Anybody out there run Valvoline Synpower oil? I have been debating on switching from semi-syn. to a full synthetic. I know a couple friends that run amsoil and do the 25k oil changes but that just dosen't seem right at 8k that crap was Dark my semi is alot cleaner than that when I change it at 2800. Anybody?

Thanks
Curtis

 

Color is not a good indicator of oil life. Individual engines darken the oil differently, depending on mixture, condition of rings, etc. If you are going to get the "value" from a synthetic, you do need to extend change intervals, but using oil analysis to validate additive life, shearing, oxidation, etc. If you look at the "fine print" on Amsoil's 25k interval, it has a limit of one year and I think it also recommends oil analysis. Also, all synthetics do not have the same additive package. Valvoline synpower, in the popular 5W-30 and 10W-30 grades have lower additive levels to meet GF-4 limits. The 5W-40 and 10W-40 grades, for example, are also ACEA A3 and not GF-4. Amsoil is not GF-4.
Those would be better candidates for extended drains, but may not be a good grade for you engine or climate.

Jim

 

I have run Valvoline Syn-Power. I have run Valvoline for years. You can save yourself a few dollars by going to your local NAPA store and buy NAPA Synthetic. same thing, made by Valvoline all NAPA oils come from Valvoline and have for many years.

 

I like Jims thoughts & I'd add, if your going to switch to a synthetic crank case lube with extended OCI's, also make sure your using a oil filter with a filtering media that'll stand uo to the extended oci's & one that has sufficient filtering area reserve, so it won't clog up, restrict flow, or go into bypass.

IMO extended oci's require a filter with a synthetic media material, that won't break down over long oci's & one with a large fitering area. so there is low pressure drop accross the filter during the oci, as the filter loads up.

I wouldn't use an inexpensive filter with a paper media & small area size for extended oci's.

The Motorcraft FL-1A filter has a good media & very large filtering area, around 400 sq inches, & good particle size filtering, without excessive pressure drop accross the fllter during a 7500 mile oci.
Price is right too, so that makes it a good value for the gold we spend!!!! lol

Just some additional thoughts for pondering.

 

I have used Valvoline syn in my 94 F250 460 that I use to tow an 8000# trailer. I have used it since I bought it used at 36000 miles. I now have about 91,000 miles with about 20-30% towing I would guess. So far so good.

I change at 5000 intervals and use Purolator filters.

I do not go for extended drain unless you count 5000 miles with some towing as severe duty, which the manual does.

I use syn more for the temperature extremes and occasional hard use I give the truck.

Syn is my religion so I use it in everything whether it makes sense or not. Some of the truck dinos are excellent oils and will probably suit your truck quite well.

As long as you change oil and filter regularly and use oil meeting spec, you will be fine. I just like the extra psychological boost syn gives me, plus the heat range.

Good Luck,

Jim henderson