When to come off full synthetic?

M

MoneygrubbinCar

Member

Apr 7, 2007

155

2

19

Jacksonville

Apr 3, 2011

#1

• Apr 3, 2011

• #1

My cars gettin higher mileage around 80k now and I notice I'm developing a small oil leak on the underside probably the rear main seal and oil pan gasket. But I've always ran 5w 20 mobil 1 full synthetic. Would now be the time for me to switch to maybe a synthetic blend and a heavier oil? I plan on fixing them when the clutch comes due so I'm not to heavily worried about it as long as I got oil in the car with me. Like I say its ever so slight I lose maybe half a quart of oil every 3000-3500 miles. Anyways any input and replies would be great. Thanks!

 

evolucion311

Member

Mar 19, 2009

236

2

18

Apr 3, 2011

#2

• Apr 3, 2011

• #2

I don't see a reason to switch to dino oil. You can use a thicker viscosity oil that is still full synthetic.

I swear by using syn fluids... I have 141k miles on my original engine, t3650, and rear end. Thing runs like a champ.

 

M

MoneygrubbinCar

Member

Apr 7, 2007

155

2

19

Jacksonville

Apr 3, 2011

#3

• Apr 3, 2011

• #3

I've considered that as well which is why I question I rather stick to a full synthetic but how much heavier should and could I go? All my previous vehicles we're older and were satisfied with generic 10w30

 

bhuff30

Founding Member

Dec 11, 2001

6,037

35

129

Olathe KS

Apr 3, 2011

#4

• Apr 3, 2011

• #4

My '97 has 184k miles and still gets mobil 1 full synthetic. If you've been running synthetic, then keep running it. Your leak really is small at 1 qt per 3500 miles. If the mess bothers you, *borrow* a cookie sheet from your wife/girlfreind and set it on the ground where you normally park. That will collect the oil and keep your floor clean without getting in the way. Then, you'll have a perfect birthday/christmas gift idea.

You can try a higher viscosity, but I don't see any reason to. The engine will still leak, just *slightly* slower than before. Obviously, you just need to fix the leak. If it is a rear main leak, keep an eye on the clutch. Oil can ruin the clutch if it gets slung to that area.

 

M

MoneygrubbinCar

Member

Apr 7, 2007

155

2

19

Jacksonville

Apr 3, 2011

#5

• Apr 3, 2011

• #5

Will do, I do plan on fixing the problem but no point in doing so until the clutch is due in my eyes. Thanks for the input and advice I usually give my car a light cleaning on the underside wiping away oil and grime in that area way I know how progressively worse it gets or if other problems occur. Mostly irritated when I take my filter off always makes a mess . I'm a little bit of a stickler for a clean car. Anyways thanks very much I'll stick to what I use for now.

 

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mr-mike

New Member

Jul 9, 2006

122

1

0

Apr 9, 2011

#6

• Apr 9, 2011

• #6

I have been off of it for about 40,000 I'm up to over 160,000 I use the hi-milage oil & a quart of Risolene .....it was good years ago & its still good ! I just drove up from Florida & she purred like new getting 22-24 MPG ....just did my oil change & it was clean I am good on changing oil on a regular basis ......I swear by Risolene..............I have lots of respect for the 4.6 & am looking for 250,000 ..... I drove a new 5.0 while down there handled nice didnt like the cab too crowded & the non locking acess to the trunk but it shifted good the 6 speed auto seemed sweet but the price tag was high & my 99 is still full of life ! so I punked out

 

crzyhrse99

Active Member

Mar 30, 2005

259

3

28

Kansas

Apr 10, 2011

#7

• Apr 10, 2011

• #7

Have 165k on mine and still runing Mobile 1 synthetic, so thats double what you have lol and no problems, would drive the car anywhere. I change it every 3k with mc filter and have never had to add oil in between.