conventional oil -vs- synthetic?

[markmando]

got a 2003 accord v6 with 40,000 miles on her.
she's only been fed regular motor oil.
wondering if switching to a synthetic would be wiser.

just curious what the collective wisdom here thinks.
synthetic's better than conventional oil? yay or nay

thanks for any input.

[rjstaaf]

Opinions vary The most important thing is to change it regularly. Oils have to meet certain standards to wear the API symbol. The API just released the new SM/GF-4 specs.

http://api-ec.api.org/about/index.cf...02003002000000

I typically run Mobil 1 5W-30 in my GT but, it currently has a convention oil in it, Mobil Clean 5000 5W-30.

[AkronSi]

I personally am willing to pay more for synthetic. I feel comfortable knowing that the oil will perform well and would be able to go with longer drain intervals if I need to do that. With that said, Autozone has a great deal on Mobil Clean 5000 right now. 5 quarts plus a fram filter (i know not everyone likes Fram) for $10. Mobil warranties Clean 5000 for 5000 mile drain intervals. http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...our_stores.jsp

I would say that if you stick with a reputable brand(dino or synthetic), and follow the maintenance guidelines that you'll be fine. Check out Bob is the oil guy for enough oil info to make your head spin.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

[markmando]

thanks for the links.

[animes2k]

Since my initial break-in (about 7500 miles) I've put nothing but Mobil1 in my car and it's still kicking strong with zero engine hiccups at 80k hard miles and a less than perfect oil change interval (up to 5k at times, I prefer to keep it around 3k). I think for a car with moderate mileage, such as the 40k Accord, a switch to synthetic at this point may not be a bad idea, but may not net any measurable gains in any arena. My brother has two accords, (224k and 130k), that have seen nothing but regular oil and periodic (at best) maintenance and they are still kicking.

I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that once you switched to synthetic is was best to stick with synthetic and not go back to standard oil. I don't know why, that's just what I remember hearing a long time ago.

[tom p.]

Synthetic oils don't break down as conventional oils do in these ultra-hot running Japanese and many modern engines...short change intervals can't overcome hi temp oxidation.

[Black240SX]

Originally posted by tom p.
Synthetic oils don't break down as conventional oils do in these ultra-hot running Japanese and many modern engines.

What type of coolant are they using in those ultra-hot running engines?

[Spilchy]

It's my understanding that changing over the synthetic from conventional can lead to leaks?

Whatever the case, I switch my conventional oil every 3 months regardless on my 96 Civic.

Outside of routine scheduled maintenance, new tires, brakes, exhaust and timing belt, I have never had a mechanical problem

Oh god, where is some wood to knock

[tom p.]

Originally posted by Black240SX
What type of coolant are they using in those ultra-hot running engines?

Ethylene Glycol, baby! The coolant's not the problem, the narrow oil passageways are!

[tom p.]

Originally posted by Spilchy


Oh god, where is some wood to knock

Spilchy, man, you keep doin' what you're doin'! These issues are far more prevalent with late model cars. 1996 Civic? No problem, stick with the dino lubes! Valvoline has an excellent hi mileage oil (Maxlife, syn and non-syn versions) that have high doses of anti wear additives...it would work well in your app.

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by Spilchy
It's my understanding that changing over the synthetic from conventional can lead to leaks?

Yeah, I've had that happen, especially notably with the XJS. That one's a lot happier with dino.

I've also had my lifters bleed down faster with synthetic (couldn't park one 5-cylinder on a hill without it happening).

But there's no denying its superiority when it comes to holding up under extreme conditions (and guess what I use in the A8/S8 and any custom built engines ).

[Hemi57]

I personally would not recommend changing from a Mineral Oil to Synthetic after that many miles. You may get a reaction between the oils which could cause a few problems, eg. the motor may start to use oil or you may get a sludge.

I will wait and see if my comments get a reaction, eh?