180k, would you change to synthetic

[Moon]

Has anyone ever switched to synthetic just to clean out the gunk run it 500 miles then switch back to dino?
To my way of thinking this could be benificial to the motor and going back to dino could prevent or stop the leaks that synthetic might start. Just a thought ...no experience with this at all.

Thanks,
Moon of Ohio

 

[gsxr1100]

why not rush an engine flush? I think Amsoil and RX make one. then just keep using the dino oil.

 

[KennyV]

Moon … synthetic dose not cause leaks, It flows better, it has a smaller molecular component and there for ‘can’ get through a smaller space. Going back and forth with oil types is not going to cause leaks. You could use it as a flush.

The real questions might be: Is synthetic a superior lubricant? If so it will slow or stop engine wear.
Is it worth the price? It may give you extended mileage, but I also change according to type of use, and time.
Dose it keep an engine cleaner? If so why not just keep it in there.
There have been MANY comparative tests, I don’t think there is any one test that will convince everyone one way or the other. For myself its worth switching to and not going back. But you definitely could switch back. There are bound to be many opinions out here that say Don’t Switch Back And Forth. Will it hurt any I doubt it, just can’t see a reason to do it.
If you are putting enough miles on to become an economic (price of oil) issue… then you really need the synthetic to curb engine wear. If you are not putting lots of miles on you will have excellent anti sludge easy flow long term oil…

In any case I will pose a question to you: Why would you NOT switch to synthetic? KennyV.

 

[gsxr1100]

What "value added" is he getting?

 

[KennyV]

Mike...
You would have to “believe” /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gifit is a superior lubricant to appreciate any value. KennyV.

 

[Moon]

Good thought out replies.
I guess an engine flush could accomplish what I was after. I've never done one, but never had a vehicle with this many miles that I planned on keeping a couple more years.

I do believe syn is a superior lubricant. But, since it takes more than 6 months to put 3000 miles on the vehicle, and since I trust dino for 3000 miles, it then turns into an expense issue. I did not think of the time issue when I created this thread. I can handle the extra expense but I'm still not convinced synthetic is the way to go in my situation (for this high milage vehicle only).

Thanks again guys!

Moon of Ohio

 

[Nasty135]

Moon, If it were my truck with that many miles I would put a quart of trans fluid in it and drive it with-out strain for a week before you change the oil. That will clean it gently .With that many miles IMO the wear has already happened and any synthetic won't benefit you with the anti-wear properties that your paying for...
I'm no expert but I do own a 1986 Astro van with over 300k and it still doesn't burn oil,but the oil gets changed every 3k with dino so I guess I would have changed that oil a hundred times /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif(still has original ball joints a little grease every oil change)
Actually I bought it from my DAD when it had 100k on it using valvoline 10w-40 .
I do use Amsoil in my 91 GMC sierra change it once a year at 7500 miles average (bought it with 44k)...

But more to my thought is this ,If your starting out with dino and change it approx every 3k and have between 60-70K switching to synthectic would be fine , But if you don't know the history or the mileage is over the 70-75k threshold stick with a good dino /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

If perhaps the motor is slugded up, A can of engine flush at this point might loosen up something you don't want clogging up your oil pump screen.You could pull a valve cover or maybe the oil filler to see for yourself what the upper end looks like,that would be an indicator of the health of the lower end

 

[Moon]

Thanks Nasty, sounds like good advice, and it reaffirms my sticking with dino. All my newer vehciles / tractor will get synthetic but this old one can stick with good ole dino.

Thanks again all. I appreciate all the replies.

Moon of Ohio