Mobil 1 0w40 question

[Russell]

I have used Mobil 1 0w40 for the past 16,000 or so miles. I have changed oil and filter (Mann) every 4,000 to 4,500 miles. I have never had the oil stay amber colored for long. It seems to get dark quickly. For example, my current oil has only 2,500 miles and feels a bit gritty when run between my fingers. Car runs fine. Is anything-wrong going on here?

I may be just a bit paranoid. TIA

[Tiger]

Maybe your engine is coked up in the first place whereas the synthetic knocked them loose and cleaned your engine...

[Russell]

I have gone through several oil/filter changes. Would have thoughtti would be cleaned out by now?? Thanks



Maybe your engine is coked up in the first place whereas the synthetic knocked them loose and cleaned your engine...

[Bill R.]

valves i notice a little less buildup in the head in the valve cover and inside surfaces of the head, it looks like synthetic oil has a nice slow detergent process cleaning up all the old buildup, varnish and sludge slowly....I wouldn't be too concerned about yours.





I have gone through several oil/filter changes. Would have thoughtti would be cleaned out by now?? Thanks

[Bruno]

valves i notice a little less buildup in the head in the valve cover and inside surfaces of the head, it looks like synthetic oil has a nice slow detergent process cleaning up all the old buildup, varnish and sludge slowly....I wouldn't be too concerned about yours.

That is why it starts creating leaks sometimes.... cleaning up the seals and gaskets.
I am always worried about switching to synthetic on old engines...

[Russell]

That is why it starts creating leaks sometimes.... cleaning up the seals and gaskets.
I am always worried about switching to synthetic on old engines...

[Tiger]

If you are really concerned, do a oil analysis service.

[632 Regal]

if you get leaks after changing to a good oil you have issues about your gaskets not an oil.

[Russell]

no leaks at present

[Dick Schneiders]

It was in the early days, but for some time synthetics have an additive that helps expand seals to prevent this. If you do get a leak after changing to synthetic, then I think you probably had a lot of gunk that was preventing the seal from even getting lubricated by any oil at all. Not a good situation and one that needed to be corrected.




That is why it starts creating leaks sometimes.... cleaning up the seals and gaskets.
I am always worried about switching to synthetic on old engines...

[cary]

As somebody else noted, if you are concerned, you should take a sample of oil and sent it for analysis. Given you are changing your oil every 4000 or so miles and can easily run it 7500 for a normal change interval, the $20-30 for a used oil analysis is well worth it. Check www.blackstonelabs.com for analysis. Also, Bobistheoilguy.com.

[Russell]

I have the blackstone "kit". I also posted on Bobistheoilguy.com,


As somebody else noted, if you are concerned, you should take a sample of oil and sent it for analysis. Given you are changing your oil every 4000 or so miles and can easily run it 7500 for a normal change interval, the $20-30 for a used oil analysis is well worth it. Check www.blackstonelabs.com for analysis. Also, Bobistheoilguy.com.

[chamilun]

if synthetics are 'thinner', wouldnt they tend to leak more?

[cary]

if synthetics are 'thinner', wouldnt they tend to leak more?

Repeat this 100 times, "Synthetics are not thinner". Think about this, if at 212F (the temp that the second number in a multiweight oil comes from, i.e. 20, 20, 40, 50, 60) if a 40 weight synthetic were "thinner" than mineral oil, it would not be 40 weight, it would be 30 weight (oils actually fall in a range, for 30 weight it is 10.1-12.5cst@ 100c). If a synthetic oil 10w-40 oil were thinner at the cold pumping test (in the case of 10w oils at -15c if I recall correctly), it would be called 5w-40, not 10w-40.

[chamilun]

just a myth i picked up from a mechanic a few years back

[Dick Schneiders]

is exactly the same "thickness" as a 10w-30 non-synthetic oil.



if synthetics are 'thinner', wouldnt they tend to leak more?

[Tiger]

It is just a more slippery sucker.