Synthetic Oil

[John1]

Have 117000 on my 500sel.

Can I change from my regular Castrol/Valvoline to synthetic at this point.

Also did not get a very good response on my "Front Suspension "Thread.

How do I check ball joints, etc??


Thanks
John1

[Ethan]

you'll be able to read tons of posts on these two subjects if you use the SEARCH on this site.

Yeah, you can change oil, Mobil 1 is the oil to use. Things like how often you had oil chenges in the past can effect getting some small harmless dripping.

Ball joint - raise wheel and hold tire at 12 & 6 and shake for play, I think that is the method, Should only get a few millimeters of movement. A few centimeters shows worn joint. But you better double-check in the SEARCH.

[lee polowczuk]

for ball joins, I usually jack up the car just a bit... then put a piece of steel or wood underneath the tire at 6 o'clock... then try to lift up a bit to see if there is play...

for steering parts.... I usally grab the tire at 9 and 3 and see if there is play....

i always use the most reasonable 20/50 dino for my oil and change every 3k. i do live in a temperate climate however.

I think changing regularly is the most important thing.... it will be itneresting to see what people think about these new extneded change synthetics.

I have never had an engine problem. but I also have never owned a car much past 175k miles.

I have been using Amsoil in my work van for the last 130,000 miles Ford E250 5.4 triton.I change the filter at 10,000 and oil and filter at 20,000.We purchased two of these at the same time.The other van has about 20,000 more miles.It has been using a quart of oil every 1k to 2k for the last 30k or so.I use a quart every 10k.I also use it in my truck I have installed a bypass filter and only change the oil when I have used up the 5 gal that I buy to do the oil change in make up .I change the oil filter's every 5 to 7k.I use around three to change the oil.When I switched to the syn my oil use dropped to almost nothing.The syn has such a higher vaporization point that it does not boil off when sprayed on the bottoms of the pistons in a TD motor.

[yosshimura]

Originally Posted by 350longrod

I have been using Amsoil in my work van for the last 130,000 miles Ford E250 5.4 triton.a TD motor.

I wish these Amsoil sales people would be banned from the internet. It's like they have detecters for every oil thread in every car forum :toliet:

I just wanted to read some unbiased info on synth b4 going to search...

[Jackd]

Those Amsoil brain washed followers are the victims of of some sort of religious propaganda
John1: Why would you switch to synthetics?
If it is to feels better? go ahead, do it. Do not expect more mileage, more mpg, a longer engine life or reduced maintenance. Do not expect better performance,Extended oil change intervals are probably the worst thing you can do to an engine.
The same amount of acid, soot, fuel deposits, metal shavings, silica, dust, rust, and about 10 other contaminants will accumulate at the same in your engine whatever the type of oil you will be using.
I just sold an old 260E with 468K on the clock and all tis car has drank since day 1 has been regular dino oil, replaced at the prescribed intervals.
But if you feel better with synthetic, make yourself a favor, go fo it.

[colingibb]

No brainwashing regarding Amsoil. The stuff works.
Colin.

[lino]

Why do so many people love Amsoil and so many people hate Amsoil? What's the deal? Why doesn't someone post a testing or comparison chart of mineral and synthetic oils for everyone to see where the real difference lies. I hear everyone's opinion and yet see no facts. I personally use Lubro Moly Synthetic because I like to. I have no proof that it is any better or worse than any other brand oil. I do know that it goes in clean and comes out clean every 3000 miles.

[yosshimura]

WOW, guys these AMsoil guys are all right! I just tried some and it works great, the old amsoil I took out of my car was still good so I poured the used oil in my girlfreind's car! It was like new, not a drop of sludge! Its great around the house as well, I lubed my baby's toys! Now the Hot Wheels roll alot better...

Yes, I am a true follower.... yeah right

[Rahulio1989300E]

LOL!

HATER!


"ghetto joke"

[carymcooper]

John1:

I have used synthetic oil only for over 25 years - any quality brand and proper weight. Currently, I personally prefer Castrol 5W50 as an all season oil. I change my oil and filter every 5000+/- miles. I have never had an engine go on me nor have I had to rebuild one during that time and the total miles on my engines has ranged from a low of 150,000 miles (a VW Cabrio) to 300,000 miles (Mustang Cobra 5.0L engine that I had in 3 different cars! I raced many a car with that engine both on the street and at the track). (Both those engines are still going strong for their new owners with no oil consumption). I consider synthetic oil to be good insurance, but good car care is always paramount. I have four cars/trucks now and the milage ranges from 125,000 to 325,000.

I suggest you look at what you want to accomplish and what you are willing to spend and make a decision, but I would not hessitate to switch. But always use good quality.

Cary

[aharley1]

I've been using syyn in my vehicles for about 7 years now with no problems. I use Mobil 1 but all brands are probably good. I DO NOT use Amsoil simply because I do not like their marketing techniques.
When I switched my Harle to syn oil, I actually had to set the idle back some. There was a noticable difference! It idled faster & ran cooler.
As far as extended oil changes, I did a lot of research. American Iron had a series of independent tests all of which showed syns far superior. They also said that you could extend your change intervals, however the engineer conducting the tests said, "I still change every 3000 miles"...go figure. I change every Spring & Fall in all of my vehicles.

99 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail
98 Dodge truck
88 Mercedes SL560
04 Chrysler convertible