I decided at 33000kms that its time to give synthtetic oil a chance and see what it does. Ticking and chatter on cold starts did not really change, but operating (engine) temp went down by 1/2 notch on temp gauge!!! Is this common? Weather here is not much different then yesterday, so.... Can anybody explain why simply chnaging to Synthetic would decrease engine temp. And yes I could have done a search, but there are 1 million posts concerning oil and I would have had to skim through at least 1/2 that to get any answers. I was hoping for a response sooner! Thanks in advance!!!

 

I am in "oily" mood today, so no flames. Synthetic oil reduces friction-less friction-less heat. It may also have better heat transfer characteristics-it "takes" heat away faster from high friction parts and it gets cooled down faster, but I am not sure about that.
Alex

 

Alex,
I think you nailed it. Most folks don't realize that as much as 0% of the engines heat is carried away by the oil. The water cooling system is just there to help...

 

Is it okay to switch to synthetic even if I had been using regular oil for the past 10 - 11 years on the car? What are the effects on high mileage engines? What type of oil is best suited for older engines? what do you guys use?

 

You can actually buy synthetic Mobil that is for older cars. They are following in the footsteps of Valvoline max but with the synthetic oil! Anyways, I just noticed at Walmart and Crappy tire. New high mileage syntheic oil. Must just have extra chemicals added to keep gaskets swollen and prevent leaks from switchover. REMEMBER!!! Synthetic oil does not cause leaks!!! IT EXPOSES THEM!!!! And I'll argue with anybody that says otherwise.

 

See my posts in the Types of Synthetic Oil???. I have very recent experience with a vehicle leaking badly on synthetics, that ceased with only an oil change to a conventional oil. Plain and simple, the majority of gasket materials are engineered to seal conventional oils, not synthetics. Check out the thread.

 

my only problem with the syntec oil is that I notice the z5 burns oil , I have to constantly monitor the oil lever to make sure it is up to par, ... otherwise the car loves a good oil change, .. speaking of wich ..

 

Mobil 1 now calls all their 10W-30 oil "High Mileage Formula". It's pure marketing BS. Just like they call all their 5W30 "Newer Vehicle Formula". Their formulations are the same, the only difference is the viscosity.

Not that I'm against M1, It's actually what I run in my car. Just don't make your decision based on the label, base it on the recommended viscosity.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/...c;f=1;t=000424

 

Is anyone going to agree that synthetic does not cause leaks!! It simply exposes them!!!! Its like a rad that has a leak and someone uses stop leak and , wowleak is gone, then next owner flushes the system and finds leaks. Big surprise there huh?? The leaks were just hidden!!! Oh well, I could go into tranmission stop leak formulas and do another comparison..... I am too tired! Going home and will crank the evil out with loud sterio music.

 

Could it be also that you went from an oil that is on the relatively thin end of the allowed range for the respective grade (M1) and put in something that is really thick?

Did the problem really go away or is the molasses that was poured in covering it up for now? Just more food for thought.

 

Not to nitpick, but you have obviously been doing your homework if you're reading that site. At operating temperature, Mobil 1 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 are essentially identical. If you choose to be really picky, the 0W-30 is actually thicker than the 10W-30, whch is also why I agree with you that it's all marketing BS.

 

The oil used in the truck was a 10w30 in both synthetic and conventional. I wouldn't call any oil molasses unless it was a straight 30 weight or heavier. Fact is, a paper or neoprene gasket will absorb a certain amount of convetional oil to swell and tighten in it space. Sythetics don't lend themselves to this and hence are prone to leak past an otherwise good gasket. Sorry. Synthetics may be good, but they arn't perfect. I will concede that the reduced friction is noticeable in the idle and maybe, in a stretch, at the gas pumps, but not nearly enough to justify the cost. I've seen very impressive results from conventional oils, so I will stick with them.

 

How old was that truck????? Engines do develop leaks over time in which conventional oil helps to mask the leak by further swelling the gaskets!!!! If it was a older truck , then I understand your problem as any shop I have discussed synthetics with have told me that older vehichles suffer more problems with synthetics as compared to newer cars. "Just a messenger here" Don't shoot!!!" Could it be that newer cars have better and tighter fitting components to begin with and therefore allowing less to no noticeable leaking with synthetic use. I don't know!~ Good luck! I have 2000kms on my synthetic oil now and changes at 33000kms and I love it!!!

 

Show of hands ,how many protege owners using synthetics have devolped leaks.
I'd imagine none, so if you think it's worth it go for it.
I use it in everything I own. Never had a problem.
02½ P5.... 92 Jeep limited.....96 VW jetta 130,000 miles when given up for P5 ALL of them w/ synthetic no probs....86 BMW 3series 2nd owner w/ ½ the 120,000mi synthetic, never a mechanical problem.... 80 Datsun 280Z over 100,000 miles 1st car I ever used synthetic in. Oddly enough this one tore through oil sending units after changing to syn. I finally stopped replacing them..... But I still used synthetic's

 

From another thread:
My bad, I was under the impression that you used 20W-50 instead, hence the molasses comment.

While nothing can be said to be perfect, and synthetics aren't what I would call a miracle oil by any stretch of the imagination, I have personally used synthetic oil in many different cars owned by myself, friends and family. Not one of them has had a problem with leaking gaskets. I have also never gotten any negative feedback from any of my customers with regards to leakage problems.