Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Synthetic Oil (Read 1566 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #25 –
My experience with synthetic oil started 5 years ago when I started using synthetic in my previous motorhome with the GMC 454 engine. After a year and about 4000 miles I was convinced that the engine ran smoother, used less gas, and climbed hills more easily. All the reviews I have found indicate that synthetic provides less friction then regular oil. If this is just not true, I would like to know that, and I would just buy oil based on price.

I was also told by AMSoil that with a synthetic oil, a bypass filter and annual oil analysis, there is no need to change oil for about 5 years in motorhomes which are driven no more than 5000 miles per year.
Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #26 –
I started using synthetics 40 years ago after reading an article in Popular Science Magazine. 

I recall synthetic being longer lasting because it is naturally multi-viscosity, so a 10-40 oil stays 10-40 forever, while a 10-40 non-synthetic is really a 10w oil with long chain polymers to acheive the 40.  With time, these long chain molecules shear and become shorter, so after a 2000 miles or so, your 10-40 becomes a straight 10w oil.

I also recall synthetics being able to handle high temtperaures without burning, sticking to the parts better for lubrcation when starting the engine, and staying cleaner (not holding the dirt as well, leving it in the oil filter)

I started out 40 years ago with Eon Oil, then Amsoil, but now use (easier for my mechanic to find) Mobil-1 in my cars.  None of my cars have ever shown any sign of engine wear, even after 270,000+ miles.

Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #27 –
In 1999, I bought an Isuzu Trooper with 265,000 miles on it,  from a friend, who's profession for decades was "traveling Auto Parts guy" in the NE.  He opted for Synthetics for 'all' fluids available.  It  seems he knew something.
The 1988 model/non turbo 4 cyl. with auto trans. went through Florida emissions testing until Fl. dropped the tests, but at 300K or so, one of the guys stuck his head back in to check the odometer....and said, "Man!!!  This thing reads as if it's NEW!!  yes.  near zero anything showing up in their computer.
I sold the SUV with 334K miles on it and it still purred with not a notice of smoke.
so, have used Synthethic Oils (Mobile 1) whenever I can in all my engines, cars, boats, rv's.

Coach Build # 5862/40'/2001/U320/Motorcader 17136

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #28 –
yup, I ran a 1988 Ford E350 7.3 Diesel Super Van to 414 K miles and always use d the Rotella 15-40 and sold it to a guy who is still laughing at me, so I do not see a need for the magic. Stuff. If it gives you the warm fuzzies, smile :D
cheers.
Dave M

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
I started using synthetics 40 years ago after reading an article in Popular Science Magazine. 

I recall synthetic being longer lasting because it is naturally multi-viscosity, so a 10-40 oil stays 10-40 forever, while a 10-40 non-synthetic is really a 10w oil with long chain polymers to acheive the 40.  With time, these long chain molecules shear and become shorter, so after a 2000 miles or so, your 10-40 becomes a straight 10w oil.



That used to be true with the multigrade oils with long chain molecules where sharp edges like piston rings would gradually destroy them but as newer more rounded molecules were developed, the multigrades now stay in spec until the next oil change.

I do run Mobil 1 in all the cars and Amzoil in the chain saws, KX250.  Just a bit over budget for the big beast.

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #30 –
There may be some benefit from running synthetic oils in systems like power steering, transmissions (Allison recommends it, as do the drive axles) grease and drive axles as to extending service intervals. Engines in general (diesel especially) because of the combustion process put contaminates in the oil in the form of soot, unburned fuel, nitrates and so on, it is the oils job to contain all of of it. No matter what kind of oil it only has the ability to hold all of these things in suspension for so long. The engine manufactures recommend oil change intervals because their engineering folks have spent a lot of time studying a lot of data. But like Dave M says if it makes you feel good by all means do it, it can't hurt.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #31 –
I do run Mobil 1 in all the cars and Amzoil in the chain saws, KX250.  Just a bit over budget for the big beast.--quote of Pierce.

  That is the exact reason I became a dealer as it takes a good chunk of the cost off it and makes it reasonable. By changing the oil twice with regular  stuff compared to once with what I use, that equals the cost of Synthetic, plus add on filters and time and you are costing more!!!!
  Using Syn oil does not make me "warm and fuzzy" as Dave puts it, I do it because after reading a long list of testamonials  from people whose business depends on a good lubricant that does not break down too early  (my comment) I decided to continue using it. The coach has been living on it for most of its life now, so why change?
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #32 –
Been running synthetic since reading a article in Popular Mechanics way back in the mid 1970s.  It was about running a Cadillac with Mobil 1 for 100,000 miles on highways without a oil change.  After the 100,000 miles was done, they tore the engine down and micrometered all the movable components.  All wearable parts were within brand new specs.  I thought that was pretty impressive having been a believer of the 3000 oil change interval.  So I have been a follower ever since.  And have learned lots about various brands.  And while synthetic may cost more, it offers on fantastic benefit for out turbo diesels.  It flows through that little hose that goes to the turbo so much better, and handles the extreme heat of the turbo bearings that breaks down normal oils.  And having had turbo failures, I so much appreciate what synthetics can offer for that kind of protection.  If you ever get a chance to look at a  "tiny" Garrett variable vane turbo off of a VW or Audi, do so.  Pick it up and inspect it and move the vanes.  You will then understand why VW and Audi require synthetics in their engines.  They do not last long running normal dino 15W40 oils.

And then my wife's uncle was the head mechanic at the Jamestown terminal for Lyons Transportation Lines, Erie Pa.  (Lyons was headed by Colonel Philip G. Cochran, USAAF, aka "Flip Corkin" of "Terry and the Pirates" comic strip.)  They tested a unnamed synthetic oil for a major oil company in one of their road tractors.  Ran it for a million miles without changing the oil.  Changed filters only, and topped it off that that unbranded synthetic oil.  They used regular  oem filters, nothing special.  They tore it down every 100,000 miles and micrometered the internal movable parts, put it back together and put the same old oil back in it and continued to run the engine.  After it had a million road miles on both it and the oil, they pulled it off the road and ran it as a city delivery  tractor in Buffalo, NY, never changing the oil.  it was still running with an additional several hundred thousand miles and the same oil when Lyons shut their doors.  Never had any internal engine problems.  The wife's uncle had no idea who the manufacturer of the oil was, except it was a big name manufacturer that they tested it for.  The 55 gallon drum it came in was unmarked with nothing indicating what it was other than "motor oil test".  He was one of those old time diesel mechanics who knew how to tune a diesel.  He senior advisor for the diesel mechanic training department at the local county vocational training center.  Prior to that test, he did not believe in the "snake oil hype" of synthetic oils.  That test changed his opinion.  He is no longer with us to pass on that story, but I am glad that he passed it on to me.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #33 –
That part about heat in the turbocharger has me thinking the time is coming (next yearly oil change) for me to switch to synthetic in the FT.

Any suggestions on where to buy synthetic (and which brand) at the best price?
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #34 –
Tom, google the oil and find all the reasons to make your mind  up-then go looking for suppliers of the best.
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.
 

Re: Synthetic Oil

Reply #35 –
Rotella T6 at wally world, When I bought Tex, 1999 u320, it had synthetic oil in every thing that required oil. I change the oil filter at 10,000 and send a sample off for analysis.So far it looks good.
Ben
1999 u320 (Tex)