Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: BlackYJ on January 10, 2007, 07:15:23 AM

Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 10, 2007, 07:15:23 AM
So I am thinking of changing my oil in my engine and tranny to synthetic and I was just wondering what brand people are using.  I know Mobil is probably the leading synthetic engine oil producer and I have been seeing a lot of royal purple lately, any other suggestions
Title: Synthetics
Post by: Vinman on January 10, 2007, 08:03:42 AM
www.bobtheoilguy.com
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 10, 2007, 08:12:43 AM
Quote from: "Vinman"
www.bobtheoilguy.com


The address is www.bobistheoilguy.com  :wink:
Title: Synthetics
Post by: fony3 on January 10, 2007, 08:51:15 AM
I started using M1 this winter, i really noticed the difference in cold weather starts...but its really expensive!! I find myself watching partsource for sales on it.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 10, 2007, 08:53:35 AM
Quote from: "fony3"
I started using M1 this winter, i really noticed the difference in cold weather starts...but its really expensive!! I find myself watching partsource for sales on it.


I found it cheaper at Superstore.  They had the big jug for around 36 but you got a free one liter bottle with it as well.  I think it's $38 for just the big jug at Partsource. ....Steve
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 10, 2007, 08:57:10 AM
What weight are you using 10w30 or 5w30?
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SwampSinger on January 10, 2007, 10:03:16 AM
Quote from: "BlackYJ"
What weight are you using 10w30 or 5w30?


5W30 > Winter

10W30 > Summer (just a little thicker for hot days 8) )


or 5W30 all year around....
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 10, 2007, 10:13:16 AM
Quote from: "SwampSinger"
Quote from: "BlackYJ"
What weight are you using 10w30 or 5w30?


5W30 > Winter

10W30 > Summer (just a little thicker for hot days 8) )


or 5W30 all year around....


Yeah but synthetics act differently so I am not sure if you need to run 5w30 in the winter.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 10, 2007, 11:16:57 AM
If you read the site you will see that most of the oil fanatics over there claim that 5w-30 is the best bet since once the engine warms up all weights of similar oils thin to the same point.  There are even a lot of threads on there about how manufacturers are cutting back on development and stocking of 10w-30 because 5w30 works everywhere 10-30 does but the 5w is better in the cold.  I run 5w-30 year round and change it every 5-7K although I have left it once up to 12K when I kept putting it off.  Mobil 1 claims you can go 15K miles between changes although most people and oil analyisis results say that's a joke.  

Bottom line, if you change it every 4-5K then use anything you can find.  The cheapest dino oils will work great for 4K km.  If there's a chance you'll go longer between oil changes then use a good quality synthetic.  Synthetic is the only way to go though in the winter in my opinion.  The oil stays viscous at lower temps making for easier starts and quicker lubrication.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: kenny kustom on January 10, 2007, 12:31:13 PM
My car comes with mobil1 from the factory. The owners manual says 15k or 1 year between oil changes.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 10, 2007, 12:33:54 PM
Quote from: "kenny kustom"
My car comes with mobil1 from the factory. The owners manual says 15k or 1 year between oil changes.


Watch that most cars that say that also say "under normal use".  Canadian driving is considered extreme conditions in most owners manuals.  I probably would't run that long between changes but it's your call. .....Steve
Title: Synthetics
Post by: kenny kustom on January 10, 2007, 12:33:54 PM
My car comes with mobil1 from the factory. The owners manual says 15k or 1 year between oil changes.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 10, 2007, 12:57:03 PM
Mobil has their extended life oil and it is guaranteed for 15,000 MILES or 1-year, but also recommend to follow manufactures recommended servicing (I have been reading the mobil 1 site).

I think that I will probably try Mobil 1 Truck & SUV 5w30 for the engine as suggested by Mobil 1, and then probbly go with Royal Purple Max Gear 75w90 for the tranny.  The Truck & SUV is basically the Mobil 1 but designed for hard-working trucks, vans, SUVs and RVs.

Interesting point between Royal Purple and Mobil 1 is that Royal Purple still recommends changing the filters every 3000-4000 miles but Mobil says to change the filter when you change your oil.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: kenny kustom on January 10, 2007, 01:06:57 PM
i still do mine every 6k.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 10, 2007, 03:49:05 PM
Quote from: "BlackYJ"
Mobil has their extended life oil and it is guaranteed for 15,000 MILES or 1-year, but also recommend to follow manufactures recommended servicing (I have been reading the mobil 1 site).


Mobil 1 is notorious for twisting the truth and manipulating tests to make them look good so take what you read on their site with a grain of salt.  That said though, they are still rated very high for the quality of their products.

The thing with the 15K mileage guarantee is it's one of their twists.  They don't suggest going that long but if your owners manual says you can then their oil will work for you too.  That's why they stress to follow your owners manual, it absolves them of blame if you have an issue.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: calltrex on January 10, 2007, 08:18:30 PM
I would not use mobile 1

engine does not like other brand oils added to it after using mobile 1

and that oil flushing stuff is very bad on engine if you ever use it.


pick something else.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: HIWYH8R on January 10, 2007, 08:31:43 PM
I use Syncromesh fluid in my trans and it's synthetic I believe. It's also the consitency of trans fluid and probably saves a MPG or so when it's this cold. I heard gear oil isn't the best thing for your syncro's in your trans because the high sulfur content in gear oil reacts with the brass syncro's.

I use full synthetic trans fluid in the transfer case.

I put synthetic 75W90 in both my diffs and in both diffs on my wifes jeep and got axle seal leaks in 3 out of the 4 diffs within a week. I went back to normal 80W90 NON synthetic and the leaks stopped. Not sure why they started to leak but I have a hard time believing it was just coincidense.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: calltrex on January 10, 2007, 08:33:48 PM
Quote from: "HIWYH8R"


I put synthetic 75W90 in both my diffs and in both diffs on my wifes jeep and got axle seal leaks in 3 out of the 4 diffs within a week. I went back to normal 80W90 NON synthetic and the leaks stopped. Not sure why they started to leak but I have a hard time believing it was just coincidense.


maybe seals are tired and putting the thinner synthetic in started leaking..
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SwampSinger on January 10, 2007, 08:40:40 PM
Quote from: "calltrex"
Quote from: "HIWYH8R"


I put synthetic 75W90 in both my diffs and in both diffs on my wifes jeep and got axle seal leaks in 3 out of the 4 diffs within a week. I went back to normal 80W90 NON synthetic and the leaks stopped. Not sure why they started to leak but I have a hard time believing it was just coincidense.


maybe seals are tired and putting the thinner synthetic in started leaking..


The "particles" or "molicules" in the synthetic oils are smaller thus it infliltrates in smaller cracks where "particles" of regular oils does not.

same crap happenned to me...my Heep sweat a bit more. I don't care and still run Synthetic in my engine,tranny, t-case but not in my diffs. I have a Truetrac in my front diff. and it works better with regular oil.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 10, 2007, 10:27:11 PM
I change my diff oil too much to justify synthetic, but I am definitely going to run it in my engine and tranny.  The syncomesh is basically royal purples equivalent to ATF.  Also it is true that some trannies do not like gear oil grade GL-5 because of the high sulfur content, but the formula has changed now.  In addition, a lot of GL-5 oils will also say rated for MT (manual transmission) applications
Title: Synthetics
Post by: shibby on January 11, 2007, 05:08:46 AM
That reminds me. I've read in the manual for my 03 Tj that the manual transmission fluid never needs to be changed and should last the life of the vehicle...

What are your opinions on this?
Title: Synthetics
Post by: TJ54 on January 11, 2007, 08:48:03 AM
Quote from: "shibby"
That reminds me. I've read in the manual for my 03 Tj that the manual transmission fluid never needs to be changed and should last the life of the vehicle...

What are your opinions on this?


Last time I changed my tranny oil, It looked more like milk than oil. So if you take it wheeling, theres your answear.
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 11, 2007, 09:22:25 AM
Quote from: "shibby"
That reminds me. I've read in the manual for my 03 Tj that the manual transmission fluid never needs to be changed and should last the life of the vehicle...

What are your opinions on this?


It is gear oil, and turns to chocolate milk over time, I would change every couple years if not wheeling.  I change mine at least once a year
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 11, 2007, 09:23:02 AM
Quote from: "calltrex"
I would not use mobile 1

engine does not like other brand oils added to it after using mobile 1

and that oil flushing stuff is very bad on engine if you ever use it.


pick something else.


Just a question, how do you know this
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 11, 2007, 11:09:59 AM
Quote from: "BlackYJ"
Quote from: "calltrex"
I would not use mobile 1

engine does not like other brand oils added to it after using mobile 1

and that oil flushing stuff is very bad on engine if you ever use it.


pick something else.


Just a question, how do you know this


I have heard that as well.  Mobil1 has a lot of people who like it but a very vocal group who wouldn't put it in a Pinto.  If you read on BITOG for a while you'll see what I mean.  There's a weird (to me) rivalry between some of the posters over there between brands so alot of info like that has been posted.  Not sure what the original sourcs were though. ...Steve
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SwampSinger on January 11, 2007, 03:24:57 PM
What's wrong with Pintos?
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 11, 2007, 04:10:20 PM
Quote from: "SwampSinger"
What's wrong with Pintos?


Well, although I'd drive one before a Jeep, they have a reputation as being junk.  :shock:  :lol:
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SwampSinger on January 11, 2007, 04:13:56 PM
Quote from: "SteveO"
Quote from: "SwampSinger"
What's wrong with Pintos?


Well, although I'd drive one before a Jeep, they have a reputation as being junk.  :shock:  :lol:


I'm not gonna hijack th thread anymore.... LOW BLOW :wink:
Title: Synthetics
Post by: SteveO on January 11, 2007, 04:16:17 PM
Quote from: "SwampSinger"
Quote from: "SteveO"
Quote from: "SwampSinger"
What's wrong with Pintos?


Well, although I'd drive one before a Jeep, they have a reputation as being junk.  :shock:  :lol:


I'm not gonna hijack th thread anymore.... LOW BLOW :wink:


It was, I almost thought about deleting it.  :D
Title: Synthetics
Post by: calltrex on January 11, 2007, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: "BlackYJ"
Quote from: "calltrex"
I would not use mobile 1

engine does not like other brand oils added to it after using mobile 1

and that oil flushing stuff is very bad on engine if you ever use it.


pick something else.


Just a question, how do you know this



I work at a automotive shop..
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 11, 2007, 10:07:05 PM
But I am curious what are the signs?
Title: Synthetics
Post by: rush on January 13, 2007, 09:13:28 AM
Quote from: "shibby"
That reminds me. I've read in the manual for my 03 Tj that the manual transmission fluid never needs to be changed and should last the life of the vehicle...

What are your opinions on this?


only on automatic transmissions
Title: Synthetics
Post by: BlackYJ on January 13, 2007, 09:36:07 AM
Quote from: "rush"
Quote from: "shibby"
That reminds me. I've read in the manual for my 03 Tj that the manual transmission fluid never needs to be changed and should last the life of the vehicle...

What are your opinions on this?


only on automatic transmissions


NOT TRUE AT ALL.  They should be flush i think about every 40-50K km