Synthetic Oil
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Not sure but have been told to make sure you flush your engine before you start using synthetic oil. I have been using Mobile on for about 15 years. My first car put on synthetic had about 70,000 miles on it. When I changed to synthetic I had problems. I was told at that time to flush the engine with lots of miles before going to synthetic.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
Originally Posted by santovette
If you aregoing to a sunthetic oil you need to get a good flush and flush your engine or it will stop up the oil ports when you install the synthetic.
I am using dino right now (engine has less than 2000 miles on it) but when I change the oil at the end of the summer, I plan on going to synthetic.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
To change or not to change. That's the question. I sold Amsoil for years until it got very expensive and most of my customers went to all the other brands on the market now. I think Mobil One is probably the best (Just my opinion). As far as flushing before changing to synthetic. It's a good idea and Amsoil sells a very good engine flush. However, mileage and engine condition is very important. Higher mileage engine sometimes don't want to accept synthetic oil and will start to burn oil and let it pass by seals and what not. I always break in an engine for about 3 to 5 thousand miles until the rings seat and then change over. I have had customers change over as high as 50,000 miles and had no problems. Give it a try. Your engine oil temperature will drop dramatically and you don't have to change quite as often.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 837
Likes: 3
From: Texas
This place is great for questions on oils, filters, etc.
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by toddrob
That was a short debate guys...any other thoughts?
http://www.digeraticafe.com/Detailed/223.shtml
However,mine has been on Dino forever...I'm not changing because I'm satisfied with how I'm doing service on my engine...
Flush ? Not really necessary but a short interval for your first oil change on the Syn might not be a bad idea...this allows time for syn additives to do some work....just my two cents
The opposite of synthetic.
East bound and down...
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Jonesboro Arkansas
One thing to be aware of when switching to a synthetic oil in an older engine is that you might develop leaks where you previously didn't have any 
, due to the higher solvent nature of syn. oil.
How long has your motor been together, and how many miles does it have on it? I have done a considerable amount of reading on this subject and most people will tell you that if you have a motor that has been on conventional motor oil for more than 75,000 miles you should just stick with conventional oil. But, there is no question that syn. oil is far superior, after I get my new motor broken in good I will switch to Mobil 1. I already run it in everthing else I own.
, due to the higher solvent nature of syn. oil. How long has your motor been together, and how many miles does it have on it? I have done a considerable amount of reading on this subject and most people will tell you that if you have a motor that has been on conventional motor oil for more than 75,000 miles you should just stick with conventional oil. But, there is no question that syn. oil is far superior, after I get my new motor broken in good I will switch to Mobil 1. I already run it in everthing else I own.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I might add this quote from input from various oil companies:
"The issue is, synthetic oil has a much better FLOW RATE. In addition, synthetic oil molecules are so much smaller than conventional oils, it is like comparing a marble to a basketball (and the basketball has branches on it). Therefore, if you have an old engine that is already leaking, then because synthetics have such a superior flow rate (due to small molecule sizes, etc) then it will leak more with synthetic oil because more oil will be flowing out of the worn engine part (whatever it happens to be)."
"The issue is, synthetic oil has a much better FLOW RATE. In addition, synthetic oil molecules are so much smaller than conventional oils, it is like comparing a marble to a basketball (and the basketball has branches on it). Therefore, if you have an old engine that is already leaking, then because synthetics have such a superior flow rate (due to small molecule sizes, etc) then it will leak more with synthetic oil because more oil will be flowing out of the worn engine part (whatever it happens to be)."
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Mishawaka Indiana
Most folks mentioning Mobil 1 which seems to be the benchmark of syn oil. Its what I use also. Sorry I didnt grab a link, but I remember them having a very informative website that had all these FAQ's. I also remember them claiming most of the things we think as true, are untrue. (of course they want to sell expensive oil), but some myths they dispell is not putting it in old cars, oil leaks, etc. Go to their site and check it out. They also have a tech number you can ask an expert yourself. I wouldn't think a flush is necessary either since most all synthetics are compatible with regular "dino" oil, but as mentioned, you may want to drain it at the regular 3000 mile or earlier the first time before going to the 6000 mile or whatever recommended is on the oil you choose.
I think syn oil is the way to go. Runs cooler, less noise, and most importantly, it doesn't thicken up for us Midwest folks when it gets cold and cold weather starts that can be so hard on an engine. Syn shoots right into the ports like it was 75 degrees outside even when its freezing.
I think syn oil is the way to go. Runs cooler, less noise, and most importantly, it doesn't thicken up for us Midwest folks when it gets cold and cold weather starts that can be so hard on an engine. Syn shoots right into the ports like it was 75 degrees outside even when its freezing.
