Thoughts on synthetic blend vs full synthetic engine oil?

[dusman59]

Maybe some companies are more concerned about the environment than the longevity of your ICE. Hence don't change oil very often.

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[Skye]

Not asking anyone to change their mind or habits, but I did want to post some information of several topics we're posting about.

Years ago, Mobil 1 sponsored a series of tests involving Mobil 1 and extended service intervals. As part of those tests, they performed engine tear-downs. These short videos will show what the innards looked like. Certainly, as Mobil 1 is sponsoring the tests, they will show well.

This is not a plug for Mobil 1. I feel any top brand name synthetic will perform as well.

Many EU makers are now specifying synthetic oils and extended service intervals, their standard not appearing to cause any issues.

If you are interested in how your oil is fairing, have an analysis done, to include selecting the Total Base Number (TBN) and Total Acid Number (TAN) options.

 

[Interstellar]

RTFM

 

[robvas]

Years ago, Mobil 1 sponsored a series of tests involving Mobil 1 and extended service intervals. As part of those tests, they performed engine tear-downs. These short videos will show what the innards looked like. Certainly, as Mobil 1 is sponsoring the tests, they will show well.

Nice video, but let's consider a few things. This cab is probably 2 years old. 120,000 miles in 2 years is a lot different than 10-12 years. The oil in the car was probably never over 60 days old!

And what oil did they use, exactly?

How often was it changed?

Why don't they show a comparison to an engine that ran brand X oil for the same time period, and all the spun bearings and engine sludge that it would supposedly have in it?

They never mention any of that. So what's the point of the video?

Don't forget that these cars are owned by Mobil 1 and well taken care of...Just like this video was made by Mobil 1....They used to have a similar video on their website that claimed running synthetic increased mileage by 2.7 mpg!

 

[Zig]

Side note: As vehicles gets (much) older, those deposits actually work to help old, worn gaskets keep things sealed up. Ever flush an engine in an OLD car with lots of miles? That can actually lead to negative results!

There in-lies the complete syn vs mix conversation.

is a dino mix helpful with a seal and then a light syn to keep things flowing or does the added resistance become sludge after awhile and pressure builds? Does full syn too soon eventually drip, burn or excessive blow by?

 

[robvas]

There in-lies the complete syn vs mix conversation.

is a dino mix helpful with a seal and then a light syn to keep things flowing or does the added resistance become sludge after awhile and pressure builds? Does full syn too soon eventually drip, burn or excessive blow by?

Myths....synthetic won't magically leak out

Plus you have the high mileage motor oils (most of which are synthetic, or a synthetic-blend) with additives specifically for the old seals...

 

[Zig]

Myths....synthetic won't magically leak out

Plus you have the high mileage motor oils (most of which are synthetic, or a synthetic-blend) with additives specifically for the old seals...

If you’re always tearing it down you’ll never know, as the miles add why the change since it’s like new?

 

[roadpilot]

There in-lies the complete syn vs mix conversation.

is a dino mix helpful with a seal and then a light syn to keep things flowing or does the added resistance become sludge after awhile and pressure builds? Does full syn too soon eventually drip, burn or excessive blow by?

It's not a matter of synthetic vs conventional - it's a matter of dirt and debris filling the gaps.

Side note: Beware of clowns making comments when they don't have a clue what they are talking about ... they just like to hear themselves talk.

 

[robvas]

Flushing a motor will cause it to leak. Ok.

 

[Zig]

It's not a matter of synthetic vs conventional - it's a matter of dirt and debris filling the gaps.

Side note: Beware of clowns making comments when they don't have a clue what they are talking about ... they just like to hear themselves talk.

Isn’t the thread regarding full syn vs blend? What type of detergent package or seal additives are added to the base? Are you saying both move dirt just as well and aint really any diff both get gummy? You mentioned flushing can sometimes clear a clog which was actually helping a seal. If that had not crusted over would it have weeped?

 

[Zig]

It's not a matter of synthetic vs conventional - it's a matter of dirt and debris filling the gaps.

Side note: Beware of clowns making comments when they don't have a clue what they are talking about ... they just like to hear themselves talk.

Is break in oil full synthetic?

 

[roadpilot]

Isn’t the thread regarding full syn vs blend? What type of detergent package or seal additives are added to the base? Are you saying both move dirt just as well and aint really any diff both get gummy? You mentioned flushing can sometimes clear a clog which was actually helping a seal. If that had not crusted over would it have weeped?

"Semi-synthetic" is like >90% conventional oil. There's very little synthetic base in "semi-synthetic" motor oils.

Flushing the oil passages in an old engine has nothing to do with full synthetic vs conventional. My point is: After MANY years of operation, dirt and debris fill the various cracks and crevices in older engines that might otherwise have allowed oil to seep out. "Flushing" these will remove this dirt and debris, which can lead to oil seepage.

 

[roadpilot]

Is break in oil full synthetic?

For 2024, my understanding is that they are running Motorcraft semi-synthetic 5W30 in the S650 Coyote.

If they were running full synthetic from the factory, they would not be recommending semi-synthetic for subsequent oil changes (i.e., in the owner's manual).

 

[roadpilot]

Flushing a motor will cause it to leak. Ok.

I'll try to explain this in a way even you can understand:

When a vehicle is properly maintained and the oil is changed regularly, most contaminants are flushed out when you change the oil. When it's not properly maintained, these contaminants can build up inside the engine.

Engines use gaskets and seals made from silicone, rubber, and other material to keep oil from seeping out where engine components meet. However, as these gaskets and seals age and are exposed to pressure, heat, and movement, they break down.

Eventually, the gaskets and seals will be compromised, resulting in oil leaks. This is a fact. Look at any older engine - especially those that have not been properly or regularly maintained - and you will see plenty of oil leaks, commonly around valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, timing cover gaskets, etc.

When oil and the debris it collects is circulating through an engine, this debris gets lodged in the cracks and crevices inside the engine - including where the gaskets and seals are present. Over time, this debris can help "fill the voids" where the aforementioned compromised gaskets and seals might otherwise be leaking.

If you perform a chemical engine oil flush on one of these older engines, you clear out some of the dirt and debris that is acting as a sealant where the gaskets and seals have broken down. When you do this, you risk removing what's actually keeping the leak from occurring.

So, yes, performing a chemical oil flush CAN lead to oil leaks that were not actively present prior to the flush.

You really should do a little research on a subject before making snarky comments. Otherwise ... 'Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt'.

 

[robvas]

I'll try to explain this in a way even you can understand:

When a vehicle is properly maintained and the oil is changed regularly, most contaminants are flushed out when you change the oil. When it's not properly maintained, these contaminants can build up inside the engine.

Engines use gaskets and seals made from silicone, rubber, and other material to keep oil from seeping out where engine components meet. However, as these gaskets and seals age and are exposed to pressure, heat, and movement, they break down.

Eventually, the gaskets and seals will be compromised, resulting in oil leaks. This is a fact. Look at any older engine - especially those that have not been properly or regularly maintained - and you will see plenty of oil leaks, commonly around valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, timing cover gaskets, etc.

When oil and the debris it collects is circulating through an engine, this debris gets lodged in the cracks and crevices inside the engine - including where the gaskets and seals are present. Over time, this debris can help "fill the voids" where the aforementioned compromised gaskets and seals might otherwise be leaking.

If you perform a chemical engine oil flush on one of these older engines, you clear out some of the dirt and debris that is acting as a sealant where the gaskets and seals have broken down. When you do this, you risk removing what's actually keeping the leak from occurring.

So, yes, performing a chemical oil flush CAN lead to oil leaks that were not actively present prior to the flush.

You really should do a little research on a subject before making snarky comments. Otherwise ... 'Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt'.

You'd like to prove this how? Is this like the "don't change your automatic transmission fluid because you're just going to loosen stuff up and ruin the transmission"?

And why would any Coyote engine have sludge in the oil if people have been using the manual-recommended oil and following the OLM? If you're talking about engines that have only had the oil changed twice in their life those things are shit to begin with. If you have enough sludge in your motor where it's become an integral reason your engine is still together, your engine is doomed anyway.

You're just babbling about theories that have nothing to do with an S650 Mustang.

How many engines have you 'flushed' and then had a leak start?

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