Want to run Synthetic Oil

[ScottXXL]

I am a bit confused.
I want to use a full synthetic in my 4.0L OHV engine but the local auto store told me my explorer is too old to run synthetic. Something about valves and gaskets leaking if I use the stuff. I have a 92 explorer with a 94 engine in it with about 50,000 miles. I want to switch to synthetic but I've been told it will hurt the engine.

So can I or can't I ?

Please help

 

[PhxExplorer]

Switching to synthetic oil will not necessarily harm your engine, but it could cause some minor leaks. Synthetic oil has better cleaning qualities than conventional oil and could clean out old oil deposits that are preventing leaks. Also synthetic oil can leak through spaces that conventional oil cannot. I have a 91' with 126k and switched to Castrol synthetic at 120k with no problems or leaks. I think you should be fine switching over to synthetic. Hope this helps.

 

[ScottXXL]

Great, thanks for the advice! I think I'll switch then and take my chances with any leaks. If it leaks then I prob needed to replace seals anyway.

Thanks alot!

 

[AgExplorer]

Scott,

You should have no problem with switching. You are making a wise choice. With only 50k on your engine, you probably will not see any leaks unless you have something leaking or seeping now. Synthetics do not cause leaks. They flow more easily and will find those small holes that petroleum oils will not get through.

If you want the best, check out AMSOIL. More power, less wear, better fuel mileage, lower maintenance costs.

 

[T-Bone]

There are a few REALLY good, in-depth threads on this subject. Do a search.

T-Bone

 

[JoeC5]

My mom just bought a 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited. On the first oil change I want to put synthetic in. I heard that you can only put this in when the motor is broken in. It only has 1500 miles on it. Is there any truth to this. Putting synthetic in a motor that is not broken in can mess it up???

 

[AgExplorer]

Joe,

Go another 1500 miles and you should be fine with switching to synthetic. Wise move to use synthetics. Run cooler and cleaner, last longer.

Want the best synthetics? Check out AMSOIL.

 

[zavetsky]

Synthetic vs conventional

I switched to synthetic a few changes ago at about 65k miles whene I bought the truck....I have developed a couple of small leaks, but I figured that there could be sludge, etc built up that might be partically slowing flow.........SO, I reasoned, the sythetic would be better since it flows into places regular oil doesnt do as well.......

Thoughts??

I'm about to do another oil change and my oil gauge is acting goofy (the idiot gauge, on my second sending unti)............

 

[PLRBEAR]

I'm lucky on this one

Bought my truck with about 120,000miles on it and switched to synthetic Mobil 1 5W30. I have not had any leaks whatsoever. Gained 1mpg from it, and the engine is really smooth.

 

[DocVijay]

Synthetics are good.

Personally I use Mobil 1 in all my cars. I used to use Castrol Syntec, but I learned that theirs is actually a synthetic blend. It actually uses some natural oil elements in it. While these are processed and are almost identical like the synthetic molecules, they are natural and are a bit more succeptible to break down at higher temps. The other oil companies sued Castrol oer deceptive marketing. I haven't checked recently, but I think that the bottle now says blend on it. Like I said, I like Mobil 1 myself. It comes in a lot of high performance cars from the factory. (Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche).

 

[2001ExpSport]

Is there a minimum mileage required before using synthetic? I would like to start running it and I am at 32k.

 

[DIYGuy]

Is there a minimum mileage required before using synthetic? I would like to start running it and I am at 32k.

The only minimum I've heard is to wait until after the initial break-in period of the engine. Supposedly, synthetic lubricates so well that it can prevent good ring seating when the engine is new. (On the other hand, some cars like Vipers and Vettes come with synthetic as factory fill. Not sure what that means with regard to ring seating.)

I'm running conventional in the X because it's leaky (160K +), but I've been running Mobil1 in my Neon R/T since around 60k. If I had it to do over again, I'd have switched over at around 3k.

Go for it.

--Steve

 

[2001ExpSport]

OK, I was just checking. I was told once at a shop to wait at least 25k. Just wanted to double check this.

 

[COMMOCOZY]

I run Mobil 1 10W 30 . I love that stuff you can go 7000 miles without a problem. You might get stick shock when you pay 5.00 a quart, but i think it is worth it.

 

[2001ExpSport]

$5 per quart, wow I thought it would be more.

 

[mathnerd]

The leaks experienced from synthetics are mostly attributed to the lack of "seal swelling". Most synthetics dont have the volatile compounds in them that cause the swelling. The swelling is desirable for the reason mentioned, it prevents leaks. Some of the newer formulations are incorperating additives to deal with this issue.

 

[DIYGuy]

You might get stick shock when you pay 5.00 a quart

Shop around. My local Costco has cases of Mobil1 for $22. That works out to $3.66/quart. That's the best price I've seen. There's a NAPA in the neighborhood that sells it for $6+ per quart. Yeow!! (Synth oil tends to come in 6 quart cases at the stores.)

--Steve

 

[aldive]

K Mart stocks Mobil 1 10w 30 for $4. 60 per quart.

Very cheap for what you get.........

 

[timfretwell]

I switched to mobil 1 synthetic in my 94X at 47K miles just two weeks ago. So far no leaks at all. Hopeing for a mileage gain. One thing I noticed right away, the engine seems much quieter, especially at idle. Bought mine at Kmart for 4.59/quart.

 

[TerraBomb]

some GM vehicles come out of the factory with mobil 1 synthetic, i can't remeber wich ones do and wich ones ain't but i know it's the mid and higher priced ones.

and the truth is that you can break an engine in with synthetic just as good with petrol based oils, i know for an fact that an GMC YUKON comes with mobil 1 synthetic out of the factory , and most GM vehicles do too...