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V8 Dakotas
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
 
1/09/2005
13:29:28
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 Subject: How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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There are no special requirements for switching from conventional petroleum to synthetic oil, however in older vehicles or those with high mileage, it may be advisable to use Engine Flush first. This is simply to ensure that the engine is clean and free of any accumulated contaminants which might have an effect on the service life of Synthetic Motor Oils.
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Switching to Synthetic Motor Oil
The #1 Concern is usually -- Detergents in Synthetics.
Q. I sometimes hear "Synthetic oils contain detergents that can make the oil seals leak in older vehicles."
Is this really an issue?
How old would a vehicle have to be to not use synthetics?
A. Synthetic lubricants do have an inherent detergency that cleans and removes conventional motor oil deposits left over in an engine. However, motor oils are designed to help swell seals slightly to prevent leakage. The only time you would observe seal leakage is if the seals are already damaged or showing signs of leakage around them. As long as the vehicle has been well maintained, and in good mechanical condition, it can be switched to a synthetic lubricant at any mileage.
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Most newer and low mileage vehicles can switch from dino to synthetic at any time without a flush. If you have a higher mileage vehicle I would recommend an engine flush.
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Synthetic Motor Oil Objections & Myths
Let's put to bed some of the objections you will hear concerning the use of synthetic engine lubricants (some are old debates ... some are new):
Myth #1: Synthetic motor oils damage seals.
Untrue. It would be foolhardy for lubricant manufacturers to build a product that is incompatible with seals. The composition of seals presents problems that both petroleum oils and synthetics must overcome. Made from elastomers, seals are inherently difficult to standardize. Ultimately it is the additive mix in the oil that counts. Additives to control seal swell, shrinkage and hardening are required, whether it be a synthetic or petroleum product that is being produced.
Myth #2: Synthetics are too thin to stay in the engine.
Untrue. In order for a lubricant to be classified in any SAE grade (10W-30, 10W-40, etc) it has to meet certain guidelines with regard to viscosity ("thickness"). For example, it makes no difference whether it is 10W-40 petroleum or 10W-40 synthetic, at -25 degrees centigrade (-13F) and 100 degrees centigrade (212 degrees F) that oil has to maintain a standardized viscosity or it can't be rated a 10W-40.
Myth #3: Synthetics cause cars to use more oil.
Untrue. Synthetic motor oils are intended to use in mechanically sound engines, that is, engines that don't leak. In such engines oil consumption will actually be reduced. First, because of the lower volatility of synlubes. Second, because of the better sealing characteristics between piston rings and cylinder walls. And finally, because of the superior oxidation stability (i.e. resistance of synthetics against reacting with oxygen at high temperatures.)
Myth #4: Synthetic lubricants are not compatible with petroleum.
Untrue. The synthesized hydrocarbons, polyalphaolefins, diesters and other materials that form the base stocks of high quality name brand synthetics are fully compatible with petroleum oils. In the old days, some companies used untested ingredients that were not compatible, causing quality synthetic lubricants to suffer a bad reputation. Fortunately, those days are long gone. Compatibility is something to keep in mind, however, whether using petroleum oils or synthetics. It is usually best to use the same oil for topping off that you have been running in the engine. That is, it is preferable to not mix your oils, even if it is Valvoline or Quaker State you are using. The reason is this: the functions of additives blended for specific characteristics can be offset when oils with different additive packages are put together. For optimal performance, it is better to use the same oil throughout.
Myth #5: Synthetic lubricants produce sludge
Untrue. In point of fact, synthetic motor oils are more sludge resistant than their petroleum counterparts, resisting the effects of high temperatures and oxidation. In the presence of high temperatures, two things happen. First, an oil's lighter ingredients boil off, making the oil thicker. Second, many of the complex chemicals found naturally in petroleum base stocks begin to react with each other, forming sludge, gums and varnishes. One result is a loss of fluidity at low temperatures, slowing the timely flow of oil to the engine for vital engine protection. Further negative effects of thickened oil include the restriction of oil flow to critical areas, greater wear and loss of fuel economy. Because of their higher flash points, and their ability to withstand evaporation loss and oxidation, synthetics are much more resistant to sludge development.
Myth #6: Synthetics can't be used with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors.
Untrue. In fact the very low ash content of synthetics will extend the life of every exhaust system component.
Myth #7: Synthetics void warranties.
Untrue. No major manufacturer of automobiles specifically bans the use of synthetic lubricants. In point of fact, increasing numbers of high performance cars are arriving on the showroom floors with synthetic motor oils as factory fill. Which may not make the dealers too happy since oil changes usually lead to other service work.
Myth #8: Synthetics last forever.
Untrue. Although some experts feel that synthetic base stocks themselves can be used forever, it is well known that eventually the additives will falter and cause the oil to require changing. However, by "topping off", additives can be replenished. Through good filtration and periodic oil analysis, synthetic motor oils protect an engine for lengths of time far beyond the capability of non synthetics. Amsoil's unique additives packages allow for extended drain intervals.
Myth #9: Synthetics are too expensive.
Untrue. Tests and experience have proven that synthetics can greatly extend drain intervals, provide better fuel economy, reduce engine wear and enable vehicles to operate with greater reliability. All these elements combine to make synthetic engine lubricants more economical than conventional non synthetics. In Europe, synthetics have enjoyed increasing acceptance as car buyers look first to performance and long term value rather than initial price. As more sophisticated technology places greater demands on today's motor oils, we will no doubt see an increasing re-evaluation of oil buying habits in this country as well.
There are other MYTHS and non-truths circulating the forums, garages, and race tracks. The nine above are just a few that I wanted to address.
***** Conclusions *****
Since their inception, manufacturers of synthetic motor oils have sought to educate the public about the facts regarding synthetics, and the need for consumers to make their lubrication purchasing decisions based on quality rather than price. As was the case with microwave ovens or electric lights, a highly technological improvement must often overcome a fair amount of public skepticism and consumer inertia before it is embraced by the general population. But the word has been getting out as a growing number of motorists worldwide experience the benefits of synthetic lubrication. The wave of the future, in automobile lubrication, is here, and Amsoil has lead the march, recently celebrating their 30th year in business. For the environmental enthusiasts, the use of synthetics could reduce waste oil disposal by 80%, so if environment is your thing, then synthetic lubricants should be your choice.
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You can Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking below:
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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OldManDak
Dodge Dakota
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1/12/2005
12:39:35
| How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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I do my oil/filter changes in the spring and fall.
I use AMSOIL 5W-30 in my V6 Dak. Last October, I changed oil and filter. This April, I'll send an oil sample out for Used Oil Analysis. If the analysis shows that the oil is suitable for continued use, I'll just change the filter and top off. I'd then do an oil and filter change again in October. My daily driver (not a Dak) gets the same treatment, except it gets the oil/filter change in April and the filter change/top off in October. In both my vehicles, AMSOIL 5W-30 is still shown by Used Oil Analysis to be "suitable for continued use" even after a year. My daily driver goes about 8k miles annually. My Dak is a lot like me -- doesn't go to work much, but is always ready to go hunting or fishing.
AMSOIL's extended oil change intervals are just the ticket for us old folks. I don't miss crawling around on the garage floor in sub-freezing temperatures a bit.
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Well
Dodge Dakota
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1/12/2005
18:00:27
|  How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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OldManDak, Whats your non-severe schedule for oil changes?
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OldManDak
Dodge Dakota
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1/13/2005
08:15:33
| How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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I guess I don't have one.
I considered running my daily driver until the Used Oil Analysis said it was time to change oil, but I chose not to.
I'm happy with the one year/25,000 mile interval suggested by Amsoil, if supported by Used Oil Analysis, with filter change/top off every 6 months.
Hope that answered your question...
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Well
Dodge Dakota
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1/13/2005
16:54:54
| How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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At 8k a year you could use a good Dino or blend(Motorcraft,Casrol,Pennsoil,Chevron/Havoline Supreme) and still change it twice a year, maybe even once with testing. I guarantee you would not come close to 25k with Amsoil. Even if you did Amsoil would thicken to at least a 50 weight by then(if not more).
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OldManDak
Dodge Dakota
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1/14/2005
08:22:45
| How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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Well:
I suppose I could, but then I'd be sacrificing the benefits of full synthetics.
After 7,999 miles driven between April of 03 and March of 04, UOA showed an increase of viscosity index at 100 degrees C from 11.35 to 11.66 -- well below the 30 weight cutoff of 12.5.
I have been trolling this board for nearly two years now, and few subjects generate more controversy that the synthetic/conventional/Mobil 1/AMSOIL debate.
All I can report is the factual accuracy of what I've experienced using AMSOIL.
I do have two cases of Pennzoil 5W-30 sitting in my garage right now. If you're interested, let me know...
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Well
Dodge Dakota
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1/14/2005
09:20:56
| How Often do you change AMSOIL synthetic oil MYTHS
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"I have been trolling this board for nearly two years now, and few subjects generate more controversy that the synthetic/conventional/Mobil 1/AMSOIL debate."
LOL, fair enough. Thanks for the offer but I am all set :)
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