stang23456

Recently purchased 99 cherokee 4X4 with 138k miles. What oil brand/type should I use ? I think its too late to go to synthetic

Firestorm500

Either use dino oil 10W-30 or Mobil 1 10W-30.

Mopar or Wix filter.

Never too late to go synthetic.

Ignore everyone else's advice after this post.

Well, member "salad" is OK.

salad

Switching to synthetic is generally fine, this isn't the 80s anymore. Also 138k is I think just about broken in for a 4.0 So congrats on the XJ!

There are a ton of posts on here about oil and there is no single consensus other than "change it". A lot of folks here hate oil additives such as Lucas. North American manuals specify 5W30 in colder climates/seasons, 10W30 in warmer. 5W30 year-round is fine for modern oil. Down in warmer climates like South America and Australia, manuals call out stuff like 15W40s and 20W50s. Lots of folks on here run diesel oils for greater viscosity and the additive package for diesel-oriented lube has ingredients good for the 4.0 that were phased out of API gasoline oils some time ago. Likewise, tons of people run the Wal-Mart brand 10W30 and are just happy with it.

Something specific though is regarding filters, and this is just general advice. Stay the hell away from FRAM. Quality filters for the 4.0 include Wix, Purolator, NAPA Gold, Mobil 1, and a few others. Again, many threads about this stuff.

Since I got my XJ I did my first oil change with 1 M1-204 and Mobil 1 5W30. When it heats up outside I'm going to try some Rotella T6 5W40 and slap a Mobil 1 M1-301 filter on there.

ProudXjOwner

So many people hate on FRAM I have used it all my like and my family has been using FRAM waaaaaaaay before I was even thought of with out any problems. Back to ? I use Valvoline 10w-30.

Firestorm500

You all must trade cars every couple of years. I feel sorry for the owners after you.

ProudXjOwner

Family bought new Fram ever since.
1. 1968 Plymouth fury 3
2. 1978 dodge power wagon w150
3. 2003 honda goldwing
4. 1982 chevy malibu bought in 95 or 96.

beatricethexj

There are as many opinions on what type of oil as there are members in this forum

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

Read that and it will tell more than you want to know about oil. From there you can take what forum members say and make the best decision.

CPLSeraphim

You know, when i first started driving, I thought FRAM was like the best product ever... Over time, i have learned and seen why FRAM is, well, easily put, sold at wal-mart. lol. Kind of like that "nice" thing you buy that breaks with-in a week... Nothing against Wal-mart, just used as an example. It is DEFINATELY worth it to spend a few extra bucks and not spend Buku bucks later. I use Purolater. Hasn't let me down yet. and my jeep had 215,XXX miles on it when I got it, and i highly doubt it ever had synthetic... I changed it to synthetic. No leaks, which some people say will happen, and i think my jeep loves it. May just be me though... lol.

Firestorm500

The salvage yard is FULL of vehicles with Fram filters on them. Go look.

I'd rather not play Russian roulette with my engine, thankyouverymuch.

413maxwedge

I have used fram filters and never had any problems at all. But it's funny to watch the mass hysteria from alot of people that didnt have problems either (i call 'em simpleton's), But after looking at the design I can see it might have problems, I would think the problems occur more to people that really don't change oil or manage their xj's very well.So I just went ahead and stuck with what came from the factory. I really get a kick out of the self appointed ignorant oil and filter expert on these post's, it just show's the amount of stupidity one brain can hold. The stuff to use is the factory stuff or what they list as a replacement. Not what one little simpleton tells you.

CPLSeraphim

^that is hilarious. Just had to mention that.

stockli

I like Rotella T 10-30. It helps my jeep run quiet, and last time I had the valve cover off it was sparkling clean.

And I use wix filters, but I think the mopar, mobile one, purolator are good too.

cruiser54

The issue with Fram, particularly on our Jeeps, is that our filters are mounted upside or sideways unlike most vehicles. As a result, the filters we use MUST have a high quality anti-drainback valve or we get dry starts. Fram does not have a good anti-drainback along with other quality issues.

awsgrayrd

x2. I've always been a FRAM buyer for all of my vehicles even the Chevelle! Since I bought the Jeep I noticed that was an issue.

V/r,
-awsgrayrd.

hankthetank

wow, i don't think there is actually any BAD advice in this 'new' oil thread. OP, its really up to you, take everything you've read so far and come up with your own decision. good luck!