Topic: Understanding the benefits of using synthetic motor oil.

[bluedevil]

Snake oil is a common term used to describe a substance that is said to produce miraculous results. For many who don’t understand the composition and the benefits of synthetic oil, they often refer to it as such. There are many benefits to using synthetic oil that are well worth the added cost. Some of these being, improved engine protection and viscosity, which reduce engine wear. But there are so many varieties of synthetic oils that finding out what to use and how to use it can be confusing.

We went online and pulled out common questions from the TEN Network of websites, regarding the use of synthetic oils. We then asked Mark McFann of Royal Purple Motor Oil, to answer some of these questions. The answers are enlightening and gives truck enthusiasts a good working knowledge of what synthetic oils are, do and the benefits of its use.

Q. I know that synthetic oils are quite different from petroleum/mineral based oils, but what are the major differences in its structure and are there differences in the additives between the two?
Mark D.
Pennsylvania

A: You’ve asked about two very different issues. I’d like to address them in reverse order. additives that are added to the base stock (mineral oil or synthetic base oils) can make a big difference in oil. In the case of Royal Purple Motor Oil it is our unique additive technology that gives our lubricants most of their performance advantages. Other oils have different additive technology.

Many/most lubricant manufacturers purchase off-the-shelf additive packages from one of the major additive suppliers such as Lubrizol; consequently, there are often very few differences in the performance of their oils. It’s important to bear in mind that major oil companies make their money selling gasoline and petroleum by-products. Lubricants are a very small part of their business and they have no compelling rationale for spending a great deal of time, money and resources developing proprietary additive technologies. Small companies that only specialize in lubricants dedicate all of their time, energy and resources to developing new and better lubricant technologies. They’re naturally compelled to create better lubricants because it is the only business they’re in.

Regarding the differences between synthetic based oils and mineral based oils, the big difference between the two is their molecular structure. Mineral based oils are basically crude oil that has been refined to remove impurities. Since they are naturally occurring compounds, their molecular structures vary significantly. Synthetic oils on the other hand are built from the ground up at a molecular level. All of their molecules are the same size and shape.

Here’s an analogy that may make it clearer as to why the molecular structure makes a difference. Imagine that you want to move a piece of plywood across the floor. Your first option is to slide it across the floor using balls of various shapes and sizes such as footballs, golf balls, basketballs, etc (this represents mineral based oils). Your other option is to slide it across the floor using only golf balls (this represents synthetic based oils). The second option would be much easier.

The uniform molecular structure of synthetic base oils offer a lower coefficient of friction, greater oxidation stability (for long oil life), and a greater range in operational temperatures.

Q: Why is it that I can go longer (more miles) between oil changes if I use a synthetic versus petroleum based oil? Does the synthetic oil hold more dirt and engine by-products?
Steven A.
California

A: You can go further between oil changes because of the greater oxidation stability of the oil. The combination of base oils and additives impacts/determines the oxidation stability of the lubricant. Oil's ability to resist oxidation is measured by the ASTM's rigorous Thin Film Oxidation Uptake Test (TFOUT). The test is so severe that it lasts only 1300 minutes.

Synthetic base oils don’t hold any more or less particulates than mineral oil. Well formulated high performance oil such as Royal Purple will actually improve sealing inside the combustion chamber and actually reduce the amount of particulates through more complete combustion. More complete combustion reduces emissions and fuel consumption while increasing horsepower and torque.

Regardless of whether a synthetic based oil or mineral based oil is used, it’s critically important to purchase and regularly change a quality oil filter.

Q: I understand that synthetic oils have a higher boiling point and a lower freeze point, but if my truck doesn’t see these extreme temperatures would it still benefit me to use it?
Jade P.
North Carolina

A: The same properties that give synthetic oils higher boiling Points and lower freeze Points also help disperse heat more efficiently. Heat is an enemy of oil and equipment. More efficient heat dispersion (and thus, lower operating temperatures) extends oil life and equipment life.

Q: Are there different synthetic oils that can be used for modern turbo-diesel engines and if there are, what are the differences?
Mitchell R.
Iowa

A: Higher compression ratios, tighter crank tolerances, etc. in modern turbo-diesel engines benefit most from an oil with high film strength. Film strength is a lubricant’s ability to prevent contact between metal parts. In most cases, the additional load placed on the crankshaft will increase the tendency to flex. This places much greater pressure on the bearings. A stronger oil film between the crank journals and bearings will help absorb the additional shock load.
Oil with greater film strength possess much greater tenacity and the ability to withstand excessive loads without being displaced. A handful of high performance oils, although more expensive, will typically have significantly greater film strength to counterbalance the effects of modern turbo-diesel power plant.

Q: Why is it that synthetic based oils are so much more expensive than petroleum based oils?
Stu M.
Arizona

A: Synthetic oils are much more expensive to produce than mineral based oils. Again, mineral oils are simply refined crude oil. Synthetic oils are created at a molecular level that is much more expensive to manufacture.

Q: Regarding filtration, I have heard that synthetics require a different (more filtration) filter. I have also heard that some Filters can actually remove the additives in the oil. Is this true?
Scott P.
California

A: Base oils don’t necessarily impact filtration requirements. Synthetic base oils have more natural solvency and therefore clean as they lubricate. If someone has been running mineral based oil and switches to a synthetic, they’d be well served sticking with their current oil and filter change frequency until the engine is cleaned-up. Then they can safely extend oil drain intervals as recommended by the manufacturer of whichever synthetic they are using.

Q: When is the best time to change from petroleum oil to synthetic? I have heard that you cannot use synthetic oil on a new engine until it has broken in. Is this true?
Joanne Z.
Louisiana

A: You’ll be hard pressed to find two engineers and/or engine builders who’ll agree on this. Generally, the tighter the engine tolerances, the less of a need there is for a break-in period to get piston Rings to seat properly. In fact, numerous high performance vehicles now come factory-filled with synthetic oil.

You can safely switch to a synthetic oil in your new car at the manufacturer's first scheduled oil change or a minimum of 2,000 miles in new gasoline engines. Allow 8,000 to 10,000 miles before upgrading to synthetic oil in diesel engines.

Q: After long periods of use, why is it that petroleum based oils leave a brown film and synthetics usually do not? What is this film?
Juan P.
Texas

A: The brown film you see after using long periods of use is contamination that may take the form of sludge, varnish or other compounds that are detrimental to your engine. The contamination can come from any combination of factors including fuel contamination (from incomplete combustion), additive depletion (due to limited oxidation stability), soot build-up (from incomplete combustion), additive depletion/contamination (due to limited oil life), excess heat (due to heat transfer limitations), insufficient natural solvency (of the oil) and other factors.

Q: Does using synthetic oils actually reduce friction enough to make more horsepower? Or is this only a wives tale?
Martin T.
New York

A: Synthetic base oils do have a lower coefficient of friction which in and of itself can/may increase horsepower. Again, the additive package is as much or more of a factor than the base oil as to whether one will see horsepower gains from the oil they use. A lubricant with a low-coefficient of friction and high films strength (which contributes to more complete combustion) is most likely to increase horsepower. In independent studies from various sources, Royal Purple increased horsepower and various vehicles from 3 – 5 percent. This sort of gain is critically important in racing but much less important in non-racing applications.

Q: Have there been any long-term comparisons done between engines using petroleum based oils and synthetic oils? How much longer life could I expect from using synthetic oils?
Lin Q.
California

A: Tests have been conducted comparing engine life/equipment failures in varying equipment. engine life is generally extended by using high performance synthetic lubricants. The incredible number of variables due to various equipment designs and operating conditions makes establishing quantifiable and reportable results/benchmarks sketchy.

Qualitatively, we know from direct experience with engine builders and other automotive professionals that upgrading lubricates does make a difference in equipment life. Following good maintenance practices is just as important as selecting a quality lubricant. Spending the money to upgrade lubricants can’t forgive the sins of running low on oil, over-extending oil drain intervals, and/or allowing contamination of the oil.  :thumb:

[Main One]

It's my understanding the Mobile 1 synthetic is not as synthetic as it was 25 years ago.  From what I've read, Castrol started marketing a "partially" synthetic oil as synthetic, and was able to charge much less than Mobile.  Mobile responded by putting more non-synthetic products into Mobile 1 to compete better with Castrol on price.  I believe Royal Purple and Redline are full synthetics.

M1

[KY_BOB]

That was a good read.  Thanks Blue  :thumb:

[KY_BOB]

It's my understanding the Mobile 1 synthetic is not as synthetic as it was 25 years ago.  From what I've read, Castrol started marketing a "partially" synthetic oil as synthetic, and was able to charge much less than Mobile.  Mobile responded by putting more non-synthetic products into Mobile 1 to compete better with Castrol on price.  I believe Royal Purple and Redline are full synthetics.

M1

I've read something to that effect on the net.  I still use Mobile 1 but it makes me wonder.

[Main One]

It's my understanding the Mobile 1 synthetic is not as synthetic as it was 25 years ago.  From what I've read, Castrol started marketing a "partially" synthetic oil as synthetic, and was able to charge much less than Mobile.  Mobile responded by putting more non-synthetic products into Mobile 1 to compete better with Castrol on price.  I believe Royal Purple and Redline are full synthetics.

M1

I've read something to that effect on the net.  I still use Mobile 1 but it makes me wonder.

Don't wonder.  Use Royal Purple or Redline.

[pondfly]

Found some Royal Purple last week and changed it today.  Usually use either Amsoil or Mobil1, but thought I'd give it a try.  We'll see what the results are, as I finally took down the milage for the sensor to see how many miles I go before the light pops up.

[bluedevil]

Im changing mine in the next couple weeks. Im going to try Redline.

[justJR]

My AV has had the Mobil1 semi- synthetic in it since new, but now youall have me wondering if I should go for the change.
I do, however, have the truck serviced at or before 3000k no questions asked.