Author Topic: Regular oil - change to synthetic? (Read 1655 times)

MoAv · « **on:** February 14, 2008, 01:26:18 AM »

Just a question - if you have been using regular oil (80,000 miles + ) is it OK to switch to synthetic? I understand that the synthetic oil is much better for your engine, but I've heard somewhere that if you've been running regular motor oil that you can't change over. That it is something that has to be done when the vehicle is new.

What do you all think?

MyBigToy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2008, 05:15:58 AM »

Go ahead and do it, Peggy. There used to be issues with older gaskets leaking with synthetic if dino had previously been used but it's a thing of the past. I suspect you plan to keep your truck for a while and with the way you roll the miles on the synthetic will help assure the engine will last a long, long time - 300k shouldn't be an issue. So you should be good for what, another two years?

justJR · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2008, 06:28:09 AM »

That was true in the past but the technology involving synthetics has improved to a degree where it will do nothing but help you higher milage engine.
You might also look into a BG product called MOA as your miles increase. It will keep the seals conditioned and help rid the engine of the buildup that comes from the conventional oil you have been running.

bluedevil · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2008, 07:03:47 AM »

do it.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2008, 07:39:34 AM »

Another note on this topic. Which oil filter to use. It seems like I've read about 7500 miles on the Synthectics is the norm but which oil filter will last that long?

bluedevil · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2008, 07:55:33 AM »

I Used to use k&n gold but now I use Fram.

justJR · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2008, 08:29:25 AM »

I use the NAPA Gold series. Part # 1042 for the 5.3L.

MyBigToy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2008, 08:46:23 AM »

Quote from: justJR on February 14, 2008, 08:29:25 AM

I use the NAPA Gold series. Part # 1042 for the 5.3L.

From the testing I've read the Napa Gold is one of the better filters. The Purolator Pure One and Wix filters are also very good. The AC Delco filters also tested out well. The K&N's and Mobil One's are also good but pricey.

If you are going 7500 miles between changes and not changing the filter, you want to make sure you are using one of the good filters. Most of the filters are good to 5000 miles without an issue; after that, you should consider changing the filter out.

MoAv · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2008, 11:01:02 AM »

Thanks guys. Looks like Napa Gold & Synthetic for my baby!! Now which synthetic? I used Mobil 1 in my Lincoln. That be OK? I've also heard about a Royal Purple (I think?) but have no clue where to find that.

Recommendations anyone??

MyBigToy · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2008, 11:58:30 AM »

I typically use Mobil 1; it's a good oil and it's available everywhere. You can even get 5 qt jugs at Walmart and it's cheaper that way.

I've read some bad notations about Royal Purple oil; I think it was the shear breakdown compared to other synthetics. Their gear oil is some of the best.

justJR · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2008, 01:35:16 PM »

I use Valvoline religiously but mydad swears by the Mobil 1.
I really think that it all personal preference when you get into full synthetics as they are to close in thier actual composition to differentiate between them.

MoAv · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2008, 01:40:23 PM »

That's good to know. My Lincoln really did well on the Mobil 1. It has over 200,000 miles on it, and if I hadn't just parked it when I got the Av, it would probably still run pretty well. I'm almost afraid to try to start it now...

Where's my Seafoam....

boilers94 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2008, 04:09:59 PM »

Switched to Full Synthetic on my first Oil Change and haven't looked back since!!!

bluedevil · « **Reply #13 on:** February 14, 2008, 04:39:46 PM »

I use Royal Purple now but im due for new oil. Im switching to RedLine this time.

MoAv · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2008, 05:45:19 PM »

Redline? Never heard of that one

bluedevil · « **Reply #15 on:** February 14, 2008, 05:50:47 PM »

Quote from: MoAv on February 14, 2008, 05:45:19 PM

Redline? Never heard of that one

Expensive as Royal Purple. 'bout $85 for 6 qrts.

bluedevil · « **Reply #16 on:** February 14, 2008, 05:52:56 PM »

Mo!

Walmart has the 5 qrt jug for $21 and 1 qrt for less than $3 of Mobil 1 Synthetic.

You need 6 qrts. = less than $25

MoAv · « **Reply #17 on:** February 14, 2008, 06:01:13 PM »

Hmmm...$25 vs. $85? I think that makes the decision for me!! Mobil 1 all the way

Found the Napa Gold 1042 for 6.99 too...

Now, I just have to decide whether I want to do this myself, or have it done. Kind of cold for crawling under the Av right now...

MyBigToy · « **Reply #18 on:** February 14, 2008, 06:25:24 PM »

Quote from: MoAv on February 14, 2008, 06:01:13 PM

Hmmm...$25 vs. $85? I think that makes the decision for me!! Mobil 1 all the way

Found the Napa Gold 1042 for 6.99 too...

Now, I just have to decide whether I want to do this myself, or have it done. Kind of cold for crawling under the Av right now...

Isn't that what husbands are for?

MoAv · « **Reply #19 on:** February 14, 2008, 06:41:47 PM »

Normally, yes. With mine? NO!! He won't hardly touch my Av!! He did help fix the saddlebag lid, but the first time the file slipped and hit the plastic I had a heart attack....not to sure he will be willing to help much now

His famous words now are "It's your truck..."

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #20 on:** February 14, 2008, 08:27:56 PM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on February 14, 2008, 05:52:56 PM

Mo!

Walmart has the 5 qrt jug for $21 and 1 qrt for less than $3 of Mobil 1 Synthetic.

You need 6 qrts. = less than $25

damn! I paid $30 for 6 qts at sam's club