Completing basic chores such...
Completing basic chores such as changing the oil and transmission fluid will keep your 4x4 running stronger longer. Here we use Pennzoil Platinum full-synthetic motor oil to fill the high-mileage 4.0L I-6 in our Jeep Cherokee.
Chores like raking leaves and cleaning the garage are easy to ignore weekend after weekend, but when it comes to maintaining your 4x4 a reluctance to get the job done can have catastrophic effects. Jobs such as changing the engine oil and transmission fluid are ever-important steps in keeping your 4x4 in excellent running condition and are often overlooked or delegated to the quickie-lube station that may use inferior products. Use of inferior products can extend beyond the quickie-lube station as well. It's pretty easy to be tempted by whatever oil is on sale at the auto parts store, but be aware you typically get what you pay for and your engine will reflect the purchase.
With nearly 160,000 miles on the 4.0L I-6 in our Cherokee, we wanted motor oil able to withstand fairly severe conditions. We even considered switching to a high-mileage motor oil, which is usually offered in higher viscosity and includes special additives to slow oil burn-off. Instead, we decided to reach all the way to the top shelf and fill the engine with the new, full-synthetic Pennzoil Platinum, which is said to offer superior antiwear protection and consistent engine performance.
Pennzoil Platinum is a full-synthetic motor oil available in 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 5W-40 Euro, and 5W-30 Euro. We chose the higher-viscosity 10W-30 to address our high-mileage needs, but newer, lower-mileage vehicles can get away with the 5W-30. 5W-30 is also advised in colder climes since it will flow better in colder temperatures. If you're unsure what oil viscosity to use in your vehicle, you should first check with the vehicle's manufacturer to see what it recommends. In any case, 10W-30 is pretty darn close to a one-size-fits-all oil, so it should suffice in most engines.
We'll use Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle...
We'll use Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF and a new Fram transmission filter supplied by Summit Racing to service the AW4 automatic transmission.
The full-synthetic Pennzoil...
The full-synthetic Pennzoil Platinum will be used along with a Fram Tough Guard oil filter. A new pan gasket was supplied by Summit Racing.
The Fram Tough Guard oil filter...
The Fram Tough Guard oil filter features the company's SureGRIP nonslip end for easy handling and installation, and it uses a combination of synthetic glass and cellulose media to achieve a 99-percent multipass filtration efficiency. Also, a silicone anti-drainback valve is in place to retain oil while the engine isn't running so it will have an ample supply at start-up.
We've already experienced...
We've already experienced more than our fair share of rusted bolts while working on our Cherokee, so we thought ahead and picked up some Pennzoil Z-4 multipurpose lubricant and Z-Q quick penetrant.
Before removing the trans...
Before removing the trans pan, we cleaned up the bolts using the Z-Q quick penetrant. After letting the Z-Q settle in, a rag was used to remove the built-up grease and dirt.
Once the fluid was drained,...
Once the fluid was drained, the transmission pan was removed as was the old filter, which was closely inspected for metal shavings and other debris.
A lot of inexpensive conventional oils won't hold up as well as top-shelf full-synthetic mixtures. Full-synthetic motor oil generally offers a number of advantages over conventional oils. For one, it flows through the engine more smoothly while keeping it cleaner at the same time. With so many natural impurities such as reactive hydrocarbons and sulfur in conventional oil, it usually requires more frequent oil changes to maintain a properly running engine. Synthetic oil is also better at preventing engine wear because it maintains its viscosity longer, which also helps extend oil-change intervals.
Along with the full-synthetic Pennzoil Platinum, we also picked up some Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF. The ATF is a synthetic blend with excellent high-temperature oxidation protection, and it features an advanced additive system for automatic and powershift transmissions. Since we'd be draining both the oil and transmission fluid, we also obtained new fluid filters and pan seals from Fram and Summit Racing.
The new Fram transmission...
The new Fram transmission filter was then installed. A new gasket was also installed before the pan was bolted back up.
The old oil was drained from...
The old oil was drained from the engine. We inspected the old oil for obvious debris and discoloration.
Once the pan was dropped,...
Once the pan was dropped, we performed a visual inspection of the oil pump and checked the oil pickup screen for debris. If properly maintained, the factory-installed oil pump can last for 150,000 miles or more (158,876 in our case); however, it's also forced to operate in severe conditions and suck unfiltered oil straight from the crankcase. Changing an engine's oil at regular intervals will help extend the life of all its internal components.
Here the new Pennzoil Platinum...
Here the new Pennzoil Platinum full-synthetic oil is shown alongside the old oil. There's no question that the new oil will be an improvement. We were unsure of the mileage since the last change, but it looked like it had been awhile.
With the oil pan and new gasket...
With the oil pan and new gasket in place, we installed the new Fram Tough Guard oil filter. The filter includes a seal that should be lubricated with a dab of new oil before installation.
Pennzoil offers a full line...
Pennzoil offers a full line of premium fluids, including brake fluid, Antifreeze & Summer Coolant, Gearplus SAE 80W-140 GL-5 heavy-duty gear lubricant, and power-steering fluid. We'll try out these products throughout the next few months as we continue our typical maintenance chores.