Mixing synthetic and non-synthetic

[canoetrpr]

I've got about 30 hrs to go for my next scheduled oil change. I had planned to replace the leaky oil pan gasket (another story) when I did that. However it is driving me INSANE! It's not leaking much - just bugging me.

I was wondering if there is any reason I can't drain the oil I have in now (0W-40), replace the gasket - hope the replacement fixes my leak, and refill with non synthetic 15W-40 either until I figure out that the replacement gasket didn't do the trick and need to go out and get a new oil pan, or until my scheduled oil change in 30 hrs.

I wasn't planning on changing out the filter right now - heck its only had 20 hrs on it. So there will be some mixing of the 15W-40 and the 0W-40.

Is this a problem at all?

I figure I'm better off losing 8L of the dino stuff if the replacement gasket dosen't do the trick. I expect to replace it all back with synthetic before the winter.

 

[BJN644]

It won't hurt a thing, you can buy semi-synthetic right off the shelf. You will be making a little your self.

 

[Reg]

They're compatible.
You didn't ask this, but you don't "NEED" synthetic anyway.

 

[canoetrpr]

Thanks. I've run synthetic in all my vehicles and find that it seems to help (at least sounds like it does) on the very cold days.

I tend not to be able to time having the block heater on whenever I decide to use the tractor so I feel better about starting it in the cold at -25 degrees Celsius with it running synthetic.

Does it really benefit or not - I have no idea. I tend to have to change my tractor oil only once a year or every 9 months so it negligible wrt. operating costs.

 

[MikePA]

I've run synthetic in all my vehicles and find that it seems to help (at least sounds like it does) on the very cold days. Does it really benefit or not - I have no idea.

I run synthetic engine and hydraulic oil for the same reasons.

Do I 'need' to use synthetic oil? Heck, I don't 'need' a tractor. I could use a wheelbarrow instead of a FEL and a mule and a wooden plow. I use what provides benefit. The question of 'need' is irrelevant.

 

[canoetrpr]

Do I 'need' to use synthetic oil? Heck, I don't 'need' a tractor. I could use a wheelbarrow instead of a FEL and a mule and a wooden plow. I use what provides benefit. The question of 'need' is irrelevant.

LOL! I can't imagine being without a tractor, loader, toothbar, bushhog, rake, box blade, snowblower , cultivator etc. etc. Can't imagine that I originally was planning to buy a tractor without a loader. You guys straightened me out

I just added a little chainsaw to my aresenal and again I have no idea how I did this long borrowing from people every year when it came pruning time. I thought that impact wrench I bought was a real luxury but after a few bolts that I just would not have been able to remove without wasting too much time without it - it is now in the 'i couldn't do without it' category also.

You are right - none of those things were absolutely necessary but I can't imagine doing without them now.

 

[RalphVa]

Synthetic and non-synthetic can be mixed, but you completely lose the long life ability of the synthetic because of the tiny amount of undesirables in the non-synthetic. The undesirables (like tiny amounts of aromatics and such) can cause more breakdown or even polymerization of stuff that goes into the oil from combustion blowby.

Ralph

 

[RWEST]

Yes, "NEED" is quite irrelevant. Do what makes you feel best!!