Synthetic oil opinions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter NickNike
  • Start date Start date
Matt Whiting said:
There has been a lot of discussion about whether synthetic is more
slippery than dino oil, but I've yet to see anything definitive. One data
point that suggests that this is a myth is synthetic oil is approved for
us in motorcycles that use wet clutches.
Click to expand...

Slipperiness may be the wrong term. It certainly does give better
protection at high rpm though.

Some years ago I used to fly RC model airplanes with methanol based fueled 2
cycle engines. They'd run at 15,000 to 20,000 rpm. With synthetic
lubricants, we'd be able to get an extra 2 to 3 thousand rpm more and it
would run that way for a full tank whereas the regular oils would allow the
engine to overheat and stop. Based on what we did, I'm convinced that
synthetics offer superior performance. Given the quality of dino oils
though, I'm not convinced that normal engines under normal driving
conditions actually need it. If you like to play in the high rpm ranges, go
for it.
 
Edwin said:
Slipperiness may be the wrong term. It certainly does give better
protection at high rpm though.

Some years ago I used to fly RC model airplanes with methanol based fueled 2
cycle engines. They'd run at 15,000 to 20,000 rpm. With synthetic
lubricants, we'd be able to get an extra 2 to 3 thousand rpm more and it
would run that way for a full tank whereas the regular oils would allow the
engine to overheat and stop. Based on what we did, I'm convinced that
synthetics offer superior performance. Given the quality of dino oils
though, I'm not convinced that normal engines under normal driving
conditions actually need it. If you like to play in the high rpm ranges, go
for it.
Click to expand...

Yes, no question that synthetics behave much better at high
temperatures. Even if they aren't more slippery than dino oil, they
maintain their slipperiness much better when the oil temps get above 300
degrees. I think that is pretty well known. I'm just not sure if they
have any real advantage in this regard at normal oil temps in the 180 to
220 range.

Matt
 
Do you think your dealer knows better than the high priced, silled,
experienced engineers that designed the engine? They specify a particular
weight for a reason so why chance something else?
Click to expand...

Well said Ed. My dealer used 20W50 at my 1st oil change. I nearly
freaked when I read it on the itemized bill. When I questioned him
about it, he said it was "better than the oil Hyundai recommended".
Holy schmoly! I drove straight home and changed to 10w30, which is on
the recommended list, and I think is better for my hot climate than
the water-thin 5W.

I think there's a place for Synthetic. If you intend to drive the car
250K miles, or you live in a brutally cold climate, I think it's worth
the extra bucks.
-

Bob
 
Some years ago I used to fly RC model airplanes with methanol based fueled 2
cycle engines. They'd run at 15,000 to 20,000 rpm. With synthetic
lubricants, we'd be able to get an extra 2 to 3 thousand rpm more and it
would run that way for a full tank whereas the regular oils would allow the
engine to overheat and stop.
Click to expand...

Red Max is the real deal! ;)
-

Bob
 
Bob said:
Well said Ed. My dealer used 20W50 at my 1st oil change. I nearly
freaked when I read it on the itemized bill. When I questioned him
about it, he said it was "better than the oil Hyundai recommended".
Holy schmoly! I drove straight home and changed to 10w30, which is on
the recommended list, and I think is better for my hot climate than
the water-thin 5W.
Click to expand...

The 5W applies at the cold end. At the hot end, they are both 30 weight
so there is no difference.

Matt
 
Bob said:
Well said Ed. My dealer used 20W50 at my 1st oil change. I nearly
freaked when I read it on the itemized bill. When I questioned him
about it, he said it was "better than the oil Hyundai recommended".
Holy schmoly! I drove straight home and changed to 10w30, which is on
the recommended list, and I think is better for my hot climate than
the water-thin 5W.

I think there's a place for Synthetic. If you intend to drive the car
250K miles, or you live in a brutally cold climate, I think it's worth
the extra bucks.
Click to expand...

Your dealer is an idiot. Find another one or just do your own maintenance.
 
I concur with HT. As an ex-mechanic, I really saw no difference in engine
longevity between the dino/syn oil bases.

Much like HT, I try to get all the life I can from my cars, and I have to
say that oil changes at the 3k mark here in hot/dusty AZ contributes to
engine life. My 92 Nissan Sentra had 248k miles on it (still kick myself for
selling it!) when I sold it off. No leaks, no oil burn, and still plenty of
performance from the DOHC 16 valve 4 cyl which was still getting 34 mpg. I
did replace the front main seal at 110k though.

I agree in COLD climates that syn oils may help at startup, but both of my
vehicles are garaged and really aren't exposed to cold climate.

On another group I belong to (Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager) this topic came
up and oh boy!!!!

General consensus was that if dino works for you, rock on. If you like syn,
rock on. However, all those telemarketing cats from the 90s (Slick 50, etc.)
are still settling lawsuits from all of their bs claims.

Just my .02...

Great group and HT, you rock!!

"HT for prez!"

Steve- AZ
 
I agree in COLD climates that syn oils may help at startup, but both of my
vehicles are garaged and really aren't exposed to cold climate.
Click to expand...

In the cold North East (upstate NY), I've stuck with dino oil over the
years. My truck is a 94 Silverado with a 350 and it sits outside all year
long. Starts right up without a hitch every day, winter or summer. No
signs of problems with cold related oil thickening even in the coldest of
winter. I keep 5W30 in it all year long. I'm also a guy who keeps his
vehicles for over 200K
 
Your dealer is an idiot. Find another one or just do your own maintenance.
Click to expand...

You've got that right Brian!

That was the fist oil change.

No 2, they shorted me 4.75 Qt's. of oil. (!!!)

No 3, they shorted me 1.5 Qt's. of oil.

No 4, I went to my local "Oil X-Press", where they've never made a
mistake in 20 years. They did a perfect job.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me 3
times, uh, shame on Matt. :)

-

Bob
 

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