hankdz wrote:
We live on an Eastern mountain. Gain 700 feet in elevation coming up our 1.5 mile drive. Yes we set outside the garage for the recommended time before opening the door and driving in. As I understand the issue it isn't cooling down sufficiently before shutting down, it's cooling down sufficiently slowly before shutting down so warping the turbine won't occur because the cool-down was too abrupt. Not sure, but that's my understanding. It seems plausible, however.
We use Amsoil meeting the Chrysler/MB spec. It is: "AFL - 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil European Car Formula"
According to Amsoil it is "• Best performing product for European diesel and gasoline fueled engines • Fulfills the viscosity and high performance requirements of VW (including 505.01), Porsche, BMW, Mercedes Benz and others "
Recommended change is per manufacturer or 7500 miles or SIX months, or per an oil analysis. We use the six month test as we don't drive the KJ 7500 miles in that period.
BTW, I know that the dealers here about use Mobil 1 full synthetic, however, when we purchased the KJ I researched which oils actually meet the Chrysler/MB spec. I only found two, and Mobil is not one of them. The two were, at that time, Amsoil European Formula and Quaker State full synthetic. There might be more now, but then there were two.
Here's a plug for Amsoil. Their warranty is that, if you start using their oil prior to 30 thou or 40 thou miles (not exactly sure of that start point) and use it exclusively, and follow manufacturer recommendations regarding operation, oil change intervals, or alternatively their intervals, they warrant that they will repair or replace any failure caused by their product forever. Not sure if I quoted correctly, but it's something like that.
Hope this helps.
HMMMMmmmm.... My friend ran amsoil 5w40, had it tested, ran mobil 1 0w40, had it tested, and got some surprising results. I will shoot you a PM and maybe some of his test charts if he still has them and can email them to me. Mobil 1 0w-40 is a GOOD oil. Amsoil also tested very well...that is all I am going to say for now w/o data to show you all.
Mobil1 0w-40 is far FAR superior to many of Mobil 1's other fully synthetic oils. What about Mobil 1 0w-40 doesn't meet the spec??? I am curious???
I will get w/ my friend Matt and get back to you with actual data soon, I hate just saying stuff w/o proof.

- Mark
P.S. Of course Amsoil will bump their own product...what manufacturer wouldn't???
