synthetic oil vs. regular oil

[BIGBERTHA]

I have a 76 k10. I've heard from many different people that I should use either full synthetic or half n half. I just wandering what the thoughts are on here, being that the people on here know more than the people I work with.

[Stocker]

You don't hear much about engine failure from lack of lubrication with dino, which is why I still use it. That and it is less expensive.....

I would use full synthetic if I had an exotic engine with a gazillion intricate moving parts and tight tolerances..... or a turbocharged engine.... or under extreme conditions like racing.... or if the vehicle was subject to extreme temperatures. Or if the manufacturer recommended synthetic.

But for most of us under most conditions, with run-of-the-mill engines, I'd stick with dino.

Regular oil changes are of course important with any oil.

[BIGBERTHA]

That's pretty much my thought too... Just wandering what everyone else thought. Thanks alot

[west9378]

Synthetic has a more consistent shape molecule vs traditional petroleum hydro carbons. The main function of oil is to clean yes it lubricates but in that process it takes the junk to the pan then through the filter protecting the engine.
My though is use a quality oil, filter and change it every 3,000 miles
Just my opinion.
Posted via Mobile Device

[richards72chevy]

What about the lack of zddp?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by richards72chevy

What about the lack of zddp?

That's something I have never worried about, but a valid concern anyway... thanks for mentioning it.

Here's a good discussion: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=381780

[propanemudtruck]

Originally Posted by west9378

Synthetic has a more consistent shape molecule vs traditional petroleum hydro carbons. The main function of oil is to clean yes it lubricates but in that process it takes the junk to the pan then through the filter protecting the engine.
My though is use a quality oil, filter and change it every 3,000 miles
Just my opinion.
Posted via Mobile Device

To add to this comment, my mom's ex boyfriend is/was a heavy truck service manager and carried schaffer oils. He sold me on the FULL synthetic VS blend because of the molecule shapes too. FULL synthetic has all smaller molecule shapes and BLEND is like throwing a handfull of rocks in a bag of marbles. The rocks are more oblong and irregular and can clog or take up space that the marbles could have gone through smoothly. Performance wise BLEND is no better than FOSSIL oil. If this makes any sense I hope it helps!

[TheWhiteElephant]

Originally Posted by west9378

Synthetic has a more consistent shape molecule vs traditional petroleum hydro carbons. The main function of oil is to clean yes it lubricates but in that process it takes the junk to the pan then through the filter protecting the engine.
My though is use a quality oil, filter and change it every 3,000 miles
Just my opinion.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes, I would agree. All the research I've done in the past points to this. I've read many reputable sources say that as long as you use quality oil and change it at regular intervals, it will do what it is supposed to. Oil, no matter if petroleum or synthetic won't help much if it is dirty.

[BIGBERTHA]

Thanks alot everybody

[Monty]

here is the best read on motor oils i've read anywhere.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=136052

[bigd65]

I use Walmart SUPERTECH SYNTHETIC just to extend life between changes. not for moneys sense but for laziness. I do Run ROYAL PURPLE in my Harley but look at the the difference. Harleys are not water cooled and need extra help in cooling

[plummen]

Well i know on my dads 78 silverado k20 that he bought new he switched over to mobil 1 at around the 5,000 mile from old bone oil and proceeded to put 500,000 miles on that truck .
we pulled the top side off to put a set of fuelie heads and an rv cam in it at 500,000 and it still had origional cross hatch in cylinder walls.
last i heard that truck had another 300,000 miles on it.
Its been through several clutches,front end has been rebuilt a couple times,several midas lifetime dual exhuast systems and many brake pads,not to mention body is ready to fall off of frame but it still runs like a scalded dog!
theres a synthetic oil testimonial for ya!

[plummen]

one down fall of the synthetic oil though is if you have a pin hole any place in a gasket it will find it!

[vin63]

Oil is oil. The application can make a difference particularly when it comes to practicing extended oil drain intervals. If you don't plan on practicing extended drain intervals, or if the OE doesn't specify a type, I would purchase according to price and availability.

[68panelman]

I have always ran straight 30 wt, plus a qt of the Lucas oil stabilizer every 2500-3000 miles. Never hade any probs in the 20 plus yrs of driving 67-72s!!!

[fastwillie 696969]

Originally Posted by west9378

Synthetic has a more consistent shape molecule vs traditional petroleum hydro carbons. The main function of oil is to clean yes it lubricates but in that process it takes the junk to the pan then through the filter protecting the engine.
My though is use a quality oil, filter and change it every 3,000 miles
Just my opinion.
Posted via Mobile Device

your a engineer arnt you .i agree hundred percent what you said ,its all about molecules and hydrocarbons and additivies

[fastwillie 696969]

Originally Posted by plummen

Well i know on my dads 78 silverado k20 that he bought new he switched over to mobil 1 at around the 5,000 mile from old bone oil and proceeded to put 500,000 miles on that truck .
we pulled the top side off to put a set of fuelie heads and an rv cam in it at 500,000 and it still had origional cross hatch in cylinder walls.
last i heard that truck had another 300,000 miles on it.
Its been through several clutches,front end has been rebuilt a couple times,several midas lifetime dual exhuast systems and many brake pads,not to mention body is ready to fall off of frame but it still runs like a scalded dog!
theres a synthetic oil testimonial for ya!

500k on the original heads ? any valve jobs during the 500k ?

[plummen]

Originally Posted by fastwillie 696969

500k on the original heads ? any valve jobs during the 500k ?

nope that motor was untouched internally ,only thing ever done to it was an eldebrock high rise and 2-3 sets of headers up till that point.
hes always been religous about keeping oil changed and keeping things cleaned up top/bottem you could eat off the motor and even the axles on that truck if you were so inclined.