Hello peeps.I went in for my free oil change at Nissan and switched to Mobil 1 5w30.The mechanic got peeved when I told him I brought my own oil and would like it used instead of the house stuff.Will there be any noticable difference with the synthetic?Then I asked him about any TSB's for the 2k2 and he looked at me like I wasn't supposed to know about them.Thats the last time the dealership will see me unless I need work that is covered for FREE.Also found out my tires were inflated to 45psi instead of the recomended 32psi.Took her for a rip on the way home and she handles much much better now without all the torque steer.Still need new tires but maybe another day.

 

I run the mobil full synthetic 10W30. Great stuff. I had sent some of the oil I took out once to Blackstone for testing as I was having some other problems, but basically they told me that the oil could have stayed in there for over 5000 miles, based on its quality coming out, and the amount of miles I had on it. I still change every 3k though, if not a little earlier!

 

Only one way to know for sure!

Mobile 1 has changed their formulation(TriSynthetic) and it's SUPPOSEDLY not as good as it used to be.

Organized Maxima.org Oil Analysis Project?(bill99gxe) LONG!

 

make sure that u've fully broke in ur engine before switching to syn. use syn. too early will cause a engine to be broken in improperly b/c syn is just way to slick.

 

That statement is totally false. There is no documentation to back it up either. There are so many new cars that now come straight from the factory with synthetic oil already in them. Such as my 330. As a matter of fact, I think all BMW's now come with synthetic oil right from the factory, and I'm sure there are a lot of others as well.

 

some manufactures break in the engines before they put them into the car, BMW, Benz...the engines are ready for synthetic...

I agreed with u that there is no document to support my statement. But if Nissan didnt put synthetic in their brand new engines, there must be a reason or two. Save cost maybe but I believe is more than that.....

I remeber there was a thread here about switching to synthetic for maxima...some members also suggested to have the engine fully break-in.

 

Ya she's broken in pretty good.Got 3400 miles on it so I figured it was time.Next I want to do Redline tranny fluid but cannot find it ANYWHERE.The search continues.

 

http://www.myoilshop.com/AutoPrds.html

There is a dealer code in the "Parts List" sticky good for 10% off.

 

http://www.keith.mcbride.org/atf.html

 

come on.. we all know the VQ takes 5000-10000 to competely break in and start making max HP. You will have below average wear with Syn.. so its safe to assume that you will prolong the breakin, probably double it. I wouldnt think you'd hurt anything with an early switch, but you'll be cheating yourself out of a smoother, more powerful, better mpg engine by changing early. Given what I've seen with oil analysis, it would probably take 10-20K to get to the same place with syn.

Nissan isnt BMW or Merc...

 

Mines cheaper!

 

Ok Tim.Seeing anyone knows more about this stuff than me and I heed your warning,how would I go about rectifying this so I can get proper break in.I plan on keeping this car till I retire in 10 years so I would like for it to be perfect.Thanks for any advice.

 

Just go back to a QUALITY petro oil until 15000 miles and then switch to AMSOIL(longer drain intervals) or Redline(better performance and protection at high RPMs) for the best protection.

 

I didnt say or mean to imply that you will harm your car in any way by an early switch. just may take you longer to smooth out some of the VQ's 'rough edges'. Dont worry, if you've done it, stick with it.

 

I was thinking of doing the same thing at my next oil change. Can you notice any other improvements (running smoother, shifting better, revving smoother, etc.)? I've got 60K miles on mine so I think its probably broken in. . Now I'm just trying to get some of that new-car feel back.

 

the syn is compatible with your dino oil, but after 60K you might have some sludge. the detergents in the syn could loosen the sludge - not good. not likely, but possible.

 

Thanks for the tip. I think I'll stick with dino oil for now and start out with Mobil 1 in my 2003 Max when I get it.

 

don't bmws etc come with mineral oil?

 

Yeah, let us know if Mobil 1 reduces the annoying timing chain rattle at start-up. It is driving me nuts! Hopefully the syntetic helps the VQ to build oil pressure faster, making the darn noise less obvious... I'm planning to go to Mobil 1 at 5k.