synthetic oil

[Rip]

Jack (and others) you are certainly entitled to your Opinion that synthetic oil is "a big waste of money", but what most folks are looking for is Facts regarding if synthetic oil is Harmful to small engines.

There is obviously much anecdotal evidence regarding how much such oil may help various aspects of engine operation, but other than perhaps increased seal problems (mostly on older engines) no Facts regarding other Harm to such engines so as I have heard.

Does Robin (or any other authoritative source) have any hard Facts as to synthetic oil being detrimental to any engines which its weight and API designation otherwise indicates it is sutable for?

We can all judge for ourselves whether to spend the extra money for anything from generic to house brand to major name brand dino oil to the various synthetic blends to full synthetic for peace of mind if nothing else.

Facts... just the facts maam!!

 

[J_J]

I emailed several small engine manufactures and asked if using synthetic oil voided the warranty. They replied that if the same weight oil was used, it would be OK.

I don't think that any manufacture wants to put a bad word on synthetic oil.

Sure it cost more money, from 5 to 7 times a quart, and for that kind of money, it had better work good. Also, if it does work that good, then the interval between oil changes should be longer. An oil diagnostic test is the only way to give a true oil change interval. If you change oil just for the **** of it, then you are wasting money which could be spent on a better oil filter. I think a good oil filter at 10 microns, with the addition of a good oil bypass filter of at least 1 micron is the way to go.

 

[JJT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I emailed several small engine manufactures and asked if using synthetic oil voided the warranty. They replied that if the same weight oil was used, it would be OK.

I don't think that any manufacture wants to put a bad word on synthetic oil.

Sure it cost more money, from 5 to 7 times a quart, and for that kind of money, it had better work good. Also, if it does work that good, then the interval between oil changes should be longer. An oil diagnostic test is the only way to give a true oil change interval. If you change oil just for the **** of it, then you are wasting money which could be spent on a better oil filter. I think a good oil filter at 10 microns, with the addition of a good oil bypass filter of at least 1 micron is the way to go. )</font>

Come on now, 5 to 7 times a quart? I can buy Mobil 1 for under $4/q and Rotella synthetic for $3.25/q at Walmart, (and they aren't on sale). I picked up 150q of M1 on clearance for $2/q. A decent dino oil is going to cost you at least $1.50/q.

I'll stand by my claim that for me it's cheaper to run the synthetic - longer oil change intervals and fewer oil changes, (less labor) and better gas mileage.

 

[FOURTEEN]

"" the synthetic oil in the small engine is a perfect solution for enviroments such as Alaska or Northern Canada ""

The primary consideration for most owners is not better cold start up, but rather reducing high temperature breakdown and wear! Nothing works hotter or harder than an air cooled small engine! Synthetics better resist high temperature breakdown and volitility!
Amsoil has shown greatly reduced wear in Four-Ball Wear Tests:

If shown, cheap dino oil would most likely have its red line way off the right side of the chart!!


"" I think it's a big waste of money ""

Spending a few dollars extra to better protect a $10,000 tractor is not a waste, it's cheap insurance!! Saving money by using low quality oil is like saving money by not using salt on your steak!! It may indeed save a little money, but it's just not worth it!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Phils]

14,

"Right on!!"

As mentioned earlier, I've been using synthetics since the seventies. I could/should/don't-have-the-time to write a book on how much CHEEEPER it is than dino oil, once ALL the costs are figured in.

Easiest analogy: picture a concrete patio. You have a refrigerator on its side that you need to slide across that patio. You cover that patio in gravel (dino oil) which makes it easier to slide the fridge. Much easier than without anything.

Now for the comparison: you cover the patio in ball bearings and then slide your fridge across. BIG difference. That is what synthetic oil does. Much easier than with dino oil (gravel).

Dino oil is just that - pumped out of the earth, filtered and boiled to get the consistancy (weight) desired. The oil molecules are all different but within the specs of the filter used. Synthetic is manufactured so that each molecule is the same size.

Over the years I've done "side-by-side taste comparisons" and it ALWAYS wins, maybe by a lot, maybe by a little. And it's ALWAYS cheaper, when all costs are factored in. Amsoil will warranty any problem that is attributed to lubrication failure (easy promise as there won't be). I use the brands most available for the best price, which is Mobil 1 (Costco) for some things, RedLine ATF and grease and fuel-injector cleaner (my local auto parts store), and Amsoil for the rest (not as easy to get, but the highest quality).

Using ANY synthetic is far and away better than any dino oil. Using the best synthetic is better, but the savings are marginal at that point. My PT will get synthetic oil in the engine at the first oil change, and in the hydraulics later on.

 

[MuncyBob]

Well, as Jack has posted here his view on synthetic oil use he also replied to my email to him with the same basic response....does not see any harm in using synthetic oil in a small engine but also does not see any benefit. It will simply make your wallett a bit thinner. I am not sure if this view is just an opinion or something based on actual fact derived from actual comparisons on testing situations. So, use what you feel is best knowing that at the very least nothing will be damaged and perhaps there will be a benefit? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[FOURTEEN]

Some guys are more comfortable wearing a belt with their suspenders!! Some guys save money by wearing neither, which is fine unless their pants fall down!!!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[FOURTEEN]

Many questions about synthetic oil may be answered at this site: Synthetic Oil Technology --- Must Read Informative Articles

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif