The car I am gonna pickup soon has residue on the valve covers: A 95 maxima with only 112k on the engine. Would synthetic make the valve covers leak more? No signs of fresh leaking, just residue.

I would like to go synthetic for the protection and hope the seals aren't gunked. The guy took care of the car, with maintenance done regularly. I have a pic of the engine bay here in this thread-> http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...osting-66.html

thanks

 

Switching to synthetic causes leaks = MITH BUSTER, It's not true.

Use what ever oil you like, personally I know plain ol dino oil will take the VQ several hundred thousand miles without any mechanical issues.

Case in point, my buddies 98 I30, which he abuses has just about 300K on the clock.
Regular oil changes at Jiffy Lube all it's life, with what ever el-cheapo oil they have.
Engine runs silky smooth to this day.

Castrol GTX IMHO is the best oil, been using it in every vehicle I've ever owned.

 

What weight did he use for all those miles?

Mobil 1 synthetic high mileage has 10w30

Should I just use that for the first oil change, then later 5w30 regular synthetic?

 

Probably 10W-30.

Put Castrol GTX in it and just drive it for another 100K or so. (my .02)

Good luck with the car!