Synthetic Oil
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Concord, NC
Synthetic Oil
I have about 67,000 miles on a 97 F150. I was thinking of making the switch to synthetic oil. The only thing is I don't if since I have so many miles on the engine that I will no see any of the benifits if there is any? Anyone got any advice??
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 24
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From: Round Rock Texas
Fstonraceday;
I asked that question about my wife's toyota avalon and also about my 91 chevy. I was told from several different sources that by changing to a syntetic or even a blend would not be a good idea. From what I understand the cleansing effect from the synthetic can cause you to leak oil around the seals. I am not a mechanic by any means, so if anyone has conflicting information, please let us know.
I asked that question about my wife's toyota avalon and also about my 91 chevy. I was told from several different sources that by changing to a syntetic or even a blend would not be a good idea. From what I understand the cleansing effect from the synthetic can cause you to leak oil around the seals. I am not a mechanic by any means, so if anyone has conflicting information, please let us know.
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 70
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From: Reseda, CA, USA
I changed to Mobil-1 Synth at about 100K miles, no problem. I'm now at about 125K miles, and have done 4 changes with Synth in that time.
I think the concerns about changing to Synth are hold-overs from when some Synth oils had different, possibly harmful formulas. The Mobil-1 Synth is good stuff, and has been formulated for complete compatability with non-Synth oils.
If you do a search of this site for 'synthetic oil' you will get some useful info, but you will have to dig for it!
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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com
My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT, 4x4 SC ShortBed, 302 EFI, E4OD, 3.55 LS, silver-on-black two-tone
MODS: K&N filter, Rancho steering damper
WISH LIST: 4.10 gears, shell, GT40P engine
I think the concerns about changing to Synth are hold-overs from when some Synth oils had different, possibly harmful formulas. The Mobil-1 Synth is good stuff, and has been formulated for complete compatability with non-Synth oils.
If you do a search of this site for 'synthetic oil' you will get some useful info, but you will have to dig for it!
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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com
My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT, 4x4 SC ShortBed, 302 EFI, E4OD, 3.55 LS, silver-on-black two-tone
MODS: K&N filter, Rancho steering damper
WISH LIST: 4.10 gears, shell, GT40P engine
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 31
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From: Cadillac, Michigan
I too asked the very same question at 67,000 mile on my truck. I did decide to go with Mobil 1 Tri-Synthetic/Motorcraft filter and I have had no problems at all. I just changed my oil at 3,000 miles with the first time that I put the Mobil in because it will clean the motor of any possible sludge that is left behind from the dino oil. A lot of people on here recommend performing an engine flush first, but after talking to several Ford garages in the area they told me that if I just change the oil earlier the first time that I will be ok. They also told me that I probably would not have any problems. So far so good!!! Hopefully it stays that way. I do like the added sense of security that synthetics give. Hopefully this helps you make your decision. I know that it can be a frightening step to take. Good luck!!!
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1997 F150XL 4x4 SC 4.6L Oxford White, A.R.E Cab High FB Topper, SI/DO Performance Exaust, Head light, tail light and SC window covers,Ventshade bug shield, Cooper 265/75/16 tires and Pilot driving lights mounted inside the grill.
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1997 F150XL 4x4 SC 4.6L Oxford White, A.R.E Cab High FB Topper, SI/DO Performance Exaust, Head light, tail light and SC window covers,Ventshade bug shield, Cooper 265/75/16 tires and Pilot driving lights mounted inside the grill.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,160
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From: Clarksville, Tennessee
I have switched over cars with over 100,000 miles and no problems.
seals and gaskets on modern car are much better than they used to be. They are all compatible with synthetics.
You won't hurt a think by switching at 67,000 miles. Just think you will increase gas milage, improve performance and increase engine life
Wahoo!
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seals and gaskets on modern car are much better than they used to be. They are all compatible with synthetics.
You won't hurt a think by switching at 67,000 miles. Just think you will increase gas milage, improve performance and increase engine life
Wahoo!
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My Home Page
Lubrication Forums
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
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From: Puyallup, WA
I've been considering the same thing. I have 64k on my truck. I've only owned it a couple of months now, and have done one oil change. I used Penz 10w30 (like I have been using all my life). Found out from this site that the 5w30 would be better. And the Mobil 1 even better. (ditched the Fram filter too. Use Motorcraft now)
Well, I decided to perform my own "scientific" test. I purchased a quart of Penz 5w30 and a quart of Mobil 1 5w30. I already had the 10w30. Well, as you have probably guessed, I stuck all three quarts in my beer fridge which I keep at approx 38 degrees. After many hours, I checked them by pouring them into separate containers. Not much difference in the Penzoil weights. Mobil 1 seemed to flow a bit better however. Then I stuck them in the freezer. Approx 10 degrees. Left them overnight. This morning, poured them again, Mobil 1 just flowed like it did from the fridge. I would say the Penz 5w did flow better then the 10w, but the Mobil 1 was much better then the Penz 5w. We usually don't see very low temps in the NW, but I think I'll do the switch to the Mobil 1 5w30! Pretty expensive stuff, but cheap compared to a new engine.
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1997 F150 4x4 Off Road, SC, Short Box, 5.4, Royal Blue/Silver, K&N, Gibson SS, LT265/75/16 Wild Country APT's
Well, I decided to perform my own "scientific" test. I purchased a quart of Penz 5w30 and a quart of Mobil 1 5w30. I already had the 10w30. Well, as you have probably guessed, I stuck all three quarts in my beer fridge which I keep at approx 38 degrees. After many hours, I checked them by pouring them into separate containers. Not much difference in the Penzoil weights. Mobil 1 seemed to flow a bit better however. Then I stuck them in the freezer. Approx 10 degrees. Left them overnight. This morning, poured them again, Mobil 1 just flowed like it did from the fridge. I would say the Penz 5w did flow better then the 10w, but the Mobil 1 was much better then the Penz 5w. We usually don't see very low temps in the NW, but I think I'll do the switch to the Mobil 1 5w30! Pretty expensive stuff, but cheap compared to a new engine.
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1997 F150 4x4 Off Road, SC, Short Box, 5.4, Royal Blue/Silver, K&N, Gibson SS, LT265/75/16 Wild Country APT's
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 20
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From: McHenry, IL
FstOnRaceDay,
I dont think it can really hurt anything by switching. Yes its true that an oil leak could develop, the syns must help clean away the gunked-up crap around seals, or it doesnt have the same expansion effect on them. I switched to synthetic in the Stang with 110k, and it leaks like a syv. In the F-150, no problems so far.
I dont think it can really hurt anything by switching. Yes its true that an oil leak could develop, the syns must help clean away the gunked-up crap around seals, or it doesnt have the same expansion effect on them. I switched to synthetic in the Stang with 110k, and it leaks like a syv. In the F-150, no problems so far.