What is the big deal with Synthetic oil? Does it cost a lot more money? I have 8500 miles on my truck, is it too soon to switch? If it is so good, why can somone switch too early?

just some random Synthetic oil questions that I couldn't find easily by searching the site.

 

I'm not sure about switching too early, but I do have a testimony of how wonderful it is.

I have a 84' SVO that had 158k on it when i tore it down for rebuild. When I got it apart, it was incredibly clean inside and hardly any wear was to be found on any of the major bearings or even the cam lobes. I re-used the factory cam because it was so nice. I didn't see spending good money on a new one when my was still new.

it was ran on Mobil 1 and Castrol Synthetics all its life. I have it documented.

I run synthetic in everything I can about now.

It also increases gas mileage.

 

I believe you will pay a little more for synthetic oil. I have never used it myself but supposedly after a break in period there is no problems with it. I've heard good and bad from both camps. The ones who swear by it and the ones that do not.

I am using Motorcraft 5w20 as recommended in the owner's manual. The local Walmart is the only place I've seen it besides the dealer so far. Also, I would recommend sticking with the Motorcraft oil filter while it's under warranty. As long as you keep record receipts of all your maintenance they say you will not void the warranty, however, I would rather be safe than sorry.

BTW, Walmart also carries the Motorcraft filter for about the same price you can get a Fram or other aftermarket filter.

I think my last oil change cost me less than $12 including the filter.

 

I've been using mobil 1 in all my vehicles ever since my dad made a believer out of me. He put 450,000 miles on a 1969 Econoline van using the stuff.

I even used it in 4 stroke dirt bikes and am always amazed at how clean and new looking the wear surfaces are!

The debate about when to switch is hot topic. IMHO switch at 5,000 miles. I read that C5 Corvettes are delivered from the factory with Mobil 1 so can one switch too soon?

 

The three best are Amsoil, Mobil 1, and Royal Purple. Mobil 1 does not carry the recommended viscosity but many just use the 5W30. Synthetic Oil is known to lengthen the life of your engine in many ways. Syn Oil stays on your engine parts longer so the next day you fire it up...your parts aren't running unlubricated for any period of time. The molecules in Syn Oil are also suppose to be smaller to further lubricate the parts. Syn Oil can also be used a bit longer. It is also believed that syn oil can improve performance. It is a bit more expensive but well worth it.

 

Costs a little more but you can afford a $33,000 truck so take the crowbar to the pocketbook! Many exotics are born with it in the pan so break-in shouldn't be an issue. I've been running Mobil 1 in my '00 H-D F-150 since the first change at 1,000 miles with no problems. The dealership recomended it as well!

 

its been in the camaro since day one and as soon as i got back to arizona i switched to the Amsoil in the HD - Love it!!! Now im thinking about switching to the dual filtration setup that Amsoil offers - i'll be able to get 50K before having to replace the oil.

 

Jonrauch,
what is this dual filtration set-up you are talking about? Does it really let you get 50k between oil changes? How much is it?

Sorry so many questions.

 

Here ya go ...hope this helps. http://www.amsoil.com/products/bf.html

 

That By-pass thing looks interesting, but I had trouble finding prices. Is there a kit we can buy for our trucks? How much would it be to get the whole By-pass system?

 

Click on the online store button and it has all the stuff in catagories, with all prices. Oil and Oil By-pass systems are both listed.

 

I use synthetic oil in everything but the muscle cars that I acquire now and then. I put Mobil 1(5w30) in my truck at 2,500 miles and change it at 4-5,000 mile intervals. I do use a Ford filter. The 5w20 change by Ford was for CAFE reasons to get the fleet ave mpg up a little. I know of no internal engine changes that took place from 2000 to 2001 that would require the 5w20. This was told to me by a Ford District Service Rep. Correct me if there are any Ford Engine guys looking.

As far as filter "by-pass" systems, I would not use them. The last muscle car I owned, I had John Vermeersch build the engine (428FE) and I was thinking of going to a dual remote filter on the car for convenience and to get it away from the header. He told me to avoid those systems if at all possible because of some failures he had experienced - some created too much oil pressure and some caused engine failures because of a malfunction.

In case you were wondering why I don't use it in my muscle cars is that I usually chage the oil in them every 500-1,000 miles.

 

I think I will change to synthetic on my Xmas vacation, I might wait on the by-pass system until later though.

Another question:

Is there any special instructions when going from regular petroleum lubricants to synthetics? Or do I just do a standard oil change with the new oil and filter?

 

I've never heard of any excessive oil pressure problems regarding the by-pass system from Amsoil. I do however know a few people who have had it in the past and still use it. I am going to go to Amsoil 5W20 and the By-pass set up as soon as I can get the cash up. Nothing beats it.

 

standard filter and change it.. no other procedure warranted..
Dana