Purring like a kitten...

[nfpgasmask]

OK, just got back from my first lube job (not the truck's first, just the first from me as it's new owner).

I did a full engine flush and refilled with Mobile 1 Synth. I would say I noticed a difference right away. The previous owner said the oil was changed every 3000, so that is good. Anyway, I have been doing a lot of reading on this site about the switch to full synthetic.

Can I have some opinions on this? Is there anything I should know now that I am running synthetic? Also, I am wondering if my oil watching/changing habits should be modified now that I am running full synth. Still change every 3000?

I want to take extra good care of her.

Bart

PS - New gatorback serpentine belt and new tires go on next week or so.

[mbeach]

Mobil 1 every 5k miles here.

I do watch the air filter a little closer than most people though.
Also, rotate tires at 5k.

EDIT:
Oh, check oil at EVERY gas stop -just in case

[Joe_Black]

If this is the first time on synthetic you may want to do a short oil and filter change at 1500 or 2000 miles. Mobil-1 will "de-sludge" an engine and there will be a lot of junk circulating, so it's good to get it out.

[nfpgasmask]

Mbeach: when you say check the oil every time I fill up, you mean check the level to see if the engine is burning more?

Joe_Black: Good call, I will change it out again at 1500. Should I do another flush as well, or just a regular change? I'm not sure how often a flush should be performed, now that I am running synth...

Thanks! Bart

[johnnyapollo]

I do Mobile 1 every 5K miles - I also top up every 1000 miles (uses a little less than a quart per 1000 so about a quart per 5K). If you do decide to do 5K changes, try to line up your changes to hit right on the 5's and 10's - it's easier to keep up with the changes that way (plus you'll know ever time the 1000 rolls over that it's time to check the oil and top up).

Also, I buy the 6 pack of Mobile 1 at Costco. It gives you your change plus the quart for top-ups and ends up costing about the same as 5 quarts so you get the extra for free.

-- John

[mbeach]

Mbeach: when you say check the oil every time I fill up, you mean check the level to see if the engine is burning more?

We haven't really determined where that missing oil goes -it just dissappears
I check it every fill, or 300 miles. I'd say that the Ironman looses a half quart every 1000-1200 miles.
The Dragon lost nothing, ever, until one day it lost 1.5 quarts in 300 miles. Attributed to a fast leak in the valve cover gasket near the EGR tube.

[Joe_Black]

You shouldn't have to flush again, especially using Mobil-1 as its detergent properties are excellent. Be sure to keep a handful of PCV valves (about $4 each) on hand and change it every other oil change, as that will typically keep excessive oil consumption under control.

I know many are proponents of extended oil changes and the synthetics are certainly good for it, but remember that oil keeps dirt and contaminants in suspension to be removed at the filter. What the filter doesn't get stays in suspension and the filter has a limited capacity. So the further you push that the more likely your filter will be running in bypass mode and not filtering anymore, meaning the oil is just circulating crap and crud throughout your engine and it's tight-tolerance bearing surfaces. There aren't little magic elves cleaning things in there, it's all up to you. Pushing it further means higher concentrations of contaminants having their way in your motor. So if you do the math on the cost difference between 3000 mile changes and 5000 or higher you'll see it's a minor expense for such a huge gamble. On an average 15,000 mile year you're looking at an average cost difference of $74 (5 quarts Mobil-1 $25, Mobil-1 filter $10, 1 PCV valve $4) per year. Isn't your VX worth $70?