Thoughts on synthetic oil

[II kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by Hemi_Hombre

I've used synthetics for years, primarily Mobile 1 because you can get it anywhere, anytime. And a good filter, like Mobil 1 or K&N (p/n HP 2004).

This web page has great "real-world" application/tests.

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html

K&N looks to have a well made filter, I am concerned about any unecessary additives, what is the "resin impregnated" stuff in thier filter media. Like PTFE, Teflon and all the others I don't want this material cruising in my cylinders. I am an Amsoil and Mobil 1 user. No 5w20 Mobil 1 available. I will use 5w20 exclusively in the Hemi cause that is what the factory calls for and I don't want any snafus (situation normal all fouled up) with the MDS or any potential warranty issues for not using the specified weight oil. Let's not get into warranty/oil discussion, I know DC is rather poor with any issue they can blame the customer for and I simply don't want to give them any ammo if there is a failure at 50K like so many of thier 2.7 engines.

[BMWhat?]

I could be wrong but I believe the resin is used may be used a filtering media or filter media bonding agent rather that something like a PTFE that's design to leach into the oil as it passed throught the filter.

I think I'm going to stay with the 5w20 myself. I believe the thinner oil is designed to offer slightly better mileage which I can use. I'm getting 12.2 - 12.3 MPG even while keeping under 2K RPM during initial take-off. I'll probably used Royal Purple which is carried by Pepboy and I can have them do the oilchange for me. Royal Purple claims more HP as a result of it's slippier oil and it also offers 5w20.

[TopDog]

One of the more comprehensive articles on the use of synthetic oil. The vehicle oil was changed to synthetic after 12,000 miles:

http://www.getahelmet.com/tech/syntheticoil/

[JonW]

Originally Posted by TopDog

One of the more comprehensive articles on the use of synthetic oil. The vehicle oil was changed to synthetic after 12,000 miles:
http://www.getahelmet.com/tech/syntheticoil/

Good article. There's not going to be a test after reading that is there?

[Lancorp]

OK, so after reading all the various tidbits on websites (AMSOIL, MOBIL1, test sites, etc.), it comes down to this for me: AMSOIL 2000 claims that for gas-powered, non-turbo passenger cars, that 25,000-35,000 miles or 1 year between oil changes is recommended, and even MOBIL1 tests show it is still good after 18,000 miles!

So, what car manufacturer is going to WARRANTY repair a car that hasn't had an oil change in 25,000 miles (or any of these synthetic extended range oil change intervals?)

Also, the AMSOIL XL-7500 looks like it was reformulated from GRADE III petro oil. So, legally, it is a synthetic, but not like the AMSOIL 2000 series, which is 100% synthetic.
Also, the XL-7500 says 6500 miles or 6 months on oil change intervals. Will car manufacturers still warranty a car whose oil gets changed regularly every 6,500 miles?

Will I use synthetic in my first oil change of my 300C? Yes! But do I need to spend the extra $$$ and get the best synthetic, knowing that I need (warranty) to change every 5K or so miles?

What do you people do?

[joey]

Originally Posted by Lancorp

OK, so after reading all the various tidbits on websites (AMSOIL, MOBIL1, test sites, etc.), it comes down to this for me: AMSOIL 2000 claims that for gas-powered, non-turbo passenger cars, that 25,000-35,000 miles or 1 year between oil changes is recommended, and even MOBIL1 tests show it is still good after 18,000 miles!

So, what car manufacturer is going to WARRANTY repair a car that hasn't had an oil change in 25,000 miles (or any of these synthetic extended range oil change intervals?)

Also, the AMSOIL XL-7500 looks like it was reformulated from GRADE III petro oil. So, legally, it is a synthetic, but not like the AMSOIL 2000 series, which is 100% synthetic.
Also, the XL-7500 says 6500 miles or 6 months on oil change intervals. Will car manufacturers still warranty a car whose oil gets changed regularly every 6,500 miles?

Will I use synthetic in my first oil change of my 300C? Yes! But do I need to spend the extra $$$ and get the best synthetic, knowing that I need (warranty) to change every 5K or so miles?

What do you people do?

Since I change my own oil, Chrysler will never know how often I change it. So the warranty issue is a none issue.
But I don't use synthetic, although these threads are making me think I should.

[BMWhat?]

Lancorp,

I've used the Amsoil 0w-30 2000 series in my 97 Q45. I changed the oil myself for a couple of years until my wife started to bitch at me about it. It's actually 30K oil change for the 2000 series isn't it?

Anyways, you have to keep in mind that you have the follow thing to deal with 1) change oil filter every 6 month. 2) You have one year maximum on the oil. This is actually Amsoils recommendation. I didn't like spending the extra money on the 2000 series because I had to get under my car to change oil filter every six months. I figure, while I'm down there, I might as well change the oil. So that point kind-of sucks for me. The other point is that I really didn't notice a difference in mileage.

I originally sought out the Amsoil because of the poor mileage in the Q45. If you ask me what I would do is to use a top quality Synthetic oil (Mobil, Royal Purple, Redline) and a top quality filter that can be supplied and serviced by a quick lube place or other service facility. I'm changing the oil every 5K - 7K miles in my 300C. Heck, I'll have a replacement for my 300C in about 4 years anyways.

There is a link in this thread to a web site where these guys did a very methodically analysis on oil life and it will surprise you. The study shows that anything less than 7K on Synthetic oil is really not necessary.

That's my 2 cents.

[II kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by joey

Since I change my own oil, Chrysler will never know how often I change it. So the warranty issue is a none issue.
But I don't use synthetic, although these threads are making me think I should.

Just save your receipts and date them with the mileage when you change them. My buddy neglected his Navigator and had the nerve to ask me if I had any oil receipts that he could show the dealer as proof of purchase/change. All the dealer needed was proof of purchase of the oil. Obviously this does not prove you changed it. I currently use the Amsoil 5w20 XL series and the specs (4 ball wear, shear etc) are very similar to thier series 2000. I was not aware it was a lesser product which if true means it is similar to all the other synthetics except Redline and Royal Purple and Amsoil's own 2000.

[joey]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

Just save your receipts and date them with the mileage when you change them. My buddy neglected his Navigator and had the nerve to ask me if I had any oil receipts that he could show the dealer as proof of purchase/change. All the dealer needed was proof of purchase of the oil. Obviously this does not prove you changed it. I currently use the Amsoil 5w20 XL series and the specs (4 ball wear, shear etc) are very similar to thier series 2000. I was not aware it was a lesser product which if true means it is similar to all the other synthetics except Redline and Royal Purple and Amsoil's own 2000.

I have trouble imagining a situation where my dealer service dept would equate a problem with my car with oil, or lack of oil changes. I have never had a car problem where my dealer asked me how often I changed my oil.
I have a 1995 Pontiac which I bought new and has been serviced at the same Pontiac dealer since 1995. They never change my oil and they have never asked me how often I change it. That's just my experience. Maybe I have just been lucky.

[Lancorp]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

I was not aware it was a lesser product which if true means it is similar to all the other synthetics except Redline and Royal Purple and Amsoil's own 2000.

Yes, I was on Performancempg's web site and found a notice of formulation change for their XL-7500 series oils. They changed because of having to pass some standard (API) for car manufacturers or something, but basically stated they are using re-processed petro oil, and then went on to make a case for it being legally "synthetic" by citing a decision of some court case.

They cited using GROUP III base oils. See the article here:

http://www.performancempg.com/changes_xl-7500.htm

I don't readily see a date on the article.