Just went Synthetic

[16Pilot]

I just switched to Full synthetic and it was night and day ! Thanks Lube Dude

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Its kinda like the old Dial soap commercial, "Dont you wish everybody did"? Ya just dont know what youre missing untill you try it! It actually will get even better as you use it for a few times!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Tell us a little about your engine and exact oil you chose.( What kind of engine 2 stroke or 4 stroke? Which synthetic?)

 

[ob15]

Re: Just went Synthetic

I'll be switching soon also. Need to order oil & filters from Amsoil for my vehicles and will add my boat to the list.

 

[16Pilot]

Re: Just went Synthetic

I went with Pennzoil full synthetic, mainly because that was all I could find around here.<br />I ran it at 1/4 throttle for about 10 min to get it used to it then opened her up.

 

[16Pilot]

Re: Just went Synthetic

sorry....im running it in a 1970 9.5 Johnson, great little motor. I am new on the whole outboard deal so I depend on you guys as much as possible.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Just went Synthetic

So, what was the night and day difference? Running, Smoking, Idle????

 

[16Pilot]

Re: Just went Synthetic

smoother acceleration and a heck of alot less smoke!

 

[Forktail]

Re: Just went Synthetic

....in comparison to what?

 

[MajBach]

Re: Just went Synthetic

While we're on the subject of syntethics (when are we not?), maybe you gave give me some advice without me starting yet another thread. As I have stated before, I do not pay much attn to the oil debate - it's like 2 vs 4 stroke, Pc over Mac, Dem. or Rep. - it'll never end. But, I would like to make an informed decision nonetheless. So far, the focus has been on synthetics in 2-stroke application. I am considering going synthetic in my car, bike and outboard - 4 strokes. So far, I have been using regular Valvoline or Honda oil. What are the pro and cons to synthetic? Obviously price is a factor with synthetics but can I reduce the frequency of changes once I go to synthethtic? I religously change my oil more frequently than the mfg recommends as I believe it's the life blood of any engine and it can't hurt. But is there any other reason to switch other than the longevity of the oil? <br />One other concern I have: I recall in my days of bush flying the AME was very strict about what oils we used. I remember him stating something about switching to or from synthetic (or it may have been mineral oil) in that you can switch from one to the other but not the reverse. I think it was that if I switched to synthetic, I had to continue running synthetic and not go back. Also recall him saying that on older engines that have been running regular oil, changing to synthetic might be a bad idea - something to do with the seals. <br />Thoughts?<br />We can open a debate on what brand AFTER I have made the switch-lol.

 

[BillP]

Re: Just went Synthetic

MajBach,<br />You are 100% correct. Ask your local expert engine rebuilder about well used motors that ran petro oil and then changed to synthetic in the crankcase. Seal leaks are frequently seen as the aftermath. It isn't a problem on new motors broken in with pet oil and then changed to synthetic. For whatever the reason synthetic slips through when pet oil doesn't. It isn't likely a synthetic oil salesman will tell you about it but a "motor head" rebuilder who sees lots of engines will.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: Just went Synthetic

I drive a lot of miles so I thought I would switch to synthetic oil in my 1991 caravan with 170,000 miles. Very bad mistake, van burned no oil before, now looks like mosquito fogger, even after change back to reg. oil. Snth. seems to eat seals in older motors. Also, had friend who tried same thing in old toyota, found all his oil on the ground.

 

[Forktail]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Most synthetics are "seal safe". But that's not to say problems can't happen by switching.<br /><br />IMO, synthetics have their place. Long drain intervals. Extreme operating temperatures. Enclosed lubrication (differentials, gearcases, transmissions).<br /><br />If you're changing the oil frequently, ridding it of all contaminates as the manufacturer recommends, then the synthetic gets expensive.<br /><br />Quality non-synthetic oil properties exceed any temperatures my outboard can produce. DFI's might be a different case, as they operate on the "edge". <br /><br />I use synthetics in all my differentials and gear cases. They don't get changed very often and see high heat and extreme pressure/wear.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Not to start a debate, I would say that the experiences mentioned above could very well happen in older vehicles. I changed my ford Ranger, 4 Liter over to synthetics at 140,000 miles, I purchased it with 100,000, but the engine was very clean and had no sign of sludge buildup, also the previous owner told me he had religiously changed his oil, No problems whatsoever and the little ticking noise in the motor stopped after about 500 miles. Mainly the reason I changed was because Im a fanatic, and the other is I dont like to change my oil. Even though I do at 3000 miles. But with the synthetic Im going 7,500 miles. Saves time under the truck.<br /><br />With a good running, clean engine, with no oil consumption, It causes no problems changing back and forth. Seals do not get used to one oil over another, they just aint that smart.<br /><br />If your moror is sludged up then changing over to synthetics at high milage will wash all the crud out and away from the old failed seals and can cause leaks. It doesnt "eat" seals!

 

[BillP]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Are the seals "failed" if they are not leaking? I think not. Synthetics are well known to leak though seals that don't leak with pet oil. The reason doesn't matter...nobody wants leaks.<br /><br />I would like to see the cost analysis on how synthetics are better. I don't see it if extended oil changes are the only reason. If the vehicle is a money maker then keeping it on the road instead of changing oil makes sense. Most car engines using regular pet oil with NORMAL maintenance last longer than the rest of the car anyway. Here in Florida people tell me they use synthetics because the engine runs cooler...and that really means something is wrong with their cooling system. Better cooling is the only reason I'd run it in my autos. <br /><br />Like I've posted before. I've used synthetics for many years so don't take this as I'm against them. <br /><br />Peace Lubedude. <br /><br />bp

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Synthetics protect better at extreme operating conditions. I'll use synthetics in my minivan during the winter. The van starts easier in -20 C weather (0 F) because synthetics flow better and stick to metal better. I also leave it in twice as long to avoid changing the oil in the middle of winter. I go back and forth with regular and sythetic oils for oil changes and do not get any "seal leaks".<br /><br />In four strokes, I don't see the point of using synthetics unless you know you will be subjecting your engine to severe operating conditions...or if you want to extend your oil change intervals.<br /><br />In two strokes, I want to give synthetics a try to see if it actually reduces smoke to any significant amount...especially when trolling.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Aint we got fun??<br /><br />My opinion is that if a seal fails after changing it over to synthetic, then there had to be somewhat of a leak before. Most engines with 150,000 miles need a rear main and a front crank seal anyway. It just washes away the crud around them and they leak more. It could even stop eventually if you gave it a chance as the esters will soften the seal eventually, but not if it is split, or the seal has worn a grove around the crank. Ive seen it happen. Its a waist in a high milage vehicle, the damage is done. Not that the regular oil ruined the engine, but it would have gone longer with synthetic in the first place.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Originally posted by cobra 3.0:<br /><br />In four strokes, I don't see the point of using synthetics unless you know you will be subjecting your engine to severe operating conditions...or if you want to extend your oil change intervals.<br /><br />How much more severe do you get than boat motors?<br /><br />In two strokes, I want to give synthetics a try to see if it actually reduces smoke to any significant amount...especially when trolling.<br /><br />How about almost none with a full synthetic?<br /><br />

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Just went Synthetic

Originally posted by BillP:<br /><br />I would like to see the cost analysis on how synthetics are better. <br />Peace Lubedude. <br /><br />bp

75,000 miles with regular 3000 mile oil changes is 25 oil changes. $1.29 a quart X 5 = 6.45 + a filter at about $5.00 is $11.45 X 25= $286.25 for regular oil over that period of time.<br /><br />75,000 miles with synthetics changed at 7500 miles = 10 changes. $4.00 a quart (onsale) X 5 = $20.00 X a filter, about $5.00 = $25.00 X 10 = $250.00<br />So, for Less than conventional oil over the time you owned your car you had better wear and a little better fuel economy, and the next person that gets your car is really going to appriciate it.<br /><br />Now some cars are known to be sludge monsters and you would be better off changing at 5,000 miles, but you can still extend you interval some!<br /><br />Its a personal call and know one is going to fault you for whatever decision you make.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Just went Synthetic

I think I'm pretty convinced NOT to bother switching my bike or car over. With the car anyway, there are no leaks whatsoever but a good point, the engine will probably outlast the rest of the car - especially with how I take car it. <br />The bike is another story. It has an older engine and a turbo-charger (I wish it didn't but I bought it becasue it was rare and I really liked the style). It does run hot and is air cooled. Might even leak a little oil too. I thought synthetic might help the engine last longer or run better as bike engines are run pretty hard. Hmmm<br />But the outboard? It's a Honda 90 with about 400 hours, maybe less. I rarely run it WOT, but I do run a coarse prop and I also load it heavy frequently. However, the water is never more than 71 -76° F and I dont think it runs hot. Will changing to synthetic make a difference on performance or mileage? Even if no, is it a good idea to start running it anyway? Forktail? Bill?<br />One more thing. Synthetic in the gearbox - make a difference?<br />Thanks again