Synthetic - when to switch?
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From: SOCAL
Synthetic - when to switch?
Most seem to recommend using dino oil for engine valve seat, oil ring break-in period, then switch at about 5K mi. Is there a similar break-in period recommended before switching over to synthetic for the transmission and gear box?
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From: Myrtle Beach
Synthetic - when to switch?
Just out of curiosity, what does your brothers transmission using synthetic have to do with what type of oil someone uses? Or, the fact that it "leaked out the top"?
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Synthetic - when to switch?
I wouidn't think there is a break-in period required for transmissions or axles, as the trend I'm seeing today is that the factory fill on many manual transmissions and axles is already a synthetic lubricant.
The fluids in these items typically are not changed as often as motor oil, so the benefits of expensive synthetic lubricants can be realized.
Other than operating in sub-zero climates, synthetic oil in the crankcase is a waste of money. To each his own. Whatever you feel you're getting the best cost/benefit ratio from.
The fluids in these items typically are not changed as often as motor oil, so the benefits of expensive synthetic lubricants can be realized.
Other than operating in sub-zero climates, synthetic oil in the crankcase is a waste of money. To each his own. Whatever you feel you're getting the best cost/benefit ratio from.
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From: US
Synthetic - when to switch?
Porsche, Corvette and many other cars come factory filled with synthetic oil. So I have to believe that it would be OK to do the same with other engines.
I changed my V10 to Mobil 1 at 2500 miles.
Rich
F350V10 2002
I changed my V10 to Mobil 1 at 2500 miles.
Rich
F350V10 2002
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From: Iowa
Synthetic - when to switch?
Originally posted by WillieTD
Just out of curiosity, what does your brothers transmission using synthetic have to do with what type of oil someone uses? Or, the fact that it "leaked out the top"?
Just out of curiosity, what does your brothers transmission using synthetic have to do with what type of oil someone uses? Or, the fact that it "leaked out the top"?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 165
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From: Myrtle Beach
Synthetic - when to switch?
Ah, I see. I didn't pick up on that. You are correct as I see people jump in their cars day after day and go speeding down the road without a care in the world. Then, when they're vehicle breaks down, they blame the manufacturer or the mechanic instead of blaming who is really at fault: themselves.
BTW, if you use a heavier weight oil when you use synthetic then you shouldn't have a problem. I was using 5W30 dino until I switched to Mobil 1 on Sunday. I am now using 10W30. All of the research I did (it was a lot) suggested that this was the way to go.
BTW, if you use a heavier weight oil when you use synthetic then you shouldn't have a problem. I was using 5W30 dino until I switched to Mobil 1 on Sunday. I am now using 10W30. All of the research I did (it was a lot) suggested that this was the way to go.
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Synthetic - when to switch?
Just a quick note on oils... I noticed in my owners manual for the truck listed below, that it was filled with a semi-syn oil (except in Canada). In this case, Ford further recommends that the oil be changed with a high quality semi-syn as the minimum. I would think after the first oil change, moving to a total syn oil would be acceptable. In my case, I will likely stay with a semi-syn. (Don't have a lot of money to blow on exotic oils, I spent it all on the truck!) 
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From: Northern California
Synthetic - when to switch?
Synthetic Oil, in the past, was prone to leak in older cars, simply because A) Their additive package B) Inferior gasket material used on vehicles 15 years or older. Today's SL synthetics are completely a much, much better lubricant. Also, engine and transmission gaskets are much better in the last 7-10 years. (Who would ever use a cork valve cover gasket or transmission pan gasket today?) Yet, that was a main reason for synthetic oil leakage years ago, those gaskets did not take long to become stiff and brittle after only a few years...
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