is it safe to switch to synthetic engine oil? Topic is solved

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 03 Jun 2004, 08:54

hio there,

i think that this topic has probably been discussed before, but still, i am not sure whether it is worth the risk of potential leaks ($), as i have read in many places.

the engine on my '96 850 has 115k (miles) and is running great. ii the past i have made a switch to synthetic in a nissan sentra at 80k (miles) with no negative effects. however, this time i am a little cautious, as i do not want to step in potential expenses should i get leaks. these leaks are caused, as i have read, from liquified carbon deposit not dissolved by mineral engine oil, around the piston rings and valves.
also, someone has told me that it can damage (or soften) some seals, which i do not really believe, since in europe syntheic oils are the norm in newer models. also, is synthetic oil the reason why the intervals between oil/filter changes are typically 15k or 20k (km) or more?

any opions on the matter?

thanx,

carlo
nyc

Post by **matthew1** » 03 Jun 2004, 11:16

Yes, that's why the intervals are growing longer: synthetic.

I've seen (read) of several successful changeovers (I'm one of them -- at 45k miles), and perhaps one that wasn't successful due to leaks.

volvocare · Post by **volvocare** » 09 Jun 2004, 13:41

I too own a 1996 850 glt. I've made the swith to synthetic at 110m. I've not had any problems whatsoever. Go for it! I would change the oil more often than 15 or 20k but hey, that's me. Good luck Paul

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 10 Jun 2004, 15:35

paul,

thanx for your reply.
how long ago did you switch (in miles and time)?
so no negative effects whatsoever? i am thinking it over, especially the winter benefits are appealing to me (no dry start ups).

-carlo

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 15 Jun 2004, 06:44

I live in a harsh desert climate (Arizona). The temperatures in Winter months fall to the teens and during the hottest Summer months rise and stay between 110F and 125F.

Although I have used brand name regular motor oils, I hve found the synthetics, expecially Mobil 1 and Vovoline SynPower to provide the most protection for my cars.

I have used Valvoline in my 2002 V70XC AWD and Mobil 1 in my 2004 V70 R AWD and my 2004 S80 T6. The 300hp "R" and 268hp T6 both run hotter than the XC and I believe require the greatest amount of protection.

After the first oil change at 7,500 miles for each vehilce, I change oil regularly at 5,000 miles. I would assume that in a more moderate climate, the factory recommendation of 7,500 miles would be acceptable.

The cost is more using the synthetics. However, I have not suffered any kind of problems because of them. In fact, my three Volvo's have all run exceptional free of problems.

There are a number of informative websites that analyze and provide of and comparisions on the various types of motor oil. One of the best sites, free of manufacturer bias is: http://www.marksalem.com/home.html

Mark Salen, the website owner also has radio and TV programs devoted to car care.

Good luck.

shepsan · Post by **shepsan** » 15 Jun 2004, 07:27

I forgot to log in before posting above.

Also, I moved from the factory break-in oil to synthetics at the first 7,500 mile change.

Also, I see a typo: the word should have been vehicle.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 15 Jun 2004, 18:43

I purchased a 1993 Volvo 850 GLT with 161995 miles on it, and it was switched to synthetic at 150,000... Not a single leak, and runs like a champ.

Synthetic does not cause leaks. What is usually the case is that a crack, or some other problem will arise that could lead to a leak, but the dino oil will fill it in. This leads to gunk, and other not-so-great things. The synthetic will break down this gunk, and really does an amazing job at lubing your engine. However, as the gunk breaks down, the problems your engine already had, start to show through as leaks.

I'd definitely recommend the switch to synthetic. I use Mobil-1 in all my vehicles and it's great. I also enjoy switching oil at 5000 miles instead of 3000. I could probably get more than 5k out of it, but I'll play it safe. Every change it always comes out just like I put it in -- clean. That's the way it should be.

On a side-note, I've heard a lot about amsoil synthetics and filters, so I may switch to that next oil change -- but the price is holding me back.