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regular to synthetic oil

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by dustinclm, Feb 10, 2011.

  1. Feb 10, 2011 at 4:37 PM
    #1
    dustinclm

    dustinclm [OP] Well-Known Member

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    its time for another oil change and im thinking of using synthetic motor oil in my 2001 tacoma (123k miles). before i do i was wondering if i need to do anything before switching over from regular. i have never used synthetic so i did not know if anything particular needed to be done to avoid damage
     
  2. Feb 10, 2011 at 4:39 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Dont need to do anything special. Just drain the old out, and put the new synthetic in.
     
  3. Feb 10, 2011 at 4:50 PM
    #3
    dustinclm

    dustinclm [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ok cool, just making sure, thanks
     
  4. Feb 10, 2011 at 5:07 PM
    #4
    dustinclm

    dustinclm [OP] Well-Known Member

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    what about this that i read on another thread on here..."at 120k his gaskets are old, mostlikely never been changed, synthetic has far more cleaning agents in it than dino oil, will make those already "close to leaking" gaskets swell and leak, he'll freak out because he'll notice oil leaks... "
    is there any truth to this? i have 123K miles and tuesday i replaced the valve cover becuase it was leaking oil so i dont need any gaskets breaking and what about using semi synthetic since i have only used dino oil for 123,000 miles?
     
  5. Feb 10, 2011 at 5:08 PM
    #5
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco $20 is $20

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    I always heard that you shouldn't switch to synthetic after so many miles. I'm not positive about the recommended number, but i'm pretty sure you passed it at 123k miles. I want to say it's around 30k.

    The reason, as I understand it (and I could be wrong), is that your engine gets used to a certain thickness of oil. The molecules in synthetic are smaller than conventional, which is how it is able to better lubricate the engine. If your engine is accustomed to using conventional and you switch to synthetic, there is a high risk of developing an oil leak. At least, that's how it's been explained to me.

    If you are just set on trying something new, maybe you should try a synthetic blend or a high mileage oil. I know that our engines are good for much higher than 123k, but I think most people consider over 75k to be high mileage.

    I think you're doing the right thing by getting on here and asking. Definitely let us know what you decide.

    I hope this helps.
     
  6. Feb 10, 2011 at 5:17 PM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Thats a myth. Search on Google for Synthetic oil myths, and you will see all of them.
     
  7. Feb 10, 2011 at 5:20 PM
    #7
    dustinclm

    dustinclm [OP] Well-Known Member

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    i do already use a high mileage oil but i was thinking of switching to synthetic to help clean out the engine b/c since i have been doing a lot of motor cleaning i have noticed a lot of build up everywhere (motor still runs really well) and i just wanted to give it something better if it would help esp since i just replaced a busted valve cover and had oil everywhere
     
  8. Feb 10, 2011 at 5:32 PM
    #8
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco $20 is $20

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    Fair enough. That's why I put the disclaimer...
     
  9. Feb 16, 2011 at 6:57 AM
    #9
    tacosuprem

    tacosuprem Well-Known Member

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    i have 214K miles. i switched to synthetic at 200k. no leaks....
     
  10. Feb 16, 2011 at 7:14 AM
    #10
    himmy33

    himmy33 Well-Known Member

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    I was talking to our trustee family friend mechanic and we were talking that after a lot of miles an engine will build up this sheen or layer of oil/whatever it may be on the walls of the untouched but lubricated areas such as in the tranny, motor, etc (you get the idea), He was saying there is nothing wrong with this as it does not affect anything. He said the problem is when people do what you are describing and start adding cleaners to the motor and that is when all this stuff starts to break up and clog things, cause leaks, etc. Im no mechanic and certainly don't mean to say there is no use for cleaning agents like this and that its a bad idea but what he said seemed to make sense. I'm personally in the dilemma of going to synthetic myself but it will be my first oil change lol. Good luck on your decision and I hope it works out for you!
     
  11. Feb 17, 2011 at 5:26 PM
    #11
    BRP27

    BRP27 When I grow up I want to be just like Me

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    I just changed my Taco from Dino oil to full Synthetic oil at 84,000. No leaks no problems. I dont believe any of the Myths or stories of don't change because of any of these stories of terror.

    I have 3 cars and one Tacoma and I have switched all of them to Full Synthetic. Switched at 24,000, 84,000, 55,000 , and 79,000. Have had zero issues.
     
  12. Mar 25, 2011 at 8:23 PM
    #12
    edubb

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    I would run a pint of Amsoil engine cleaner through it first then go to Amsoil full synthetic with Amsoil filter.Then you are ready to go.
     
  13. Mar 25, 2011 at 9:14 PM
    #13
    fj6high

    fj6high Well-Known Member

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    Agreed! If you do this... change the oil again after 3K...from there after your safe at 5K... I have sent many oil samples to the lab and it's confirmed that synthetic oil is more effective at reducing overall wear and cleaning sludge.
     

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