed to run on regular, no? If it runs adequately on 89, why spend more money for 91 or OMG 94 SUNOCO..? I realize you want to 'take care' of your cars but its really not necessary to spend more to take care of them.. send the money to me instead if you don't mind parting with it... :lol:

Someone will comment on the viscosity, I would be apt to use 10w30, but I will let others comment on the plus's or negatives of doing so

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

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Didn't really answer my question but thanks for the critisisim Mr. Northstar. I use high octane fuel because it burns cleaner and lasts longer . Gas is not an issue i don't care about the prices .. i bought a V8 because i wanted a V8 and i will drive it if gas reaches 10 dollars a gallon. i'll sacrifice 20 bucks more per tank for higher octane for now, believe me, the engine will last longer, plus i don't trust most of the gas stations in canada, especially the no name brand ones. Sunoco or Shell are the way to go.

And I'll just wait for some of the helpful guys on this forum to answer my question regarding oil :)

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I have a 2002 seville sts with 105,000km which is about 65,000 miles .

I purchased it recently and im not sure if it's using regular or synthetic oil. times coming for an oil change and i was curious to know what people on the forum think of mobil 1 synthetic and if it's worth it, or is it just as good to use a good quality regular oil.

Also, on the oil cap for the engine it says 5w-30 however i heard that the northstar performs better with 10w-30. maybe it's just a rumour, but anyway, i really take care of my cars in and out and i always use 94 if not 91 octane gasoline. I am not exactly an aggresive driver but there has almost never been a time when i take it out that i haven't punched it once or twice.

Please let me know what type of oil you think i should use and what viscosity. thanks.

mywife,

Have you ever changed the coolant in your car? Regular coolant changes may be more important than the type of oil (given you do change the motor oil regularly).

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

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Oh a wise a**... Get this straight with your 12 posts.... I was not critcising you.... I was making FACTUAL STATEMENTS both about the OIL and the OCTANE.. You are not the first member to show up in ten years thinking he was taking care of his car better because he was putting 94 or synthetic in it...

And for your information. Using 94 on NS designed to run on REGULAR will screw it up with CARBON... So keep running it so that you FELL you are really taking care of your car and when it starts burning oil because you have clogged the rings, you will know why.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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12 posts, Mr. Northstar because i have a life, unlike some people.

Your not God. Have some consideration for others and their posts. I never disrespected you, but you gave me a reason to.

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Didn't really answer my question but thanks for the critisisim Mr. Northstar. I use high octane fuel because it burns cleaner and lasts longer . Gas is not an issue i don't care about the prices .. i bought a V8 because i wanted a V8 and i will drive it if gas reaches 10 dollars a gallon. i'll sacrifice 20 bucks more per tank for higher octane for now, believe me, the engine will last longer, plus i don't trust most of the gas stations in canada, especially the no name brand ones. Sunoco or Shell are the way to go.

And I'll just wait for some of the helpful guys on this forum to answer my question regarding oil :)

By the way, BBF (not Mr. Northstar) answered your question pretty well... If money is not really an issue, why do you care how long your engine is going to last? Just buy another V8 when this one dies. :D

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

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a brand new engine at the dealer would be about 7, 8 grand .. but the swap and the labour ... your looking at close to a 10 grand job unless u get another used engine and do it yourself or at a private shop. i'm trying to avoid that.

and using high octane all the time won't damage the engine or cause carbon buildup .. its a 4.6 V8.. and its moded to use regular after 1999 only because they wanted people who like luxury cars and are cheap to buy it. they increase sales by advertising that it takes regular *premium recommended.

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Keep in mind that I did answer two of your questions. It was YOU, that associated TAKING BETTER CARE of your car with using SYNTHETIC and 94, which from where I sit is a waste of money and unnecessary. THAT IS EXACTLY what it is a waste of money....and I made that perfectly clear and that was NOT critcism at all, it was a FACT... Looking back I am not sure what launched you off into this tirade... touchy I guess

We all have lives, some have hobbies, happen to love Cadillacs and like helping fellow owners.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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i have to agree with BBF and although, he did not mention it ...

i think that he uses 10/40 rotella oil like me ...

i live way down south of you, and i have usually made a habit of using a

straight 40w oil, on my older cars, because it many get down less than

20 degrees, less than 3 times a year and seeing that i almost never get up before

noon the cold is never a problem because it is almost always above 30 degrees

when i start my rides ...

and, as for octane, since the price of gas sucks at the moment, i am using regular

and, i can see no difference in performance and no engine knock ...

i have owned, driven and did all the work on Eng. and Ital. sports car and American muscle cars

since i was 15 years old and now i am 51 ...

i think, you insulted the wrong person for trying to help you for free ...

that is not a good idea, he is actually paying money, for you to insult him ???

there are a lot of people on this board that need to step up ...

jeez, i see people with 500 post asking for help and you make my head hurt ...

$20..00 U.S. and you are a supporter ... 0 bucks and you are a freeloader ...

Lane

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Didn't really answer my question but thanks for the critisisim Mr. Northstar. I use high octane fuel because it burns cleaner and lasts longer . Gas is not an issue i don't care about the prices .. i bought a V8 because i wanted a V8 and i will drive it if gas reaches 10 dollars a gallon. i'll sacrifice 20 bucks more per tank for higher octane for now, believe me, the engine will last longer, plus i don't trust most of the gas stations in canada, especially the no name brand ones. Sunoco or Shell are the way to go.

Your engine was designed for 87 octane. It will not "last longer" using a higher octane fuel. If you chose to use high octane, as I do, chose it because of the performance. Higher octane fuels actually have the potential to leave MORE carbon deposits behind, especially when used in engines designed to run 87 octane. I've found slightly better throttle response with 91 octane, and even though it's more expensive, my cost/mile is the same because the car gets better mileage running it. So I use it. But the engine won't "last longer".

And I'll just wait for some of the helpful guys on this forum to answer my question regarding oil :)

They don't come any more helpful than BodyByFisher. It would show some class on your part if you didn't flame anyone who gave you a response that you don't like, or with which you don't agree. The fact is, conventional oils are completely adequate for these engines, so use what you like. I personally use German Castrol 0W-30. I use it because it's got a super high TBN because it's specifically formulated for extended drains. It meets perhaps the toughest gasoline engine oil specifications in the world (VW 503.01 and BMW LL-01). The other engine oil like this is Mobil 1 0W-40, but I don't use it because it's a 40 weight. I only buy it on sale, for about $3/quart, so I figure I'm not really behind doing it this way. I don't put many miles on the car each year, so I just change the oil once a year, regardless of mileage, and go with it. That's about 5-7k miles per oil change at the rate I drive. I've also used Shell Rotella T 10W-30 before, and the engine seemed to like it. It's on the thick side for a 30 weight (as is the German Castrol), and the engine seemed to like it.

Again, please don't flame us back for trying to help you. I don't know what you saw that you didn't like in BodyByFisher's post

Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond)

"When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?"

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Didn't really answer my question but thanks for the critisisim Mr. Northstar. I use high octane fuel because it burns cleaner and lasts longer . Gas is not an issue i don't care about the prices .. i bought a V8 because i wanted a V8 and i will drive it if gas reaches 10 dollars a gallon. i'll sacrifice 20 bucks more per tank for higher octane for now, believe me, the engine will last longer, plus i don't trust most of the gas stations in canada, especially the no name brand ones. Sunoco or Shell are the way to go.

And I'll just wait for some of the helpful guys on this forum to answer my question regarding oil :) /quote]

mywifests,

I don't understand where you get off, coming on this forum and berating one of our most helpful members when he tried to answer a question for you.

I probably won't answer your question either, regarding the correct oil to use to your satisfaction... but...

Has it ever crossed your mind to RTFM...?

That means to READ THE FREAKING MANUAL. In case you didn't know.

Since you take such GOOD CARE of your car...IN AND OUT...

I am sure you have the OWNERS MANUAL and probably a SERVICE MANUAL also.

You have probably read them completely so that you understand how your car works and what Cadillac engineers recommend for your car.

Cadillac has a team of engineers that spend an unbelieveable amount of time and money, studying oil and the effects different weights and types of oil, have on engines.

Since they do that... and the results are then put in the OWNERS MANUAL for the benefit of people like YOU...it MAY BE a good idea to RTFM and PAY ATTENTION to what it says.

This is a FORUM, and by definition a FORUM is a discussion group.

Just because you didn't like, or maybe didn't UNDERSTAND what BBF wrote, that doesn't mean he didn't answer your question. BBF is one of the most helpful people around and he spends an inordinate amount of time helping people.

He said that you should use regular oil if it came from the factory with it, and to use synthetic if it came with it.

Which by the way, is the EXACT SAME THING the Owners Manual, (which was written by Cadillac Motor Car Division), will tell you.

Again, RTFM.

I take my DTS, with the High Performance N*, to my local Cadillac dealer to have the oil changed.

I believe that the Cadillac dealer KNOWS what oil should be in it and will fill it accordingly.

Since money seems to be no object to you....

Taking it to the dealer for your oil changes may be the best route for you.

The only time you should vary from what the manual recommends, is if you are using your car under SEVERE conditions or if it is using a lot of oil.

Even if it IS using a lot of oil, proper WOT procedures will sometimes cure most of THAT also.

Regarding the fuel you use...

Individual engines vary a little from one to the other... but ... if your OWNERS MANUAL recommends regular and you use Premium... you MAY or MAY NOT see a benefit and you actually may be doing your engine a DISSERVICE by NOT using what the owners manual recommends. And spending more money than necessary.

Oh... sorry... I forgot... you don't CARE what it costs.

You could check your mileage and driveability over the course of several tanks of Premium.... and "IF" your OWNERS MANUAL recommends Regular... check the mailage and driveability with several tanks of Regular.

You can learn for yourself, which is better for your individual car.

Some people on this Forum, use Regular, even if the owners manual recommends Premium, and have seen no issues with either mileage or driveability.

Some others, (like myself), find that our car prefers Premium. We get better mileage, and the car seems to have a little more power and runs better.

By the way.... my OWNERS MANUAL recommends Premium for my particular car and it also recommends 5w30 oil.

And, before you ask,

I HAVE READ IT from cover to cover and as my car ages, I will be getting a set of SERVICE MANUALS for it also.

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Not many topics come more charged than one on oil, unless it turns into the bashing of good helpful posters. That's just not smart on any level. As the others have pointed out abundantly, BBF's post was nothing but helpful. EVERY forum comes with a search feature. If you utilize that feature here you'll find that oil type/usage/levels/etc. have been covered adequately if not too much. Personally I use whats recommended on the caps and manual. Oh and I've been known to deviate as well. I've gone several thousand miles over the change intervals a few times and I've used 5W-30 to top off many times. I know I know....what was I thinking? I guess I'm saying the same thing as BBF. Use what the manual says to use. Pretty straight forward. And we're also saying that it isn't going to hurt the engine if you go slightly one way or the other with your oil and octane choices. But I'm a manual guy so....

EDIT:

I got all misty eyed reading Texas Jim's post ;)

"Burns" rubber

" I've never considered myself to be all that conservative, but it seems the more liberal some people get the more conservative I become. "

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i have to agree with BBF and although, he did not mention it ...

i think that he uses 10/40 rotella oil like me ...

Lane

I use 15W40 because of a case half leak, low oil pressure at idle and for the added zinc since zinc has been reduced and I have rubbing element lifters instead of roller lifters in my engine, but for no other reason. If I did not have those problems, I would use 10W30 and add GM EOS as KHE does

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Interesting article on octane, it goes down the same path I did (cost) regarding using premium on an engine designed for regular

<a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1147012/posts" target="_blank">http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1147012/posts</a>

another

<a href="http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/25-...07-1406076.html" target="_blank">http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/25-...07-1406076.html</a>

And finally see this link, it addresses increased carbon or soot, from using premium in an engine designed for regular, here is an exerpt

When you use higher octane fuel in an engine that has a lower octane requirement, the combustion is not as efficient because the fuel burns slower. This results in slightly less power. The side effects are of concern. Black soot called "Carbon Buildup" forms on the valve seats from a less efficient combustion condition. Continued use of such fuel, increases carbon build-up to the point that the valves will not seat properly. This results in lost power and oddly enough.....pre-detonation.

<a href="http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseacti...id/21386262.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseacti...id/21386262.cfm</a>

I amaze myself when I come out with accurate information at midnight off the top of my SKULL...it seems I am god :lol: (just kidding God! :blink:3546823446.jpg ).

But then again, I have no life :lol: :lol: :lol: Thanks guys for the support, its much appreciated

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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EDIT:

I got all misty eyed reading Texas Jim's post ;)

Something is either RIGHT or it AIN'T. :D

Spoken like a true Texan.

"Burns" rubber

" I've never considered myself to be all that conservative, but it seems the more liberal some people get the more conservative I become. "

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Im glad i read this thread... never knew you could donate to the site... i guess im just slow.. but will be doing so this friday (payday) thanks for the help everyone!!!

p.s. sorry post isnt bout oil or gas... :huh:

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12 posts, Mr. Northstar because i have a life, unlike some people.

Your not God. Have some consideration for others and their posts. I never disrespected you, but you gave me a reason to.

Hi there, I run Sythetic on mine... No issues, I use cheap walmart oil too.. However I change it like 4-5 times a season as well cause I am crazy like that... Coolant changes are key, I do it twice a year... Its cheap insurence.. But regardless No one is an expert however I would be nice to Bodybyfisher as he is very knowledgable and very friendly... And before you ask, no he didnt put me up to saying that... Good luck my friend...

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Im glad i read this thread... never knew you could donate to the site... i guess im just slow.. but will be doing so this friday (payday) thanks for the help everyone!!!

p.s. sorry post isnt bout oil or gas... :huh:

That's great Dana, when you donate, we give you CORRECT answers! :lol:

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Im glad i read this thread... never knew you could donate to the site... i guess im just slow.. but will be doing so this friday (payday) thanks for the help everyone!!!

p.s. sorry post isnt bout oil or gas... :huh:

That's great Dana, when you donate, we give you CORRECT answers! :lol:

lol good.. the more correct ones i get the more correct ones i can give... hopefully ill be able to help someone in one of these threads one day!!! B)

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12 posts, Mr. Northstar because i have a life, unlike some people.

Your not God. Have some consideration for others and their posts. I never disrespected you, but you gave me a reason to.

Hi there, I run Sythetic on mine... No issues, I use cheap walmart oil too.. However I change it like 4-5 times a season as well cause I am crazy like that... Coolant changes are key, I do it twice a year... Its cheap insurence.. But regardless No one is an expert however I would be nice to Bodybyfisher as he is very knowledgable and very friendly... And before you ask, no he didnt put me up to saying that... Good luck my friend...

Fivepointohman, I thought I was crazy because I have been changing coolant every year... but you do it twice a year! Man, you make me feel normal again. :D

The saddest thing in life is wasted talent

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