Postby TooMuchControl » Mon Apr 18, 2022 9:09 am
A compression test of cylinders will tell you the health, really.
I've used a number of brands and have been happy.
For Oil Filters, I've ordered the least expensive "good ones" from RockAuto. I've researched these through BITOG, and they all come up as very good.
I usually order 4 at a time, and whatever includes the best shipping rate - comes to my house!
Nissan Oil Filters are built very well.
Bosch 3323 Oil filters - no problem at all.
Denso 1502003 - excellent filters - no problems.
BECK/ARNLEY 0418135 - excellent filters - no problems.
The insides of these are premium built, with excellent filter media.
NOTE: I change mine on every oil change because, I do it myself, and over a shop, the costs of a filter ($5) is an easy thing for me. I just feel a filter, well, a new clean one, is better than an old one. My oil always comes out black as coal, so I figured, if the oil is doing it's job, then the filter is doing its as well, so I synchronize it.
As far as oil:
Penzoil Platinum (made from Natural Gas) - excellent oil! - anytime it's on sale, it's mine.
Costco - Kirkland - no problems. No burning off, nothing, seems thin, but it's a smaller size 4.73L, so I'm stuck using one bottle and part of the next one. It's a pain.
Castrol GTX 5w30 - anytime this is on sale, it's mine. Complete faith in this oil brand.
Shell Rotella T Synthetic. I think it's the absolute best oil, but it's rarely on sale.
Up here in Canada, Canadian Tire branded Motomaste Oils are made by Shell.
If it's on sale, I will grab it.
Basically I've used many different oil brands over the past years, none of which have had any impact.
Folks have different experiences, and climates may affect it. If you want confidence, just shop for the same brand of oil and keep with it?
If you really want to know what's happening in your engine, get an oil analysis check.
My perception of oil changes is that, as long as you perform it regularly, under the same driving conditions (highway/city) the Gods of Oil will take care of you.
These VK engines seem very tolerant.
Mine is the first year build of the 4.0. 310KM.