Synthetic Oil

[H2bill]

A question from a new H2 owner.... Is there a consensus here on synthetic vs. dyno oil? I was kind of surprised when I read my manual that the H2 didn't come with synthetic motor oil. Are there pros and cons unique to the H2 that I'm unaware of? I run synthetic in both my BMW car and bike. Do folks just switch over when they feel like it, or is there some other Hummer guideline? (With BMW motorcycles, the consensus seems to be to run dyno for a couple thousand miles before a switching to synthetic). Are there any warranty issues with going to synthetic?

I did a search but didn't find this particular question addressed. If the topic has been discussed (ad nauseum) here sorry, please post the link. Thanks.

[H2bill]

PhilD,
Again, apologies for being a nOOb here...is there a specific Hummer oil filter that is preferred, or is any after market GM specific filter considered good to go. My only other similar experience is with BMW motorcycles and analysis has shown that it is actually worth using the BMW filters over the aftermarkets.

[CO Hummer]

Originally Posted by H2bill

PhilD,
Again, apologies for being a nOOb here...is there a specific Hummer oil filter that is preferred, or is any after market GM specific filter considered good to go. My only other similar experience is with BMW motorcycles and analysis has shown that it is actually worth using the BMW filters over the aftermarkets.

yeah phil, what about the K&N Performance Gold filters. OK by you? I think you once said you use Mobil 1 filters, not sure if you've tried anything else.

[md_sailor]

K&N #1007 and Royal Purple

[SnakeH2]

I thought I've read that it's good to wait until about 15k to make sure seals seat properly

[tomp]

I have heard that some sport bikes that have ceramic coated cylinders have issues with Syn oil. Other than that, I have never heard anything except to allow break-in period to occur with dino. There has to be some truth to the rumor that syn oil has less friction because engines run cooler with it. My Harley runs 20 degrees cooler with Syn oil.

I am switching over to Mobil 1 with Mobil 1 extended performance oil filter. Then I will start using the electronics tell me when to change the oil instead of changing it every 3k miles. The decision to switch over was hard for me because I get $20 oil/filter and lube at local Chevy dealer.

Now I will have to change oil/filter & lube myself and will still cost me almost $40 to do it. I am going to justify it because I will go longer between changes and engine will run cooler and may have less wear.

[CO Hummer]

Originally Posted by md_sailor

K&N #1007 and Royal Purple

I'm using a K&N 1007 and Mobil 1. Just switched to synthetic last weekend and I"m doing the oil/lube myself now.

[H2 Bill]

Mobil 1, and the Mobil filter!

[DURAMAX TIM]

don't use Fram.

I run shaeffer's moly in my stuff but they recommend some miles first before the moly.

Can't beat their grease, non-lithium based so water doesn't wash it out.

[o2man98]

AMSOIL TSO 0w-30 and EaO32 filter. Excellent in the LQ4's. http://www.modernoils.com/EaO_Oil_Filters.html

[md_sailor]

Originally Posted by DURAMAX TIM

don't use Fram.

I run shaeffer's moly in my stuff but they recommend some miles first before the moly.

Can't beat their grease, non-lithium based so water doesn't wash it out.

no fram filters! You will not go wrong with any of the High end Syn's Mobil 1, Amsol or Royal Purple. I've been inpressed on how clean the Royal purple is after 3000 miles

[Braveheart7]

2005 H2 still under warranty, needs an oil change.
question is; do i need to take it to a Hummer dealer for oil change or can any GM dealer do that. I don't want to screw up warranty.

thanks

[SnakeH2]

Anyone. Just have it docuemted....and reset the system

[o2man98]

Originally Posted by Braveheart7

2005 H2 still under warranty, needs an oil change.
question is; do i need to take it to a Hummer dealer for oil change or can any GM dealer do that. I don't want to screw up warranty.

thanks

Get some oil, a filter, and a drain pan and do it yourself.

[MONSTERMATT]

I run k&n 1007 filter and amsoil 5w 30 full synthetic, i change my own oil and now iam wondering about that since you say it should be documented, how could i go about doing such a thing?

[H2bill]

Originally Posted by Braveheart7

2005 H2 still under warranty, needs an oil change.
question is; do i need to take it to a Hummer dealer for oil change or can any GM dealer do that. I don't want to screw up warranty.

thanks

Have it done or do it yourself. The key is to document what you did and when you did it. Like working on bikes, you will probably do a much better job, even just an oil change, than your local Jiffy Lube 16 y/o kid.

[H2bill]

Originally Posted by MONSTERMATT

I run k&n 1007 filter and amsoil 5w 30 full synthetic, i change my own oil and now iam wondering about that since you say it should be documented, how could i go about doing such a thing?

Someone who knows for sure can jump in here, but my understanding from other forums is that the manufacturer has to be able to prove that something you did caused damage to the vehicle in order to void a waranty. Just because you put a 6" lift on your H2 and run 37's, doesn't mean they can automatically void the warranty for your seat heater going out. (Although they may have an argument on voiding the warranty on your power steering unit going out). Obviously you would take it to the dealer for any warranty work you might need, but I don't think they can require you to have routine maintenance done exclusively at a dealer or else it will void the warranty. My dealer is 90 miles away and I am certainly not going to drive 180 miles for an oil change.

I know with BMW motorcycles, the dealers have honored service records where I have listed all the maintenance that I (vs. a dealer) have performed on the bike. This has included major tuneups. It DOES help to keep the receipts for the oil and filter, etc. for your oil change to support your claim that you changed your oil on such and such a date.