synthetic vs normal oil

[90ramair]

I need to change the oil in my 02 F150 W/ 40k and was thinking about spending a few extra bucks on sythetic, any opinions on using synthetic? Anyone noticed any gas milage differences, pros/cons?

[dave bandt]

If you can afford it go ahead. I've seen data where synthetic oils have increased drain intervals by 3-5 times. But the average person does not take samples, have them analyzed, and do an economic analysis to determine the feasibility of using it. Are synthetics better lubricants? For the most part yes. Are they better in all applications? No. I don't run them in my engines because i have to change the oil every 6-8 passes. It might be worth a little extra power but i just can't justify the expense. If i had a sponsor that supplied me with free oil i would undoubtedly use synthetic if given a choice. Then again....the last couple of dyno operators i've talked to said they never saw a difference when they tested conventional versus synthetic. And when you're talking about gaining 2-4HP it doesn't take much of an increase in oil or coolant temp to eat that up....so you'd have to be REAL careful during the test. But i digress.......

[jari]

I ordered Royal Purple for my next oil change. Should arrive on wed.
Other good synthetic oils include the good old Mobil One and Red Line products.
There are countless articles and tests available on the web.
I am convinced that synthetic oil will extend engine life and give better protection in extreme conditions.
Of course for the price of synthetic over 200,000 miles you probably could buy a brand new engine:)
I run synthetic on my Jag and had an opportunity to look at the engine while it was at the shop for primary tensioner failure.
You could eat off of the valve train. Everything looked brand new after almost 70,000mi
All of this applies to street cars. I don't know if racing cars should be lubricated differently.

[quietflow]

Dont bother in your truck, you wont see any difference except a lighter wallet:)

[Nick 1]

Most Ford engines from the factory since 2001 run a 5w-20 synthetic blend oil. If your truck is serviced @ a Ford dealer, this is the oil you are using.
To switch from this oil would see little to no benefit. If your useing regular oil,
you may pick up a little power & mileage. I use synthetic oil in all our vehicles.
I think it's a little better than regular oil. I've also read tests where it stated it didn't matter what oil you used as long as it was changed on a regular basis. :D

[markstang]

I like to run normal oil & change just the oil every 1500mi & then at 3000mi I put a new filter & fresh oil. I have done this for many years in all my daily drivers & work trucks..... I had very little engine problems & most of my trucks had over 200,000 on them & the oil was never realy black when I would change it.

on my race car motor I ran #21 royal purple for the 2nd 1/2 of the season & didn't see any differnce in power out put. but when I took my motor apart after it didn't run for 8 weeks. the royal purple was still on everything. it didn't run off or drip back into the oil pan like normal oil will do. it looked like the motor sat for a few days only. I would think that alone will extend the life of a motor.



Mark

[MachGigolo]

Cant your seals leak if you switch to synthetic after having used regular oil?

[jari]

The following is from www.mobil1.com site FAQ:

Q: Mobil 1 will leak out of the seals of older cars.
A: Mobil 1 does not cause leaks. In fact, new Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ was tested in dozens of industry standard and OEM tests to prove its seal performance. It is fully compatible with the elastomeric materials from which all automotive seals and gaskets are made.

ExxonMobil engineers are wary of conventional oils that tout their use of additional seal-swelling agents. With extended use, these agents can over-soften engine seals, resulting in leaks. More to the point, an oil additive will not rejuvenate worn or damaged seals. The damaged seal may have been caused by a worn rotating metal component in the engine.

If an older engine is in good condition and does not have oil leaks, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ provides the same advantages as when used in a new engine. ExxonMobil recommends taking measures to repair the leaks, then using Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™. ExxonMobil also always recommends following the automobile manufacturer's manual for the proper oil to use.

[90ramair]

Thanks everyone for giviing me your $.02...I am still unsure if i will switch?

[SuperSonic]

The synthetic will help with cold weather starting also, it does not get quite as "thick" as regular oil during periods of really cold weather, like the kind of weather we have been having lately.