Castrol Syntec

[RCMorgan]

I've been looking around & I've seen a lot talk about Mobil1 & Amsoil. But I haven't seen any discussion of Castrol Syntec.

Is there any reason for this? Is there something wrong with Syntec?

I'm just curious. I've used it since it came out esp in my four bangers, I ran GTX 20w50 before that. I figured here in Florida the 50 couldn't hurt. I've had great lack with both, no oil related failures in 25 yrs, 4 cars all well over 100k from less than 10K.

I've been looking at Al's 30 mpg thread and thinking I could do some of that to help my mileage. I've only had my Explorer a few months, got it with 105k. I already switched it to Syntec 5w50 before I found this forum.

Any input would be appreciated,
Roger

 

[Skibum1989]

Hey roger,

If memory serves me, 'syntec' can be a synthetic blend motor oil or it also comes in a full synthetic version. Synthetic blend motor oils are a little synthetic oil mixed with dinosaur oil. However, the amount of actual synthetic oil in synthetic blends is not regulated or advertised by the oil companies. Chances are, synthetic blend oils are almost completely dino oil with a small amount of synthetic oil to trick consumers on the label.

If you truly want signifigant improvements in MPG, you want a FULL synthetic. I just switched to Amsoil like Aldive and have seen improved fuel efficiency.

Amsoil has been making synthetic oil for MUCH longer than the other companies. It seems more expensive at first, but it only needs changing once a year, something Castrol can't promise.

Other than that, there is nothing wrong with Syntec, definitely an improvement over standard Dino oils, but the best you can buy in my opinion for MPG is Amsoil.

 

[Lloyd10977]

Castrol SYNTEC is a full synthetic. The BLEND is named SYNTEC BLEND. GTX is full dino oil.

 

[94explorer2x4]

good stuff

What ever you do don't use pensoil I dont know what they put in their oil but it burns real easy and causes a laquer like buildup on the pistons and gums everything up. DO NOT USE PENSOIL. I use the 5w-30 that the dealer uses it comes in big 55 gallon drums with a motorcraft label its a syn blend.

Nate

 

[puddle jumper]

castrol oil is whats left over in the bottom of the barrel after the stuff they call valvoline is poured out ,,, seriously though ,, castrol is made by valvoline and im not a big fan of valvoline oils

 

[BeauJ]

I've always heard that Castrol was garbage from oil change places.

 

[Skibum1989]

Amsoil really isn't much more expensive than Syntec in the long run, and it will protect your engine MUCH better. Send a PM to Cincy4point0, he is the official vendor of Amsoil on this site and will tell you everything you need to know about their synthetic fluids.

 

[RCMorgan]

Thanks to all who commented here. I've learned a lot.

I definitely want to go with a PAO based lube.

Thanks again,

Roger

 

[GRainMOnkey]

now i'd like to get into better MPG and truck run better but my father in law said never use synthetic in an old vehicle.. because it tends to clean everything out and more than likely i'll have a gasket leak. the guy who owned the truck before i did used the highmilage stuf.. is that worth it? granted yeah it has 170k miles on it but is there a significant reason for using it?

 

[aldive]

now i'd like to get into better MPG and truck run better but my father in law said never use synthetic in an old vehicle.. because it tends to clean everything out and more than likely i'll have a gasket leak. the guy who owned the truck before i did used the highmilage stuf.. is that worth it? granted yeah it has 170k miles on it but is there a significant reason for using it?

This is a very common "old wives tale".

 

[Skibum1989]

mine has 130,000 miles on it, previous owner changed oil every 5,000 miles and used standard dino oil. I just changed to synthetic with no leaks whatsoever, nor have I heard anyone else on this site switch to synthetic on their high milege explorer and experience a leak.

 

[Brett F.]

A friend of mine never changes his oil completly with synthetic. Every 5k miles he changes out the filter and adds a quart and in 3 days the oil on his dipstick looks brand new again. he said he hasn't fully changed it out since he bought his truck back in 91.

I wonder if it would help stop my slieght rear main seal leak? The QS 4x4 blend I use has.

 

[msmith65]

... my father in law said never use synthetic in an old vehicle...

Fathers-in-law are blistering idiots.

Unless they're rich.

 

[FL Oil Guy]

Four Ball Wear: The Four Ball Wear Test determines the wear protection properties of a lubricant by measuring the wear scars produced by four metal balls in sliding contact under the test parameters. The smaller the average wear scar, the better the wear protection provided by the lubricant
Amsoil 0.40
Castrol Syntec 0.45
Mobile 1 0.60
Valvoline 0.60
Pennzoil 0.65

Pour Point: The Pour Point Test determines the lowest point at which a lubricant flows. The lower a lubricants pour point, the better protection it provides in low-temperature service.
Amsoil -48 c
Mobile 1 -46 c
Castrol Syntec -43 c
Pennzoil -37 c

The NOACK Volatility Test determines the evaporation loss of lubricants in high temperature service.The more motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they become, contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy and increased oil consumption, wear and emissions. A maximum of 15 percent evaporation loss is allowable to meet API SL and ILSAC GF-3 specifications
Amsoil 4.86%
Castrol Syntec 7.77%
Mobile 1 8.92%
Pennzoil 10.93
Valvoline 12.18%

 

[Skibum1989]

Were the mobile 1, pennzoil, and valvoline oils in this test all dino oils?

 

[FL Oil Guy]

Mobile 1 super syn, Pennzoil with pure base,