Oil Types...

[tmac]

Not sure if this is the proper place for this disscusion, but I thought it would be the most suitable.

I was wondering what the difference uses were for different types of oil.

I know 5W-30 is used for colder winter climates, and 10W-30 is what most people will use at all times. Also that 10W-40 can be used for engines that are burning a bit of oil to help prevent it.

I have seen 5W-20 also though, not a clue what that would be for.

Also is there any advantage of running synthetic oil in an engine?

[k-roy]

5W-20 is what my old neighbors new SVT 'Stang has printed on the oil cap. Synthetic lubricants kick ass. Engines run smoother and you can go a little longer between changes. Automatic Tranny fluid is great. You get smoother, quicker shifts with vastly improved below freezing driveability.
Here is a link explaining the differance of weights in oils.
http://www.vtr.org/maintain/oil-overview.html

[tmac]

Thanks

[shepherd79]

i wouldn't use Syntetic oil inmy motor. I tried one time and my car started to smoke like crazy. I stay away from syntetic oils from now on.

[IWLSF]

Nobody on this 3G site should be using a synthetic. Our cars are too old now to see any benefit of using them. The higher grade oils are made for racing purposes, like 15W-50. I use synthetic in my GSX but the motor sees a lot more strain than most, plus I like treating my baby the best lol.

[MrBen]

I use Mobil 1 Synthetic 10w-30 and noticed a definite change in smoke pouring out of my exhaust. I has greatly decreased, however, it isn't gone.

[Justin86]

I use Havoline 10W-30 synethic. I use it cause my Dad gets it real cheap. :)

[DBMaster]

I have used synthetic oil in mine since its first oil change in 1989. It runs great, burns no oil, and the engine is super clean inside with no gunk in the oil pan or varnish inside the valve cover.

I run it 10,000 miles between changes which, in my case, is almost a year. I also have been using synthetic tranmission fluid since 1993.

So, I would say I am a proponent of using synthetics.

[tmac]

Wow 10,000 mile! What are other peoples thoughts on distances between changes?

[MrBen]

I go 3,000, only because my engine has so many miles on it, the cleaner it stays, the longer it lasts.

[tmac]

ahhh ok, i will stick with 5000km

[DBMaster]

I buy high end oil filters. The oil doesn't even start to look brown until after 5,000 miles. I have been doing this for a long time in both of our cars. Even conventional oils now should not be changed any more often than 6,000 miles. The 3,000 mile oil change is a relic of the past which was about four oil specs ago and back in the days when car engines dumped a lot more unburned gas into the crankcase. Jiffy Lube and the like make a lot of money from perpetuating this.

The benefits of changing oil too often are purely psychological.

[k-roy]

Originally posted by IWLSF
Nobody on this 3G site should be using a synthetic. Our cars are too old now to see any benefit of using them. The higher grade oils are made for racing purposes, like 15W-50. I use synthetic in my GSX but the motor sees a lot more strain than most, plus I like treating my baby the best lol.

My engine was rebuilt two years ago. It has had synthetic in it ever since and it runs great.