Do synthetics actually suck?

hudr · Dec 16, 2005

This is going to sound really UNscientific but here goes, and I'll take the flak for it.
I was brought up on Shell Rotella 15W40. It was in everything. Tractors, big truck, pickups, lawnmowers, bar oil. Gas or diesel it didn't matter.
I put it in my wife's 99 GMC Jimmy instead of the reccommended 5w30 and I lost almost 2mpg.
I put Shell Rotella 5w40 synthetic (Please don't start the Group1 group3 discussion here) in my 6.5TD Chevy and it sounds quieter (this is the unscientific part, in case you didn't catch it). Not only quieter to me, but to friends of mine who don't drive diesels but they know my truck. Exact quote from non-diesel buddy "what'd you do to your truck, it sounds quieter, not as much diesel rattle". Is synthetic better? A quieter truck to me seems to mean parts aren't banging together as hard. will the cost/benefit pan out in the future? Who knows.
Oh, and in addition to Shell oil, I was also ingrained w/ an affinity for Lucas additive products. And I think I have seen the BITOG.com article where they foam up a batch of oil w/ Lucas in it.
I think it boils down to this.... can you sleep at night knowing what oil/additives are in your engine/tranny/diff/u-joint/wheel bearing/washer fluid? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

kenmac · Dec 16, 2005

I don't use adds. I currently use mobil 1 E.P. I won't say what group /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, But when I drain ,I will be installing Amsoil. I sleep at night very well.

_RaT_ · Dec 16, 2005

I will be installing Amsoil. I sleep at night very well. 

Ken, your not supposed to drink it.

kenmac · Dec 16, 2005

I thought if it were good enough for my autos. , it would be great for me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

kenmac · Dec 16, 2005

I've an idea Rat,when you install that transmission for the 2 nd. time put amsoil trans. fluid in it & it won't break again, but then, you may enjoy removing & installing trannys. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cp1969 · Dec 16, 2005

I have argued long and hard that the benefit of using synthetic oil instead of dino are difficult, if not impossible, to realize in most applications.

But to suggest that synthetics are inferior to dino oils is stretching it. Even I admit that synthetics are "better" oils; my only contention is that synthetics' "betterness" doesn't translate into dollars saved most of the time. There are exceptions in which you'd be a fool to run anything but synthetics, i.e., the VW PD diesel.

CT_Tree_Guy · Dec 16, 2005

it plainly shows that dino oil is superior to synthetic (both with and without additive) 

It does??

I could be wrong, but this sounds like some of the worst nonsense I've heard in a while. 

( I'd agree. There is way to much evidence that runs contrary to that. The question of the superiority of synthetic is not at issue with me, its whether my needs, need it. )

My sentiments exactly!


And mine too. Hey, when Sully and I have agreed on the fundamental issue of dino vs. synthetics, I take that as a SURE sign that maybe we can all stop talking about this. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Soundguy · Dec 17, 2005

( In my 25 year old lawn mower engine )

Don't forget air compressors, pressure washers, and some injector pumps... In fact.. just about ann application that does not use an oil filter...

Soundguy

Garrabo · Dec 18, 2005

why doesent BMW or Porsche recommend dino? do they have stake in Mobil or who ever.

Sully2 · Dec 18, 2005

( I have argued long and hard that the benefit of using synthetic oil instead of dino are difficult, if not impossible, to realize in most applications.

But to suggest that synthetics are inferior to dino oils is stretching it. Even I admit that synthetics are "better" oils; my only contention is that synthetics' "betterness" doesn't translate into dollars saved most of the time. There are exceptions in which you'd be a fool to run anything but synthetics, i.e., the VW PD diesel. )

Im with ya wholeheartedly... There ARE certain instances where running a Syn oil would..IMHO..be MANDATORY! ( I always use the "big diesel in Antarctia scenario) But I have to giggle to myself when I hear / read stories of people using it ( syn oil) so their stuff will run "longer". Longer than WHAT? Longer than THEIR lifetime? I could give a hoot what the next owner of my ( fill in the blank) uses a piece of my equipment or or how he treats it. Im dead..Im gone...who cares!

People that abuse equipment...either because of ignorance..or $$$...shouldnt ask more of their equipment that it was designed for. Ya change oil and filter at the proper times...keep the coolant fresh...battery up..hyd fluid and filter changed properly..and you use it..not "abuse" it.

I looked long and hard at a K BX22 ( I think it is..the little one??) and it may have done me just fine for my needs...BUT..I bought a B3030 because I was POSITIVE it would do the work..and not be "overworked" at all.

Syn oils are good stuff..no doubt about it. But I dont take a .22 rifle on an elephant hunt...and I dont need an elephant gun to shoot rats in the chicken coop either.