Ok this is my first post on this website. I see that Synthetic Oils have been discussed here and there but I couldn't find a post that answered all the questions I have. Ok here it goes:

1. Is there anything I need to know about changing from standard oil to full synthetic.

2. Is there actually a section in our manual that states we can use synthetic oil??? My Expy was a program vehicle and the book was a little messed up.

3. Am I supposed to use the same type of oil filter for synthetic as I would with standard oil? What is a descent oil filter for synthetics?

4. Every 5000 miles seems to be the general idea for oil changes with synthetics, is this correct?

5. Where can you dispose of synthetic oil? Does it go to the same place as standard used oils? (auto zone, trak auto etc...)

6. Should I even bother with the transition? Is it really worth it?


Thank you for any help!!!

 

1. Most synthetics have cleaning agents (detergents) in them. If you have a high milage car it's possible that the cleaning action could losen some buildup and clog an oil pathway. Also, the buildup from normal engine oil has a tendancy to seal potential gasket leaks. A synthetic could remove the buildup over time and cause some leaks. These are pretty standard risks but I've had three Fords in the last 5 years and I've never experienced any problem with leaks after I switched over.

2. You can use synthetics in most any gasoline vehicle...to my knowledge.

3. Use the same standard oil filter. I suggest the OEM Motorcraft filter (820S I believe).

4. 5000 to 7500 miles. Just check the oil after 5K. If it's dark and dirty change it and the filter. After a few changes with synthetic it should stay clearer longer. Some have posted going 15K on a good Syn...I however have not.

5. Recycle it the same way you do standard oil. There is no issue with mixing the two.

6. Some swear by it some don't think it's worth the cost. I had an '01 Expy that would burn through most of the standard oil between changes. I switched over to Syn and it stopped buring oil. It also stopped the lifter chatter that it started to get around 60K miles. I just traded my '01 in with over 100K miles for a new '06 Expy. My '01 idled like new the day I traded it in. As soon as I got the new car home I changed it over to Syn. Mobile1 5w-30.

 

Glad someone else asked this question I just bought my 05 used and I don't know what type of oil the previous owner was using. So not to steal your thread but is 5w-50 ok I'm in arizona and temps get to 120 daily during the summer, so I don't know if I should go with this or 5w-20 which the manufacturer recommends.

 

First number relates to starting temp and the second number has to do with the running temp if I recall correctly. So, yea, in Arizona I guess a 5w-50 would be needed. I'm in Houston so I've never seen a 50 level oil. We top out at 30.

 

i'm in houston too and they have 50 level but you don't need it. get yourself some 5w-30 royal purple or mobile 1 and call it a day.

 

Thank you for the awesome reply. You answered my questions very well and you have definately helped build my confidence in converting to synthetics.

Blahboo, no problem!!! I asked this question like I did in hopes it would help more than just me which obviously it already has

I will wait for my next oil change to come up and will switch to synthetics. I have said I would on every car I owned but I am going to do it on this one.