Shell Helix Ultra vs Mobil 1?

[MIKE236]

Hi.
Has anyone ever used Shell's synthetic oil and is it any good compared to Mobil 1? Other thing is, can you add Slick 50 with synthetics and will it improve mileage? Coz friend works in Shell and has given me (for free) 2 5lt synthetics. Since oil needs changing (10,000km with Mobil 1), just wondering!.
Thanks and regards.

 

[MotardMan]

WARNING - OIL THREAD ;o)

Mike,

I had a similar question in my mind, but sat down with a stiff drink and thought about it hard. MB have VERY stringent requirements for lubricants, they often specify the hardest industry std for an oil to be recommended. However, in 1988 the oil grades and specs were different to the oils of today. If the Shell oil has the same TECHNICAL specs as the Mobil 1, you will be fine. I have been dealing in additive supply to major oil companies for years, and the raw materials that make up the additives are bought by al of the major players. The formulation of the synthtics may differ very slightly, but that is irrelevent.

On a 1988 car, in low state if tune with high miles, you will find that ALL of the modern synthtics will work well. Use the viscosity guide in the owners manual to select the correct grade for your car and running conditions.

10 litres of free oil is not to be sniffed at. Sling it in and enjoy! You can safely extend the change interval as well. Mineral oil is sheared and broken down much faster than the synthetics, so needs to be changed more often. I have run 2 very diffent bikes recently, one was a 230kg 140hp V Twin sportbike, the other was a 130kg, 50 hp single cylinder supermoto. The sportsbike uses fully synth, the motard used mineral oil. Another factor with bikes is that you cannot use car oils as they have friction modifiers that can upset the wet clutch and make it slip. Be thanful you do not have that added complication!

Best,

Jim

 

[MIKE236]

Hi Jim.
Thanks for that info. Have a cyber beer on me. I have regularly serviced the car at 10K's (KM) with mobil 1 even when the oils are slightly brownish. How far do you think I can stretch it? Some tecchy remarked that you can stretch it till 40K's. Is it advisable do you think?

Next item on agenda will be to change the tranny fluid (have not change for last 50K's). Any suggestions on what's the BEST oil to use i.e. synthetic or any Dextron II/III?

Thanks in advance and cheers!

 

[MotardMan]

<Slurp mode> Cheers! I'm not sure I should be drinking at this time in the morning :lol:

10k sounds sensible, I guess it would depend on the use of the car. As you prolly know, lots of short trips will "wear" the oil harder, so you need to use the "extreme conditions" table for fluid swaps. I would not go to 40K, you should be changing the oil filter more regularly than that I would think, and this is just IMHO, that 20K would be the upper limit, certainly on older engines, depending on use and condition of the motor.

I would also do the tranny fluid every 50K. I did mine this w/e, beware, you'll get in a right mess, so make sure you have a big sheet of plastic to protect the driveway. You need to torque the pan bolts to 7 or 8 Nm, so make sure you have a wrench that goes that low. Halfords sell a nice one. Also, ATF fluid is close in formulation to brake fluid, so avoid getting it on hands and paintwork. Dextron 3 is the latest standard, and is available from motor factors. Comma is a brand that is cheap and plentiful and conforms to the Dextron 3 standard.

Best of luck,

Jim

 

[MIKE236]

Hi again Jim!
Thanks for taking the time and trouble to explain. I confess that I am not technically knowledgeable but have only limited know-how about maintaining cars. Only started to fiddle with this DIY stuff last two years even though the car has been with us for the last 12! No need to guess where it has been serviced all this while.

Anyway thanks to all in this forum and Jim..if you happen to be coming over to sydney. Give a holler! Cheers again mate and I hope I don't make a mess of things with the tranny fluid change. Regards.