Don't use Synthetic in high mileage cars ! What about Semi or Synthetic Blend Oils ?
02-24-2003, 10:24 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 118
Don't use Synthetic in high mileage cars ! What about Semi or Synthetic Blend Oils ?
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks ! 
02-24-2003, 10:36 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 397
Re: Don't use Synthetic in high mileage cars ! What about Semi or Synthetic Blend Oils ?
Originally posted by humberto_i30
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks !
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks !
02-24-2003, 10:36 AM
#4
Re: Don't use Synthetic in high mileage cars ! What about Semi or Synthetic Blend Oils ?
You have read Bill's oil info in the stickies RIGHT!?
Semi-synthetics. Don't waste your time. Either 100% of dino or 100% of sythetic. Which one to use? Well
Semi-synthetics. Don't waste your time. Either 100% of dino or 100% of sythetic. Which one to use? Well
Originally posted by humberto_i30
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks !
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks !
02-24-2003, 11:30 AM
#5
Re: Don't use Synthetic in high mileage cars ! What about Semi or Synthetic Blend Oils ?
Originally posted by humberto_i30
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks !
I have read a lot of posts saying that using Synthetic oil in our high mileage cars is trouble for free and secure leaks, I'm planning to change the oil on my '96 I30 with 125K on it's odometer, I would like to use Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil, am I right with this decision or do I need to use Plain Oil ? All advice is greatly appreciated ! Thanks !
Blends are a waste of money.
What Jeff said...
02-24-2003, 11:51 AM
#6
Re: Where
Originally posted by AssyrianRacer
Castroll All the Way,
Castroll All the Way,
02-24-2003, 03:08 PM
#7
Re: Re: Where
Originally posted by Gramdacious
I used Castroll Syntec synthetic blend on my '99 max with 68K. However my dad bought 20W50. Is this alright to use? Will 20W50 damage anything? I sure hope not.
I used Castroll Syntec synthetic blend on my '99 max with 68K. However my dad bought 20W50. Is this alright to use? Will 20W50 damage anything? I sure hope not.
02-24-2003, 06:00 PM
#8
Member who somehow became The President of The SE-L Club
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Castrol Syntech Blend is horrable oil. Please don't use it. I have an oil anaylsis report from my car that proves that.
Castrol GTX 10W-30 is probably the best non synthetic motor oil you can buy.
Castrol GTX 10W-30 is probably the best non synthetic motor oil you can buy.
02-24-2003, 06:07 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 131
Re: Re: Don't use Synthetic in high mileage cars ! What about Semi or Synthetic Blend Oils ?
Originally posted by iwannabmw
People with more mileage than you have switched to synthetic with no issues. If the car has been well cared for and has no leaks now, it shouldn't be a problem.
People with more mileage than you have switched to synthetic with no issues. If the car has been well cared for and has no leaks now, it shouldn't be a problem.
02-25-2003, 02:14 PM
#10
Originally posted by njmaxseltd
Castrol Syntech Blend is horrable oil. Please don't use it. I have an oil anaylsis report from my car that proves that.
Castrol GTX 10W-30 is probably the best non synthetic motor oil you can buy.
Castrol Syntech Blend is horrable oil. Please don't use it. I have an oil anaylsis report from my car that proves that.
Castrol GTX 10W-30 is probably the best non synthetic motor oil you can buy.
02-25-2003, 02:45 PM
#11
Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 58
I like to go with the Valvoline Max-Life High mileage. It is supposed to be used with cars over 75K miles. It has some additives that help with strengthing seals and it seriously helped with bringing the car back to life in a way. They say you shouldnt use Puure synthetic on higher mileage cars due to the fact the oil is thinner. So you want to get the non synthetic due to the reason it is thicker. Same with a brand new car. No synthtic until the 1500 mile break in is done, just to give it the extra lub. Just my .02
02-25-2003, 02:47 PM
#12
You really have no idea how synthetics work do you?
Originally posted by DUNKEE
I like to go with the Valvoline Max-Life High mileage. It is supposed to be used with cars over 75K miles. It has some additives that help with strengthing seals and it seriously helped with bringing the car back to life in a way. They say you shouldnt use Puure synthetic on higher mileage cars due to the fact the oil is thinner. So you want to get the non synthetic due to the reason it is thicker. Same with a brand new car. No synthtic until the 1500 mile break in is done, just to give it the extra lub. Just my .02
I like to go with the Valvoline Max-Life High mileage. It is supposed to be used with cars over 75K miles. It has some additives that help with strengthing seals and it seriously helped with bringing the car back to life in a way. They say you shouldnt use Puure synthetic on higher mileage cars due to the fact the oil is thinner. So you want to get the non synthetic due to the reason it is thicker. Same with a brand new car. No synthtic until the 1500 mile break in is done, just to give it the extra lub. Just my .02
02-25-2003, 02:54 PM
#13
Valvoline oils, be they conventional or synthetic, have been the poorest performing name brand oil.
This is based on real world analyses, not what Jeff92se's brother's husband's wife's daughter's 8th grade high school teacher's son's wife's daugther's husband's son's father's cousin's sister's Nissan "Master Tech" mechanic said.
This is based on real world analyses, not what Jeff92se's brother's husband's wife's daughter's 8th grade high school teacher's son's wife's daugther's husband's son's father's cousin's sister's Nissan "Master Tech" mechanic said.
02-26-2003, 08:08 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 227
I started using synthetic when my car had 72K. I change it every 7-8K. I have over 140K and my engine is fine. Synthetic WILL NOT cause your engine to leak or anything else like that. And I do agree with what most people say... synthetic is not absolutely necessary. It just works better at extreme temperatures and extended change intervals. If you change your oil every 3-4k using regular stuff, you will be just fine.
02-26-2003, 08:24 AM
#15
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 305
Another high mileage transition gone well
I switched 3k miles ago to AMSOIL, and have had no seal problems or leaks or excessive burning. I had 80k miles at the switch, all dino oil up to that point.
I'll probably do a blackstone test in another few thousand miles. I'm doing extended drain intervals though, which is the major reason for my switch. Just like the "smarter" people on this board have said - if you change your oil every 3-4k, you won't see a dramatic benefit from synthetic. If you are driving your car harder, or want to do extended drain intervals, then synthetic is probably the best way to go (as long as you remember to change your oil filter!)
Ashok
I'll probably do a blackstone test in another few thousand miles. I'm doing extended drain intervals though, which is the major reason for my switch. Just like the "smarter" people on this board have said - if you change your oil every 3-4k, you won't see a dramatic benefit from synthetic. If you are driving your car harder, or want to do extended drain intervals, then synthetic is probably the best way to go (as long as you remember to change your oil filter!)
Ashok
02-26-2003, 04:58 PM
#16
I've always used Castrol and I used Syntec Blend in my Maxima for 2 oil changes 
3rd one is coming up, going to wise up and switch to Mobil 1.
95 SE with 85k miles
And got the Valvoline high mileage for my 13 year old Escort. God have mercy on her soul
3rd one is coming up, going to wise up and switch to Mobil 1.
95 SE with 85k miles
And got the Valvoline high mileage for my 13 year old Escort. God have mercy on her soul
03-04-2003, 11:00 PM
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 81
Re: Another high mileage transition gone well
I've seen plenty of posts from people who use Amsoil. Where can you pick this stuff up at? My car now has a little over 150k miles on it and ever since I switched to synthetic I noticed that my car burns/leaks oil, but not from underneath the car. I guess the detergents have eaten away at the artificial seals in my engine created by conventional oils.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Originally posted by triax37
I switched 3k miles ago to AMSOIL, and have had no seal problems or leaks or excessive burning. I had 80k miles at the switch, all dino oil up to that point.
I'll probably do a blackstone test in another few thousand miles. I'm doing extended drain intervals though, which is the major reason for my switch. Just like the "smarter" people on this board have said - if you change your oil every 3-4k, you won't see a dramatic benefit from synthetic. If you are driving your car harder, or want to do extended drain intervals, then synthetic is probably the best way to go (as long as you remember to change your oil filter!)
Ashok
I switched 3k miles ago to AMSOIL, and have had no seal problems or leaks or excessive burning. I had 80k miles at the switch, all dino oil up to that point.
I'll probably do a blackstone test in another few thousand miles. I'm doing extended drain intervals though, which is the major reason for my switch. Just like the "smarter" people on this board have said - if you change your oil every 3-4k, you won't see a dramatic benefit from synthetic. If you are driving your car harder, or want to do extended drain intervals, then synthetic is probably the best way to go (as long as you remember to change your oil filter!)
Ashok
03-05-2003, 12:23 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 212
Re: Re: Where
Originally posted by Gramdacious
I used Castroll Syntec synthetic blend on my '99 max with 68K. However my dad bought 20W50. Is this alright to use? Will 20W50 damage anything? I sure hope not.
I used Castroll Syntec synthetic blend on my '99 max with 68K. However my dad bought 20W50. Is this alright to use? Will 20W50 damage anything? I sure hope not.
03-05-2003, 09:39 AM
#20
Originally posted by alexg240
Hey bill 99gxe I think you are totaly wrong about valvoline My dad usd it in his old max with 375,000 miles on it and there are no problems valvoline is a great oil.
Hey bill 99gxe I think you are totaly wrong about valvoline My dad usd it in his old max with 375,000 miles on it and there are no problems valvoline is a great oil.
Valvoline Conventional 5W/30:
Calcium: 1549
Phosphorus: 699
Zinc: 811
Average of other 5W/30 Conventional oils in my spreadsheet:
Calcium: 1672
Phosphorus: 847
Zinc: 1055
As you can see, the ZDDP additive package used by the All-Climate Valvoline conventional oil is inferior and outright pathetic for a brand new conventional oil. For the same money, much better oils with stronger additive packages are available.
This may or may not apply to your dad's car, as we are examining the latest SJ/SL formulations of the oil, which may be different than what your dad primarily used.
In addition, Valvoline's MaxLife dino formulation was a relatively good dino oil, as it used molybdenum as a barrier additive and had several decent results in my spreadsheet and elsewhere on oil forums on the internet. Unfortunately, Valvoline removed the molybdenum in mid-2002, and the MaxLife formulation is now not any better regarded than the All-Climate conventional formulation.
Valvoline's SynPower full synthetic is empirically good, but has a chronic history in oil analyses of breaking down to a low 20-weight oil in under 3,000 miles, which is pitiful for a full synthetic oil.
For the money, there are several much better choices than anything Valvoline currently has to offer.
03-05-2003, 09:40 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,397
Originally posted by alexg240
Hey bill 99gxe I think you are totaly wrong about valvoline My dad usd it in his old max with 375,000 miles on it and there are no problems valvoline is a great oil.
Hey bill 99gxe I think you are totaly wrong about valvoline My dad usd it in his old max with 375,000 miles on it and there are no problems valvoline is a great oil.
WTF??
How can "he" be wrong. "HE" didnt do anything but send your ****y valvoline out to get analyzed by a professional lab.
Numbers dont lie. Nor do proven labratory tests.
03-05-2003, 10:09 AM
#22
My brother's mother's 3rd removed 4th cousin's husband's mailman's mechanic's said "really?"
Originally posted by BRIGBOY
WTF??
How can "he" be wrong. "HE" didnt do anything but send your ****y valvoline out to get analyzed by a professional lab.
Numbers dont lie. Nor do proven labratory tests.
WTF??
How can "he" be wrong. "HE" didnt do anything but send your ****y valvoline out to get analyzed by a professional lab.
Numbers dont lie. Nor do proven labratory tests.
03-05-2003, 12:39 PM
#23
Re: Re: Re: Where
Originally posted by nick778
In short, I wouldn't use any viscosity not recommended by Nissan in your owners manual and 20w-50 is not recommended. It is too 'thick' which can result in poorer flow especially in cooler temps, higher operating runnning temps and decreased fuel efficiency. I believe 10w-40 is the thickest viscosity approved. Just my opinion, but find a better oil...Anything like Mobil 1, Amsoil or Redline if you want to run synthetics. Castrol GTX, Pennzoil or Chevron Supreme if you want to run non-synthetics.
In short, I wouldn't use any viscosity not recommended by Nissan in your owners manual and 20w-50 is not recommended. It is too 'thick' which can result in poorer flow especially in cooler temps, higher operating runnning temps and decreased fuel efficiency. I believe 10w-40 is the thickest viscosity approved. Just my opinion, but find a better oil...Anything like Mobil 1, Amsoil or Redline if you want to run synthetics. Castrol GTX, Pennzoil or Chevron Supreme if you want to run non-synthetics.
03-05-2003, 02:23 PM
#24
Re: Re: Another high mileage transition gone well
Originally posted by DMaximus
I've seen plenty of posts from people who use Amsoil. Where can you pick this stuff up at? My car now has a little over 150k miles on it and ever since I switched to synthetic I noticed that my car burns/leaks oil, but not from underneath the car. I guess the detergents have eaten away at the artificial seals in my engine created by conventional oils.
Any suggestions?
I've seen plenty of posts from people who use Amsoil. Where can you pick this stuff up at? My car now has a little over 150k miles on it and ever since I switched to synthetic I noticed that my car burns/leaks oil, but not from underneath the car. I guess the detergents have eaten away at the artificial seals in my engine created by conventional oils.
Any suggestions?
I do have a few questions though:
How long ago was your car switched to a synthetic oil and when you switched which viscosity where you previously using and what did you go to?
Can you see any seepage at all from the seals, even though it may not be dripping onto the ground?
03-05-2003, 02:38 PM
#25
It's funny how men are into motor oil the way women are into all those cosmetic accessories.
Lucy asks her friend Cheryl, "Girl, what kind of oil are you runnin in your Lexus?"
"Castrol Syntec." Lorraine replies.
"You better get rid of that stuff. Use Mobil or Amsoil. They have better revitalizing conditioners. They last longer too, oozing thru all the pores of that sweet Lexus motor. You better switch it, girl."
DW
Lucy asks her friend Cheryl, "Girl, what kind of oil are you runnin in your Lexus?"
"Castrol Syntec." Lorraine replies.
"You better get rid of that stuff. Use Mobil or Amsoil. They have better revitalizing conditioners. They last longer too, oozing thru all the pores of that sweet Lexus motor. You better switch it, girl."
DW
03-06-2003, 02:50 PM
#30
Originally posted by sandman1098
I use Castrol Syntec full synthetic oil, and I have no problems...... I have a 96 Maxima SE with 128,000 miles on it, and I noticed that the synthetic oil does last twice as long as the regular stuff...
I use Castrol Syntec full synthetic oil, and I have no problems...... I have a 96 Maxima SE with 128,000 miles on it, and I noticed that the synthetic oil does last twice as long as the regular stuff...
Cool....you have some oil analyses that show going x miles on conventional results in the same wear levels as going 2x miles on synthetic?
Mind sharing those lab results with me?
03-07-2003, 06:37 AM
#33
Well I should wrap this up before I start to ramble.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,830
Re: Re: Where
Originally posted by Gramdacious
I used Castroll Syntec synthetic blend on my '99 max with 68K. However my dad bought 20W50. Is this alright to use? Will 20W50 damage anything? I sure hope not.
I used Castroll Syntec synthetic blend on my '99 max with 68K. However my dad bought 20W50. Is this alright to use? Will 20W50 damage anything? I sure hope not.
03-08-2003, 02:45 AM
#35
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: 619 Daygo
Posts: 76
Originally posted by 99maxi
it means, how many do it as a living..
it means, how many do it as a living..
Calm down Dr. Phil....I believe he's asking us for our opinions not based on our mechanical expertise."In my opinon I prefer Amsoil synthetic."
03-08-2003, 04:08 AM
#36
Originally posted by BajaPanty_96SE
Calm down Dr. Phil....I believe he's asking us for our opinions not based on our mechanical expertise.
"In my opinon I prefer Amsoil synthetic."
Calm down Dr. Phil....I believe he's asking us for our opinions not based on our mechanical expertise."In my opinon I prefer Amsoil synthetic."
Was I taliking to you panty face?
03-26-2003, 10:21 AM
#37
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: 619 Daygo
Posts: 76
No actually you weren't taliking to me? But last time I checked I was on maxima.org forums not mardigrasmax.org forums. I'm glad to see we have mature moderators on the .org.....just remember you're only a moderator unless you feel like taking it to another level. Don't get it twisted
p.s. I was talking to 99maxi if you would've been paying attention to my post!!!
But last time I checked I was on maxima.org forums not mardigrasmax.org forums. I'm glad to see we have mature moderators on the .org.....just remember you're only a moderator unless you feel like taking it to another level. Don't get it twistedp.s. I was talking to 99maxi if you would've been paying attention to my post!!!
03-27-2003, 06:53 AM
#40
Originally posted by 97blackv1
I am currently using the castrol syntec blend and it's still clean but i am switching to full castrol syntec this week.
I am currently using the castrol syntec blend and it's still clean but i am switching to full castrol syntec this week.
