Synthetic verses the "Regular" Stuff

Ramblin Wreck · #1 07/21/06, 12:32 PM

Has anyone seen an objective study that either validates or invalidates the claims made about synthetic motor oils doing a better job? I've got two vehicles that are climbing in mileage, and I'm thinking about making the switch...and now they've even added the synthetic "blends" into the puzzle!

countrymech · #2 07/21/06, 01:09 PM

There has been a great deal of research on the subject. A very good non-bias resource is NORIA.com, they are an industry consulting group that specialize in mechanical reliability and predictive maintenence practices, especially lubrication. Synthetic really is all they claim it to be, but it is costly. I am the lubrication specialist at the gas plant that I work for. I have my own on site lab for analysis and am tasked with maintaining the lubrication standards, practices, and types. Here is the deal, if you want excellent protection, cleaner engines, increased engine life, and slightly better fuel economy then synthetic is for you. If you are someone that insists on changing your oil regularly according to OEM specs. then a good quality "Dino" oil is fine. Synthetic would be a waste of money if you change it out every 3 to 5 thousand miles. This said, synthetic blend is a good alternative if you live in a colder climate and want the benefits of syn at start up. Just remember that there is no definition to the word "blend" it could be 50/50, 20/80, 10/90 and you must treat it as you would DINO oil because that is its weak link. A good synthetic should be servicable for at least 12-15 thousand miles without analysis, just change the filter every 3-5 thousand miles and add top up oil. This will boost the oil's Additive Package and extend its service life.
Make sure to use a good quality filter, Fram EXTRA guard won't cut it. Good luck.

countrymech · #3 07/21/06, 01:18 PM

http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corve...lterstudy.html
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/s.../oil-life.html

Here are a couple of links to look at. One is a study on filters and the other is an independant look at Mobil one. Hope they help.

Ramblin Wreck · #4 07/21/06, 02:14 PM

Thanks. Both these links were very helpful.

Red Devil TN · #5 07/21/06, 10:11 PM

If you spend the money on a good filter, you may be able to get by on a lot more than 3-5K. I typically change mine out at 7-15K. My oil at 15K-18K maybe 20 if it was a lot of highway time. Actually doing the oil change this weekend if it stops raining. I use mainly Amsoil and sometimes Mobil 1 (oil and filters from both). And yes, before anyone complains, I am an amsoil dealer so I am allegedly biased. I have a few articles (about amsoil of course) at my site www.bestoilaround.com and there are a lot of good sites out there as well.

I also have a copy of the motor oil bible somewhere. Not sure if it is still out there but I'm sure you can google it to get a copy. If not I can host a copy on my site if people want to read it or email it to them. It's a pdf and about 3 megs. Decent read, but again it is written by an amsoil dealer IIRC.

That all said, in most every test done Amsoil will typically end up on top over #2... Mobil 1, so I typically tell people to introduce themselves using Mobil 1. For measurable gas savings people typically change all the driveline fluids to synthetics. I think that we had a thread up top from someone who's husband drove a rig and they are very anal about mileage.

As for actual physical proof it really does work... find a really good engine builder and ask them why you can't ever break in a tappet motor with synthetics. The answer is typically something like 'It's too slippery, or, It's too 'good', etc.

rggambrell · #6 08/01/06, 12:24 AM

There is a web site called,bobistheoilguy.com. You will find more info there than you will ever need.