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?

i have 250200 on my 4.0 and i still using good normal oil that stuff to expensive for my liking

search is your friend as oil topics come up on a weekly occurance...


all oil now is a mixture of dyno oil and synthetic........

i don't see where you would gain any advantages.....

[QUOTE=lifted97ranger;899087]
all oil now is a mixture of dyno oil and synthetic........
[QUOTE]


Really?

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.

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.

I agree.


Go to the Mobil1 web site and do some reading.
www.mobil1.com

with almost 200k, i would just stick to normal oil and 5000mile oil changes.

i run motorcraft oil and filters, i also change my oil every 5k

thats what the owners manual says to do.

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.

The seal leak probalby disqualifies it. Tim's right about increasing leaks. If you have leaks they generally get worse on synthetic since it penetrates easier.

i would NEVER use any kind of stopleak in my own vehicle, fix the problem right.

ive seen stopleak cause a lot of problems.

^^^Agreed...

The engine stop leak basically is the same thing as using those high mileage oils.It conditions the seals.I wouldn't use anything to extreme either.My truck has 125k+ on it and if this keeps it going and saves some bucs and stops a very minor leak which it di then I'm happy.

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.

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?

Engine degreaser and a pressure washer. I just did this to my Ranger and it worked great.




Allen

K&N oil filter also waste of money, motorcraft is all you need.

Ok I don't have an owner's manual, but how many quarts of oil for my 1999 3.0L with oil filter change? I think I'll be investing in one real soon..

i have 3.0L V6 2000 ranger and i used to have leaks everywhere so i started tightening the nuts and bolts and degreased it and i haven't seen any leaks but i would recommend sticking with the oil u been using and k&n oil filter works pretty good u should use it