Switching to Snythetic?
 

Just curious... '98 Accord has 108,xxx miles on it. The engine runs strong and smooth, but has never seen a drop of synthetic oil. If I were to start using synthetic, might the engine perform better, smoother, longer? Or is the damage already done?

Thanks for your help.

-Ducky

well i used synthetic and the oil level will just drop a lot faster. it goes thru a lot of cracks in the gaskets and stuff.

Yeah, with 100k +, synthetic might be hard to use. It is more viscous and will seep through any micro cracks you have. I just tried a synthetic blend two weeks ago when I changed my oil, and I haven't lost a drop, but I haven't made the move to syn. yet. I have 108k on my engine also. If you want to use it, just try it, but check your oil very often at first.

i have 175k on my hatch and I use castrol syntec. I works pretty well for me, and I haven't had much leakage.

I've always used synthetics in my car since my first one had 10k on it... I got this one at like 60k and went straight to mobil 1... they changed their formula and frankly I don't like it anymore... SO I recently changed over to redline... and it's AWESOME.. way too expensive though... I'm gunna let it run the milage it says it can to absorb the cost because I was changing my mobil 1 ever 3k or so... you could feel how much harder of a time the car had in vtec after 2k miles with the mobil1. Now I've got like 3-4k on my first run of redline and it still revs smooth.. gotta change the filter halfway through though.

also for people worried about leaking with syn... get a step thicker or 2... 20-50 or so.. .that stuff won't leak on ya.

I usually use 5W-30 regular, so would 10-30 be good synthetic? Can you really feel the difference when driving? I didn't notice anything different when I went from reg --> syn blend.

just a reminder to those who switched from one synth to another, don't forget to flush the system with regular dyno juice.

i don't think you'll notice a serious difference in performance. however, i have 135k with not one motor problem in my 99 acura. break-in oil to 2000 miles. changed to quaker state. redlined in 4 times to seat everything. changed to mobil 1 5w30 after that.

What exactly do you mean by that? Are you meaning change it halfway through the recommended Redline change interval? What does change intervals does Redline recommend?

I haven't really noticed any big issues with Mobil1, but then again I've run Mobil1 since I got the car with 8k on it. Usually run 5w30 but right now have 10w30 in it, it's way too thick and my gas mileage has gone down. I need to get 5w30 back in it....especially since Honda recommends 5w20 for my car anyways.

b

As long as my engine doesn't seize up.
I'm happy.
hahaha
but for real.
I use castrol syntec
and I'm happy

With that many miles already, you will likely have the issues hondaman-iac said. The higher mileage engines like conventional due to its consistency. Stick with what works.:yes:

yup half way through the 10-12k mi. change interval you change the filter and add a half quart (or whatever to top it up)...

I actually haven't done it yet though... oops.

I only have 23k on my 98 Accord. Runs like a champ. I have always been diligent with oil changes, but never have used a synthetic. I am just looking for good wear and better mileage. Is it worth the additional cost? How much of a mpg increase have you seen on the highway?

I didn't see any noticeable increase in my gas mileage when I switched to synthetic.

I still change mine at or before the Honda recommended change intervals, I don't try to stretch it out for extra life. I only change based on mileage now, though, I don't pay as much attention to time as I did with natural oil.

b

Umm.. yea I am pretty sure you won't get and performence gains at all from synthetic.. just more protection for your engine....and choosing a weight oil can depend on a number of things.. if your oil pressure is a little low maybe cause its hot as hell outside, it's cause it's thinned... use a heavier weight.. if it's winter use a lighter weight..

I think he mentions the performance part because of Royal Purple's claims on HP gains.:rolleyes:

It may be good oil, but I hardly believe the hype on any gains. Lots of things can affect that dyno to get a few extra hp.

Mobil1 Syn & Purolator PureONE filter is still the best bang for the buck....:yes:

I wouldn't call higher gas mileage a performance gain....but I have heard many people claim that since the synths are slicker than natural oils they tend to lead to higher gas mileage....whether you believe it or not, I didn't get any higher gas mileage, so I don't believe it. :)

For weights, it's unfortunate Mobil1 isn't made in 5W20, right now I have 10W30 but need to bump down to 5W30.

Thinking of which....I need to change my oil.

b