[clickman]

Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I'm doing the flush as Jake recommended as I change from M1 0W-40 to the Castrol Syntec. Especially as the car will be sitting for some time. I drained the M1 yesterday, in the process ruining my drain plug.

So the Valvoline flush and Castrol fill will be done next week after Charles gets me my new LN Eng magnetic drain plug. With the hard surfacing and 10mm internal hex, this one should last as long as I have the car, as well as give me some indication of internal wear.

I wanted to go to the Castrol Syntec 10W-40, but like you, I can only get 5W-40. With thanks to JFP in PA, he tells me it's also a good oil, just isn't as good as the 10W-40 in its ability to "stay in grade" under high shear/heat conditions. We'll just need to change it sooner, about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).