Can anyone help clear up wether you can switch from standard oil to synthitic and back to standard. I know it is not the best thing to do, but does it really cause real damage?

 

There's no problem as they are both capable of mixing! You can switch back-forth each oil change if you'd like to.
No damage whatsoever!!! Everything else is a myth and unproven speculation.

 

Yep, you can go back & forth all you want with no other procedure involved other than normal draining, filling & filter change...

 

Thanks guys, a coworker told me I was voiding my warranty and all my engine seals were trashed. I haven't had any problems but worse mpg.

 

You mean worse with synthetic?

 

Shouldn't see worse MPG with anything unless you are using the wrong weight oil.

 

It's another Myth that Synthetic trashes your seals. Bogus. Synthetic has cleaners that protect your engine from grime. The only way you get leaks after going to synthetic is when conventional oil has left crud behind that was plugging up the leaks. Base stock IV Synthetics(Mobil & Amsoil) actually prevent sludge build-up because they need much less additives than Base III synthetics such as Valv, Penz, Quaker state, Castrol which need more additives. The additives are what cause sludge when they break down.

Synthetic is meant for improved MPG's because of the additives that help reduce friction and thermal breakdown.

Most Synthetic stories you hear are rumors from know-it-all's that are going by hearsay.

What is true about Synthetics, is that you may burn more oil with a Synthetic as compared to conventional if you already have an existing issue.

 

Yep, all myth. Not only do synthetics tend to break down more sludge and float more contaminants, but their individual molucules are smaller and more uniform. So while penetrating and coating better they also can get thru existing leaks that conventional didn't. Synthetic won't cause leaks but may expose some that were already there...

 

Hammer, why can't I just say it like that? You say so little so well...lmao

 

Wow. Not all Mobil 1 and Amsoil synthetic oils are Group IV. Many Group III synthetics perform just as well as Group IV synthetics as proven by thousands of UOA (used oil analysis).

At the same grade (viscosity) you are not going to see any appreciable difference in mileage with a synthic oil as opposed to conventional dino oils.

Sludge is not a result of the breakdown of additives in Group III oils as compared to Group IV. Sludge is caused by an accumulation of combustion by-products, contaminants, and oxidation. Syntehtic oils (Group III, IV, or V) have better anti-oxident properties than conventional oil.

The main advantages of synthetic oil are better stability at high temperatures, resistance to oxidation, and they flow better at low temperatures (lower pour points).

Personally, I only use synthetic oil because I believe it provides an extra measure of protection especially under extreme conditions. I have switched vehicles from conventional to synthetic with no issues. The oils are fully compatible. Issues with seals now fall into the category of urban myths.