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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

O.T. Pontiac 3.8

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jimont

04-24-2006 17:32:50




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Hi Guys. Just wondering if you fellas can resolve a little argument here. I bought an 1998 Bonneville with the 3.8 motor and some people recommend 5w30, while others say 10w30 oil. What say you ???




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jimont

04-25-2006 11:42:36




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:32:50  
Once again, thanks fellas!! I can always count on you guys to give great advice ---- much appreciated !!!



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JK-NY

04-25-2006 08:56:26




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:32:50  
Look on your oil fill cap, it might tell you there.FWIW the book for my 2000 Impala w/3800 V6 calls for 10w-30 "preferred" and 5w-30 OK for 60 degrees and below.If the 3800 is has the supercharger I would guess that may also make a difference. I have found the 3800 to be an excellent engine with good economy for a larger car.



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buickanddeere

04-25-2006 05:26:37




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:32:50  
What do the engineers who designed the engine recomend?



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dbwillia

04-24-2006 17:46:18




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:32:50  
Nephew is a certified mechanic. He was told in Mechanic's school that a fuel injected engine would experience more damage at start-up with a heavier oil than it would experience with the lighter oil after engine was up to temperature. So he recommends 5-30 in fuel injected engines. We have a Buick with the 3.8 engine and we use the 5-30 oil. Has over 222,000 miles and doesn't use oil and runs good. HTH

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Bob

04-24-2006 22:46:40




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to dbwillia, 04-24-2006 17:46:18  
Fuel injection has NOTHING to do with the use of the lighter oil in newer engines.

They are designed to use lighter oil for less friction, and better mileage, so the oil clearances are less to prevent excess noise with the lighter oil.

Sometimes, they don't get it right, and there is piston slap, or other noise. GM had all sorts of trouble with noisy engines when tolerances were exceeded for use with 5-30 oil.

Conversely, if you put heavier oil in an engine with TIGHT oil clearances, there may not be an adequate oil flow though some of the bearings to keep them cool and lubed.

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Chris Vangel

04-26-2006 10:57:43




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to Bob, 04-24-2006 22:46:40  
I believe the teacher is talking about theory here. The idea is that a fuel injected engine will start more quickly and thus run before oil pressure builds. On the other hand, the carb engine cranks longer to get it"s fuel mixture correct and then start. This gives the oil pump more time to pressurize the lube system of the engine. Again, this is theory and I don"t necessarily agree with it. When my carb engine was in good tune, it started every bit as fast as a fuel injected engine.

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dbwillia

04-26-2006 06:50:34




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to Bob, 04-24-2006 22:46:40  
You are right, except their recommendation for 5-30 was based on the fact most fuel injections start up at a higher idle than a carbureted vehicle. Hence the light oil circulates faster and helps prevent wear better than a heavier oil.



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Maark

04-24-2006 17:41:36




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:32:50  
I think that your oil cap and owners manual says to use 5w30.



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Leland

04-24-2006 17:34:54




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:32:50  
We ran 5w-30 for 200,000 miles with out a problem ,and belive it or not the 10-30 will wear out the bearings faster



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jimont

04-24-2006 17:47:56




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to Leland, 04-24-2006 17:34:54  
Holy Cow that was fast guys !!! 5W30 it is then. BTW, the car was used ,didn't have an owners manual and all the wrecking yards I contacted have no owners manuals --- seem they're removed and sold at flee markets before the yards get the cars !!



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Jimmy King

04-25-2006 01:07:03




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:47:56  
jimont, that 3.8 just might be the best engine that was everbuilt.



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dhermesc

04-25-2006 04:31:57




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to Jimmy King, 04-25-2006 01:07:03  
Got to agree with that. Its been around in some version since 1960 or so.



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buickanddeere

04-26-2006 20:16:30




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to dhermesc, 04-25-2006 04:31:57  
The 3.8 in my Grand National has 290,000 miles on the original bottom end. It's souped to 350+ HP too.



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Bob

04-24-2006 22:39:11




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:47:56  
ebay # 8058997379, @ $9.99

ebay # 8059469580, @ $8.99



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Leland

04-24-2006 22:22:14




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 Re: O.T. Pontiac 3.8 in reply to jimont, 04-24-2006 17:47:56  
I find that hard to belive look around where they store them like body shops or towing companys some yard ape would sell or give you a manual from a totaled waiting to be sent out



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