Synthetic oil question

[JonE]

I just made the switch to synthetic Mobil 1 last weekend, had been using dino 20-50. Now, all kinds of opinions about how long this stuff can be used before changing oil. Did I hear that after the "switch" it is a good idea to change the oil sooner, then after that you can go up to 15K between oil changes with perhaps a filter change in between?

[silverz06vette]

If you changed your prior oil on a regular basis there is no need for a quick change.

I usually go 7500 miles on the 540.

I did 4400 miles on my z06 with 3 track days where the oil temps got up to 290*f. I sent the oil in for a analysis. They said it still looked very good. this was with mobil 1 5w-30:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=001668

[632 Regal]

synthetic was a good choice, the most popular choice on this board so far is 0w-40 mobil one. I personally wouldnt exceed 7500 miles between changes because of the carbon buildup in the oil. The oil can actually almost go indefinetly but its all of the dirt and carbon that a normal filter doesnt remove causes it to lose its advantages much above 800k or so.

Everyone has an oppinion on this subject and that was mine.

As for changing your filter more often after just changing to synthetic, keep an eye on how fast the oil gets dirty. No one can tell you how much sludge buildup is creepin in all the crevises except your oil.
Good luck!

[JonE]

Thanks guys, 7500 miles sounds pretty reasonable. It is amazing how much smoother the M30 engine seems to run with this stuff, less engine noise too. I might even see a bit better gas mileage! I am running the Mobil 1 5-30 as the 0-40 was nowhere to be found. Maybe Fleet Farm carries it, I'll have to check.

[ryan roopnarine]

walmart carries the 5w40 truck and suv MOBIL 1, and autozone carries the 0w40. the truck and suv might be more agreeable if you live somewhere warm. the mobil 5-30 is quite thin, and is almost a 20 weight in kinematic viscosity, and as a result, i don't use it in this car anymore, because of the engine's original requirements. (mom's taurus, however is a much more modern engine, and really likes the 5w30 oil).


Thanks guys, 7500 miles sounds pretty reasonable. It is amazing how much smoother the M30 engine seems to run with this stuff, less engine noise too. I might even see a bit better gas mileage! I am running the Mobil 1 5-30 as the 0-40 was nowhere to be found. Maybe Fleet Farm carries it, I'll have to check.

[nuwde]

I just made the switch to synthetic Mobil 1 last weekend, had been using dino 20-50. Now, all kinds of opinions about how long this stuff can be used before changing oil. Did I hear that after the "switch" it is a good idea to change the oil sooner, then after that you can go up to 15K between oil changes with perhaps a filter change in between?

I need to change my oil. this will be my 2nd change with synthetic (mobil 1) but i forgot which weight i used before. i think it was 5-30, but not sure. anyone have suggestions for me? i'm in champaign, IL and it has been amazingly humid and hot lately. thanks for the help!

edwin

[JonE]

edwin,
It sounds like the 0-40 might be the one to use next. I couldn't find it, so, used the 5-30 for now. I live in Minneapolis area, so will probably be fine with 5-30 for now, but may appreciate the 0-40 come winter.

[bimmerd00d]

for the first 3-4 oil changes, i'd go about 4-5k between changes b/c the synthetic is going to condition all the seals and rings. It very well might leak a bit, but dont be discouraged, that should go away after a while. My '93 525i made the switch at 115k, it leaked til 125k, then hasnt' leaked since. i'm at 193k now.

[JonE]

for the first 3-4 oil changes, i'd go about 4-5k between changes b/c the synthetic is going to condition all the seals and rings. It very well might leak a bit, but dont be discouraged, that should go away after a while. My '93 525i made the switch at 115k, it leaked til 125k, then hasnt' leaked since. i'm at 193k now.
So, could you tell where it leaked? Was it a leak or did it just use some oil for awhile?

[DanH]

Jon,
There is 0w-40 Mobile 1 available at Autozone stores in the MPLS area.
Just go to www.autozone.com and use store locator to find the nearest one.

[JonE]

Thanks Dan. There's one not too far from me.