Houckster
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Atlanta
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Message Posted: Jul 21, 2006 2:40:18 AM
SynLube is a tiny independently-owned company in Nevada and has no connection at all with Castrol (thank goodness).
Castrol is a marketing company and does not actually make its own oils, SynLube does.
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defiancegasman
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Ohio
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Message Posted: Jul 21, 2006 2:08:05 AM
Houckster :
Is the SynLube you talked about made by Castrol?
I looked in Walmarts and found Moble 1 5w20 Synthetic Oil but not in the new Advanced Synthetic Oil that says it good for 15,000 miles. I'm going to use the 0w30 or the 5w30 Advanced Synthetic Oil if I can find it.
[Edited by: defiancegasman at 7/21/2006 2:10:40 AM EST]
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Ratso
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Ohio
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Message Posted: Jul 20, 2006 5:47:52 AM
no question it is !
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SIPLOWGUY
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New York
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Message Posted: Jul 20, 2006 4:55:59 AM
yes
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LilBlueElement
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San Bernardino
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Message Posted: Jul 20, 2006 4:00:53 AM
Syns provide extra protection under very adverse conditions, like extreme heat or cold, sustained high RPM's, or long change interval. Good for some, a bit of a waste for others.
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jimro
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Albany
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Message Posted: Jul 20, 2006 3:07:42 AM
syn
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vic168
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New York
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Message Posted: Jul 20, 2006 12:59:10 AM
synthetic
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defiancegasman
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Jul 20, 2006 12:15:20 AM
Thanks for the info guys. Looks like I can use 5w30 or maybe even 0w30 instead of the 5w20. I just turned 300 miles so I think I'll still wait a little while.
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Houckster
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Atlanta
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 4:40:54 PM
DEFIANCEGASMAN wrote: I just bought a new 2006 Saturn Vue that I'm waiting to get 3000 miles on to change the oil and filter to Mobel 1. I asked the dealer about it and was surprised to find out they come new with the simi-synthetic oil in them already.
They also use 5w-20 instead of 5w-30 in the honda 3500cc V-6 engine. Anyone got any info about why and if using 5w30 would be OK? I don't remember seeing 2w20 in a synthetic oil.
1) It is not necessary to wait 3K miles before converting to a synthetic. Modern engines have a break-in period that's very short, on the order of a few hours or 100 miles at most. I've converted cars at 1210, 550, and 780 without problem. The sooner one converts the better. Some might say that the rings won't seat but that's not true for modern cars. Since I've converted my Ranger, over the course of 23K miles, oil consumption has been about 4 oz.
2) 5W20 oil is, in my opinion, a mistake for the owner of a car. It results in higher wear and a lower quality of performance as the engine ages. Later on, emissions will be higher as well because the rings seal less efficiently. All of my vehicles were converted to a true synthetic 5W50 oil with excellent results both with regard to oil consumption and mileage. I always get better than EPA estimates. Consider a 5W30 oil a bare minimum viscosity for long life. Better would be a 5W40 oil or even a the 5W50 oil I use.
3) Mobil 1 is now a blend, not a true synthetic lubricant. It uses a combination of Group III petroleum and PAO. Possible exceptions include motorcycle oil formulas and European formulas since the Europeans are ahead of us with regard to proper oils. Mobil 1 is probably better than the "blend" that comes with the Saturn however as that oil is probably a combination of about 70-80% Group II and the rest Group III. Excellent Group IV/V synthetics are made by Amsoil (2000 line), Redline, SynLube and Torco.
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BioD
Veteran Author
Detroit
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 4:16:11 PM
Synthetics are better for your engine, transmission and drivetrain components. Reduced friction, better cooling capabilities, withstands higher temperatures before degrading, better suspension of contaminants.
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mayukawa
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San Francisco
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 11:57:24 AM
Highly doubt it...look at all those high mileage cars that use standard oil...
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mattorp
Champion Author
North Dakota
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 11:53:37 AM
better long term protection
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84Ranger
Rookie Author
Tampa
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 11:23:50 AM
I've tried it awhile back but didn't notice any difference. I couldn't see paying the extra cost if I don't see a approvement in.
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shadowvibe
Sophomore Author
Madison
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 10:40:41 AM
yep! I have been Using Mobil 1 for years
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leatherwood
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 10:36:25 AM
yes
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jklost
Champion Author
Dayton
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 9:29:15 AM
Pay more, change your oil less often. You have to weigh the additional cost against the time you save...
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Fast_Eddie
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Detroit
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 9:24:22 AM
"Better" only slightly.
"Better" LONGER ............. yes
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defiancegasman
Champion Author
Ohio
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 1:22:46 AM
I just bought a new 2006 Saturn Vue that I'm waiting to get 3000 miles on to change the oil and filter to Mobel 1. I asked the dealer about it and was surprised to find out they come new with the simi-synthetic oil in them already.
They also use 5w-20 instead of 5w-30 in the honda 3500cc V-6 engine. Anyone got any info about why and if using 5w30 would be OK? I don't remember seeing 2w20 in a synthetic oil.
[Edited by: defiancegasman at 7/19/2006 1:32:18 AM EST]
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defiancegasman
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Ohio
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 1:21:54 AM
I have been using full synthetic oil since 1994. My current car is a 2000 Chevy Venture mini-van and it has 215,000 miles. I've had no major problems at all with it, just normal repairs. I use moble-1 oil and filter and change it about every 12,000 miles. The sticker said it would get 26 mpg highway but I'm getting between 31 to 33 mpg. I whole heartly believe the synthetic oil is the main reason.
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oilpan4
Champion Author
Virginia
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 1:05:19 AM
Try Synthetic oil and and useing a 2 micron diesel fuel filter as an oil filter.
It makes for a 7000 mile oil change, but a 4k or 5k mile Filter change.
On the other hand those fram filters are only good for about 20 microns.
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Houckster
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 12:47:46 AM
AGGIEFAN05 wrote: Using synthetic oil is another way for the oil companies to make money. Just stick to the original and there won't be any problems.
This doesn't make any sense. Sticking to the "original" is what the oil companies want us to do. They make money selling oil. Conventional oils oils are produced by Chevron, Exxon/Mobil and others. Mobil 1 is a synthetic blend consisting of Group III petroleum and PAO. Castrol Syntec is Group III petroleum.
True synthetics are made from something other than oil and they come from smaller companies like Amsoil, SynLube, Torco and Redline.
RQCOOK wrote: Isn't the change in color of an engine lubricant, material that is smaller than the filter can trap, that is either washed out of the combustion area or heat seared oil that is closest to the combustion chamber?
Actually, the change in color of most conventional motor oils is due to the activation of the additive package. Sludge particles are generally in the 40-60 micron size and will be trapped by most any competently made filter.
[Edited by: Houckster at 7/19/2006 12:55:26 AM EST]
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vulcan96
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Ohio
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 12:30:35 AM
i think so, but only my opinion
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RIGuy
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Rhode Island
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Message Posted: Jul 19, 2006 12:07:20 AM
The motor oil manufacturers say it's better for your car and will result in fewer oil changes needed for your vehicle. I think that as long as you have regular oil changes, regular motor oil works fine in your car. It's like the ole argument for higher octane gasoline when in fact most cars run on plain ole regular.
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aggiefan05
All-Star Author
Little Rock
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Message Posted: Jul 18, 2006 11:55:27 PM
Using synthetic oil is another way for the oil companies to make money. Just stick to the original and there won't be any problems.
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toms1120
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Maryland
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Message Posted: Jul 18, 2006 3:56:29 PM
I realy don't know, so I use the real stuff.
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JediKnight
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Wisconsin
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Message Posted: Jul 9, 2006 5:59:13 AM
It could... But since Oil Filters are suppose to take care of that kind of stuff... It could just be the Oil has changed colors by exposure to the engine and it's running conditions.
Sorry about the Syn Lube mixup. I'd agree with iso50 that an Oil Test is the real way to go if you want to compare Oils... Not just by Color.
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thegovner
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New Jersey
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Message Posted: Jul 8, 2006 9:23:54 PM
Doesn't the color of the oil indicate suspended dirt or soot/carbon? after say....4k miles?
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thegovner
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New Jersey
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Message Posted: Jul 8, 2006 9:08:25 PM
Thanx for the 411--However syn-lube is a brand name oil thats good for like 10k miles, I currently use m/1 and see the dark honey color as well,would like to hear from syn-lube users
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JediKnight
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Wisconsin
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Message Posted: Jul 8, 2006 8:21:32 PM
I've noticed my Mobil1 have stayed clearer then any of my Dino Oil Changes of Old. I run 3-6,000 mile intervals on Mobil 1 now... compared to around 3,000 on Dino. I haven't really tested Dino vs Syn on my current Vehicle... So my Dino experience is with my 1987 Cutlass.
Oil Sample tests with Blackstone-Labs have shown my changed Syn Oil still has a high TBN # (indicator of remaining Additive Package and Oil that can be run longer).
I'd say it goes from a very clear "Honey" color to a light/dark "brown"... Yet when you clean the Dipstick the Oil on the Towel it has a nice "clean" Oil look. No black on the Dip Stick or Cloth. If you drain the Oil... It'll be a nice blackish color, just like other Oils, but again the Oil leaves a cleaner residue. It surprised me because I expected the entire sample to have a lighter color.
IMO, just because the Oil is Black/Brown/Honey/Clear/Purple isn't a 100% indicator of how well the Oil is doing.
My Dad's 1995 GMC Truck has a little Anti-Freeze in his Dino Oil (in a recent Oil Test). The Oil Sample looked OK to the Eye... Vehicle seems to run OK... but the Test results show the Oil was "Dead" when tested (TBN of 0 when 1 is low/change and I've had M1 TBNs of 6-7. Dino might be lower but IMO Dino should last 5,000 miles and still have some TBN life left.) Wear Metals were up and warrants further attention... but it looked "Normal". Dark yes, but not abnormal for the vehicle.
If you want to know how Dino and Syn Oils compare in your vehicle the best way is to have an Oil Sample tested. If you get a baseline (A few tests to get an average reading of your vehicle's wear metals and such) you can use that to determine if it's doing OK, better, or worse using different Oils/additives and/or shorter/longer change intervals.
Think of it like a Blood Test.
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thegovner
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New Jersey
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Message Posted: Jul 8, 2006 4:48:37 PM
I'd like to know to those that use syn-lube. Is your oil still that near that clear color that new oil is? -----or does it get darker with use as other syn's and dino oil do? Thanx (over a period of use)
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JediKnight
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Wisconsin
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 5:29:10 PM
egjergji,
You are correct that Oil not only Lubricates but transports "waste" material, and acts as a coolant, etc.
At a basic level Conventional and Synthetic Oils both do these things. Yet, the Synthetic Oil is likely to perform all those tasks at least slightly better. Now for most users they may not "need" that extra performance... But for those that do... Synthetic is the way to go.
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egjergji
Sophomore Author
Kentucky
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 2:01:17 PM
Oil is there to keep the Temp steady. Synthetic or not, they usually do the same job. Which ever one you want to use, go ahead. However, synthetic is better in longivity, but you have to follow it up with as good oil filter. This way you can change oil every 10,000 miles or so.
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Houckster
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Atlanta
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 11:57:06 AM
PHANTOM66 wrote: it works ok, but not on older, high mileage cars. it doesn't seal leaks. I switched back to reg. oil - no more leaks...
Here's a response to this. The bottom line here is that a synthetic lubricant may unmask a problem that's been there all along.
Defective seals cause seal leaks, not synthetic lubricants. Unfortunately, this myth is still being perpetuated today by people who know little to nothing about synthetic lubricants. Why is that when a seal leak develops when using dinosaur (petroleum) oil it's the seal's fault, but when a leak develops using synthetic lubricants the synthetic lubricant is the suspect? Synthetic lubricants are required to possess the same seal compatibility characteristics as today's dinosaur oils. Often car owners do not realize that they have a seal problem when using dinosaur oil. Dinosaur oil will often volatize or coke around a seal defect, leaving little to no evidence of a seal leak. Synthetic lubricants however possess a very high thermal stability and resist evaporation. These exceptional performance characteristics, coupled with synthetic lubricant's inherit "creeping" ability, will unmask a seal leak not readily visible before.
Source: SynLubes.com Note: Note to be confused with SynLube.com!
[Edited by: Houckster at 6/26/2006 11:57:18 AM EST]
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phatboy7
Rookie Author
California
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 11:40:51 AM
Yes, because it allows for longer periods (mileage) between changes. However, there are few oil filters that have yet to meet these miles.
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BenzineBoy
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Lansing
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 9:21:58 AM
I think it is. Combined with a longer service interval, it might be worth it if it improved fuel economy by only 1%.
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phantom66
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Indianapolis
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 9:12:42 AM
it works ok, but not on older, high mileage cars. it doesn't seal leaks. I switched back to reg. oil - no more leaks...
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Boksoon
Rookie Author
Fort Worth
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 6:47:31 AM
The folks trying to sell it say so. Personally I have had no problems with regular oil.
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bski
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Maryland
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Message Posted: Jun 26, 2006 6:44:48 AM
yes
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Mr_Nod
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Arkansas
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Message Posted: Jun 25, 2006 3:06:49 PM
I use Wal*Mart's Super Tech Synthetic too ... it is a geat value and available in at least 2 viscosities that I have seen... some of the stores carry the individual quart bottles as well ... I've had no problems with it. I would really like to know who makes it for them if anyone knows for sure.
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JediKnight
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Wisconsin
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Message Posted: Jun 25, 2006 3:00:52 PM
muskieman1,
The question is if it is better for your vehicle. Not if you use it or not.
You might want to clarify your reply. Synthetic Oil in general is better then Conventional because it doesn't breakdown the same way. It performs differently. Now, if the average user really notices a difference that is another story. Just like most fluids we put in are vehicles (Washer fluid, Gasoline,Trans Fluid, Anti-Freeze, Trans Axle, etc.) we don't give it much thought unless there is a problem/failure.
Just because it works doesn't mean it is better.
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muskieman1
Veteran Author
Chicago
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Message Posted: Jun 25, 2006 2:20:57 PM
no
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JediKnight
Champion Author
Wisconsin
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Message Posted: Jun 25, 2006 1:28:27 PM
Chazzer,
Not sure if you have a Wal-Mart or some such where you are but the 5 Quart Containers of (Wal-Mart)"Super-Tech" Full Synthetic are around $12 here. 5 Quart Jug of Mobil 1 is a little over $20. So if you want Synthetic but don't want to pay MEGA $$ for it... "Super Tech" might be the way to go.
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Chazzer
Champion Author
Nevada
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Message Posted: Jun 25, 2006 9:54:53 AM
They have made tremendous strides in synthetic oil since WWII. If it wasn't so pricey I'd be using right now. But, I don't!
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JediKnight
Champion Author
Wisconsin
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Message Posted: Jun 24, 2006 11:29:00 AM
thegovner,
As Houckster mentioned Extended Performance M1 has double the additives of regular M1. As a one year/15,000 mile (are those numbers right?) it doesn't need to be changed as often.
Now IMO, I'd rather stick with the regular M1 which states it can last the OLM (Oil Life Monitor) or suggested Interval for most vehicles. For me that is OLM or 6months/6,000 miles. Which ever is first. I'd personally not want to overrun the vehicle's OLM and suggested change interval since it might void my warranty. At this time, I'd rather save the money and buy the cheaper regular M1 and have the vehicle checked and serviced at a more reasonable up to 6 month interval.
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RLPuttputt
Champion Author
Waco
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Message Posted: Jun 24, 2006 7:03:28 AM
Havent tried it yet.
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Houckster
Champion Author
Atlanta
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Message Posted: Jun 24, 2006 7:01:25 AM
According to Mobil, the additive package was doubled.
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thegovner
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New Jersey
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Message Posted: Jun 23, 2006 3:54:45 PM
Houckster. What is the diff. bewteen those 2 grades of mobil 1 syn. oil? ( the reg. & extended drain) Thanx
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ekelly7
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Twin Cities
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Message Posted: Jun 23, 2006 12:19:52 PM
not interested, got 261k out of ex car and was still running on the normal oil
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myFX4
Veteran Author
Charlotte
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Message Posted: Jun 23, 2006 12:08:01 PM
never tryed it, thinking of it. Has anyone noticed a fuel mileage increase in pickups?
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securityman
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Toronto
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Message Posted: Jun 23, 2006 11:37:13 AM
normal oil does not break down it is all the additives that make the oil build up sluge, synthetic does not allow this plus the filters are designed better to remove the by products that are cleaned from the engine as fuel is burned
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