Synthetic oil yes or no?

[steve142857]

Hey everybody,
A few weeks ago I went to the Ford dealer for an oil change and ask if they had synthetic oil... They don't. But the technical advisor didn't recommend it to me for our car. He said that the gas doesn't mix with mineral oil and remains on surface. When we start the car, the fact that the synthetic oil doesn't mix with the gas would prematurely use the bearings. He told me that race cars do not use synthetic oil and if they do they change it every race.
I don't know much about cars beside driving them, so please don't be too rude on me if it sounds stupid...
He also told me that once you start putting in synthetic oil, you need to change oil at the same frequency as regular oil and if so, there shouldn't be problems (which is contradictory of his initial statement).
Last thing, he told me that once you convert to synthetic oil, you can't go back to regular oil.
So, what do you guys think?
I know that many of you run on synthetic and haven't had any issues... but does what he is saying make any sense?
Thank you again for your input, I need to do an oil change soon and am hesitating if it is worth it at all to go on the synthetic road. At least he told me that as long as the oil change are done regularly, the use of synthetic oil doesn't affect the warranty. So, there is no major risks other than spending money for nothing and not being able to go back to regular (that aspect is more for when I will sell the car, but it is in a few years anyway).
Steve

[NebraskaSHO]

Synthetic is fine for your car. I ran it in my V8 SHO for years. I would think it would be what you should use.

A lot of that info he told you is false.

[Crash712us]

Synthetic is the only way to go. Been using in all my cars for the past 20yrs. There isn't one bit of truth in what you where told. And gas and oil do mix. I suggest you find a different dealer. They have to be the only dealer that doesn't offer a full synthetic oil change.

[SFM5S159]

Use the synthetic and don't look back. Been using it in my race motor for years and during a recent check of the motor I saw almost no wear on a 500+ HP small block Ford. Pretty damn good. If you have a LOT of time here is a great website: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

Get ready to spend hours reading...

I use it in all of my stuff. I change around 5-6k miles depending on conditions.

[steve142857]

Originally Posted by Crash712us

Synthetic is the only way to go. Been using in all my cars for the past 20yrs. There isn't one bit of truth in what you where told. And gas and oil do mix. I suggest you find a different dealer. They have to be the only dealer that doesn't offer a full synthetic oil change.

They do offer it and it is the Motorcraft 5W20 full synthetic. I took an appointment for tomroow afternoon. SO, I have until then to see if I can find a better and cheaper oil. I would also like to use the 5W30 oil, but since on my oil cap it says 5W20, I don't want to have any issue if warranty needed... But I know the 2011 SHO is using the 5W30.
Finally, I heard a lot of good about the Royal Purple (which I could get), so I am leaning on buying that one, but agsain, if they only have 5W30, I am hesitating... Could I use the Motorcraft this time and continue my searches and switch to a different full synthetic oil for next change?
Thanks,

Steve

[EcoBrick Bob]

I use Mobil 1 5w-20 Full Synthetic. Wally World sells it in US for around $25. for the 5Qt container. I too wish I could run 5w-30 as my 2 G8's use that, and they take 8.8 Qts a time. Of course, if you own a Vette Gran Sport M-6 with the dry sump, it takes 11 Qts.

[steve142857]

Originally Posted by EcoBrick Bob

I use Mobil 1 5w-20 Full Synthetic. Wally World sells it in US for around $25. for the 5Qt container. I too wish I could run 5w-30 as my 2 G8's use that, and they take 8.8 Qts a time. Of course, if you own a Vette Gran Sport M-6 with the dry sump, it takes 11 Qts.

I just sent an email to Ford Canada to ask if I could use 5W30 instead of the recommended 5W20 since they changed their recomemndation from 2010 to 2011 (other topic on that). I hope they can answer me back today... I could buy 5W30 Royal purple at my local speed shop for 9.90$/liter... we need 6 liters for oil change, so that would be 59.40$. I will have my oil changed at the dealer (just for the records if any problems) and they are going to charge me 25$ labor plus 6-7$ for the filter. So, that way I believe I would have better oil than the Motorcraft and the cost would be 91$ instead of the 119.95$ asked if I use their oil... The only thing is that my local dealer has the 5W30 in stock and would have to order the 5W20 and my appointment for oil change is tomorrow afternoon. I want the oil to be changed before leaving to my fishing trip with the gang (I will use my car and it is 400 miles of driving).
I will let you know what their anser is...

[Crash712us]

I wouldn't hesitate to switch up to 5w30. From what I was told about multi viscosity oils. They are both the same, there both 5 weight oils one has the characteristic of 20w and the other 30w but both flow like 5w oil. I use mobile 1 from walmart, with a motorcraft filter.

[Unknown_Driver]

that technical advisor is useless find another one however if you have a serious drug addiction he's probably the best guy to find the good stuff

nearly all race cars run synthetic and not all of them change after each race unless its some big sponsored outfit where each engine is worth almost as much as the car

the SVT dealer here recommended me to use royal purple (which they stock at a really good price) its what i wanted to do asap when i got the car, and I have no regrets from switching over asap, i'm definately getting better gas mileage than regular motor oil

if you have enough fuel going into the oil to cause bearing wear you probably have more problems to begin with, heavy blue smoke coming out the exhaust would be a good sign


the only problem with royal purple is the colour is actually purple and can hinder as to how dirty the oil actually is (for the people that change oil based on colour)

[steve142857]

So, last question, can I switch from Royal Purple to Mobil1 to Motorcraft (considering they would all be the same 5W20 or 30)?
Thanks a 1000 times!

[Crash712us]

Absolutely. Some people even recommend switching up brands. There two things that are important about oil changes, 1 is that you change your oil when it's suppose to be. 2 that oil be API certified, this should never be a concern. Unless you buy your oil from a dollar store.

[steve142857]

Originally Posted by bpd1151

For w/e it's worth as it seems most of the answers to your questions have been posted thus far, including links to other sites with even more information on the topic.....

But I've always used Full Synthetic in all of my cars.

RP sent me some free stuff, including oil, when I started showing my Charger at large venues / arenas and the car started gaining attention.

As far as the SHO, she's always seen Full Synthetic since her 1st oil change. I find it odd that you dealer doesn't stock it though..... mine does.

Once my rotation of free oil changes are over (I do pay the difference though for requesting the Full Synth) through the dealer, I plan on switching over to the Royal Purple products myself once again.

As far as intervals, there's no need to change it at the same frequency as you do with regular oil, you could if you choose to, but not necessary. If anything, you can extend the intervals. I typically will change it every 5K, although I have heard of others going even further, out to the 7,500K interval(s).

I agree that that dealer mentioned above is smoking good stuff! Perhaps I should ask for some before my fishing trip lol! Did I just say that (replying to a Police officer!)?
I only went there because it is 2 minutes from my home, but have decided recently to go back to the dealer that sold me the car in first hand (which I bought my last 4 cars!). When I called them back, he told me he had in stock... go figure! lol
I will buy RP 5W30 as I am sure there won't be any issue since 2011 are running with it. BTW Mike, will you put 5W20 or 30?

[AREA 91]

Originally Posted by steve142857

Hey everybody,
A few weeks ago I went to the Ford dealer for an oil change and ask if they had synthetic oil... They don't. But the technical advisor didn't recommend it to me for our car. He said that the gas doesn't mix with mineral oil and remains on surface. When we start the car, the fact that the synthetic oil doesn't mix with the gas would prematurely use the bearings. He told me that race cars do not use synthetic oil and if they do they change it every race.
I don't know much about cars beside driving them, so please don't be too rude on me if it sounds stupid...
He also told me that once you start putting in synthetic oil, you need to change oil at the same frequency as regular oil and if so, there shouldn't be problems (which is contradictory of his initial statement).
Last thing, he told me that once you convert to synthetic oil, you can't go back to regular oil.
So, what do you guys think?
I know that many of you run on synthetic and haven't had any issues... but does what he is saying make any sense?
Thank you again for your input, I need to do an oil change soon and am hesitating if it is worth it at all to go on the synthetic road. At least he told me that as long as the oil change are done regularly, the use of synthetic oil doesn't affect the warranty. So, there is no major risks other than spending money for nothing and not being able to go back to regular (that aspect is more for when I will sell the car, but it is in a few years anyway).
Steve

That advice is just plain retarded!!!!!!!!!!

[SFM5S159]

For those wanting to use a different weight oil, I'll say again, check out this website:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

For those wishing to go to a 30wt oil, I'd say read this first. You may switch, but at least take a look at what this guy has to say.

Mike C.

[steve142857]

Originally Posted by SFM5S159

For those wanting to use a different weight oil, I'll say again, check out this website:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

For those wishing to go to a 30wt oil, I'd say read this first. You may switch, but at least take a look at what this guy has to say.

Mike C.

It is very interesting, but true that it is complex and very long to read... I would like to know for my use (daily driving it, but WOT many times every time I take my car) and drags about 6 times in 6 months and no drags from late October until April... From what I understand, the 30 is thicker, maybe a bit too much when colder temperature but i more appropriate when the engine gets very hot. So, my guess is that I'd be better with 30 during summer and 20 during winter, very cold, no drags, so engine will rarely get very hot.
I receive an answer from Ford Canada and they basically wrote the portion of the 2010 owners' manual where it says to use 20... But at the end they say also that they are not technical and for that matter I should refer to the technicians at my dealer... As you read above, the tech advisor at my dealer is less than qualified... Ford Canada says that if there are not able to answer us, they, only them, can call a Ford division that would answer them directly...
Anyways, I went to local speed shop and bought 6 qt of Royal Purple 5W30 and will have the oil change with it tomorrow. I will continue to read further and will adjust down the road, but will definitely stick with synthetic oil from now oon.
Thanks all!
Steve

[SFM5S159]

In short, you'd be better with the 5W20 all of the time. For road racing or sustained high temps MAYBE the 30 would help a bit. No harm in using the 30 in hotter weather, but I'd default to the 5W20 at the next change. It's not a big deal either way; you are using a good quality synthetic oil. Don't lose any sleep over it...

[kgupton123456]

Originally Posted by steve142857

So, last question, can I switch from Royal Purple to Mobil1 to Motorcraft (considering they would all be the same 5W20 or 30)?
Thanks a 1000 times!

I am using AMSOIL in my car

The one thing when I drive on the highway I get close to 32 miles per gal

This then I was driving a round trip about 120 miles, in all I do close to 24.5 miles per gal (only when I no not gun the gas) At all times I start off slow and place to cruise control at the speed limit.

[mjhpadi]

Steve, I've been using synthetic for almost 20 years and have never experienced any oil related problems. I had a 98 F-150 that I changed from 5W-30 to 5W-20 when Ford changed the oil recommendations and had no problem. I have used 5W-20 in all my Ford engines ever since. I would highly recommend staying with the 5W-20 recommendation, there has been enough miles put on vehicles that if there were problems they would have raised their head already. That said I just want to repeat that even though I use 5W-20 synthetic oil I still change oil and filter every 3000 miles. Just my two cents, and I have nothing scientific to back up my statements, other then I have seen a lot of miles put on vehicles I know personally and none of them have had any problem with the 5W-20 oil.

[EcoBrick Bob]

THIS IS GETTING WAY TOO COMPLICATED....

Almost makes me think I should just forget about the oil altogether.... LOL.

Say... how much is a Nitrous system for the EB engine anyway???? Afterburners???

Rocket propelled grenades?????

Gotta be a way to get this brick into the 10's....

[Showgun]

Originally Posted by EcoBrick Bob

I use Mobil 1 5w-20 Full Synthetic. Wally World sells it in US for around $25. for the 5Qt container. I too wish I could run 5w-30 as my 2 G8's use that, and they take 8.8 Qts a time. Of course, if you own a Vette Gran Sport M-6 with the dry sump, it takes 11 Qts.

I saw the engine oil refill for the manual equipped car -- that's just about double what my auto equipped GS needs.
It says right on the filler cap to refill with Mobil 1 -- which just happens to be what I use in all my rides.

The extra protection is worth every penny to me.

Go for the full synthetic Steve.

[EcoBrick Bob]

Colin, The F1-Supercar tires on your GS will last 14K to 16K miles if you "Granny Driveit"

Start saving NOW! Those 325 Rears are $$$$$ especially in NORTHLAND....

Did you get a 2-tone interior?

Mobil 1 is best known Synthetic... As good as any. And... aren't they (Exxon-Mobil) big in Ft. Mc Murray????

[mjhpadi]

Originally Posted by Showgun

I saw the engine oil refill for the manual equipped car -- that's just about double what my auto equipped GS needs.
It says right on the filler cap to refill with Mobil 1 -- which just happens to be what I use in all my rides.

The extra protection is worth every penny to me.

Go for the full synthetic Steve.

Right on with you on this Colin, I've been using Mobil One for years and am very pleased with it.

[darreli]

I've used Mobil 1 for years as well with nothing but great results. I've thought about switching over to Royal Purple but really only to stop contributing to the profits of Exxon Mobil!

[Crash712us]

Amsoil is also a very excellent product, had used for many years and dealt it too.

[Showgun]

Originally Posted by Crash712us

Amsoil is also a very excellent product, had used for many years and dealt it too.

I wouldn't mind using that to Chris but cost is a factor. Up here it's $12-$14 -- Just about $10 more per liter than Mobil 1.

[SFM5S159]

For my street cars, Mobile 1, for the race motors, Red Line.

[Crash712us]

Originally Posted by Showgun

I wouldn't mind using that to Chris but cost is a factor. Up here it's $12-$14 -- Just about $10 more per liter than Mobil 1.

I don't know how much it cost to become a amsoil dealer these days, but years ago it was only $20. And then your can buy dealer cost which was like half off.

[yamahaSHO]

Your dealer isn't speaking with any type of knowledge on the subject. In fact, I'm inclined to say he is an idiot.

I've always run synthetic on everything (aside from my $500 beater). On the daily drivers, I'll run up to 10k miles at times. One the spirited, nice weather cars, I'll change between 2k-3k miles. It probably doesn't need it, but fresh oil never hurt. As much as I drive them, it turns out to be one oil change a year anyway. Both of those cars get Shell Rotella T (now referred to as "T6") as it's great oil, cheap, and easy to get.

If you really want to learn about oil: BITOG

[Denny]

One of the few SHOs I saw when I was a service advisor at a Ford dealer had a complete cheapskate for an owner. I tried to sell him on the full synthetic citing that he has a high performance engine with a turbo. Guy passed and checked for the $19.95 oil change (which pssst, we didn't use Motorcraft 5w20 for, it was actually some off brand 10w30) and when it came to a tire rotation as dictated in his service manual, he passed again. I can't wonder about the priorities of some people that'll pony up for a large purchase and then skimp on the maintenance. The guy gripped about the 10% shop fee and then had the nerve to ask if we'd wash his car while walking him over to the cashier.

All these rides below feature full synthetic oil in their engines.

[Crash712us]

No doubt this guy was a cheap skate. But if he was suppose to get motorcraft oil change thats what he should of got. I'm inclined to believe the dealer did the same to me when I bought my car seeings how it had a valvoline oil filter on the car. It was a demo that 5000mi's on and I asked if they would change it. And as this being my 1st ford, Ive become accustom to having my cadillac washed when being serviced at the dealer. Its a nice gesture, but I using bring my car to the dealer spotless that way I get back the same way. I was a very satisfied cadillac owner for serval years never had a issue with the dealership, they would bend over backwards for me. I hope can say the same things about ford, so far so good though. The few TSB's that I've had done they did no questions asked.