Mobil 1 "Home Brew"

[gts104]

Mobil 1 \"Home Brew\"

Just swapped oil and ran 2 quarts short on the stick so basically put close to six quarts in of Mobil 1. Well low and behold it was for one of my other vehicles and was 5-30 instead of 10-30. (Yes I buy more six packs of the stuff when it is on sale than I care to Admit) Now here comes the question. I'm short two quarts so If I put in 20-50 (or something close to it) you think I could "Let it ride". Would hate to have to take it easy on my car (rarely happens) just because I was worried about the viscosity being to thin.

 

[Vic]

Re: Mobil 1

Put two quarts of 15-50 in, and drive it like you stole it. Mobil 1 will protect you!

I would only worry about it if you were going to a track weekend, or something.

 

[gts104]

Re: Mobil 1

Wise words Thanks.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Re: Mobil 1

If you were intending to fill with 10W-30, just add either 5W-30 or 10W-30. The "30" number tells you how "thick" the oil is when it is warmed up, so those two viscosity grades will behave the same at operating temperature. The "W" number tells you how easily the oil flows when it is cold (i.e. at -30F or so) and so the 5W-30 will be runnier than the 10W-30.

Putting a 15W-50, even of Mobil 1, is not advised because the additive packages are likely to be different. Usually additives can be mixed, although sometimes 50% of one brand plus 50% of another brand only work at 90% of the effectiveness. There are additives that interact; adding one brand to another will cause a reaction between the two.

The 5W-30 and 10W-30 will meet the newest API certification and be "fuel efficient" while the 15W-50 will not be "fuel efficient" and likely carry some European claims. Check that the API and ACEA credentials are the same.

 

[gts104]

Re: Mobil 1

Tom, Thanks for the more "technical" answer good to know I am OK.
Vic thanks for the advice. I wish more people would flog their Supercars and put the wax away!!! (never waxed my viper and got it in 2002 but that is another thread)