Synthetic worries and High Mileage
Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 8
From: Western NY,
I fugured that but wasnt sure if it was just an additive package (yes theres a difference all motor oils have an additive package thats one of the things that makes them different from one another) or actual synthetic oil blend...that why I put (blend?) when mentioning it above...
Amateur
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Actually, I believe synthetics have been around much longer , about mid 60's and if memory serves I think it was Chevron. And I swear by it, not at it. Cheap insurance if you ask me. My brother inlaw did an oil change on my wifes car with mobil 1 and did not tighten the drain plug. She drove 20 miles without it. I started the car and wondered what the hell was going on under the hood. I saw the IDIOT light and went underneath and saw the problem. I put more oil in it and another 80,000 miles
Grand Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,971
Likes: 45
From: MAINE
i boughT my truck with 186k. PO always brought it to dealer for conventional oil change. When i got it, i immidiatly changed to Moil 1 full synthetic...been using t since, have 197,900 miles now and no leaks
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
I'm only gonna speak on my experience and research. I switch to full synthetic at 140k. So what happened? My rear main seal started to leak like a sieve. SYNTHETIC OIL IS NOT BAD NOR WILL IT CAUSE ANY GIVEN GASKETS/SEALS TO LEAK. What happens is that synthetic oil is so good at wicking and cleaning out your engine, that it exposes bad seals that weren't leaking due to being blocked by sludge and gunk. This won't happen to everyone. Some people have no problem with synthetic, others do. There's only one way to find out.
I run my Dodge with Synthetic. Never a problem.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles, CA
Actually, conventional wisdom is to perform break-in on a new/rebuilt engine with petroleum-based oil. The thinking is that because of synthetic oil's superior lubricity it could interfere with the rings seating and prolong break-in. If a driver starts pushing the vehicle too soon before the rings seat, accelerated wear and/or failure could result.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
you are right. ive heard that from quite a few mechanics. ive been running Amsoil in my truck since i got it from my stepdad. i new it hadnt had an oil change in a long time so i did it asap. i also run it in my 01 cavalier. when i switched from the blended stuff to the amsoil in that car, i noticed a difference right away and it dont leak. i really like Amsoil. i have tried other full synthetics and havent been impressed. i was impressed with Amsoil, so i became a dealer for them and now most of my friends and family run Amsoil too. they seem to like it too. no complaints.
Depends, if its a full synthetic high mileage it's full syn. If it's a blend it's a blend. Most high mileage oil is conventional oil that has additives to help with higher mileage wear and tear.
All Star
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
From: Near Lenior NC
Actually, conventional wisdom is to perform break-in on a new/rebuilt engine with petroleum-based oil. The thinking is that because of synthetic oil's superior lubricity it could interfere with the rings seating and prolong break-in. If a driver starts pushing the vehicle too soon before the rings seat, accelerated wear and/or failure could result.