[bballr4567]

Well, I changed the oil yesterday in our Terrain. It was at 2476 miles and the OLM was at 71% left.

Guys, all I can say, is get that factory fill out of there FAST and get a proper oil filter in there. Ours was "crushed" and a couple of the pleats were torn. The oil was also VERY, VERY, VERY dark and I could smell fuel in it. I wish I had a oil kit to send it off but I dont and I couldnt save any of it.

My advice, get a great synthetic in there immediately.

 

[nitti48]

No problems here..Getting it changed..5000miles..58% left..If it ain't broke..why fix it...

 

[SuperMat64]

4 cyl engines gets dirty faster as they rev higher than a 6 cyl

 

[bballr4567]

No problems here..Getting it changed..5000miles..58% left..If it ain't broke..why fix it...

How do you know its not broke?

4 cyl engines gets dirty faster as they rev higher than a 6 cyl

Not true. If that was they would be cleaner because they are forcing more air through the engine. Plus, IIRC they have exactly the same redline.

Fact is, the DI technology gets the oil washed with fuel because its a mist/vapor instead of a mixture of air and fuel on FI engines.

Also, our 09 Malibu LTZ with the Ecotec was NEVER this bad and we did around 8k mile oil change intervals on it.

I was just amazed at how crappy the oil filter was. It was also a brand Ive never heard of. Hetco.

 

[SuperMat64]

How do you know its not broke?
Not true. If that was they would be cleaner because they are forcing more air through the engine. Plus, IIRC they have exactly the same redline.

Fact is, the DI technology gets the oil washed with fuel because its a mist/vapor instead of a mixture of air and fuel on FI engines.

Also, our 09 Malibu LTZ with the Ecotec was NEVER this bad and we did around 8k mile oil change intervals on it.

I was just amazed at how crappy the oil filter was. It was also a brand Ive never heard of. Hetco.

Yes it is, because more revs means more movement so more friction = more dirt in the oil.

 

[bballr4567]

Yes it is, because more revs means more movement so more friction = more dirt in the oil.

Not really. If there is more dirt in the engine it means the air filter is not working.

You could say that the V6 has more surface area if you are going to keep up that argument. lol


Regardless, guys if you are waiting on your first oil change, DONT. That is my advice.

FWIW, Pepboys has a GREAT special going on now. 5 Qts of Pennzoil Platinum and a Purolater filter for $26.99. Plus, if you buy it before the 20th, you get a $5 mail in rebate offer as well.

 

[GARYD]

If that's syn oil, that's a good deal.
I am an Amsoil dealer (in name only-I don't resell-I use a lot of oil so I get the dealer discount). I also have oil analisys kits. If you can, I would highly suggest getting a test done. Then you will know FOR SURE how your oil is holding up.

 

[bballr4567]

Penn. Platinum is some of the best syn. oil you can get for the price right now. They changed their additive package around late 2008-early 2009 IIRC and a lot of guys are really happy with it.

Ive been reading on some UOAs of the 3.6 DI engines and it eats up the oil in most applications so I just figured Id get out the factory fill and put in good syn oil. Next oil change I will be sending it out for an oil analysis.

 

[grometsc]

Well, I changed the oil yesterday in our Terrain. It was at 2476 miles and the OLM was at 71% left.

Guys, all I can say, is get that factory fill out of there FAST and get a proper oil filter in there. Ours was "crushed" and a couple of the pleats were torn. The oil was also VERY, VERY, VERY dark and I could smell fuel in it. I wish I had a oil kit to send it off but I dont and I couldnt save any of it.

My advice, get a great synthetic in there immediately.

Common issue with all DI engines....Oil will not change what happens.

I was running PP due to cleaning package, switched on this one to Ultra because it has twice the cleaning package of PP.

But for the price its hard to beat PP....not sure if the roughly 10.00 extra is worth Ultra...But Ultra has the nicest VOA I've seen of any oil for cleaning agents.

 

[grometsc]

I was just amazed at how crappy the oil filter was. It was also a brand Ive never heard of. Hetco.

I avoid AC Delco filters now because of this....Most are made in China crap, and no longer manufactured by Champion Labs (or too hard to find a good one)

4 cyl engines gets dirty faster as they rev higher than a 6 cyl

:

 

[djjr50]

If/when I get my Equinox, I will make sure to check the dipstick periodically.

I havent changed my oil in 5 years, but I might start again, considering that I am downsizing and I can probably save a few pennies doing it myself.

And to comment about the 4cyl creating dirtier oil than a V6...I am sure the larger volume of the V6 is offset by the smaller (usually) volume of oil that the 4cyl has. I am sure there are plenty of variables to consider in this debate like tuning, design of the engine, displacement, etc. But never underestimate the fact that it couldve been a defective filter.

 

[Terrain]

I havent changed my oil in 5 years

Wow! That oil must be REALLY dirty!!!

Sorry... couldn't resist.

 

[GARYD]

In my opinion Wix makes the best filters.

 

[djjr50]

Wow! That oil must be REALLY dirty!!!

Sorry... couldn't resist.

Umm, yeah...I set myself up for that one! Let the docket officially read: "Its been 5 years since I have changed the oil in my vehicle myself."

 

[redlight_005]

I was just amazed at how crappy the oil filter was. It was also a brand Ive never heard of. Hetco.

Was this your very first oil change? Why would if come with a Hetco filter instead of an AC Delco?

 

[gearhead]

Well, I changed the oil yesterday in our Terrain. It was at 2476 miles and the OLM was at 71% left.

Guys, all I can say, is get that factory fill out of there FAST and get a proper oil filter in there. Ours was "crushed" and a couple of the pleats were torn. The oil was also VERY, VERY, VERY dark and I could smell fuel in it[/color]. I wish I had a oil kit to send it off but I dont and I couldnt save any of it.

My advice, get a great synthetic in there immediately.

I complained of gas smell when I was checking the dipstick before oil change at I think 6800 km, if memory serves.
Service Manager said no worries.
Switched to Castrol Synthetic oil, but prolly regular filter.
Any recommendations for filter next oil change?

 

[gearhead]

Was this your very first oil change? Why would if come with a Hetco filter instead of an AC Delco?

Yes, that is a very good question.

 

[bballr4567]

It was the FIRST oil change. It CAME with a Hetco filter. It was JUNK after 2400 miles. Almost half the media was collapsed on itself and was just crappy material all around.

I went with Purolater because of the deal with the PP but of all the filters at Pepboys, the AC Delco looked to be the cheapestily (made that up, lol) made.

 

[gearhead]

It was the FIRST oil change. It CAME with a Hetco filter. It was JUNK after 2400 miles. Almost have the media was collapsed on itself and was just crappy material all around.

I went with Purolater because of the deal with the PP but of all the filters at Pepboys, the AC Delco looked to be the cheapestily (made that up, lol) made.

Will definitely have to ask what the dealer uses next change and see if they offer a better filter.
We wouldn't want the cheapestly made one on our Terrain!

 

[RSchleder]

Come on guys!!!!! With a 5 year/50k miles warranty on these engines, I can't believe GM would put inferior oil filters in these cars. Warranty claims for poor filtering resulting in engine damage would far out weigh a few pennies more for a decent oil filter.