Kendall GT-1

poorsche · 08-16-2001, 09:55 PM

Why is Kendall GT-1 motor oil blue? Reminds me of SWEPCO.

When your car is using some oil do you go with thicker or thinner to lessen usage? I changed from Quaker10W40 to GT-1 20W50 and it seems I'm losing it faster. No leaks at all. Going out the exhaust I guess.

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Joseph
'86 T-look

KTL · 08-17-2001, 06:55 AM

My Kendall GT-1 20W50 is green!

Sometimes oil consumption is reduced with a higher viscosity oil when it is a leak. Another band-aid is using it to help low oil pressure. If it's mechanical consumption, viscosity won't make a difference.

Just for your reference, I took this from the EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MOTOR OILS Pelican Article.

Quote:

Very few manufactures recommend 10W-40 any more, and some threaten to void warranties if it is used. It was not included in this article for that reason. 20W-50 is the same 30 point spread, but because it starts with a heavier base it requires less viscosity index improvers (polymers) to do the job.

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Kevin
87 Carrera coupe

[This message has been edited by KTL (edited 08-17-2001).]

Superman · 08-17-2001, 07:59 AM

I like Kendall and my Kendall is green. My other oil is Valvoline Racing. I use 20W50 all year since it does not get very cold here, usually. I am amazed at how much 10W40 is on the shelves at stores. It's like that's what everyone uses. I would not use 10W40 unless I expected temps below about 30 degrees F. And I would use 20W50 in the Summer, regardless of where I lived.

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'83 SC

KTL · 08-17-2001, 09:58 AM

10W40 must be very cheap to make or it's leftovers from making other grades of oil?

I don't know, but the article is right. You never see it's viscosity description recommended in any owners manuals. Nor do you ever see 10W40 listed amongst other viscosity grades in test comparisons (like the Pelican article).

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Kevin
87 Carrera coupe

Planter91C2 · 08-17-2001, 10:06 AM

10w40 is not recommended to use anymore and actually voids GM warranties.

as far as i know the reason is that it contains the most additives to get it to stretch all the way from 10 to 40. as i understand it polymers are added. a polymer is a shaped like a spring and when it is cold it is coiled and the oil is thicker. when the polymer gets hot it relaxes and uncoils so the oil gets thinner and flows freely.

the addition of a large amount of polymers takes up alot of volume in the oil, so there is actually less true oil present for lubricating.

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Daryl 964 Targa

poorsche · 08-17-2001, 10:07 PM

It must be the paper towels I'm using. Or I'm slightly colour blind. Either way looks blueish to me. But what about extra consumption? It really seems to be using alot more. Can this be possible or is another misjudgement/measurement on my part.

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Joseph
'86 T-look

Bobster · 08-18-2001, 09:25 AM

Talking of Coloured Oils, I rememeber back in the UK, I always used Duckhams Motor Oils, that stuff was really GREEN!!!! and they did some great television ads too, use the "Q"........ also anyone remember Castrol "R" Motor Oil, was a vegetable based oil, I used that in my Manx Norton, Great Aroma!!!!!!!! but very short Life, had to chang it every race!!!!

Doug Zielke · 08-18-2001, 09:36 AM

Castrol "R"!!
Now you're bringing back some sweet memories, Bobster. There will always be an England!
PS: I used to have a Norton International, (street-going cousin to the venerable Manx).

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'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

Bobster · 08-18-2001, 11:34 AM

Hi Doug...Ah yes!! The international, was that the "Garden Gate" Frame Variety? the old Amal GP carb (Controlled Petrol leak) and exposed Hairpin Valve Springs!!!! Best british bike I ever owned was a Vincent "Rapide" 1000cc V Twin, sold it in the mid 70's when I mover to the States, that was one bike I should have never sold!!! Oh well.......

makaio · 08-18-2001, 11:53 AM

I use Kenadall 20-50 GT-1. Its color is green. At least all the quarts I have seen. And for some reason my car drinks it like it's beer. Anywhere between 200-600 miles I have to add a quart. I don't know if it's just the brand or not, because the PO ran Kendall as well, so I continued. I have no leaks (any substantial), good compression,& newer valve guides.

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Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

Early_S_Man · 08-18-2001, 03:58 PM

Ah, the aroma of Castrol 'R' on a Sunday morning at the races/autocross!!! Too bad you can't get it for $1.35 per quart any more ... nice red/orange tint to the oil, too, after a few heat cycles!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

911pcars · 08-18-2001, 04:21 PM

On multiviscosity oils:
"....when it is cold it is coiled and the oil is thicker. when the polymer
gets hot it relaxes and uncoils so the oil gets thinner and flows freely...."

Slight correction:
The natural tendency for oil is to thicken as it becomes colder and to become thinner as it heats up. In very cold weather, oil can thicken (increase viscosity) to the point of not flowing to needed lube areas very readily. At high temperatures, it will thin out so much (lose viscosity) there is marginal film strength for proper lubrication.

Multi-viscosity oils were formulated to act the opposite of oil's natural tendencies at both ends of the temperature range.

I'm not sure what most manufacturers currently recommend for oil viscosity, but they have tended to go with the lowest practical viscosity in order to reduce internal friction for increased fuel mileage numbers.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

Doug Zielke · 08-18-2001, 06:46 PM

Bobster,
Yes, my "Inter" had the infamous Garden Gate frame. Actually, it handled pretty good for it's time. The GP carb was removed by the PO. He knowingly put a MonoBloc on it. Still not very good, but better than the Gipper, especially for starting.

Alas, I sold the bike to a fellow in Mill Valley, CA about 6 years ago. Got my price and a bunch of memories.

Cheerio!

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'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

Eric H · Eric H's Garage

Hi Matt,

I use GT-1 20W-50, too, and my car seems to drink it like beer as well... about 4-5 hundred miles/quart in city and spirited driving. I don't put on highway miles and my car has about 100k miles. Not a drip on the garage floor, and no smoke either - the oil just disappears... I guess it's OK - I'm not losing sleep over it!

Eric H 87 Targa

APKhaos · 08-19-2001, 11:07 AM

Hmmm... my 3.2 uses around a quart per 500 miles, again with no smoke and no leaks. Not losing sleep either, but I'd really like to know what is going on in my virgin 140K mile engine to cause this amount of consumption.
Where the heck is it going??
Tony K
85 Carrera

[This message has been edited by APKhaos (edited 08-19-2001).]

john walker's workshop · 08-19-2001, 11:36 AM

down the guides most likely. worn or not, some oil is going to get past the seals. call it valve guide lube.

APKhaos · 08-20-2001, 07:56 AM

Thank, JW! Anything to worry about at this consumption rate? Compression is good , & leakdown is better than 96% on all pots.
Should I plan a top overhaul this winter, or just keep driving it??
Tony K
85 Carrera 140Kmiles

Superman · 08-20-2001, 03:35 PM

Drive it, Tony.

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'83 SC

APKhaos · 08-20-2001, 06:25 PM

Good advice, Super.
Summit Point this weekend, then VIR, then two more Summit Point DEs before the season ends. I love this car, and the things it can do. Had a bunch of projects ready at the start of summer that have all been postponed until the dead of winter. They can wait!
Tony K
85 Carrera