TC-W3 oil $12/gal

[freezerfiller]

Super tech TC-W3 2 cycle oil was $12/gal in my local wal-mart today. That's down about $5 from where it was this summer.

[Deleted]

That is less than what West Marine had it on sale as close out a couple of weeks ago! I have heard mixed stories about not using the recommended oil from the manufacturer? Any suggestions?

[freezerfiller]

I think manufacturers are prohibited from requiring a particular oil. They can only require a grade or specification such as TC-W3. They of course will "recommend" the oil that greases their pocket. I've been using Johnson brand oil, but I don't plan to when it's 30% more expensive. Some of the synthetics smoke less, some use less if you have a particular engine, so if that's what matters to you, I say go for it. But I've yet to hear of a rash of engine failures because of wal mart oil.

[Juan]

I used to use nothing but Quicksilver when I had a 2 stroke then changed and used WalMart oil for years without any problems....WalMart doesn't make oil...I've always heard that Shell Oil makes and supplies the Super Tech brand to Wally World. There's nothing wrong with it just because it costs less.

[Deleted]

Here in Florida where I live it is 12.15 a gallon all the time. I did some research and it is made by Shell Oil. It is actually the same formula as Pennzoil. It is not the Synthetic blend, it is the straight oil TC-W3. I spend the extra 3 bucks and buy the synthetic Blend Pennzoil Plus at Auto Zone. Don't know if I need too, I just like the thought of Synthetic.......my Johnson seems to like it just fine.....and it hardly smokes after she warms up.

[CaptWoody]

I also run the Pennzoil synthetic blend oil and I've been pleased with it. But Juan is right about the Walmart oil, it is made by a major supplier, not by Walmart. They put the same oil in other containers and sell it to many companies. It may very well be Shell, I've never researched it.

[BoutTime]

Being an Amsoil dealer I naturally use Amsoil products.

As for the Wally World oil you are correct, they get oil under their label from a low bid supplier in very large amounts. This week it may be Shell, next time it may be Mobil, or Exxon, etc.

The down side to this is that the supplier sometimes ships a product that is not top of the line, so you can never be certain exactly what you are getting. If brand and quality control are not major issues with you then go for it.. in a nut shell: you get what you pay for ?? just my two cents.

[Juan]

BoutTime....I use Amsoil in my motorcycle but there isn't a dealer near by and the only place I can find it is at one of the local motorcycle shops at $15. a quart.... do you sell 20w50 synthetic?

[BoutTime]

Juan;
First sorry it took so long to reply, been out of web touch for a while. Yes I carry Amsoil 20w50 synthetic for motorcycles. PM me your address with zip code and I'll get case prices and per quart prices shipped directly to your door.
$15 a qt. is a good bit more than the suggested retail, so even including the shipping I can save you some money.

[Juan]

PM sent ....and thanks

[T-Topless]

What is your "per-Quart" price?

[davidcowan]

I always thought that if an oil met the required specs (TC-W3, latest API category for cars) that getting more was a waste of money IF you adhered to manufacturers requirements (oil change interval for cars). I have heard that you can extend these intervals, and for super duty service (racing) that sythetics are better.

FWIW I use synthetics in my cars, but have been using any TC-W3 in my boats with no problems for a couple of decades.