synthetic oil

[Seahorse51]

I am thinking of switching my oil to mobil 1 but have a concern. I tried castrol synthetic last year in my 1998 Dodge Ram and aftere 2000 milse or so, it started knocking after startup till oil pressure got up, only a second max. It was 5w30 as specified. Anyone else have this problem? I changed beck to regular oil and haven't heard the problem since.

 

[Vettelt193]

synthetics are better all around, but mileage and age of the car could cause some problems. I have never heard of knocking problems, usually if anything synthetics make things quieter.

The issue you may have in your corvette is its age (and possibly miles). synthetics have smaller particles than regular oil, and it may start leaking because of it. everything else should be better though... cooler running, slightly better performance and gas mileage, cleaner engine, etc.

 

[Corvette-Pilot]

I tried castrol synthetic last year in my 1998 Dodge Ram and aftere 2000 milse or so, it started knocking after startup till oil pressure got up, only a second max. .

I switched to Mobil1 in my 97 Ram without any issues. I figured since it is the winter vehicle that I wanted the synth properties at start up.

I have heard several views on synth causing leaks or not so who knows?? Just try it and see, you can allways go back. I think Mobil1's web site has something about this rumor if I recall.

 

[Seahorse51]

Just to clear up, my vette only has 29,000 miles if it makes a difference.

 

[Hib Halverson]

First of all....reality is that Castrol Syntec is not truly a synthetic oil at least not in a chemical or engineering sense. Oh yeah, Castrol USA will beg to differ saying that the product is so highly refined that it's really not petroleum-based anymore and is a synthetic, but it's still a petroleum-based product that is only highly refined. In my opinion, this is why Syntec can be sold at a lower price compared to other, true synthetic products. You pay a premium price over regular, petro-based engine oils, but you're not getting a corresponding increase in performance, reliability or durability, however, Castrol is getting more of your money.

Mobil 1 (a synthesized hydrocarbon product) or Red Line (an ester-based synthetic oil) are both true synthetic oils and can offer some significant advantages in reliability-durability.

Next, don't use 5W30. Switch to 10W30 in your Dodge and use it in your Corvette. With the Dodge, that may eliminate or at least reduce the rattle on start-up.

Generally, the idea that synthetic oils cause leaks is urban legend, however, if you have an engine which has any pre-1980 rubber/plastic seals or gaskets in it, there can be a problem with synthetic oils and some elastomers which were made of very old formulas. Engines manufactured after 1980 or older engines fitted with gaskets or seals made after 1980 usually will not have a problem unless they are really cheap, low-quality, foreign made products.

 

[Edmond]

I made the switch to Mobil 1 synthetic with 80K on the clock and I haven't had any problems.

You can get the 5 quart containers at Wal Mart for $20.00, which is cheaper than paying $5.25 for each individual quart at the auto parts store.

Make sure to use a good filter like Mobil 1, K&N, Purolator Pure One, Delco... Just stay away from FRAM, it's crap.

I use 10w30. I think 5w30 was specified because it was better for mileage?

 

[Vettefan87]

Why should you use 10w30 or 5w30 just a little bit thicker oil?

 

[Bob Yates]

I'm with Hib and Edmond ....Mobil 1. When I got my 86 C4 it had 44,000 on the clock and the guy I bought it from was using pennsoil. I switch to mobil 1 and I've not had any problems. I use 5W30. Do you guys think I ought to switch to 10W30? I live in Louisville,Ky where one day it's 80 and the next day it's 40 .We have crazy weather because we're in the Ohio valley. All my filters are K&N ....Bob Yates

 

[Edmond]

I'm with Hib and Edmond ....Mobil 1. When I got my 86 C4 it had 44,000 on the clock and the guy I bought it from was using pennsoil. I switch to mobil 1 and I've not had any problems. I use 5W30. Do you guys think I ought to switch to 10W30? I live in Louisville,Ky where one day it's 80 and the next day it's 40 .We have crazy weather because we're in the Ohio valley. All my filters are K&N ....Bob Yates

Bob, the green Mobil 1 containers say Multi Vehicle Formula. The blue containers say Newer Vehicle Formula.

I don't think the temperature extremes in Louisville are significant enough to switch. IMO, you'd be fine using 10 or 5 without a noticeable difference. Maybe somewhere like Alaska or AZ where the temperature is so extreme, it would make a difference. Just my opinion.

 

[Vettelt193]

Generally, the idea that synthetic oils cause leaks is urban legend, however, if you have an engine which has any pre-1980 rubber/plastic seals or gaskets in it, there can be a problem with synthetic oils and some elastomers which were made of very old formulas. Engines manufactured after 1980 or older engines fitted with gaskets or seals made after 1980 usually will not have a problem unless they are really cheap, low-quality, foreign made products.

Synthetic oils may not 'cause leaks' but engines that run synthetic are more prone to leaking. Many people don't have problems with synthetic, or switching to synthetic, but on the same note, many people do have problems with the switch (when it comes to leaking especially). Some of the very properties that make synthetic oil better for your engine are the same ones that can make engines leak.

 

[grapeknutz]

First off I think that the oil filter is draining backand causing the oil gallery to have a "gap" in the system. Use a good filter ( not Fram) and go to a 10/30 grade oil.

 

[WNH]

I bought my Vette with 112K miles.
I switched to synthetic at that time, put 8K miles on since.
Had no problems, no leaks.

 

[Seahorse51]

OK Guys, I'm convinced. I'll give Mobil 1 a shot. And I WON'T use a fram. Thanks for all the input gents.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Synthetic oils may not 'cause leaks' but engines that run synthetic are more prone to leaking. Many people don't have problems with synthetic, or switching to synthetic, but on the same note, many people do have problems with the switch (when it comes to leaking especially). Some of the very properties that make synthetic oil better for your engine are the same ones that can make engines leak.

Please support those statements with some facts.

What kind of scientific test data do you have to support the opinion that "...engines that run synthetic are more prone to leaking."?

Also, what are the "properties" that make engines lubricated by synthetic leak?

 

[WNH]

Please support those statements with some facts.

What kind of scientific test data do you have to support the opinion that "...engines that run synthetic are more prone to leaking."?

Also, what are the "properties" that make engines lubricated by synthetic leak?

I think 'Vetelt193' worded it wrong, Synthetic oil doesn't "Make" the engine leak.

I understand that syn oil is so thin and lubricating properties are so good, that it finds microscopic crack in gaskets, bolts, etc... This is where the leaks occur.
It does not "Make" the engine leak, as it does not erode anything, and is not detrimental to anything.

 

[Vettefan87]

Yes i have heard from many people that if you have any minor leaks with regular conventional oil do not go to synthetic, because it is thinner and it will leak even more then with regular conventional oil

 

[tnovot]

Please support those statements with some facts.

What kind of scientific test data do you have to support the opinion that "...engines that run synthetic are more prone to leaking."?

Also, what are the "properties" that make engines lubricated by synthetic leak?

I think Hib's concern here (and rightly so) is that lubrication is a VERY technical issue with exhaustive research and testing by oil companies as well as by independent labs. Alot of people have been expressing opinon and/or fact but it is hard to tell which is which.
If a person presents fact, he should cite the source of the information not only to validate it, but also in case someone would want to go to the source for additional info.
If one presents opinion, he should clearly declare it as so.
There are many "wive's" tales and misguided information on this subject and we have seen some of that in this thread. CAC is about helping each other. In order for any information to be helpful, it must be accurate. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. IN MY OPINION, inaccurate information can be just as bad.

 

[Roadfrog]

Contrain

Hib,

In spite of your views on Castrol and your notoriety, I've used both Mobil 1 and Castrol synthetic in dedicated racing (road course) and "normal" performance (severe) street applications.

From "on the track" experience, I can see no difference, AT ALL. In fact, I have more experience with Castrol, have run engines as hard as they can be run for LONG lengths of time, and have had NO oil related failures on either brand.

Hair splitting on oil brands doesn't hold water with me in real life applications and experience. Have a great day.

RF

First of all....reality is that Castrol Syntec is not truly a synthetic oil at least not in a chemical or engineering sense. Oh yeah, Castrol USA will beg to differ saying that the product is so highly refined that it's really not petroleum-based anymore and is a synthetic, but it's still a petroleum-based product that is only highly refined. In my opinion, this is why Syntec can be sold at a lower price compared to other, true synthetic products. You pay a premium price over regular, petro-based engine oils, but you're not getting a corresponding increase in performance, reliability or durability, however, Castrol is getting more of your money.

Mobil 1 (a synthesized hydrocarbon product) or Red Line (an ester-based synthetic oil) are both true synthetic oils and can offer some significant advantages in reliability-durability.

Next, don't use 5W30. Switch to 10W30 in your Dodge and use it in your Corvette. With the Dodge, that may eliminate or at least reduce the rattle on start-up.

Generally, the idea that synthetic oils cause leaks is urban legend, however, if you have an engine which has any pre-1980 rubber/plastic seals or gaskets in it, there can be a problem with synthetic oils and some elastomers which were made of very old formulas. Engines manufactured after 1980 or older engines fitted with gaskets or seals made after 1980 usually will not have a problem unless they are really cheap, low-quality, foreign made products.

 

[Jersey-vinny]

WAYNE88: That's always been my opinion too. Synthethic oils don't create leaks but because of their superior flow properties are more adept at exploiting them. I switched my '88 over to 5w30 Mobil 1 at about 40,000 miles. No problems.
VINNY

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hib,

In spite of your views on Castrol and your notoriety, I've used both Mobil 1 and Castrol synthetic in dedicated racing (road course) and "normal" performance (severe) street applications.

From "on the track" experience, I can see no difference, AT ALL. In fact, I have more experience with Castrol, have run engines as hard as they can be run for LONG lengths of time, and have had NO oil related failures on either brand.

Hair splitting on oil brands doesn't hold water with me in real life applications and experience. Have a great day.

RF

Typically, people who lack adequate knowlege of the subject or debate from a point of weakness, will resort to personal attacks--which kinda seems the case here.

But, ohmahgawd...I have "notoriety"? What next? A massive self-esteem crash?


Seriously, my "views" are not opinion.

They are fact.

As to my "hair spliiting", well...someone who hides behind a screename--ok, I admit, "Roadfrog" is, indeed, a humorous I.D.--has, like...just oodles of credibility saying that.

There are a number of professional road racers and even a lot of Club Racers (at last year's SCCA Runoffs, a Valvoline-sponsored event, most of the winners passed-up the Valvoline Racing Oil to run Red Line--ask yourself why that is) will beg to differ. I'll bet there few if any Nextel Cup teams which run Castrol Syntec in their engines.

And, about the track experience...your point is?
You've got no test data and the only shread of evidence you present (anecdotal at best) is that you haven't blown up an engine, yet.

I don't think there's much strength in your arguement, Froggy.

I stand by my statements:
1) Red Line is an ester-based synthetic oil. Ester-based synthetics are the ultimate engine oils from a performance, reliabiilty and durability standpoint.
2) Mobil 1's so-called "NA" or "North American" forumula usesa synthesized-hydrocarbon base
3) Castrol Syntec is a "synthetic oil" (the quotes are Castrol's) made from extensively-refined, petroleum-base stocks.

As to their ability to perform and protect under high-temperature/high-sheer conditions---the types of oils are numbered accordingly.

If somone differs in opinion, prove me wrong with facts, not wishful thinking based on unsubstantiated experience with (or without as the case might be) engine failures and seasoned with insults.