Engine Oil

[Daveb]

If it doesnt do any harm, why did they make semi-synthetic compatible stuff at first. If it comes with it, use it.

My class A mechanic buddy says sythetic is better because of the additives. Why not just use an occasional additive in you regular good quality oil?

[_-Night-Shade-_]

Semi-synthetic is just a compromise between the two, a more affordable solution for those who want to use better oil but don't want to spend too much. And most oils already have all the additives you need like detergents, corrosion inhibitors, etc. so all those additives are bulls--- I never understood why people use em. All you need is good ol motor oil.

[fowljesse]

Here's just one of the old threads
http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... engine+oil" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Synthetic has smaller molecules, so it's easier to be pushed through places, and is less easy to burn.
You will gain a small percentage of power by using it.

[mitmaks]

Ive used Castrol Syntec and engine ran much smoother than on conventional oil.

[_-Night-Shade-_]

One last thing for all the "old-fashioned" people out there: synthetic and regular motor oils are both derived from crude oil. The difference is during the refinement it goes through a synthesis process which makes it synthetic. Basically stronger lubrication additives and such. But they are very similar and have the same foundation which is why you can switch back and forth if you want and it doesn't cause leaks or affect seals unless you already have a leak that was blocked off by sludge that just broke free from upgrading to synthetic. The rest is all myth.

[Mad Cow]

One last thing for all the "old-fashioned" people out there: synthetic and regular motor oils are both derived from crude oil. The difference is during the refinement it goes through a synthesis process which makes it synthetic. Basically stronger lubrication additives and such. But they are very similar and have the same foundation which is why you can switch back and forth if you want and it doesn't cause leaks or affect seals unless you already have a leak that was blocked off by sludge that just broke free from upgrading to synthetic. The rest is all myth.

I always thought synthetic oil was made from completely man-made molecules. And if you read that article posted a while back you would find out that their use of additives is completely different.

And there is another drawback to synthetics, but it's only for wet clutches where the clutch is submerged in oil. If you switch to synthetic with a wet clutch setup you have the chance of causing it to slip, especially if the setup is older.

[Ryan]

Wow, so uh... I won't put synthetic in my tractor? Those clutches barely ever die and you ride them 24/7 anyway.