Synthetic Oil

[turbotime]

Originally Posted by 02 ford-toy hauler

whats the cost approximately for an amsoil change, do it yourself or pay someone, have friend of mine who has 218,000 miles on 99 psd and just changes his oil every 4-5000 miles with regular oil, still runs like a champ

Cost for oil change by yourself and w/o new filter is right around $80.00 and changes due around 10K miles, or so.

[Banshee34]

So it's basically about the same cost??! I've heard both sides, and as of yet, haven't made up my mind. ... which is why I voted, oil, these things need oil??????

[75thRanger]

Hey Rod,

I'm no petroleum specialist or anything, but I've talked to a few over the years about the differences, pro/cons, and what I've taken away from it is that if you are fairly faithful in changing your oil and filter, synthetics don't really offer anything beneficial enough to substantiate the extra cost. But...
if you're one of those who is a little less mindful and usually goes over several k's before changing, then synthetics are probably a good option. Basically they don't break down as fast, but they still collect just as much crap, even if they don't look as dirty.




RLTW!

[Rodslinger]

Thanks Ranger - this has really been an interesting poll. I would have thought synth hands down but what you mentioned is probably the reason it's so close. Great point though!

[Brian]

the only reason to run syn. in my book would be if you do alot of driving. if you rack up 1k miles a week, it may be impractical to change the oil once a month, therefore making syn. the way to go.
for those of us who dont do the higway miles, reg. scheduled changes are a little easier to plan and change.
the extra cost of the syn is not worth it, unless you have money to burn.

[Diesel Nut]

Synthetics make up the difference in price with not having to be changed as often. Classic example. Most of you are changing every 3-5k, some more, but most there. Amsoil, when used with the Amsoil/Donaldson filters is on a 15k severe use, 25k non severe use interval. Thats 15qts every 15k or 25k miles, instead of 45 quarts every 15k or 75 quarts every 25k miles. less waste, less time, better engine protection. Also, most people when switching see better mileage (slightly) and a smoother running engine. These are the reasons I use it. I sell it because I use it and I believe in it.

My

[mschn99]

BUT, oil should not sit in a motor too long, and i agree with brian that if your not putting considerable milage on a truck, the oil needs to be changed to get condensation out regardless of hte oil quality...

[Diesel Nut]

Very true. Condensation is very bad for any motor and if it is not seeing the milage to heat it up and out of there then you are open to many issues.
Amsoil says you can go 1 year on an oil change without worrying about the it. I would say that if a person has a vehicle that is driven that little then they should look at the situation from the veiw of moisture in the area, how many heat cycles, ect. if you are driving it 3 days a week 10 miles each way, you are probobly getting it hot enought to get rid of the excessive water. If it sits for 2-3 weeks and then gets driven a few miles off and on, then maybe not. There its kinda the customers choice.

[mschn99]

ive replace a few motors for condensation problems, and i would say anyone who doesnt put at least 15k a year on a motor IMHO wont benifit from sythetic because they shoudl be changin thier oil by time and not milage...just my opinion...the average guy can see gains with synthetic, but here is always the extrememe...the guy who wont benifit from something....

[Patrick]

Amsoil and AE filter all the way. One oil change every 20k miles or so Is the way to go. They say 25k miles, but dang thats a long time.