n1das: Any leaks so far after switching to synthetic?

 

Dunno yet. Maybe too early to tell. None so far after about 400 miles of driving since the change.

A few years ago, it needed to have its valve cover gaskets replaced due them leaking and there have been no leaks since. Time will tell. The engine is definitely quieter overall since I switched it to synthetic.


~ n1das

 

Good to hear. If you can give an update if you develop a leak. Seems like many have switched to synthetic at higher miliage with no leakage, most likely if the oil was changed regularly.

 

I was running Valvoline 10-30 but upon recommendation from a couple friends, I switched to Castrol 10-30. My step-bro who works for BMW said that all they run is Castrol motor oil. There's probably a reason for that. So now I run Castrol and it seems fine to me. I guess time will tell.

:bounce2:

 

Yeah, pretty sure that all BMW's come with Castrol Syntec/German Syntec. The German Syntec is highly praised by the guys on bobistheoilguy. It is supposively going to replace all the American Syntec in the future.

 

Ahh the inevitable leak rumor of synthetics rises again.

I have run synthetic in my truck for 18 months now, and no leaks have developed because of it.

 

Actually some people have had leaking problems with higher miles directly after switching to synthetic, but many do not. On bobistheoilguy someone did a test showing how Mobil1/Amsoil cleaned dirty valve seals better than conventional oils. In turn if seals are worn and synthetic cleans them out you might develop a leak. If you change your oil at a reasonable interval and the engine is in good shape there shouldn't be a problem with switching to synthetic especially in Toyotas. The new synthetics are a lot better than they used to be of being compatable with seals. By the way how many miles on your truck? Just curious.

 

12/14/04 Update: No leaks or abnormal oil consumption after 2k miles since changing from 10W-30 dino oil to Mobil-1 10W-30 synthetic.

I'm sticking with Mobil-1 synthetic!

~ n1das

 

1/23/2005 Update: No leaks after 5k miles since switching from dino oil to Mobil 1 10W-30 synthetic. Oil consumption: Negligible (can't tell on dipstick...still FULL!).

1989 Toyota SR5 4WD truck, 175k miles


~ n1das

 

Thanks for the updates. Good to know that Mobil1 is working well for you.

 

Why does Quaker State leave "sludge" on the valaves. I have seen it first hand. Is it the Base?

 

By the way I read somewhere that if your engine uses or leaks oil it will do it more with synthetic.

 

Both my WRX and S10 have leaked oil directly after the switch....both were covered under warrenty and I kept using mobil 1.....I doubt it was coincidence, both happened less then 1000 miles after the switch....I think once you do the switch and dont have a problem, which I guess most vehicles dont, I just have bad luck, you'll be fine.....

I also had a high mileage Ranger that I switched to syn and it didnt leak.....I run dino oil in my Taco.....

 

Where did the oil leak from on your WRX? Just curious.

 

Somewhere around the oil pump....Like I said it was under warrenty, I changed it myself to syn, so I checked to make sure it wasnt the filter or plug and when I saw it wasnt I drove to the dealership and they fixed it...

On the s-10 it was around a rubber/metal compression fitting on a relocator line for either a oil cooler or filter relocator....I think it was the cooler...

 

That's all my bossman at work will use in trucks. Now he has a Siverado SS. He won't dare let me touch it unless he knows for sure I am using Castrol GTX. As far as oil grades... go with what you think is best. Think about it.... in order to get the API symbol on any oil brands, the company will shell out millions of dollars just to have it tested and certified. So just about any oil is good dependion on what situation. For high milage engines, our dealership always recommend slightly thicker oil just to keep the blowby gasses down. I've always ran 5w-30 Mobil 1 in my 4Runner. The reason I run synthetic is just so I dont have to change the oil as often.

 

That was just a one time deal that became a rumor. Our teacher sent an API expert in our class to teach us about oil brands and viscosities and stuff. He said the whole quaker state deal could've happened with any oil. Dont believe everything you hear unless you've had PERSONAL and EXPERT experiences.

 

If you've read the manual then you know that GM does NOT recommend running synthetic oils. We have too many people that wont read the stupid things and wonder why they have problems. S10s especially, I asked our technician about it and he said it was due to the designs of the intake and seals and it wont hold as well.

 

There was nothing in the manual about it...when I get a new vehicle i read it from cover to cover...I'm weird like that....This S-10 was a 4.3 and it was a 2000, so maybe they added it in there in later years...

Matter of fact since it was lowered I had the dealer change the oil and I always took in Mobil 1 for them too use...they never mentioned anything too me....

I dunno, they fixed it, I sold it with 190k miles and the engine still running strong....

 

The molecules in synthetic are smaller, so if you have a leak with dino you will have a bigger leak with synthetic.