Opinions wanted! 211,000 mile switch from Dino to Synthetic

Recently decided to take a gamble and switched to Mobil 1 full synth motor oil at 211,000 on my 2005 4.0L.

A couple thousand miles later...So far, so good.

With the 05 gasket issues, should I consider swapping back to some dino oil? Maybe consider this short synth run a cleaning cycle?

 

I don’t think the oil type will make a difference in whether the Head Gaskets fail.
I also don’t think you’ll have any issues running Full Synthetic.
The important part is to keep the right viscosity oil in the truck. Mine calls for 5W-30.
If one does experience leaks after switching to Synthetic, it’s my opinion that it is due to the cleaning agents with in the “better” synthetic oil. And not actually the fact that it is synthetic.
Some times old seals can be “helped” by dirty contaminates trapped between the seal and mating surfaces.

I myself, just use conventional oil.
Will my engine last longer if I use Full Synthetic?
I’ll never know.

At some point, I might use an oil with a seal conditioner.
I’m not exactly sure how it works, but it helps the seals stay pliable and seal better.

 

It's oil, use whatever you want. The synthetic vs traditional concerns of leaks was debunked a decade ago.

 

Regular oil worked for you for 211,000 miles, why change now?

But, I would say that the important thing is to use what your owner's manual recommends.


Whether it be regular oil of synthetic

 

Nothing to do with headgaskets. That's mostly either a flawed gasket or overheated engine.

Making the switch is only worthwhile if you increase your OCIs to compensate for the cost delta.

@211k I'd keep doing whatever you've been doing to get you there in viscosity, filtration and OCIs

 

That's actually never a fair statement, but more so on a 15yo vehicle. The specs written then have long been superseded in any lubricant. Sometimes you can't even find what an owners manual calls for, you just have to step up.

 

I’ve read through the threads debating the two and I don’t know if I would say it was fully debunked. While using the proper viscosity is undoubtedly important, I believe I remember reading some folks experiences and not all were positive. Mind you, I took the chance because modern conventional oils additives are similar to synth additives if I remember reading correctly. So oil is oil, but it’s not, all at the same time.

And yeah, I know this topics already been beat to death...but here I am

 

I’m unfamiliar with what OCIs are. Would you mind passing some education please?

 

OCI = Oil Change Interval
Or the miles you have driven between changes.

 

If I owned your truck, I’d use 5w-30 conventional oil in it.
Check it regularly to see it it is using oil. And be sure to keep it full.
And change it at 5k.

Again, that what I’d do.
And I don’t always do what’s right or best.

 

I agree, but l was responding to the OP and his specific situation. A 15 yr old truck that has gone 211,000 miles. I am thinking that what he is doing, he is already doing correctly.

In my situation, l have a 9 year old Tacoma and manual calls for 5w30, but l can't find it anywhere. So I use 10w30 since the temperature never goes below 65F where l live.

This is definitely one of those issues where there are a many different feelings on it.

This is sure feeling like a Friday thread!!!!

 

Either is fine. It really comes down to preference. As long as you don’t use vegetable oil then you’re good

 

Synthetic vs. conventional: https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-104/

Summary:
- Synthetic viscosity is more stable over time and over temperature ranges (could result in less wear at startup on cold days)
- Synthetic breaks down more slowly and can be changed less often

So, synthetic is better, but if you change your oil at the correct intervals and you choose an oil with the correct specifications, you probably won't see a difference between synthetic and conventional.

I've personally used synthetic my entire life and will continue to do so.

Personal anecdote: I've switched oil from conventional to synthetic on a car I bought with 195k when I was a kid. Never saw any issues

 

I say use Synthetic Blend and call it a day.

 

Stay with Mobile 1

 

It's debunked. Synthetic doesn't case leaks. Keep doing what you're doing, it's obviously working considering the mileage.

 

Just use Valvoline Maxlife Synblend and call it a day if you are concerned.

 

Cost delta? Synthetic is so cheap now. While not for my taco, I picked Up a 6 pack of valvoline 0w-20 for 14.21 on Amazon few days ago.

Starting with a new car I don’t see any reason to go conventional if we are arguing $

 

$14.64 5qt. jug

 

My 2007 has 309,000 miles on it accidentally bought conventional wal mart 5-30 still looks good after 3000 miles, will change soon compared to every 10 to 15 thousand with full synthetic wal mart 5-30 with toyota filters.