174k, is it worth switching to synthetic oils?
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174k, is it worth switching to synthetic oils?
My truck has 174k on it's little 3.0L. I have a rear-main seal leak, which very little actually leaks out. Other than that, no problems. My truck is also a 4x4. My question is, is it worth it to swith to synthetics and a K&N oil filter? I've been using Havoline in it with a Motorcraft oil filter. I used the same in my last truck. I read that the synthetics have more detergents in them and changing to synthetics will possibly cause leaks to appear and make my rear main seal leak even more because it's degunking all the crud that's built up. The leaks appearing isn't a big deal because it just shows that my truck needs some TLC. I'm worried about the rear main seal leaking more.
My dad says switching to synthetics is not needed becuase with the miles I have on it, the oils will do no good. What are ya'lls opinion???
My next oil change I plan on using a K&N oil filter. Should I stick with the tried and true as my truck nears 200K?
My dad says switching to synthetics is not needed becuase with the miles I have on it, the oils will do no good. What are ya'lls opinion???
My next oil change I plan on using a K&N oil filter. Should I stick with the tried and true as my truck nears 200K?
#3
#5
No it's not. Although synthetic base stocks are made using crude oil as a starting point. The process though is different, more expensive, and results in consistent molecular size and weight vs. conventional oils mix of base stocks.
From that standpoint Maurice is right -- but the advantages of full synthetic over blends and hydro-cracked quasi-synthetics are still large. I wouldn't run anything but full synthetic in my truck.
From that standpoint Maurice is right -- but the advantages of full synthetic over blends and hydro-cracked quasi-synthetics are still large. I wouldn't run anything but full synthetic in my truck.
#6
If you throw it away every 3K to 5K, have big leaks or blowby it's a waste. If you use it for extended drain as the good ones are designed for, it's as cheap or cheaper, results in less waste oil, and you spend less time under the truck -- well I spend the same amount of time, just working on something different, lol.
#8
#9
I woudn't switch.Your truck made it this far.I would be afraid it would cause problems or leak more.You may also want to try Bars oil stop leak for your rear seal leak.I had a very slow leak there too and I changed my oil with this stuff and it stopped within 2 days.Good stuff.If you do add it with oil change remember it is only a half a Qt when your refilling.
#13
#14
Hmmm, where to start... I love synthetic oils and will always use them.
The oil leak: Synthetic oils are moleculary (is that spelled right?) smaller, and so, will generally enhance a leak, just because it can slip thru the hole/seal easier. Theres also the possibility of finding "new" leaks, where you have old seals that are perfectly fine.
Cost: Sythetic oils cost twice as much, but ya change them half as often as the regular motor oils, so it's a wash. But, synthetic oils are more forgiving for those who "forget" to change it on time. It's harder to break a synthetic oil down to the point where it won't lubricate anymore.
Much less carbon buildup: Your engine doesn't get hot enough to cook synthetic oils, causing much less carbon/sludge/burned oil buildup.
You: Which oil you use is ultimately a personal preference. If you've never tried it, try it. I love synthetic oil just cause it's bulletproof. Some guys like getting under their truck every 3,000 miles to change their oil, not me =)
Stopleak: Evil incarnate. Period. It puts a bandaid on the problem, and causes more down the line by clogging stuff up. I run at the sight of the stuff.
Left or right: Whatever you choose, either use FULL Synthetic or regular motor oil. For the price ya pay for the "higher mileage, super duper, enhanced" motor oils, you might as well pay a bit more for the synthetic.
The oil leak: Synthetic oils are moleculary (is that spelled right?) smaller, and so, will generally enhance a leak, just because it can slip thru the hole/seal easier. Theres also the possibility of finding "new" leaks, where you have old seals that are perfectly fine.
Cost: Sythetic oils cost twice as much, but ya change them half as often as the regular motor oils, so it's a wash. But, synthetic oils are more forgiving for those who "forget" to change it on time. It's harder to break a synthetic oil down to the point where it won't lubricate anymore.
Much less carbon buildup: Your engine doesn't get hot enough to cook synthetic oils, causing much less carbon/sludge/burned oil buildup.
You: Which oil you use is ultimately a personal preference. If you've never tried it, try it. I love synthetic oil just cause it's bulletproof. Some guys like getting under their truck every 3,000 miles to change their oil, not me =)
Stopleak: Evil incarnate. Period. It puts a bandaid on the problem, and causes more down the line by clogging stuff up. I run at the sight of the stuff.
Left or right: Whatever you choose, either use FULL Synthetic or regular motor oil. For the price ya pay for the "higher mileage, super duper, enhanced" motor oils, you might as well pay a bit more for the synthetic.
#15
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Sticking with the tried and true.
I think I'll stick with Havoline and just use a K&N oil filter. They have a Havoline High Mileage which I think is synthetic oil. Don't know, gonna do some research. As far as I know I have no other leaks. I'll do some clean up under the carriage and just watch closely for any other leaks. Thanks for the responses ya'll.
What do ya'll recommend for cleaning up oil on the under-carriage?
What do ya'll recommend for cleaning up oil on the under-carriage?
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