Grease Monkey Report...

[nfpgasmask]

OK, with all this talk about oil consumption, and my recent switch to Mobile 1 synth, I decided to take the VX back to the Jiffy Lube next to my work. As per several recommendations from you guys out there, I changed the oil after my switch to synthetic after only 1500 miles. So, hopefully any gunk that might have been loosened up by the switch to synth is now gone.

Before they even started, I asked the Jiffy Lube guy to look at my dip stick and tell me if my oil level looked low. (I wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy when I looked at it yesterday). He immediately said it looks damn near empty and asked me when I got my oil changed last (as if it had been 8 months). I told him I was in for a change less than 1500 miles ago, and he looked at my cross-eyed with surprise.

Apparently my VX ate up so much Mobile 1 5W-30 over the last 3 weeks that my dipstick was almost dry when we checked it today! So yeah, I am slightly freaked out. The grease monkeys at Jiffy Lube filled up my VX with Mobile 1 15W-50 synth. Can anyone tell me if this is ok? I hope this weight is ok to use during the summer months here. If anyone sees a problem with this, please let me know so I can take care of it. 15W-50 is what the tech recommended. When I switched to synth 1500 miles ago, they used 5W-30.

The Jiffy Lube guy also noticed that I had new tires and said that since they are slightly larger, this could contribute to some of the excess oil consumption. Anyone have input on that statement? The new tires I have are only slightly larger than stock, on stock 18" rims. See my page here for a view:

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/vxhome.htm

Also, tonight I will swap out my PCV Valve and report back with any changes.

Slightly alarmed, but maintaining composure,

Bart

[kpaske]

I don't see how your tire size is relavent, except for that your engine is being worked a little harder. This may increase oil consumption slightly, but it certainly doesn't explain the type of loss you are experiencing.

Isuzu recommends 5W-30. While running AMSoil 0W-30, I was experiencing significant oil consumption, but switching to 5W-30 and fixing my intake manifold leak seems to have brought that consumption way down, from about a quart every 1000 miles to probably about a half pint (1/4 quart). It seems reasonable that in a warmer climate / season you might be able to run a bit heavier oil, but I wouldn't deviate too far from the Isuzu recommendation. I'm sure some others will chime in - and I trust this community's judgement over the best Jiffy Lube "mechanic's" any day.

[Triathlete]

For one I would NEVER take any of my vehicles to Jiffy Lube! Him telling you tire size will increase oil consumption just validates that!!!!!!!!

[nfpgasmask]

Well, I am really no mechanic, and the Jiffy Lube is right next to work. If anyone has a better recommendation for oil changes, let me know. I would like to learn and do it myself, I but I honestly don't have the space/tools. Hopefully soon though.

So, I guess now, should I be worried about the Mobile 1 15W-50 I am running now? Its been quite hot out here in Chicago for last week or so and I expect it to be this way for the next month or 2 or 3.

Bart

[nocturnalVX]

Well, I am really no mechanic, and the Jiffy Lube is right next to work. If anyone has a better recommendation for oil changes, let me know. I would like to learn and do it myself, I but I honestly don't have the space/tools. Hopefully soon though.

Bart

I have NEVER been back to Jiffy Lube since the day they popped the front hood on my Pontiac Fiero & stood around confused until I told them the engine was in back. True story!

I take my VX to this shop & would recommend him to anyone in the Chicago area...

Espo's Auto Service
(773) 745-0600
2345 N Neva Ave
Chicago, IL 60707

[Cyrk]

http://www.nbc4.tv/video/9152183/detail.html
More reasons not to do business with these Jiffy Lube crooks.

[nfpgasmask]

http://www.nbc4.tv/video/9152183/detail.html
More reasons not to do business with these Jiffy Lube crooks.

NICE! This makes me feel awesomely stupid!

Sooooo, I guess it would be very beneficial for me to learn how to do this myself.

I will say this however, I did not passively sit in the waiting room. I watched them as closely as I could.

Bart

[Joe_Black]

1) Asking a JiffyLube employee automotive advice is roughly equivalent to asking an armadillo the nature of nuclear fission.

2) Allowing JiffyLube to service your vehicle will put the contents of your wallet dangerously close to a mass extinction event.

That being said, for a small investment in a Fumoto Engine Oil Drain Valve and an inexpensive drain pan will allow you to change your own oil and filter in less than 20 minutes without the use of any tools. Between Wal-Mart and AutoZone.com you can get the consumables and if you're still not comfortable with the process I'd personally be more than happy to call and walk you through changing your own oil. It's amazingly easy.

The comment about larger tires causing more oil consumption is bunk. Fuel consumption yes, anything else no.

[mjd709]

Changing the oil yourself is literally a 10-15 min job. It's nice to have a vehicle with some ground clearance!

[Ldub]

Changing your own oil is the ONLY way to know it's done right. That being said, there is also a feeling of satisfaction from any job done well.
If there is ANY way possible, no one but me will ever turn a wrench on my baby...I know not everyone likes to get dirty, & thats ok...but at least check your oil at EVERY fill up. All right...rant over.
I'm going out & under to change my oil now.