Well almost time for another oil change and i'm right around 34,000. Regular oil is the only type its been fed thus far in its short life. Will I be ok using a synthetic blend oil at this point or should I stick with the regular oil? Not currently interested in swapping to mobil 1 or other full synthetic at the moment due to cost and me worrying about where it might start to leak. Thanks for the advice all
You will hear a LOT of stories about how switching from conventional to synthetic will "cause" leaks, and you'll hear almost as many claims that you can seamlessly mix, match, and change between them. Here's my two cents: Really old engines that used conventional oil tended to accumulate a buildup a varnish. Synthetic oil is heavily detergent-based to prevent varnish buildup. If you put synthetic into a filthy varnishy engine block, it's going to clean that crap off (the stuff you drain out of the pan afterwards will probably be black, chunky, and utterly disgusting). The trouble is, it will ALSO clean off the crap that was clogging gaps in the gaskets; it's not selective, obviously. Short answer: For a 34K engine that was changed regularly, I wouldn't predict any problems switching to a blend or even full synthetic. Don't believe any of the horror stories you read unless you hear THE WHOLE STORY.
I have seen several cars of 100k switch with no problems.. The cars I have seen do this I knew the owners.. no leaks, only better milege, smoother starting and smoother idaling.. my 2 cents
I've seen one case where it really messed up the engine, and several where everything was great. If the engine has been changed religiously, and the oil comes out looking good after 3,000 miles, then I'd say go for it. If oil gets dirty fast in the engine, then I wouldn't. The one I saw go badly was a relatively modern engine too, a factory turbo'd Volvo 4 cyl that was only about 60k old. On my old Nissan SE-R I changed to Mobil 1 at 60K and all I got was better mileage On my current Nissan SE-R, the car had 175k on it when I bought it, and I had no record of how the engine had been maintained, so I use dino oil. On my WRX I changed to Mobil 1 at 9k and that's all it's seen since.
you'll be fine, at 30k your engine should still be really strong and healthy.....it's not recommended to change to synthetic at abotu 80-100K because at that point, the seals are alreayd starting to go out. the synthetic oil has a detergent that cleans the engine as well as protect it, thus, it cleans up the seal. by cleaning the seals, it opens up gaps that were clogged by the burnt oil and crap that seals it which causes it to leak. synthetic not only increase the life of your engine, but keeps it clean as well. i'd recommend amsoil, goes to 25k miles and it's 100% synthetic, mobil 1 is only 70% synthetic...it's still consider full synthetic because 70% is all it needs to be consider full synthetic. both will cost about the same, one is just a better oil. i have amsoil right now and i've already put about 3k miles on it, still very clean for the amount of miles i've put on it. saves a bunch!
Thanks for the info all. I did not know mobil 1 was only 70% syn, good to know. I've had the oil changed around 3000k with dino every time so I should be able to switch no problem. However I have yet to do the oil changes myself so I never get a chance to see how clean the oil coming out is, looks like I may have to take the time to start doing some changes myself. Those of you who use synthetic oils, how many miles do you go before a change? I've heard some people wait till 7000k miles, I assume thats max but seems like thats stretching it a bit.
all very true... If anyone would like amsoil, my dad is a dealer just let me know what car you have and what you want and I can get it for you. BIG MAYBE: if there is enough intrest, could possibly get a group buy for you guys... BIG MAYBE I run amsoil as well, and I love it, like I stated earlier, smoother idel smoother starts, better mpg's.
Interesting..... what quanities can you buy 5w30 in? I have a bunch of amsoil I should pick up for my toys, I'd also like some for my boat and ice auger though the ice auger could wait a bit
filters Ok, now where does everyone buy their oil filters and what type do you buy? oem or aftermarket? I assume the aftermarket are a little more cost effective and work just as well.
i use amsoil filter as well. i got them from russ(WRX1) and they are spendy 10ish per filter....before i used napa oil filters(6ish), they are constructed filters and are made by one of the most high quality company. they pretty much almost rival mobil 1 and amsoil filters for less.
If you really want to shop comparatively for oil filters, check this page out first! some of the mdern hi performance ones aren't on there, but some of the general regular filters tested here are scary. http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html
Well, I put amsoil in my truck at 98,000 miles, and don't have a problem. Small block chev motors are not built real tight to begin with, and I have never had any leaking/blow by issues. As for amsoil, I am a dealer, and I sell all my amsoil to club members for cost plus sales tax. Russ
Amsoil now has a filter that will run just as long as there oil does... I am not sure what company makes them I am researching that now, and will let you know when I know. before the oil would run 25k, but you need to do a filter change at 12.5k...
http://www.synlube.com/synthetic.htm i also learned it while i worked at jiffy lube. The one i worked at, unlike many...we had good relation with our customers and knew our stuff before we sell....that's why customers only come in teh afternoon since they know me and my good manager works.
the 5W-30 25,000 mile oil comes in Quarts @ $6.75, case of 12 quarts @ $79.80, Gallons @ $26.2, case of 4 gallons @ 103.20, 30 gallon drums @ $653.00 plus shipping, and 55 gallon drums @ $1102.00 plus shipping. The oil filters are made specially for Amsoil, for Amsoil synthetic oil by Donaldson Co in Bloomington, MN Thanks.
