Synthetic Oils

[twisted22]

I was wondering if there is anyone here presently using a synthetic oil in their '06 explorer (4.6L) and if so, what viscosity it is. More specifically in a colder climate (Canada, eh). I've heard a few guys say that you can use a 5W20 and it's not necessary to change during the warmer months. Any thoughts?

 

[Pensa]

I use Castrol Syntech oil and have for several years now and am very happy with it compared with regular motor oil. Syntech is actually a blend of regular oil and synthetic oil. I had a Honda and ran Syntech in it. One time when I had the oil changed I couldn't get Syntech and instead put a major brand of regular 10W-30 oil in and it burned oil. When I again changed it, it was back to Syntech and it was fine. No more burning oil.

When I lived in Indiana I used 10W-30 year round, but in Canada you might want to go to 5W- 30 in the winter. I would use 10W-30 in the summer where you are.

 

[AndyInFlorida]

I'm running Royal Purple XPR 5W20, Royal Purple ATF, and RP gear oil.

 

[bojans]

5w20 Quakerstate synthetic year round. Live north of Chicago and temps have been below 0 the last few nights.

 

[CHiNO_PeLoNCiTo]

So whats the best Synthetic oil to use?? for most performance gains and less engine wear

 

[twisted22]

I ended up putting a 5W20 Mobil1 in my truck, which it turns out in Canada is not readily available, at least not as much as Castrol Syntec or Penzoil. Why did I use it then? Might have been some of the advertising, honestly. I think as long as you are using a 100% synthetic, the differences between manufacturers is probably minimal. It just all boils down to who's ads you believe more, I guess.

 

[El_Cid]

So whats the best Synthetic oil to use?? for most performance gains and less engine wear

I've been using Mobil 1 in my road race/autoX cars since about 2000. Truth be told, I think you'd be just as good with any of the major brands (Castrol, Mobil 1, Royal Purple, etc.). My Explorer is a V6, but I plan to run 5W20 Mobil 1 in it fwiw.

Don't forget the other part of the equation - the filter. I use K&N oil filters on all my vehicles. You can run synthetic longer than conventional oil, but I still try to change the filter even if not swapping the oil. Gotta be quick though - gets messy!

 

[CDW6212R]

Try this thread, it has more detailed information in it, no sense in typing it twice. Good luck,
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211075