Synthetic or regular oil?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
First off, the problem with synthetics leaking is a misnomer. They don't create leaks, just find leaks that dino can't find.
My suggestion is simple: Switch over. If you get a lot of leaks, switch back. No harm done.
My suggestion is simple: Switch over. If you get a lot of leaks, switch back. No harm done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
Originally Posted by L98Corvette
Hey guys, my car has 82,000mi on it, i am considering synthetic but im afriad of leaking oil, its not leaking now but what do you guys think i should go with? Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
The benefits of synthetic revolve around temperture stability and difference in rate of wear.
The cost difference is negligable these days - It's less than a tank of gas.
I use it. I use it in everything. Lawnmower, pressure washer, truck, honda, and the vette. After taking apart a few motors, I was shocked at how well the detergents actually work. Here's a shot of the underside of the LT1. It's got 60,000 miles and is 13 years old (I had the pan off to change out the front timing cover seals and weld the water pump drive hole shut.)
Here's a shot with the intake off (chasing down an oil leak):
The cost difference is negligable these days - It's less than a tank of gas.
I use it. I use it in everything. Lawnmower, pressure washer, truck, honda, and the vette. After taking apart a few motors, I was shocked at how well the detergents actually work. Here's a shot of the underside of the LT1. It's got 60,000 miles and is 13 years old (I had the pan off to change out the front timing cover seals and weld the water pump drive hole shut.)
Here's a shot with the intake off (chasing down an oil leak):
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Go for the synthetic. My preference is Shell 5W30 but it is hard to find, so I usually end up with Mobil 1
1.Synthetics lubricate better, minimizing wear
2.Synthetics can handle a lot hotter temperatures than dino oil can.
3.The detergent packages are far superior (since they are built for extended drain) keeping more combustion by products in suspension to be removed by the filter. This leaves you engine much cleaner, minimizing wear.
Most of us don't even consider the extended drain aspects
1.Synthetics lubricate better, minimizing wear
2.Synthetics can handle a lot hotter temperatures than dino oil can.
3.The detergent packages are far superior (since they are built for extended drain) keeping more combustion by products in suspension to be removed by the filter. This leaves you engine much cleaner, minimizing wear.
Most of us don't even consider the extended drain aspects
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Originally Posted by rws.1
Go for the synthetic. My preference is Shell 5W30 but it is hard to find, so I usually end up with Mobil 1
1.Synthetics lubricate better, minimizing wear
2.Synthetics can handle a lot hotter temperatures than dino oil can.
3.The detergent packages are far superior (since they are built for extended drain) keeping more combustion by products in suspension to be removed by the filter. This leaves you engine much cleaner, minimizing wear.
Most of us don't even consider the extended drain aspects
1.Synthetics lubricate better, minimizing wear
2.Synthetics can handle a lot hotter temperatures than dino oil can.
3.The detergent packages are far superior (since they are built for extended drain) keeping more combustion by products in suspension to be removed by the filter. This leaves you engine much cleaner, minimizing wear.
Most of us don't even consider the extended drain aspects
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
Definitely go with synthetic oil. As stated, if a leak is found, switch back. If no leaks develop, you cannot have done anything better for your engine if you tried. I prefer Royal Purple, but everyone has their own preference. Most people on the Forum use either Mobil 1, Valvoline or Royal Purple.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
Go with Mobil 1. However, I would closely monitor oil consumption. Synthetic oil has a 'detergent-like' quality and may clean out old oil deposits that are actually helping to seal your piston ring to cylinder bore contact. It also has a more uniform molecular structure and lacks much of the impurities found in conventional oil. This allows it to adhere to smooth metal surfaces better, but, in turn, makes synthetic oil's consistancy much thinner without changing its rated Grade or Weight. These factors make it prone to passing through the gaps or clearances within an engine created by years/miles of normal use with conventional oil. A well maintained, never abused engine may or may not like the slippery synthetic.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by 500hp
Go with Mobil 1. However, I would closely monitor oil consumption. Synthetic oil has a 'detergent-like' quality and may clean out old oil deposits that are actually helping to seal your piston ring to cylinder bore contact. It also has a more uniform molecular structure and lacks much of the impurities found in conventional oil. This allows it to adhere to smooth metal surfaces better, but, in turn, makes synthetic oil's consistancy much thinner without changing its rated Grade or Weight. These factors make it prone to passing through the gaps or clearances within an engine created by years/miles of normal use with conventional oil. A well maintained, never abused engine may or may not like the slippery synthetic.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 641
Likes: 3
From: Long Island NY
I've used Quaker State dino oil in all my vehicles and change the oil every 2000 miles. When I tore down the upper end of my Ford truck at 90,000 miles to replace head gaskets, you could still see the crosshatch on the cylinder walls.
