Synthetic Oil

[Not a member]

To me oil is cheap so a UOA on a passenger vehicle or light truck is a waste of money. Even my diesel truck that takes 4 gallons I feel a UOA is not worth it.

What I do is on conventional oil I go 5000 miles, 3000 miles if towing plowing ect.

Synthetic goes 10000 miles or 7500 if towing plowing ect.

Equipment gets yearly changes or 100 hours on dyno oil.

Chris

That's about the way I look at it. You gotta factor the circumstances if not using oil samples.

 

[MHarryE]

Is it filter quality or engine quality. My older German car base oil change interval is 15,000 miles but it's computer uses cold start times and temperatures, long distance trips, and possibly other factors to reduce or increase mileage. So it's now at 129,000 miles, uses no oil between changes, and has had 9 oil changes or 14k - 15k per change. My newer German car has 22,000 miles between changes, has 59k and has been changed twice but reads 18k to the next change. The newer one doesn't have a dipstick. They provide the oil and filter, and 100k warranty. So why do the other guys have to change theirs so much more frequently? Is it because of lesser quality design and manufacturing, or possibly because they don't include oil changes and other maintenance items (brakes, etc.) in with the purchase and their dealers are dependent on that business to make money? It's like a Cat excavator can go 4,000 hours between hydraulic oil changes and my Kubota can go 400 hours. Why the discrepancy?

 

[3930dave]

TN' pls excuse the drift, but I've got to ask....

Harry - the new one, no dipstick - does it have low-oil shutdown ?

Not suggesting that German cars are known for going through oil , just curious.

Rgds, D.

 

[BKBoiss]

One thing to keep on mind is just because the oil doesn't break down as fast doesn't mean it's not getting dirty with contaminates that can cause engine wear. As it's been already said oil is cheap, I like synthetic because the engine turns a little easier when she hits below -30C like it does around here but I don't let it go too much longer than conventional. Just my thoughts.

 

[JMER817]

I would be concerned more about how good the filter is doing and how dirty (contaminated) the oil gets in those amount of miles. The oil may continue to keep its lubricating properties, but what about the abrasiveness of all the small fines?

 

[Diamondpilot]

TN' pls excuse the drift, but I've got to ask....

Harry - the new one, no dipstick - does it have low-oil shutdown ?

Not suggesting that German cars are known for going through oil , just curious.

Rgds, D.

My 07 BMW does not have a dip stick either. It shoes a graphical oil level display and tells you if and when to add a qt.

Chris

 

[Leo Rabon]

One thing to keep on mind is just because the oil doesn't break down as fast doesn't mean it's not getting dirty with contaminates that can cause engine wear. As it's been already said oil is cheap, I like synthetic because the engine turns a little easier when she hits below -30C like it does around here but I don't let it go too much longer than conventional. Just my thoughts.

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I change my oil to get the "dirt" out.

Waccamaw

 

[kenmac]

Gary, in a previous thread ,I asked what Kawasaki motor you had. Looking at the # you posted , your engine is a 24 HP. Mine is a 21.5 HP. that may be the difference in yours requiring synthetic. All my manual list about oil is, temp range from about 40 * to about 95* SAE 30 from form 85* over 100* SAE 40. It also list -20* to 32* 5w20 0* to 95* 10w 30. Using multi grade oils will increase consumption check oil often when using them......No mention of synthetic. I do use synthetic, but per manual,,,, Not required

 

[Diamondpilot]

Gary, in a previous thread ,I asked what Kawasaki motor you had. Looking at the # you posted , your engine is a 24 HP. Mine is a 21.5 HP. that may be the difference in yours requiring synthetic. All my manual list about oil is, temp range from about 40 * to about 95* SAE 30 from form 85* over 100* SAE 40. It also list -20* to 32* 5w20 0* to 95* 10w 30. Using multi grade oils will increase consumption check oil often when using them......No mention of synthetic. I do use synthetic, but per manual,,,, Not required

I maintain a fleet of commercial use ZTR's. 90% have Kawasaki and 75% are Ferris. They have 24 to 37 HP motors and none required synthetic. We run straight dyno SAE 30 in all them. Change them out once a year.

Chris

 

[3930dave]

My 07 BMW does not have a dip stick either. It shoes a graphical oil level display and tells you if and when to add a qt.

Chris

Makes sense - that is what I'd hope to hear. Manufacturer will then also have a log if you operate the engine with low oil - not likely with a new engine, but worth keeping in mind re. warranty.

Rgds, D.