Oil Choice

Vaughn · 02-01-2008, 08:18 AM

Hi all, I'm new to the Suzi. Thanks for a good site to learn about it.
1999 Grand Vitara V6. 100,000 miles. So far so good.
It's time to do an oil change and wondering if a good 10-30 is O.K.
I haven't been under it to look close but is the oil filter as hard to get to as rumored?
Thanks and I'm looking forward to a lot of participation on the board.

Vaughn
1999 Grand Vitara
Screven, Georgia

Max · 02-01-2008, 05:46 PM

Welcome Vaughn!

You'd be best off sticking w/the OEM recommended 5-30W. I've got 215K miles on my engine with dedicated 3-4K mile changes, with out engine problems. Folks around here agree to the same (oil weight and frequency). Synthetic or conventional is your choice of course, but I happen to be an avid fan of conventional motor oils changed regularly.The timing chain and tensioner need clean oil to survive for max mileage too.

Yeah, the filter IS a pain to get to. Worse yet is the mess of oil that drains down the side of the engine, across the front axle and frame /cross member too. But don't let that keep you from changing it.

XL7Limited · 02-01-2008, 08:46 PM

what I do is to drape a piece of tinfoil over the crossmember so that the oil does not go inside the crossmember and get all messy. it works great,,

murcod · 02-02-2008, 01:03 AM

Just think of the excess oil as free rust proofing.

What sort of temperatures do you experience where you live? That will determine the oil viscosity choice. As said 5W30 is recommended but if the temps are regulary over 30 degrees (like where I live) then IIRC 10W40 is recommended. (I'm using 5W40 as it's easier to find.)

ewetho · 02-03-2008, 04:28 PM

Here is the US a 5W-30 is readily available and easy to find. And no we don't have the higher viscosity recommended. 10W-30 down south in GA is no problems at all as you do not have any variable valve train geometry so go for it.