When to use Synthetic

[jd4010]

Greetings. I am contemplating the purchase of a 2010 F350 with the 6.4 Powerstroke. In my current 2004 F350 6.0, I use synthetic....and love it.

At what point, on a new engine, is it "safe" to switch from the Ford oil to full synthetic? Perhaps the oil that comes in the engines from the factory is full synthetic. Don't know. But I recall from the old days it was said that you shouldn't switch to synthetic until the motor was broken in.

Just wondering cause should I go the route of this 2010, I want to take extra good care of her ---- doubt the Mrs will let me get another one any time soon after this one!

[Dave]

You can put a synthetic in the day you drive it off the lot if you really wanted to.

[Lone Ranger]

Originally Posted by jd4010

But I recall from the old days it was said that you shouldn't switch to synthetic until the motor was broken in.

Just wondering cause should I go the route of this 2010, I want to take extra good care of her ---- doubt the Mrs will let me get another one any time soon after this one!

Yes, I am an Old School Diesel nut. However, a lot is forgotten these days that still holds true. If you love your truck, I would not take the chance or listen to the arguments that it is ok to do so. I would let the rings seat, and the truck run in a bit, before doing it. Why take the chance, nothing to gain, possibly problems if you lose...

Give it at least 10,000 to be on the safe side. Then change if you want. Myself? I do not believe in synthetics in the engine for a very good reason. Diesel soot, fuel solvents, and pollutants accumulate in the oil. I would rather do more frequent changes with a good dino oil, that run the gunk longer for a higher price just because you can with the synthetics. My argument is that it is better to run clean oil more often, I like changing the oil, and it is cheaper in my view and better.

However, I would agree with synthetics in the gear boxes and diffs as that is not an accumulated fuel pollution issue.