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Topic ClosedUsing synthetic oil in your TV vs. "dino" oil
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Using synthetic oil in your TV vs. "dino" oil
    Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 11:23am
I've known about the advantages of using synthetic oil vs. old-school "dino" oil for a long time.  I've seen this in one of my cars - more torque off the line and better mpg in my '93 Caprice.  There is no noticeable difference in our Prius so I don't bother - the absolute increase in mpg is a lot less when you are starting at 50.  Synthetic also tolerates higher operating temperatures with no viscosity additives to break down - like on long uphill slogs with a camper in tow.  There is tons of info over at http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ if you want to dig in.  Look for the link on the right for the "Motor Oil University".
 
For these multiple reasons it is perfect for TVs.  It is well worth the few extra $. 
 
I've had our current TV 2 years now, and keep forgetting to ask for synthetic when I take it to our local mechanic.  I kicked myself when I forgot before a 5000 mile trip last year.  He got it again on Friday for a complete once-over in preparation for a 7000 mile trip and I finally remembered.  I think I paid an extra $30.
 
I haven't noted any torque improvement yet, but I did want to note my mpg numbers.  For a long time I've been getting 17.5 mpg while commuting.  I switched to low rolling resistance tires a few months ago and it went to 18.5.  Today during my commute it hovered between 21-22.  I need to go through a full tank of gas before I call this definitive, but it should be.  My Caprice went from 23 to 25 when I switched.  It will save me about $11.50 each time I fill up (daily driving), so the extra cost for synthetic will pay for itself in 3 tanks.  I expect to see a 1-1.5 mpg improvement when towing.
 
Something to consider next time you get your oil changed. 
 
 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 1215 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 11:57am
   Thank you for the information Doug, I was putting it off because I read that for new engines allow them to be broke in before using synthetic oil. But that has been some time back and when I bought our Ram 1500 it came with free oil changes which I recently used up. So I too will try to remember when I change the oil next to ask for synthetic. Hopefully I will see the MPG improvement that you have seen.   
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 12:29pm
Yes, we too recently switched to synthetic based on the recommendation of my new mechanic. About the same time I purchased new tires (Michelin LTX MS2's 265/60R/18). Not sure what did it and I don't have enough data yet, but on our last trip to Maryland Eastern shore, my on board computer registered 15 mpg @ about 60-62 mph. Eastern shore is pretty flat. Previously, it consistently registered 13.5.

I hope to document much better during our upcoming 8k trip.

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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Jun 2014 at 1:20pm
D&D - true for most engines, although some high-performance engines are engineered with such perfect tolerances that they don't have a break-in period.  Still doesn't hurt to get the first oil change done early, then wait for 1-2 oil more changes to switch over.
 
Fred - I kept all that info for last year's trip on a spreadsheet.  Miles per fill up, cost per gallon, gallons per fill up.  Ended up with 9.1 mpg including side trips w/o the pod.  I'm curious how the new tires, oil, and lowered tranny temps all work out.
 
Oh, and next time you get new differential oil or tranny oil, look into synthetic for those, too.  Same reasons.
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Posts: 63 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2014 at 5:30pm
I switched to Amsoil in my TV for the motor, transfer case, front and rear diffs and have noticed an improvement in mileage as well. The only place I don't use Amsoil is in the transmission and that is because the Nissans transmissions are very picky. The Nissan transmission fluid a fully synthetic fluid.
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2014 at 8:54pm
Synthetic Oil of today IS worth the extra cost of admission IMHO.

Keep in mind though even the bottom shelf convenience store off brand non-syn Oils are better than similar Oils of as little as 15 years ago.

Modern Cars and Trucks need very little if any at all "break in time". What is recommended in manuals  for easy driving is focusing on axle, transmission gears and even brakes.

Piston ring sealing precautions are virtually non existent with today's CNC technology producing tolerances repeatedly that were unheard of in years past.

Many vehicles including Corvette,Viper and Camaro SS to name a few come factory filled with Mobil 1 synthetic oil....

I personally have used Mobil 1 in all my vehicles for the last 30 years+(my preference) but all are very good.Turbo vehicles can especially benefit due to high heat.

My Truck used for pulling the Rpod has 213,000 miles on it,bought it new in 99',and runs as good as the day I bought it.

Here is some easy to understand Oil lab results with more info than you probably would care to know.....Confused......but I'm a Car hobbyist with too damn many vehicles..LOL

http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28365
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2014 at 9:11pm
Question. Is it safe to switch to a synthetic when you have over 100,000 miles. I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota with th 4.7 V8?
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Posts: 63 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2014 at 11:30pm
I don't see why not. I hate pushing a product but I know that amsoil makes a cleaner for when switching. I tried it on one car I owned but not the other. Didn't see a difference in either one. However I did notice better mpg and both vehicles ran smoother. I have also agree with the above poster about mobile 1, its good stuff. Had a 1995 Dakota 3.9 v6 with over 200k when I sold it. It had mobile 1 since the day it was new. Never had any problems with the motor. I switched from mobile 1 to amsoil a few years ago and I am happy with both products. The amsoil is a bit cheaper if you get the basic membership.
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 9:43pm
Originally posted by Outbackdave

Question. Is it safe to switch to a synthetic when you have over 100,000 miles. I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota with th 4.7 V8?


It is perfectly safe to make the "switch" to a full synthetic at anytime during a engines lifespan.The sooner the better.

Contrary to popular myth of years ago about synthetics causing/creating Oil leaks,all has been unfounded by many independent testing agencies.

Today,all the full synthetic brands are very good,so pick your poison.It is recommended though to stick with one particular brand once chosen.
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 12:03pm
The one issue that full synthetics absolutely can make worse is if you ALREADY have an oil leak in your engine. Synthetic oils flow better than mineral oils do, which is what you want in your engine. But if you have a leak in your engine, synthetics will flow through it better than conventional oils. But if you don't have any oil leaks, by all means switch now!
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