Synthetic or Not Which Do You Use

r3612 · Soul Rider Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 346 City: Chicago IL

Since Moblsv brought up oil changing, just wondering what type of oils people are using. Was thinking about the synthetic stuff and wanted some opinions if u think it's worth it or not in the long run. Type too, just curious to see the variations. I forgot to add 10w40 which is what I'm using. How I did that is beyond me. It won't let me add anything so if u use it just post a reply.

Malibu Stacey · Posted: Jun 09, 2003 2:22 am Post subject:

I run a synthetic Shell oil in my Malibu, some of the wise heads on MBO think it is a waste of money, but I like to think of it as peace of mind. On the Indmar's you are not allowed to run a synthetic before 100 hours. The oil specified for the first 100 hours is actually a thick oil that could be used in a diesel motor.

gusthecat · Outlaw Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 183

Don't ever, ever, ever use synthetic in an engine that hasn't been broken in, and I mean well broken in. On a vehicle, not less than 40k miles, on a boat not less than 100 hours. The reason is that the engine needs to break in - there are certain tolerances that are ideal for an engine to run its best, & those are not achieved until after it's broken in. Before that the engine is "tight" & if you run synthetic in it too soon the oil wil not allow the engine to break in, & that could potentially cause major problems down the road (the very least of which is that the engine will never run to its potential). Personally, if it has less than 300 hours on it I'd stick with normal oil.

Dave W · Posted: Jun 09, 2003 6:06 pm Post subject:

That's good to know about synthetic oils. Not that I'll be buying a new boat anytime soon, but it's good info to have. Never heard that before. Thanks for sharing gusthecat.

r3612 · Soul Rider Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 346 City: Chicago IL

I heard that too Gusthecat. Always good to know when you hear the same thing from multiple sources. I just did my 20hr oil change. So I'm glad I used the non syn. I only heard to wait til 50hrs though. I think I'm gonna stick with normal oil anyways. It never hurt my old nauty. Thing ran like a champ.

Kris

gusthecat · Outlaw Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 183

Yeah, the thing about synthetics is that they're so slippery compared with normal oil. If you don't let your engine run in good before using it then you stand the chance of seizing the motor because things are too "tight". I've seen it in cars - someone will buy a brand new one & think that they're really going to treat it good by using synthetic oil. Usually within a couple of months they're back at the dealer with a seized engine. Synthetic is good to use if you have an engine with middle to high miles/hours on it and if you go a long time between changes - it holds up really well. If you change your oil often, though, there's no point in spending the extra dough.