Synthetic Blends

[Billc]

Gordon, I didn't know or think much about synthetics until this board and especially Mark's posts. His posts got me thinking, reading, and studing on the subject. I am still no expert, but I've come a long way in a year.

From my point of view synthetics are better because they lower friction (think we all agree on this) and with less friction there is less heat. Heat is one of the leading killers of engines. Also you can keep sythetics in an engine longer between fluid changes. Having longer fluid changing intervals lowers the cost of having synthetics. So though they are more expensive at the outset, they end up being only a little more expensive...or the same price as regular oil, and do a better job of lowering the heat.

In your case you are looking at a blend. Why a blend? You said the blend is better than regular oil. O.K., since a blend is better than regular oil that leads me to wonder if a full synthetic is better than a blend. The other thing I wonder is if you do go to a blend or a synthetic why would you still change the oil at 50 hours? My thought is this: If you use a synthetic treat it as a synthetic...not regular oil.

Just so you know, I have regular oil in my tractor. I plan on getting a new one whenever they come out with a M series hydro. But I have been leaning toward switching it to full synthetics at the next service. I am putting Amsoil in my Dodge diesel this week and will probably switch my Ford diesel to full Amsoil before the year is out.

I faught this change over every step of the way 'cause of the cost..I hate to spend money, but now I don't think I am spending more money, rather I am saving money.

Gordon, I sold Electrolux vacuums door-to-door for 19 years. One question I got asked a lot was why would anyone pay $600 for a vacuum when they could buy a Hoover for $100. Good question. The Electrolux does cost more when you buy it, but because the dern things last so long, hold up so well, are serviced at your house, and do a much better job, they actually cost less than a Hoover over time. I guess I am finally starting to see synthetics in the same light. Like I said, it has taken a while.

 

[W5FL]

Rick,

Don't know what kind of a tractor you have. I have a Kubota M6800 and after the initial 50 hour change, the oil change interval is 200 hours and the oil filter change interval is 400 hours. Never saw a tractor that changed at 50 hour intervals.

I plan to change my engine oil to full synthetic at about 150 hours. The cost is really very low (mine hold 11 1/2 quarts), the friction reduction is good, and the reduced warm up time in cold weather is certainly where synthetic shines. Unfortunately can't remember weather below 32 degrees here in Texas in a long time.

 

[KCB]

I have asked the question of "how much synthetic is in blends" in the past and no one seemed to know. I think everyone assumes it's 50%. A while back I emailed Castrol and got the following response:


With the introduction of API SJ oils for gasoline engines, the tests to judge CC and CD engine oil performance are no longer available making these categories obsolete. Therefore, now most manufacturers recognize the current API CF or CG-4 categories for diesel engines.
It is Castrol's recommendation for vehicles that previously called for API CC and CD oils, to now use API CF rated oils. Castrol's full synthetic SYNTEC 0W-30, 5W-30, l0W-30, 10W-40 and 5W-50 are all rated CF. Castrol RX Super l5W- 40, a mineral based oil and our part synthetic SYNTEC Blend Truck l5W- 40 are rated API CG-4, CF-4 and CF.
Regarding the composition of SYNTEC Blend, depending upon the formulation, 10 to 30 percent of SYNTEC Blend is synthetic. The key issue, however, is not the quantity of synthetics but the ability of the oil to protect. Unlike other part synthetics, SYNTEC Blend is formulated with Castrol conventional oil and SYNTEC molecular components.
SYNTEC Blend
provides a level of protection unsurpassed by any other part synthetic motor
oils, regardless of
their level of synthetic content


Susan Howell
Reference: 76089

 

[RickM]

Ok, I'm sold now on the blends /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I have a better feeling about using a blend thanks to all the replies. It just surprises me that the two can co-exist and be viable. I've always heard to never mix oils so technology must win this one. Wen, I've got a little B-6100 and 4 quarts is my oil change, so I guess I don't mind spending a little more since the tractor seems to like it. I do question going 200 hours between changes without by-pass filtration though. I thought the old rule for fossil oil was like a car. 50 hrs. X 60 mph. = 3000 miles = (time to change). FWIW, the dealer I bought it used from said change every 50, but the tractor says every 75. I average less than 65 hours per year, so I think I would feel guilty not changing at least once a year /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

 

[gordon]

Bird you should already know the answer to this---half the money. But I would get an oil at least as good as dino but with a fancy label. Thats got to be worth it.
Gordon

 

[W5FL]

Rick, I have noticed that most Kubotas are 100 hours between oil changes. The M6800/M8200/M9000 have the 200 hours between oil changes they say due to the design of the engine. Whatever that means. I could not bear to change the oil twice to a single oil filter change, but that is the recommendation.