synthetic oil

[walking horse 0]

hi was woundering about changeing to 30 synthetic oil good or bad ideal?

[Butch 194]

I'm a big fan of synthetic lubes and oils even though many people have never had a problem with conventional oil. I like Amsoil products and have a pretty large stock of their products in my garage. I have to get them mail order. I have also used Mobil 1 and it has been around a long time. I think it even comes in new Corvettes. I've een using synthetics fo about 25 years now in all my vehicles, tractor, mower, roto tiller and other things.

You have probably opened up a can of worms. This subject has been debated for years in just about every forum there is!!

Butch

[walking horse 0]

i have amsoil in my dodge ram but did not know for small engine thanks don

[tgranthamfd 29]

i have amsoil in my dodge ram but did not know for small engine thanks don

I think they, actually, have a small engine line, ask around or check out their web sight. My brother has switched over.

[rmaynard 16,301]

I have used synthetic oil in my cars and trucks for 30 years. Mostly Mobil 1. However, my mechanic told me that in automobile engines, you need to start using it soon after the first oil change. If you wait until you have a lot of miles on the engine, and change from conventional oil to synthetic, you may get leaks.

As far as tractor engines go, I don't see why it would be bad to give it a try. If you get leaks, go back to the conventional oil.

Bob

[gwgdog66 23]

Like Butch said. I'm not wanting to open up a can of worms.

I use Amsoil 4 stroke, in all my stuff that's not burning oil yet. My K341 had 150 hours on the new shortblock when I changed over to it. Lawn mower, edger, generator, Pressure washer, all run on the same stuff.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ase.aspx

I'm happy with it. You do still have to change it regularly.

[Audioshot 2]

I did some crazy research into this (for months) and found out some great info. The best synthetic oil in an air cooled engine would be a HDEO (heavy duty engine oil).

The short answer is Shell Rotella T6 5w-40. Even though it is a SJ (diesel) rated oil and conforms to API SM spec, it doesn't conform to GF-4 so the zinc (zddp) and phosphorus is still very high. This adds an extra protection layer on cams in flat tappet engines. I'm running it in my old L-head briggs and my WH with the K-301 M-10. It rocks! no leaks, no smoke and I know because it is a 5 weight, it will stay that way and not shear. Plus, it's thin enough to get to the bearings faster on cooler start ups.

I do know they recommend that oil on generators because they start on any temperature and instantly go to 4k RPM.

[360magnumstocker 0]

I've used Amsoil in my C-120 for yrs. I also use in in my generator, and my Cummins turbo diesel. My friend that I buy it from has 380,000 miles on his Cummins which has used Amsoil from day 1!!

[USHorse 41]

I am also a fan of synthetics in my autos but have not made the switch to my tractors only for the reason that they clean the insides too well and on an older engine, it may remove all the oily gunk/deposits on the seals (which in theory is good), but then exposing the old and possibly dry gaskets creating oil leaks.

On a new engine or post rebuild, I would definelty go with synthetics :omg:

[rick 257]

That is what causes leaks at the engine seals, the synthetic oil cleans the varnish and

sludge that builds up at seal, and the worn or tired seal can't hold the oil back.

Replacing a seal isn't that hard, but I would have realise a considerable improvement

to change an older engine from petroleum oil. My personal experience has shown me that regular maintenance is the most important factor in mechanical longevity.

I do use synthetic oil in new/rebuilt engines after 50 hours of break in. Oil change intervals remain the same, though.