This Should Be Easy
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: memphis
This Should Be Easy
Been using Rotella T since I bought the truck. Routine oil change, every 3,000 miles. Got 120 thou on the motor now. Read alot of great things about Synthetic. Thought about the switch. (Why not, I've changed everything else)
1- Would it cause me problems?
2- I know it costs more: which is the best for long hauling under load?
1- Would it cause me problems?
2- I know it costs more: which is the best for long hauling under load?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Baltimore
I doubt if switching would cause any problems, especially in light of the fact you change you oil earlier than recommended and are using a quality motor oil. With synthetic you could stretch out oil changes, I do mine at 5K, and you would recoupe some of the additional expense. Synthetic would give better all around protection. If it doesn't work out you can always switch back.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 98
From: Phoenix, AZ
Hey horse,
I'm sure you have read all the threads on switching to synthetic. The detergents, etc. in the synthetic cleans out the dino crud and you end up with leaks you never had. No personal experience on this but I have read of a few leakers after converting.
Then of course, be prepared to be beaten up by jschira and others on the cost issue, marketing hype, all oil is the same, no such thing as true synthetics, blah, blah, blah, blah,.....
I'm sure you have read all the threads on switching to synthetic. The detergents, etc. in the synthetic cleans out the dino crud and you end up with leaks you never had. No personal experience on this but I have read of a few leakers after converting.
Then of course, be prepared to be beaten up by jschira and others on the cost issue, marketing hype, all oil is the same, no such thing as true synthetics, blah, blah, blah, blah,.....
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 695
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From: Southern California
Fm HeatStroked
The detergents, etc. in the synthetic cleans out the dino crud and you end up with leaks you never had. No personal experience on this but I have read of a few leakers after converting.
The detergents, etc. in the synthetic cleans out the dino crud and you end up with leaks you never had. No personal experience on this but I have read of a few leakers after converting.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
You can call the oil manufacturers and they will all tell thier is better, and everyone who sells oil will tell you theirs is better. It is whatever YOU are comfortable with. Dont forget --- opinions are like butts ... everybody has one.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 1
From: Scenic Wisconsin
Good post, bilder12 - I think you hit this one right on the head.
horsecop - if your goal is to reduce engine wear, IMO the syn isn't worth the extra cost. There's ample evidence to show neither gives a wear advantage if the oil is changed at manufacturer spec'd intervals. If you're looking for better cold starts, however, syn has a decided advantage.
horsecop - if your goal is to reduce engine wear, IMO the syn isn't worth the extra cost. There's ample evidence to show neither gives a wear advantage if the oil is changed at manufacturer spec'd intervals. If you're looking for better cold starts, however, syn has a decided advantage.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
I got almost to 250,000 miles on my '78 F250 (300 cu. straight six, 5-speed) with plain ole non-synthetic oil, changed it every 5000 miles. I didn't see the inside of the engine, but it ran strongly, got good gas mileage, and did not make stink, so I think it's safe to assume it was still in good shape. I would have gotten even more life out of it, except I did not believe the oil gauge when it said the pressure was too low. Oil pump failed, boo, and that was that.
What I've seen with some folks who use synthetics in their vehicles (surely not the wise persons who hang out here) is they don't change it often enough, 'cause they think it will last forever. But crud builds up in the oil, because even the best spin-on filters have a limited capacity and lifespan. (insert ritual debate on what are the best bypass oil filters.)
An amusing side note to engine lubrication- some of you are doubtless old enough to remember when putting a steep rake on the hind end of your hotrod, like it got punted in the butt and stuck on the upswing, led to premature engine failure. Because it left the rear of crankshaft high and dry. Boy was that funny- when it happened to someone else.
What I've seen with some folks who use synthetics in their vehicles (surely not the wise persons who hang out here) is they don't change it often enough, 'cause they think it will last forever. But crud builds up in the oil, because even the best spin-on filters have a limited capacity and lifespan. (insert ritual debate on what are the best bypass oil filters.)
An amusing side note to engine lubrication- some of you are doubtless old enough to remember when putting a steep rake on the hind end of your hotrod, like it got punted in the butt and stuck on the upswing, led to premature engine failure. Because it left the rear of crankshaft high and dry. Boy was that funny- when it happened to someone else.
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