Break In hours before synthetic oil changeover?

[Gary Fowler]

You and I have discussed using synthetic oil in our Kawasaki engine B-4...If I remember correctly,,, you and I have the same manual. I believe the manual states that using any multi weight oil (not just synthetic) vs straight 30 wt, may cause a little oil usage

I could have mis-remembered the warning a bit (CRS syndrome) as usually I read the manuals when I get something and then it gets tucked away until I cant remember what to do. I only have about 40 hours on it with 32 of it this year on Mobil1, so far it is still right at the full mark.

 

[Ford850]

Very true, if people knew what the real (as opposed to the Internet myths and marketing hype) advantages of synthetics oils are, most likely wouldn't waste their money on it when it isn't called for by the manufacture. Before you die-hards start throwing rocks at me, do the research.

Synthetic Motor Oils | J.D. Power

That seems to reinforce reasons to use synthetic. Maybe I don't know all of the internet myths though. JD Power says it's better for cold weather use (which is why I use it). Better for high temperature use. Better for turbos. Better for extreme conditions. Keeps engines cleaner and free of sludge. The big disadvantage is cost, which could be somewhat negated by extended oil change intervals.
I use it in some of my engines.

 

[Copperhead]

I'll stir the pot a little. Synthetic vs conventional makes for some good discussions, but one should always keep in mind that the additive package that is part of that quart of oil is just as important, and sometimes more so. Considering that the additive package makes upwards of 25% of that quart, and considering the job it has to do, you can have be best synthetic base oil on the planet, but if it is tied to a lousy additive package, your engine could be in danger.

Keep in mind, that lubricants made from whale oil in the 1800's are still, technically, classified as synthetics. But you sure would be wise if you never put it in your engine. Modern Group IV synthetics are made from derivatives of natural gas. Group III synthetics, which some say are faux synthetics, are highly refined from mineral oils. Once we get past all of that, it still has to be blended with an additive package. You know, the detergents, anti foaming agents, anti oxidation agents, friction modifying elements like zinc, moly, etc. You can have a great synthetic with a lousy add pack, but if that was my choice, I would take a conventional with a very stout add pack. The ideal is to have a top notch synthetic combined with a top notch add pack.

Synthetic base oil, in an of itself, does not keep engines cleaner. It is the add pack components that keep the engine cleaner. True though, the synthetic base oil itself has a lower NOACK, or cook off rate, and that can mean fewer deposits, but it is the add pack that keeps things nice and tidy in the engine.

As for cost, there are any number of sales going on with synthetics that make them pretty cost effective compared to standard oils. I have even seen sales where the synthetic was equal in price with a conventional. keep your eyes open for sales here and there and your wallet will remain thicker.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't think folks that put less than 10,000 miles per year on their vehicle benefit much from synthetic oils unless their engine requires synthetic oil use. The advantage of full syn oils is extended mileage. When OEM requires yearly oil changes to maintain warranty, it doesn't make much sense to put high $$$ oil in when you are only going to use 25-50% of its life. Most new vehicles recommended oil change interval is 7500 miles with Dino oil. Bragging rite of syn oil getting 200K or more miles without issue can be countered by other folks doing the same thing with Dino oil. Much of the longevity of an engine is proper maintenance and gently using the power + some engines are just put together better than others.

The main use for syn oil is if it makes you feel like you are doing something good for your engine, go for it. I use it in my Kawasaki powered mower, but use regular oil in my B&S mower engine. I had one mower (push type) that always used Dino oil that I bought in 1990 and mowed a 1/4 acre lot (minus house footage) till 2012 when I gave it to my Daughter in law to mow her 1/4 acre yard. My grandson still uses it and according to her boyfriend it still cranks up on the second pull and doesn't smoke a bit. That 24 years of work on Dino oil and still going strong. Would Syn oil make it last longer, possibly, but then how long do you expect a $100 mower to last anyway.

 

[two4spooky]

Boy this thread went sideways. The original posters question was NOT synthetic oil vs conventional oil. The question was how soon can synthetic be used in a new engine? I think the majority of responses are use synthetic oil as soon as you wish. Sheesh, people sure are touchy about other peoples' lubricant choices. :hissyfit:

 

[Copperhead]

Yeah, you're right. It did go off into the alfalfa field somewhat. But to that point, I don't think there is any real time interval that needs to be taken for an engine to be moved over to synthetic. There are many OEM engines that are factory filled with either synthetic or at least a synthetic blend. Older engine designs, it might have made more of an issue. Today's engines, the tolerances internally are so close that the need for adequate "break in" occurs pretty quickly. I have moved engines over to synthetic at first oil change many times and never had any problems later. Commercial heavy diesels to gas engines in pickups, they got moved to full synthetic or a blend at first oil change. Guess it depends on one's comfort level as to how soon they make the switch, if ever.

 

[two4spooky]

Bragging rite of syn oil getting 200K or more miles without issue can be countered by other folks doing the same thing with Dino oil.

If you are referring to my post, my statement is meant to be taken in the context of the original(poster's) question. "Break in hours before synthetic oil change over?" My opinion, "As soon as you wish." The examples I give are my experience doing this exact thing(switching to synthetics in new engines) multiple times, and not having any issues. None of my post have argued against conventional oil. I actually said conventional(dino) oil is fine for most people, see post #24. For me, I like the advantages synthetics offer and the cost difference(the only disadvantage to synthetics) is minimal. I use synthetics in many applications. You are free to use which ever you prefer.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you are referring to my post, my statement is meant to be taken in the context of the original(poster's) question. "Break in hours before synthetic oil change over?" My opinion, "As soon as you wish." The examples I give are my experience doing this exact thing(switching to synthetics in new engines) multiple times, and not having any issues. None of my post have argued against conventional oil. I actually said conventional(dino) oil is fine for most people, see post #24. For me, I like the advantages synthetics offer and the cost difference(the only disadvantage to synthetics) is minimal. I use synthetics in many applications. You are free to use which ever you prefer.

Sorry, I wasn't referring to anyone in particular, just that lots of folks get extraordinary mileage from some engines regardless of the brand or type of oil used. Mostly I see it as personal preference in most instances since most oils exceed the requirements of engine mfg.
TODAYS engines will routinely go 200K or more with normal maintenance regardless of the oil used. Anyone remember the days when bragging rites were associated with 50K mile without and overhaul? The only reason I see to use full synthetic other than personal preference is in the high revving, high temp, turbocharged engines and most of them require full syn oil anyway by mfg.
As I said, I do use it in some of my engines, was using it in all my vehicles but since retirement and having 3 vehicles to drive that hardly ever receive over 4-5K mile per vehicle, it just isn't in my interest to spend the money on syn oil with so little driving. My wife's SUV is a 2003 and has less than 100K, my PU truck is 2007 with less than 50K and wife's new Honda will be a year old in August with less than 5K on it.

 

[oldpilgrim]

my new 2014 Tundra came with full synth in it....and recommends 10k between changes.

My owners manual for my brand new Mahindra doesn't even mention synth among the list of brands and weights recommended for use.

 

[Copperhead]

Most manuals really never break it down between conventional or synthetic. They just mention API rating and viscosity ranges. They leave it up to you to decide what you do to meet those criteria.