Any issues changing to synthetic oil?

I'm thinking about switching to synthetic and doing my own oil changes on my next interval. (20k)

Is there anything "special" needed to switch? Or just drain the oil...change the filter & pour in synthetic?

Any special oil filter needed?

 

I made the switch over a year ago, and the only thing I did was change the oil while the engine was still fairly warm so that the old oil would run out as much as possible. Run the synthetic in there and consider doing another oil change in about 500 miles just to get the synth/regular oil mix out. No need to change anything else that I'm aware of, and the truck runs nice.

 

You should be fine. Just keep a close eye out for small leaks. It can happen, but I have not ever seen it myself.

 

Why would you need to check for small leaks?

 

I have never had them when I made the switch, but there is a possibility. Read through this thread for the discussion:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/96056-fram-oil-filters-3.html

 

I'd love to here an explanation on why someone would want to do that.

 

You don't have to, but I'm anal like that and wanted to "flush out" the old oil with the new.

 

So if you have a newer truck, assuming you dont have any engine problems, then you should be fine switching to synthetic?

 

Synthetic oil molecules are so much smaller than the regular molecules. Seriously, they're like Z-Max size and will leak everywhere. Double torque specs for all bolts that touch synthetic oil. [Jeezus don't do this, really]

Seriously, just change it like you normally would and roll. I have no idea how all these synthetic oil fairytales came about. My personal favorites inlcude not being able to change back to regular oil ever, and never ever mix synthetic and regular oils. (Synthetic blends are different though).

The only thing I've gathered is that synthetics are great if you might procrastinate on an oil change and will give you some extra protection if you go over your change intervals. Which is a whole 'nother topic altogether. 3000, 5000, 7500, 8000, 10000? Amsoil for life?

 

The reason is that synthetic oils generally have stronger additive packages (anti-wear additives, anti-corrosives and especially detergents) than dino oils since they are designed to be run with extended drain intervals. Consequently it could loosen sludge and varnish that has accumulated...it's kinda like a motor flush but done with something that doesn't damage the bearings if you drive it.

Changing early on a low mileage motor, or one with good maintenance, is not very likely needed at all.

 

yes you should have no problem. I changed over on a 4.0 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 120k miles, I had no problems. You should just be aware to keep an eye out.

 

You'd be fine switching even with an older motor and one with problems.

Although it depends on what the problems are. Synthetic isn't a cure (usually). Problems will still be there...to me it's far better to leak/burn out 2 qts of cheap dino every thousand miles than expensive synthetic.

 

Where did this come from? I'd like to see some documentation on this. Start doubling torque specs you better have some good drill bits and easy outs cause stuff will start breaking and gaskets will stare leaking.

 

I'm sure he was being sarcastic...

ok...I hope...

 

Lol people will believe anything...

I better edit my post before someone fucks up their oil pan.

 

been running fully synthetic since day 1... never had a problem and I take tons of road trips...