Synthetic or Not!

Bigvick · 05-19-2006, 06:40 AM

I have heard from different people mixed emotions on this. I have been thinking of swapping to Mobil 1 synthetic on my 4runner(95xxxmiles) and my wifes tacoma(145xxx miles). So what's the story should I or not. I have some people that tells me to do it and then others say that if it's never had synthetic don't put it in. What are pros and cons, how could it possibly hurt the engine? By the way I have been using Valvoline Maxlife 5w-30.

rdlsz24 · 05-19-2006, 06:51 AM

I don't know about the saying with if it's never had synthetic, then don't put it in, but I have heard that once you go synthetic, you shouldn't go back to regular oil.

That being said, I run Mobil 1 in my truck since the guy I bought it from (a Toyota nut) has always run Mobil 1 in all of his Toyotas and never had a problem. I guess stick with what works.

Rob

rearviewmirror · 05-19-2006, 07:00 AM

Just make decision...there is no recourse if you get the "wrong" information off the internet. You will have people tell you they've ran synthetic with no problems and mineral oil with no problems. If you change it every 3k odds are it doesn't really matter.

http://www.dezmo.com/oil03.html
http://www.dezmo.com/gordononoil.html
http://www.dezmo.com/dezonoil.html
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

uberhahn · 05-19-2006, 07:02 AM

Some facts about synthetic oil:
- if you have leaks, synthetic will tend to make them worse
- if your engine is very worn, synthetic will not help much
- if your engine is not worn, synthetic WILL reduce the amount of wear
- synthetic is more expensive
- you may want to consider getting a filter re-locating kit so you could use a larger filter.
- you should be able to extend the OIL changes to 10K, if you change the FILTER every 3-5K (providing it's a bigger filter). This can make up for the extra cost of synth oil.
- it will take several (3-4) oil changes of synthetic to fully "flush" your internals to full synth.

Having said all of this, the move to synth depends on the intent for the vehicle. If you trully intend to keep the vehicle for an additional 100K miles, and if the engine isn't worn (under 100K) currently, then synth may be a good choice.

I have run synthetic oil in all of my vehicles, including my race-cars ('72 Datsun 240z), and will continue to do so.

ebelen1 · 05-19-2006, 07:04 AM

Many threads on this and many different opinions scattered throughout this board. I switched right before 100k to synthetic b/c I don't drive more than 10k miles a year and wanted to do preventative maintenance once a year.

I'm about five months into this and will let you know by the end of the year if I've had any issues. So far, so good.

BTW, I also swapped synthetic into the auto tranny and diffs.

X-AWDriver · 05-19-2006, 07:04 AM

I switched my Runner over at 96k when I bought it and no problems but if it had another 100k on it I would've just stuck with dino oil.

Bigvick · 05-19-2006, 07:11 AM

Thanks everybody!

I was just wondering. I've got a few quarts of valvoline left from the case I bought a few months ago. I'll probably use it this time then maybe check into Amsoil, because I got a friend that can get it. he runs it in his ATV.

AH64ID · 05-19-2006, 08:02 AM

I always run sythetic in my rigs. I switch my current truck over at 150K. No issues. I go so far as to use synthetic grease on u-joints and wheel bearings. They are a far superior product. If you run the larger filter and change it you can got 25K on Amsoil products. Throw a by-pass filter in and your oil will look almost new at 25K. Defenitally better on the engine, and can be cheaper over the life of the rig.

spindleshanks · 05-19-2006, 08:06 AM

[quote=uberhahn]Some facts about synthetic oil:
- if you have leaks, synthetic will tend to make them worse
- you should be able to extend the OIL changes to 10K, if you change the FILTER every 3-5K (providing it's a bigger filter). This can make up for the extra cost of synth oil.
QUOTE]

Hogwash! That whole leak myth is just that; a myth. Don't change the filter between oil changes, that's stupid. Just use a hi capacity premium oil filter (WIX, OEM, etc). And if it takes you a year put 10K miles on your odometer, then don't do a 10K mile oil change interval. Make it 7K or so. You can't have a free lunch. If you don't change your oil for a year, regardless of oil type, you're not maintaining your vehicle properly.

ebelen1 · 05-19-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spindleshanks

And if it takes you a year put 10K miles on your odometer, then don't do a 10K mile oil change interval. Make it 7K or so. You can't have a free lunch. If you don't change your oil for a year, regardless of oil type, you're not maintaining your vehicle properly.

I think this is only your opinion. I'm not hear to start a thread war but I've seen oil analysis reports greater than 10k mileage stating that they could have gone longer. Now whether they put on the mileage in one year or over a year is something I'm not certain; but I would trust these reports over your opinion. I do use an Amsoil 25k filter for my 10k mileage interval.

AH64ID · 05-19-2006, 08:39 AM

[quote=spindleshanks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberhahn

Some facts about synthetic oil:
- if you have leaks, synthetic will tend to make them worse
- you should be able to extend the OIL changes to 10K, if you change the FILTER every 3-5K (providing it's a bigger filter). This can make up for the extra cost of synth oil.
QUOTE]

Hogwash! That whole leak myth is just that; a myth. Don't change the filter between oil changes, that's stupid. Just use a hi capacity premium oil filter (WIX, OEM, etc). And if it takes you a year put 10K miles on your odometer, then don't do a 10K mile oil change interval. Make it 7K or so. You can't have a free lunch. If you don't change your oil for a year, regardless of oil type, you're not maintaining your vehicle properly.

Check this page out. It has the recceommend drain intervals for Amsoil.

The oil I use says 25,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first.

Synthetic oils are different, they dont break down like conv oils. I only change my oil once a year. And even running a much larger filter I still change it every 5K. A new filter never hurts. When I get my by-pass installed I will change the full flow every 5K, and the by-pass every 10K (which is about 1 year on my P/U).

Beartracker · 05-19-2006, 09:30 AM

If you don't believe that synthetic is better then stay with what you have. I'm old enough to remember when good oil was good oil and the only argument was which one was the best. They were all good but then they went to hell in a short time.
Now I feel that there is no way you can beat synthetic oils and I believe that Mobile 1 is just as good as Amsoil. Before you switch get a couple quorts of the engine flush they all sell and do it right.
As for how often you should change it I can tell you that I go 8,000- 10,000 miles before I change the oil or the filter. I do change the air filter about every 2,000 miles because that's about how long I go before greasing my Tacoma and I drive in some dusty areas as well as a lot of stream crossings
. Mobile1 has now come out with a 75,000 mile oil and I'm sure Amsoil has one they claim will go longer.
The Idea that you have to change your oil every year is just silly but it's fine if you want to do it. Oil does not break down sitting in an engine anymore than it does sitting on the shelf. What makes me change my schedule of 8,000-10,000 miles is what kind of wheeling I have been doing. If it's off road hot dusty weather then I will change it sooner.Can't say that I have to, Just makes me me feel better.
Been doing it this way for a few years now and have no leaks and it purrs like a kitten. Must be doing something right

uberhahn · 05-19-2006, 09:43 AM

Sadly, nobody is right all of the time. I'm afraid it's your turn, spindleshanks.

Dino oil will expand oil seals and gaskets, while synthetic oil will not. I has nothing to do with viscosity. I speak from personal experience with my own leaky vehicles, in addition to my profession in the automotive industry.

If your oil is "clean" - low particulate count, while maintaining it's viscosity, changing the filter only is a perfectly viable maintenance method. There are bypass filters on big-rig semi trucks that use bypass filters with entire paper-towel rolls as the filtering element, extending the oil change interval significantly.

A little research goes a long way...

AH64ID · 05-19-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberhahn

Sadly, nobody is right all of the time. I'm afraid it's your turn, spindleshanks.

Dino oil will expand oil seals and gaskets, while synthetic oil will not. I has nothing to do with viscosity. I speak from personal experience with my own leaky vehicles, in addition to my profession in the automotive industry.

If your oil is "clean" - low particulate count, while maintaining it's viscosity, changing the filter only is a perfectly viable maintenance method. There are bypass filters on big-rig semi trucks that use bypass filters with entire paper-towel rolls as the filtering element, extending the oil change interval significantly.

A little research goes a long way...

Full flow filter, like the long life ones from Amsoil are 15 microns. By-pass are 1 or 2 microns usually. Wear normally starts at 5 microns, so you can see whey by-pass is so great. The By-pass on my dads boat, 3406 Cat (about 900 cu in, and 600hp) is about 9" around and 16" tall, and filters at 1 micron. Even in a diesel which turn oil black from carbon, the oil looks clean after 500 hours.

grimpy · 05-19-2006, 10:00 AM

I run Royal Purple and have no problems with it... Been almost a year... and last I checked the oil in the dipstick was light brown...

sofarsogdsowhat · 05-19-2006, 10:18 AM

What about acidic build up in the oil (longer than 3 months) because of internal combustion by-products. This seems the be a concern for 4-stroke dirt bikes, or is that apples and oranges when talking about trucks??

David

hupptoy · 05-19-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofarsogdsowhat

What about acidic build up in the oil (longer than 3 months) because of internal combustion by-products.

That is the main reason for "time limits" on oil changes, not because the oil breaks down over time. Of course with tighter tolerances on modern engines there are less by-products getting to the oil.

hupptoy

JackKnife · 05-19-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberhahn

Sadly, nobody is right all of the time. I'm afraid it's your turn, spindleshanks.

Dino oil will expand oil seals and gaskets, while synthetic oil will not. I has nothing to do with viscosity. I speak from personal experience with my own leaky vehicles, in addition to my profession in the automotive industry.

Now it's your turn to be wrong, uberhahn!

I have had two vehicles with oil leaks that went away after switching to Mobil1. The leaks slowed down after a couple weeks. And, the leaks were gone after a couple months.

I 've heard similar stories from others.

AH64ID · 05-19-2006, 12:25 PM

Typically small leakes do contiune to leak, if not grow with synthetic. Not saying this is 100% true, but its due to the viscoticty difference. Usually a leak takes something to block it to stop it, depending on where it is.

Synthetic will not, however, create leaks where they dont exist.

05-19-2006, 06:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bigvick Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Strawberry Plains, TN Posts: 49	Synthetic or Not! I have heard from different people mixed emotions on this. I have been thinking of swapping to Mobil 1 synthetic on my 4runner(95xxxmiles) and my wifes tacoma(145xxx miles). So what's the story should I or not. I have some people that tells me to do it and then others say that if it's never had synthetic don't put it in. What are pros and cons, how could it possibly hurt the engine? By the way I have been using Valvoline Maxlife 5w-30. __________________ Your only lost if you admit it! '00 4runner SR5 4wd V6 (no mods yet) '97 Tacoma r-cab 4wd 2.7L Other toys-'05 Honda foreman 500 4wd (my ride) '00 Polaris magnum 325 2wd (wife's ride)

05-19-2006, 06:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
rdlsz24 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pecatonica, IL Posts: 1,385	I don't know about the saying with if it's never had synthetic, then don't put it in, but I have heard that once you go synthetic, you shouldn't go back to regular oil. That being said, I run Mobil 1 in my truck since the guy I bought it from (a Toyota nut) has always run Mobil 1 in all of his Toyotas and never had a problem. I guess stick with what works. Rob __________________ 1988 Xtra Cab Pickup ('94 22RE; 4x4; 5spd) Rancho lift w/ 33x12.5x15 tires & 5.29s

05-19-2006, 07:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
rearviewmirror Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: AUSTEX fiveonetwo Posts: 710	Just make decision...there is no recourse if you get the "wrong" information off the internet. You will have people tell you they've ran synthetic with no problems and mineral oil with no problems. If you change it every 3k odds are it doesn't really matter. http://www.dezmo.com/oil03.html http://www.dezmo.com/gordononoil.html http://www.dezmo.com/dezonoil.html http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4WD Millennium Silver Toyota OEM NAV OME springs/shocks F/R VZN185L-GKPZKA 4.300 With P265/70R16

05-19-2006, 07:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
uberhahn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 142	Some facts about synthetic oil: - if you have leaks, synthetic will tend to make them worse - if your engine is very worn, synthetic will not help much - if your engine is not worn, synthetic WILL reduce the amount of wear - synthetic is more expensive - you may want to consider getting a filter re-locating kit so you could use a larger filter. - you should be able to extend the OIL changes to 10K, if you change the FILTER every 3-5K (providing it's a bigger filter). This can make up for the extra cost of synth oil. - it will take several (3-4) oil changes of synthetic to fully "flush" your internals to full synth. Having said all of this, the move to synth depends on the intent for the vehicle. If you trully intend to keep the vehicle for an additional 100K miles, and if the engine isn't worn (under 100K) currently, then synth may be a good choice. I have run synthetic oil in all of my vehicles, including my race-cars ('72 Datsun 240z), and will continue to do so. __________________ Gettin' out, for now...

05-19-2006, 07:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
ebelen1 Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Socal Posts: 1,969	Many threads on this and many different opinions scattered throughout this board. I switched right before 100k to synthetic b/c I don't drive more than 10k miles a year and wanted to do preventative maintenance once a year. I'm about five months into this and will let you know by the end of the year if I've had any issues. So far, so good. BTW, I also swapped synthetic into the auto tranny and diffs. __________________ ____________ Edwin 1999 SR5 4unner

05-19-2006, 07:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 9,538	I switched my Runner over at 96k when I bought it and no problems but if it had another 100k on it I would've just stuck with dino oil. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

05-19-2006, 07:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
Bigvick Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Strawberry Plains, TN Posts: 49	Thanks everybody! I was just wondering. I've got a few quarts of valvoline left from the case I bought a few months ago. I'll probably use it this time then maybe check into Amsoil, because I got a friend that can get it. he runs it in his ATV. __________________ Your only lost if you admit it! '00 4runner SR5 4wd V6 (no mods yet) '97 Tacoma r-cab 4wd 2.7L Other toys-'05 Honda foreman 500 4wd (my ride) '00 Polaris magnum 325 2wd (wife's ride)

05-19-2006, 08:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
AH64ID Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,644	I always run sythetic in my rigs. I switch my current truck over at 150K. No issues. I go so far as to use synthetic grease on u-joints and wheel bearings. They are a far superior product. If you run the larger filter and change it you can got 25K on Amsoil products. Throw a by-pass filter in and your oil will look almost new at 25K. Defenitally better on the engine, and can be cheaper over the life of the rig. __________________ -John '05 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 SLT 5.9 Cummins QC LB NV5600 6 Spd, Pricol EGT and boost, 2" Level, Jake Brake, Muffler Delete, filtered, lubed and bypassed by Amsoil, Mag-Hytec Rear, Fast Coolers, Baldwin 7977, Smarty JR SW#1, Toyo 285's... 2003 SR5 4Runner, V6 4WD. 1" cornfed lift Previous Toyota's '92 Red Truck NALA Speed doesn't kill, its the sudden stop that hurts.

05-19-2006, 08:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
spindleshanks Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 621	[quote=uberhahn]Some facts about synthetic oil: - if you have leaks, synthetic will tend to make them worse - you should be able to extend the OIL changes to 10K, if you change the FILTER every 3-5K (providing it's a bigger filter). This can make up for the extra cost of synth oil. QUOTE] Hogwash! That whole leak myth is just that; a myth. Don't change the filter between oil changes, that's stupid. Just use a hi capacity premium oil filter (WIX, OEM, etc). And if it takes you a year put 10K miles on your odometer, then don't do a 10K mile oil change interval. Make it 7K or so. You can't have a free lunch. If you don't change your oil for a year, regardless of oil type, you're not maintaining your vehicle properly. __________________ '03 beauty of a white Tacoma, check it out: http://www.yotatech.com/f83/spindles.../#post50606613 "The fingers you have used to dial this number are too fat. For information on how you can obtain your own personal dialing wand, please mash your palm against the keypad now."

05-19-2006, 09:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
Beartracker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 868	If you don't believe that synthetic is better then stay with what you have. I'm old enough to remember when good oil was good oil and the only argument was which one was the best. They were all good but then they went to hell in a short time. Now I feel that there is no way you can beat synthetic oils and I believe that Mobile 1 is just as good as Amsoil. Before you switch get a couple quorts of the engine flush they all sell and do it right. As for how often you should change it I can tell you that I go 8,000- 10,000 miles before I change the oil or the filter. I do change the air filter about every 2,000 miles because that's about how long I go before greasing my Tacoma and I drive in some dusty areas as well as a lot of stream crossings . Mobile1 has now come out with a 75,000 mile oil and I'm sure Amsoil has one they claim will go longer. The Idea that you have to change your oil every year is just silly but it's fine if you want to do it. Oil does not break down sitting in an engine anymore than it does sitting on the shelf. What makes me change my schedule of 8,000-10,000 miles is what kind of wheeling I have been doing. If it's off road hot dusty weather then I will change it sooner.Can't say that I have to, Just makes me me feel better. Been doing it this way for a few years now and have no leaks and it purrs like a kitten. Must be doing something right __________________ 2001 Tacoma SR5 4x4 , step side, 2.7 , extended cab, Auto. Mobile 1 syn 5w30 , Valvoline 75-90 syn in front and rear diffs and transfer case. Factory 16" wheels ,31" Wild Country TXR 265/75/R16, Aluminum Betterbuilt bed tool box, CB , 55W Halogen light mounted on tool box for back up, Elbow air box mod, 2 500 Hella running lights, Nissan Clinometers/Altimiter custom mounted on dash with red back lights.Red dome and mapp light.

05-19-2006, 09:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
uberhahn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 142	Sadly, nobody is right all of the time. I'm afraid it's your turn, spindleshanks. Dino oil will expand oil seals and gaskets, while synthetic oil will not. I has nothing to do with viscosity. I speak from personal experience with my own leaky vehicles, in addition to my profession in the automotive industry. If your oil is "clean" - low particulate count, while maintaining it's viscosity, changing the filter only is a perfectly viable maintenance method. There are bypass filters on big-rig semi trucks that use bypass filters with entire paper-towel rolls as the filtering element, extending the oil change interval significantly. A little research goes a long way... __________________ Gettin' out, for now...

05-19-2006, 10:00 AM	#15 (permalink)
grimpy Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 668	I run Royal Purple and have no problems with it... Been almost a year... and last I checked the oil in the dipstick was light brown... __________________ 2007 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport 6speed Pro Comp 6" - Bilstein 5100 front 18x9 Moto Metal 951B - 325/60/18 NTG Pro Comp Skid - Lund Grill Cover 17x10 Weld EVO Velociti 6 *soon

05-19-2006, 10:18 AM	#16 (permalink)
sofarsogdsowhat Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Some where in SanDiego Co. Posts: 17	What about acidic build up in the oil (longer than 3 months) because of internal combustion by-products. This seems the be a concern for 4-stroke dirt bikes, or is that apples and oranges when talking about trucks?? David

05-19-2006, 12:25 PM	#19 (permalink)
AH64ID Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,644	Typically small leakes do contiune to leak, if not grow with synthetic. Not saying this is 100% true, but its due to the viscoticty difference. Usually a leak takes something to block it to stop it, depending on where it is. Synthetic will not, however, create leaks where they dont exist. __________________ -John '05 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 SLT 5.9 Cummins QC LB NV5600 6 Spd, Pricol EGT and boost, 2" Level, Jake Brake, Muffler Delete, filtered, lubed and bypassed by Amsoil, Mag-Hytec Rear, Fast Coolers, Baldwin 7977, Smarty JR SW#1, Toyo 285's... 2003 SR5 4Runner, V6 4WD. 1" cornfed lift Previous Toyota's '92 Red Truck NALA Speed doesn't kill, its the sudden stop that hurts.

05-19-2006, 12:38 PM	#20 (permalink)
HUTCHSTACO Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bellevue, Washington Posts: 1