Chnge to Synthetic Oil

kenny 98 S70 · Post by **kenny 98 S70** » 03 Oct 2005, 19:33

Can you please advice: I am an owner of 1998 S70. I bought this car about 5 months ago and I have done the oil change 3 times far and I have been using synthetic oil all the time. However, when I did the transmissio oil cchange i used regular oil. Now i am thinking of changing that to systhetic oil. Is there any benefit in using synthetic oils? Can i go back to regular oil after using the synthetic oil?

Also is it more beneficial to use high octane gas - 94 than low one?

Also I am looking to buy one more volvo. I have been debating whether to go for an other 1998 S70 or look for an S60 (2000 - 2001). If money is not deciding factor when purchasing. I want a worry free realible driving. Please advice. (or since this is going to be 2nd vehicle, should I go for an S40?)

Thanks i advance for your help.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 04 Oct 2005, 05:14

I have always stuck with the practice of using the same oil everytime and never switching whether it be synthetic or natural. I also only run regular gas, in an engine like the Volvo's (maybe with the exception of the "R") there is such a small difference in performance or mileage that you won't even notice it. As far as another Volvo to buy, your 98 seems to be a pretty good choice, if you read through the different threads on this site you can get a good idea of what years and models have problems. I am looking for another Volvo myself and am looking for 96-98 850/V70.

Post by **robert213** » 09 Oct 2005, 14:10

kenny 98 S70 wrote:I have done the oil change 3 times far and I have been using synthetic oil all the time. However, when I did the transmissio oil cchange i used regular oil. Now i am thinking of changing that to systhetic oil. Is there any benefit in using synthetic oils? Can i go back to regular oil after using the synthetic oil?

I am in the process of switching all of my vehicles over to AMSOIL synthetic with Hastings premium filters.
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx
http://www.hastingsfilter.com
http://www.amsoil.com/products/hastings/index.aspx

The reason -- reduced friction yields less heat. Heating and cooling cycles are the number one enemy of anything made of metal.

The only disadvantage with higher mileage engines is the possibility of oil leaks. If that happens, I will switch back to conventional.

kenny 98 S70 wrote:Also is it more beneficial to use high octane gas - 94 than low one?

The only benefit of high octane fuel is under wide-open-throttle. Does your engine have a turbo? Do you put your foot all the way into the accelerator pedal? In order to prevent fuel from combusting before spark plug ignites, you need high octane fuel to prevent detonation.

kenny 98 S70 wrote: Also I am looking to buy one more volvo. I have been debating whether to go for an other 1998 S70 or look for an S60 (2000 - 2001). If money is not deciding factor when purchasing. I want a worry free realible driving. Please advice. (or since this is going to be 2nd vehicle, should I go for an S40?)

Research problems with ETM during 1999-2001 model years. I suggest purchasing another 1998 S70. If you decide to keep your original S70, then at a later date, you have a second S70 to salvage parts from.

Kenneth · Post by **Kenneth** » 11 Oct 2005, 11:18

No problem switching between synthetic and conventional oil. Be sure to run the synthetic for the full owner's manual drain interval...5000 miles or whatever, to get the most for your money. No real benefit to synthetic oil except when very cold or very hot, which includes turbochargers.

Synthetic ATF does work very well, and likely extends the fluid life.

I think Amsoil products are very good, but not worth their price. Don't believe for a minute that Amsoil is good for 25,000 miles unless you have an oil analysis proving that. Amsoil generally thickens out of grade well befor 25k. Hastings filters are good, identical to Baldwin, and equal to WIX, etc.

Ken