5.3L EcoTec Oil Type

Hexa Fox · February 23, 2021

Hey guys,

I know there are several threads on this already, including one that is several pages long. I believe that I first read here that many people (including GM dealers) are using a synthetic blend by ACDelco for their pickups. So I just got one of my first free oil changes done at my local dealer and I noticed the oil definitely does not look like full synthetic. Also I have noticed that the oil level is getting a little on the low end of the safe operating level on the dipstick. So now I am wondering what type of oil to put in it.

I know this is a hotly debated topic and hope I do not start anything. Also I remember trying to find the "ACDelco Synthetic Blend" and did not have any luck for 0W-20. I have a catch can on my truck that is removing a good deal of crap and making me feel at least a little better. I remembering some people saying they have had better luck with different oils and such. I have always just used Mobil 1 over the years. I think I remember reading someone claiming that the full synthetic based oil was making the AFM transition rough and after they went to the blend it was smooth again. Anyone know if there is any truth to this and where I can purchase this oil?

durandetto · February 23, 2021

I'm not sure you can find a non full synthetic 0w20 oil. At least in my experience. I work at a repair facility and we always use full synthetic for the 0w20 oil changes. I'm guessing it's becuase most of the cars that take 0w20 require a full synthetic oil. Our trucks require dexos approved oil which as far as I know is full synthetic. I'm no lubrication expert this is just my experience.

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btj_z71 · February 23, 2021

3 hours ago, Hexa Fox said:

Hey guys,

I know there are several threads on this already, including one that is several pages long. I believe that I first read here that many people (including GM dealers) are using a synthetic blend by ACDelco for their pickups. So I just got one of my first free oil changes done at my local dealer and I noticed the oil definitely does not look like full synthetic. Also I have noticed that the oil level is getting a little on the low end of the safe operating level on the dipstick. So now I am wondering what type of oil to put in it.

I know this is a hotly debated topic and hope I do not start anything. Also I remember trying to find the "ACDelco Synthetic Blend" and did not have any luck for 0W-20. I have a catch can on my truck that is removing a good deal of crap and making me feel at least a little better. I remembering some people saying they have had better luck with different oils and such. I have always just used Mobil 1 over the years. I think I remember reading someone claiming that the full synthetic based oil was making the AFM transition rough and after they went to the blend it was smooth again. Anyone know if there is any truth to this and where I can purchase this oil?

Go to Amsoil.com and get what need. Amsoil is simply the best there is. Many tests and comparisons are available on YouTube and other sites. If you want the best you can get, go with Amsoil.

I've used this in all my vehicles, including their products for brake fluid, differential fluid, transmission, grease, fuel additives, etc. Never had any issues, always high quality as expected.

newdude · February 23, 2021

3 hours ago, Hexa Fox said:

Hey guys,

I know there are several threads on this already, including one that is several pages long. I believe that I first read here that many people (including GM dealers) are using a synthetic blend by ACDelco for their pickups. So I just got one of my first free oil changes done at my local dealer and I noticed the oil definitely does not look like full synthetic. Also I have noticed that the oil level is getting a little on the low end of the safe operating level on the dipstick. So now I am wondering what type of oil to put in it.

I know this is a hotly debated topic and hope I do not start anything. Also I remember trying to find the "ACDelco Synthetic Blend" and did not have any luck for 0W-20. I have a catch can on my truck that is removing a good deal of crap and making me feel at least a little better. I remembering some people saying they have had better luck with different oils and such. I have always just used Mobil 1 over the years. I think I remember reading someone claiming that the full synthetic based oil was making the AFM transition rough and after they went to the blend it was smooth again. Anyone know if there is any truth to this and where I can purchase this oil?

All GM dealers that buy from GM"s dealer oil program have been on "synthetic" AC Delco Dexos 1 Gen 2 and gen 1for at a minimum of 5 years now. They only offer blend on 5w30 and 5w20 which are not Dexos spec oils. So its a 95% chance they put 0w20 synthetic.

The AFM transition thing makes no sense blend vs. synthetic. I can see changing oil weight having some sort of change there as a 30 weight oil is of a thicker viscosity than a 20 weight oil but even then, it seems placebo.

If you are planning to change your own oil, 8 quarts of your preferred 0w20 synthetic will do. Mobil1, Amsoil, Shell Rotella GT, Castrol, Pennzoil/Quaker State, Redline, the list goes on. No need to over think.

YYC-SIERRA · February 23, 2021

Don't forget, "Dexos" is a GM licensing system.

Companies need to pay GM to have their oil branded as Dexos approved.

GM makes money from these licenses. I wouldn't worry the slightest about a name-brand oil that lacks the Dexos label.

https://dexosesubmission.org/

Grumpy Bear · February 23, 2021

8 hours ago, Hexa Fox said:

1.) I noticed the oil definitely does not look like full synthetic.

2.) Also I have noticed that the oil level is getting a little on the low end of the safe operating level on the dipstick. So now I am wondering what type of oil to put in it.

3.) I think I remember reading someone claiming that the full synthetic based oil was making the AFM transition rough and after they went to the blend it was smooth again.

1.) And what does a synthetic look like?

2.) Any Dexos 1 Gen 2 of the correct SAE grade.

3.) I think I remember Betty White dying about 10 times and Elvis coming to someone's house last week.

JimCost2014 · February 23, 2021

Yea, he stopped by for Valentine's Day and to watch the Daytona 500.

Hexa Fox · February 23, 2021

7 hours ago, durandetto said:

I'm not sure you can find a non full synthetic 0w20 oil. At least in my experience. I work at a repair facility and we always use full synthetic for the 0w20 oil changes. I'm guessing it's becuase most of the cars that take 0w20 require a full synthetic oil. Our trucks require dexos approved oil which as far as I know is full synthetic. I'm no lubrication expert this is just my experience.

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This is what I found. I could not locate it anywhere online.

Hexa Fox · February 23, 2021

1 hour ago, Grumpy Bear said:

1.) And what does a synthetic look like?

2.) Any Dexos 1 Gen 2 of the correct SAE grade.

3.) I think I remember Betty White dying about 10 times and Elvis coming to someone's house last week.

1.) I am no oil expert but all the ones I have ran into so far (Mobil 1, Amazon Basics, Castrol, Kirkland Signature) have always looked very thin/transparent. I try to use full synthetic in any modern engine as I think it really helps. However, my biggest gripe with it is I sometimes have trouble seeing where it is on the dipstick as opposed to traditional oil for this previous reason.

2.) So this truck calls for a full grade synthetic 0W-20 correct? I guess I could always call them and ask what they used, but if they used a 5W-30 blend or something I doubt they would be honest with me.

3.) I am certain you have seen the post Grump unless you are referring to something else. Anyway it is post #6 on the first page of this thread by user "Silverado-Hareek".

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/191403-best-oil-for-the-53/#comments

Edited February 23, 2021 by Hexa Fox

Hexa Fox · February 23, 2021

6 hours ago, newdude said:

All GM dealers that buy from GM"s dealer oil program have been on "synthetic" AC Delco Dexos 1 Gen 2 and gen 1for at a minimum of 5 years now. They only offer blend on 5w30 and 5w20 which are not Dexos spec oils. So its a 95% chance they put 0w20 synthetic.

The AFM transition thing makes no sense blend vs. synthetic. I can see changing oil weight having some sort of change there as a 30 weight oil is of a thicker viscosity than a 20 weight oil but even then, it seems placebo.

If you are planning to change your own oil, 8 quarts of your preferred 0w20 synthetic will do. Mobil1, Amsoil, Shell Rotella GT, Castrol, Pennzoil/Quaker State, Redline, the list goes on. No need to over think.

Again post #6 by user Silverado-Hareek on the first page of the following thread.

Anyway, I am just trying to figure out whether there is any truth or anyone else has had a similar experience. Also yes, after I get done with my next free oil change I will probably do it myself for the life of the truck. I have read a lot of people post about having problems all types of problems with the AFM shifting rough. Every now and then mine will give a slight bang, stutter or something similar. However, I have been told it is nothing to worry about and it does not particularly bother me and usually anything like this would bother me. So far I feel a lot better after getting a catch can on it and the AFM does not bother me personally right now and would hate to change that with my oil choice.

Also I am sort of making this ahead of time, as if I put something in there that is full synthetic and a problem does arise then I can consider swapping it over to something else. I also remember the same guy (Project Farm) found that Amazon Basics and I think Kirkland Signature "beat" Mobil 1 in his tests. I know I can get either of those much cheaper, I see the Kirkland ones on sale at Costco all the time.

newdude · February 23, 2021

37 minutes ago, Hexa Fox said:

Again post #6 by user Silverado-Hareek on the first page of the following thread.

Anyway, I am just trying to figure out whether there is any truth or anyone else has had a similar experience. Also yes, after I get done with my next free oil change I will probably do it myself for the life of the truck. I have read a lot of people post about having problems all types of problems with the AFM shifting rough. Every now and then mine will give a slight bang, stutter or something similar. However, I have been told it is nothing to worry about and it does not particularly bother me and usually anything like this would bother me. So far I feel a lot better after getting a catch can on it and the AFM does not bother me personally right now and would hate to change that with my oil choice.

Lots going on with AFM. Torque converter is used during V4 to V8 transition, etc. AFM lifters and the system is sensitive to oil pressure as well. But the type of oil used should make no difference in the end. A good filter and good oil is all that's needed. If leaving AFM functional, a shorter interval might be ideal as well, say no more than 5000 miles. Lots of screens in the VLOM that can plug up and lead to oil flow issues to the lifters.

dieselfan1 · February 23, 2021

The best oil is new oil.

Change early change often.

Oil is cheap.

I use Mobil 1 OW-20

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Grumpy Bear · February 24, 2021

19 hours ago, Hexa Fox said:

1.) I am no oil expert but all the ones I have ran into so far (Mobil 1, Amazon Basics, Castrol, Kirkland Signature) have always looked very thin/transparent. I try to use full synthetic in any modern engine as I think it really helps. However, my biggest gripe with it is I sometimes have trouble seeing where it is on the dipstick as opposed to traditional oil for this previous reason.

2.) So this truck calls for a full grade synthetic 0W-20 correct? I guess I could always call them and ask what they used, but if they used a 5W-30 blend or something I doubt they would be honest with me.

3.) I am certain you have seen the post Grump unless you are referring to something else. Anyway it is post #6 on the first page of this thread by user "Silverado-Hareek".

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/191403-best-oil-for-the-53/#comments

1.) 0W20 does lack body at room temperature that a 20W50 would have. But that is an SAE grade thing and not and synthetic v semi v conventional thing. All three would be what you are calling 'very thin' given the same SAE grade. The color is a matter of dyes for the most part. You want something your can read? Royal Purple has a purple dye as does Lubrication Engineers.

2.) By "full grade" synthetic I'm guessing you might be meaning 'full synthetic'. And yes it does. All Ecotec3 motors call for a Dexos 1 Gen 2 licensed oil which are all full synthetic and Group II+, Group III and or Group III+ base oils. What they used is a different matter I can not comment on. No one on this earth can tell you the difference by 'eye.

3.) I reviewed the post sited. He's partially correct at best. AFM is a load based system and as such the lower the load the more it is active. If you follow my build thread you would have noticed that for the 2019 year Pepper averaged over 30 mpg using 100% synthetic 0W20. A grade not recommended for the 4.3. Last year I changed to 5W30/10W30, for an average of 28 mpg. SAE grade difference does indeed make a difference in ON TIME but has absolutely zero effect of 'harshness of engagement'. Fact is I've run 0W20, 5W20, 0W30, 5W30, 10W30 with oil temperatures between 175 and 225 F, water thermostats between 170F and 207F with absolutely no effect on 'harshness of engagement. Just amount of "On Time". It has zero effect on the 'sound' nor does it change the phase of the moon or rate at which paint dries. A few 100% synthetics that have a large dose of Moly, like Red Line will provide more On time for the same SAE grade than the same SAE grade with less moly will.

Edited February 24, 2021 by Grumpy Bear