It's almost time for my first oil change since my new engine was built. I've always used Mobile 1 when I needed a synthetic motor oil but it's been a few years since then and didn't know what everybody else was using. Any new advancements where I should use any other brand?

1996 Ram 1500 4x4 with the 318 motor

 

That 318 will eat full synthetic for lunch.


On my 318 on my old 1997 Dakota, I had to run conventional oil because ANY synthetic would disappear quickly. Even from remanufactured state of the engine.


I use Penzoil synthetic blend in everything I have now. It's done so well across the board on so many cars here for years now.

 

It hasn't used a drop since the motor was built so I'm not worried about that. But 1 vote for penzoil

 

Just keep an eye on it IF you decide to go synthetic. Who knows, you may have better rings than my reman did.

 

I used Mobil 1 Synthetic after I rebuilt my 1997's 5.2L, and the only reason I had an oil leak was due to my installing the oil pan gasket improperly.

 

Is the synthetic blend ok to use if you already have a leaking valve cover gasket? Mine doesn't leak too bad right now and was thinking of switching over to blend, but don't want exaggerate the leak. I don't really wanna change the gasket till I have to go into the top of the motor for other issues.


It leaks on the side that they made it fun to get to on the v10. I believe the intake has to come off as well.

 

That would be the passenger side.... Yeah, they hid that one REALLY well.

A synthetic oil tends to clean better than most conventional oils, so, what is a small leak now, will most certainly get worse. Given the way my lifters rattle at startup, I am REAL reluctant to go to a full synthetic oil as well, they tend to allow the lifters to bleed down too fast. I have the stuff to change mine over to the Valvoline Max Life. (which is a synthetic blend...... we'll see how that goes.) I just want to run some cleaner thru it before I change it. (which is in the crankcase now....)

 

Granted I've only had my truck for a good 3000 miles, I just wanted to share my experience.

She had 136 when I got her, about 139 now. I changed the oil as soon as I got it, even though it was "tuned up" before by a shop. I threw some pennzoil platinum high milage. I haven't noticed any leaks, at least any that drip. If you decide to go synthetic, go with a High Milage synthetic if possible. It will help with any leaks. Also, it didn't take long for the synthetic oil to get dirty. I also threw in 5oz of Seafoam and 1/2 quart of Marvell mystery oil just recently when she needed a drink. It's good, if you switch, to maybe put some cleaner through, or with the oil when you add it. No lifter noise or anything. And I don't even know the previous service history of mine, but I would highly reccomend the PPHM.

 

Defiantly Mobil 1 full synthetic...

 

I run Amsoil. The more things I use it in, the more I like their products. Eventually all the fluids in everything we own will be Amsoil. I started using it in the transmission of my semi and was impressed. It has just snow balled from there.