Mobil 1 Oil

[rbouch8828]

In the Technical Manual there is a listing for use of Mobil-1 extended performance 15W-50 synthetic motor oil for our cars. I am getting ready to do an oil change and went to look for this oil, but could not find it anywhere. Then I went on the Mobil 1 website and I see that the Mobil-1 Extended Performance line only goes to 10W-30. What are people now using instead of the recommended 15W-50?

[mdsalemi]

Roland,

The Mobil1 15W-50 is THE Mobil 1 oil to use if you are choosing Mobil 1. There's as many opinions on this as anything else. However this blend has the highest levels of Zinc and Phosphorus of all their offerings. The challenge is, it's not always easy to find. I've found mine in the past on sale at WalMart (I still have 2 or 3 5 quart jugs on the shelf) at about $22 each. I'm sure it's much more now.

Attached was downloaded moments ago from the Mobil 1 website. Go to page 3.

I've used Mobil 1 exclusively in my car since the engine was rebuilt 20 years ago during the restoration. However, it's only been the past 10 years that the Z & P levels were much of an issue and then I started paying attention to these. Only that 15W-50 has them at a high level, but there are other oils that have an equal or higher level. There are also Z & P additives you can get, and in reality, what's wrong with that? If you add it, or they add it at the factory, what's the difference?

[dirkbalter]

Roland,
Lots of opinions and often discussed here. Attached are oil suggestions from engine rebuilder in case you want or need to switch from Mobile.

[MikeSimon]

Mobil 1 (Exxon) has discontinued the offerings of some of their synthetic oils with high ZDDP. They used to offer a 20W50 which was my preferred oil for most applications.
I have not seen even the 15W50 anywhere, including our local Walmart stores. I did use Kendall 20W50 in my 914-6GT and cannot find it either anymore.
I have been using this:

[zak]

What I have always heard is that Mobil One is not recommended for classic cars, as it was too slick/viscous and leaked at various locations on the engine because of the lower tolerances the engines were built to back then.
So that is not the case and I can use Mobil One in my Pagoda ?
Are many members using it in their babies ?
jz

[mdsalemi]

Mobil 1 (Exxon) has discontinued...

Be reminded that the PDF I attached to my last posting to this thread was downloaded TODAY from Mobil 1's website.

The oil is available here:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/mobil-1-advanced-full-synthetic-15w-50-motor-oil-1-quart-24813/8020000-P?searchTerm=Mobil+1+15W-50

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-Advanced-Full-Synthetic-Motor-Oil-15W-50-5-Quart/20713647
(Note: it's on the shelf at the Denver, NC Walmart SuperCenter)

https://www.pepboys.com/mobil-1-advanced-full-synthetic-motor-oil-15w-50-5-quart/product/1161999

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/1-advanced/chemicals---fluids/oil/motor-oil---vehicle-specific/5fb4d14d310a/mobil-1-advanced-synthetic-motor-oil-15w-50-1-quart/mob8/11550

So, as you can see: many places still have this in their stocking list/inventory...but be reminded that everything, everywhere is in short supply. My local go-to pastry shop isn't making certain pastries because there's a "cream cheese shortage". Recently, I went to a Sam's Club, and two of their massive coolers in the meat department were EMPTY. No chicken of any kind available. It's a crap shoot if we go to Costco and they have paper towels. I had to buy bulk dish soap online recently because Costco didn't have any dish soap for months. So, to be temporarily out of stock of an obscure motor oil not used normally by any car made in the past 25 years, well, understandable. I've found the standard price by the quart is about $10. The 5-quart jug is wildly different in price. The lowest seems to be Walmart, and I can drive the 15 miles to Denver and pick it up if need be...but I'll be the first to agree it's not the easiest in the world to find. There was a time when "heavy" oils were standard, but modern cars don't use them. That's why it is getting harder to find.

But don't fret--there are many oils that will work. Mobil 1 in the 15W-50 is just one. If you cannot find it go to another.

Zak, I've used it for 20 years+.

[MikeSimon]

Zak: I have no idea who invented the fairy tale, that synthetic oil is "more slick" and finds its way through tiny gaps and leaks out. We have the same argument in the motorcycle community.
The viscosity of oil is measured in centistokes (Cst) and last time I looked, synthetics were the same as dino oil.
As far as availablity of Mobil1 15W50 is concerned, where I live it is not. The Walmarts (three within 15 miles) do not have it and when you ask, they shrug their shoulders.
Same as the major car parts stores, Autozone, Napa and Advance.
I guess I have to drive all the way to Denver. 2 day road trip.

[mdsalemi]

As far as availablity of Mobil1 15W50 is concerned, where I live it is not. The Walmarts (three within 15 miles) do not have it and when you ask, they shrug their shoulders.
Same as the major car parts stores, Autozone, Napa and Advance.
I guess I have to drive all the way to Denver. 2 day road trip.

I just ordered a case of 12. Free delivery. Total $71.88 from Napa online. It's on special this month. Can't have too much on the shelf. I didn't want to drive the 16 miles to Denver. I prefer shopping from the comfort of home. 

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/MOB122377?impressionRank=1

[ja17]

Yep, your local Napa has some good pricing and a good selection of Mobil 1. Its one of the only places that stock Mobil 1 5W-50W recommended for my AMG.

[Raymond]

In Northeast Florida, I've always been able to get M1 15w-50 at Advance Auto Parts.  I usually have to ask for it and the manager said he'd be willing to order it for me if they are out.  Often, when they run their oil change specials, I was able to buy 5 quarts and an oil filter for $40.  Of course two of my cars use 6 quarts, so I have extra filters for all three. 

[mdsalemi]

Yep, your local Napa has some good pricing and a good selection of Mobil 1. Its one of the only places that stock Mobil 1 5W-50W recommended for my AMG.

My NAPA online order for a case of 12 quarts at the great discount shipped within hours of placing the order. All from the comfort of home!

[rbouch8828]

Many thanks Mike!

[mdsalemi]

In case there is any doubt about availability, or if they still make it, let this reality set in. Total $71.88 from Napa online. It's on special this month. Can't have too much on the shelf. Arrived today. So, it's still made; it's available, and you can order from the comfort of your phone...er home...oh you get it. No driving involved.

[66andBlue]

....
As far as availablity of Mobil1 15W50 is concerned, where I live it is not. The Walmarts (three within 15 miles) do not have it and when you ask, they shrug their shoulders.
..

Mike,
calling Walmart or asking an employee in the store rarely leads to success, especially now when most of their stores are severely understaffed.
It is better to search on the web site and when an item is in store it usually tells you the location. The store at North Olmsted has the 5 qt jug in stock on Aisle L13; see screen shot. Call and when you get someone on the phone ask them to check the aisle before you go. 
Or just have it shipped to your home.
Surprisingly, the price is the same as it is here in the Encinitas store: $27.47/5 qt. I took the photo yesterday, they had more than 5 jugs.

[Cees Klumper]

I've started using, for some reason I can't now remember but it was a good one, Valvoline VR1 racing oil 'high zinc' in our old cars.

[johnk]

That store is across the parking lot from my office. I can check tomorrow to see if it’s on stock. I’ve bought it there before along with the Rotella diesel oil which is also very good to use.

[mdsalemi]

I've started using, for some reason I can't now remember but it was a good one, Valvoline VR1 racing oil 'high zinc' in our old cars.

Of course you can remember! It’s a highly respected brand, with high levels of zinc and phosphorus. It’s designed for older cars and racing cars. It’s readily available on the shelf as well as online and the price is right. For a nonsynthetic oil it’s a perfect choice for a Pagoda!

[MarkCan]

I've started using, for some reason I can't now remember but it was a good one, Valvoline VR1 racing oil 'high zinc' in our old cars.

Is this the oil you are referring to;
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Valvoline-881172-5-qt-VR1-Racing-20W-50-Motor-Oil/PRD134WPVZK0UY1
?

[rbouch8828]

I've had some discussions with Gernold and he is recommending Castrol Classic GTX 15/40. Actually, he says that Metric Engines is recommending only Castrol GTX for their rebuilds.

[zak]

Wow that Valvoline VR1 racing oil is almost triple the price of the Mobil One 15W50.
Interesting.

jz

[Cees Klumper]

Is this the oil you are referring to;
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Valvoline-881172-5-qt-VR1-Racing-20W-50-Motor-Oil/PRD134WPVZK0UY1
?

Yes that's it. I got it on sale, ordered two cases, it was definitely not expensive.

I used Castrol GTX in my '90 Bronco II and my son's 1986 Nissan 300ZX and both developed a serious lifter tick right after I first used that oil. I switched to Shell  Rotella T4 (formulated I think for diesel engines, and high zinc content) and the lifter tick disappeared immediately. So I will not be using Castrol GTX anymore based on that experience.

[mdsalemi]

…that Metric Engines is recommending only Castrol GTX for their rebuilds.

That may be, since the entire zinc/phosphorus content was raised by a consortium of engine rebuilders some years ago…

…meanwhile long before that recommendation was made, going on 22 years now, I’ve exclusively used Mobil1 in my Metric-rebuilt M130 motor. I always used a “thicker” oil, 15-50, 20-50, etc. over the years. When the zinc/phosphorus issue was revealed I then sought out the one Mobil1 grade that always had the highest.

I’ve had no issues.

[johnk]

Yes that's it. I got it on sale, ordered two cases, it was definitely not expensive.

I used Castrol GTX in my '90 Bronco II and my son's 1986 Nissan 300ZX and both developed a serious lifter tick right after I first used that oil. I switched to Shell  Rotella T4 (formulated I think for diesel engines, and high zinc content) and the lifter tick disappeared immediately. So I will not be using Castrol GTX anymore based on that experience.

So what wrong with Rotella? That what I bought at Walmart.  Does it have less zinc?

[Bonnyboy]

After doing lots of research on this forum and others, Rotella 15-40 is the elixir of choice in my garage.   It is also very popular with the carbs and coffee guys so based on that I feel fine using it.   I am not racing my car - I just want it to last well into my retirement.  I change oil once per year in all my toys and so far no problems with the Merc.

Mobil 1 is more expensive in my neck of the woods.

[Cees Klumper]

So what wrong with Rotella? That what I bought at Walmart.  Does it have less zinc?

Nothing wrong with Rotella T4, I am a fan!