Synthetic oil?
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6
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From: AZ
Synthetic oil?
I was wondering if it is worth the additional cost to use synthetic oil. I recently traded in my '01 Chevy 1/2 ton Silverado for my '03 F-250 Super Duty, 4x4, CC, short bed, 6.8L V-10. I have always used Mobil 1 in the past and have never had any problems, but that is not to say that I would have had any problems if I hadn't used the Mobil 1. Anyway, I wasn't sure if the extra $30-$40 a few times a year was worth it or not. If it helps then obviously $100-$150 per year is nothing, but I've been told I'm just throwing my money away. I've had mechanics tell me that it definitely prolongs the life of the engine, and I've had other tell me as long as you change the oil every 3k-5k miles, it really doesn't matter what type of oil you use. Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I changed to synthetic simply because it cranks over easier in the winter. I will take any advantage I can get with my 7.3. I will say that I very rarely had to plug it in this winter, with temps down to about -10F 
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 2
From: Northern Utah
250SD03,
I run the Mobil1 in my 6.0 PSD (& other vehicles) and have determined the increase in mpg vs conventional oil in my experience unloaded & towing pays for the difference in oil price. Now, all of the operating benefits are realized for Free
Many/most engines will go 200,000 miles or more with high grade conventional oils changed on a regular basis. The benefits of synthetic IMO is how the engine responds & runs. Easy starting, quiet, more fuel efficient.
I run the Mobil1 in my 6.0 PSD (& other vehicles) and have determined the increase in mpg vs conventional oil in my experience unloaded & towing pays for the difference in oil price. Now, all of the operating benefits are realized for Free
Many/most engines will go 200,000 miles or more with high grade conventional oils changed on a regular basis. The benefits of synthetic IMO is how the engine responds & runs. Easy starting, quiet, more fuel efficient.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 0
From: Del Rio, Texas USA
the advantages of syth. is longer intervals and larger envelope of heat range etc.. if you stay at regular intervals and normal heat ops ranges you could get away with std oil.... however if you run over the normal interval is i often due, or really work your truck like pulling my 10k TT up long hills in Texas August(115-130 degrees standing on the asphalt)... then you may be pushing the limits of std oil, it only takes once for you to exceed the limitations and your done... I used to run real expensive AMSOIL etc in my V10... i realized i would never push it that far... i still run it in my race bike engines.. but not in V10.. i buy the mobil from wallmart its $24 for 5 quarts... thats not much more then std oil....its worth that price differance... the AMSOIL i was using before is overkill.... that stuffs for high temp high rpm engines.....
JJ
JJ
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
Likes: 3
From: Mount Airy, MD
I started out using Motorcraft 5W20 and the more miles I put on the truck I began to start needing to put in a 1/2 quart to a full quart between oil changes and that's changing every 3,000 miles. Two changes ago I switched to Royal Purple 5W20 and I haven't had to add one drop between changes and I've even extended my changes to 4,000 miles. To me it's worth the little extra, plus I found a place to get it pretty cheap. I love that stuff!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 10,600
Likes: 3
From: Carhenge
Originally Posted by utahtom
250SD03,
I run the Mobil1 in my 6.0 PSD (& other vehicles) and have determined the increase in mpg vs conventional oil in my experience unloaded & towing pays for the difference in oil price. Now, all of the operating benefits are realized for Free
Many/most engines will go 200,000 miles or more with high grade conventional oils changed on a regular basis. The benefits of synthetic IMO is how the engine responds & runs. Easy starting, quiet, more fuel efficient.
I run the Mobil1 in my 6.0 PSD (& other vehicles) and have determined the increase in mpg vs conventional oil in my experience unloaded & towing pays for the difference in oil price. Now, all of the operating benefits are realized for Free
Many/most engines will go 200,000 miles or more with high grade conventional oils changed on a regular basis. The benefits of synthetic IMO is how the engine responds & runs. Easy starting, quiet, more fuel efficient.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
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From: Mount Airy, MD
Originally Posted by tvsjr
kenne-
Ft. Meade? Do we have a spook in the house? :-)
Ft. Meade? Do we have a spook in the house? :-)
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