oil change, synthetic or....
01-28-2011, 03:20 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: gananoque
Posts: 138
oil change, synthetic or....
Well , I just did something stupid but maybe not. I'm going to change the oil/filter on our 3.8 JK after only 2 thousand miles since we bought it preowned for a dealership. The reason is we are driving to Florida in a couple weeks and I just wanted new stuff in there. I opted for Mobile One and even a Mobile One filter. Throw in the "Nascar Digital Tire Gauge" and it was 98$ at Canadian Tire. BUT , I figure the oil and filter combination is good for 15k (not the 20k they claim) so thats 3 oil changes I get out of doing plus the cost of 3 "cheap" filters and relatively good oil.
Before everyone maybe thinks I'm nuts I should tell you I'm a licienced Class "A" mechanic with an interprovicial seal. I also raced/built 200mph inboard hydroplane race boats.
Well , thats what I'm putting in the Jeep....the Echo will get "the cheap stuff" LOL
Before everyone maybe thinks I'm nuts I should tell you I'm a licienced Class "A" mechanic with an interprovicial seal. I also raced/built 200mph inboard hydroplane race boats.
Well , thats what I'm putting in the Jeep....the Echo will get "the cheap stuff" LOL
02-11-2011, 06:14 PM
#3
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SK
Posts: 36
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
No offence to you personally, but I know several journeymen techs that really are not that well versed to the ins and outs of oil and filters.
Having said that, it is never a simple matter that just because you used a certain oil and filter combination that you can go a certain distance. It all comes down to what conditions you will be driving in and what condition the engines and its ancillary components are in.
The biggest concern would be viscosity breakdown over distance and time. The only way to ascertain how your oil is behaving over time is through periodic oil analysis, through a lab. This way you can "trend" viscosity as well as wear metals as time goes by. You can even try cheaper conventional oils later and see how they compare.
I did this with several of my vehicles, including my motorcycle. The oil trends in my Honda XR650l were by far the most revealing. Since the engine is a big bore thumper and the engine shares the oil supply with the transmission I suspected the oil would shear ( lose viscosity) quickly. I wasn't disappointed. It didn't matter whether I used expensive synthetic, including Amsoil and Redline,all the oils would shear down quickly, moving below the recommended viscosity.
So, with trending knowledge behind me I moved to the lowest priced 15W40 diesel oil I could find. The advantage to diesel oil is that it is loaded with zinc and phosphorous, which are great barrier additives to have anyway in an engine such as the XR650. So, the best solution I found through oil analysis was to buy the CHEAPEST 15W40 diesel oil and change it every 800km. And that oil was the Walmart brand. I sent in a virgin sample first to establish the additive package and a few subsequent samples have proven that my system works; ie; the engine is getting the best lubrication I can give it.
Having said that, it is never a simple matter that just because you used a certain oil and filter combination that you can go a certain distance. It all comes down to what conditions you will be driving in and what condition the engines and its ancillary components are in.
The biggest concern would be viscosity breakdown over distance and time. The only way to ascertain how your oil is behaving over time is through periodic oil analysis, through a lab. This way you can "trend" viscosity as well as wear metals as time goes by. You can even try cheaper conventional oils later and see how they compare.
I did this with several of my vehicles, including my motorcycle. The oil trends in my Honda XR650l were by far the most revealing. Since the engine is a big bore thumper and the engine shares the oil supply with the transmission I suspected the oil would shear ( lose viscosity) quickly. I wasn't disappointed. It didn't matter whether I used expensive synthetic, including Amsoil and Redline,all the oils would shear down quickly, moving below the recommended viscosity.
So, with trending knowledge behind me I moved to the lowest priced 15W40 diesel oil I could find. The advantage to diesel oil is that it is loaded with zinc and phosphorous, which are great barrier additives to have anyway in an engine such as the XR650. So, the best solution I found through oil analysis was to buy the CHEAPEST 15W40 diesel oil and change it every 800km. And that oil was the Walmart brand. I sent in a virgin sample first to establish the additive package and a few subsequent samples have proven that my system works; ie; the engine is getting the best lubrication I can give it.
02-11-2011, 09:26 PM
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LLOYDMINSTER, ALBERTA
Posts: 27
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
From what I know of 13 years of parts, is if u used Synthetic& followed the new procedures, then u would be doing the best lubing. If u go on youtube & search Royal purple test against the 2 , you will see the difference. But then we run into the issue of pricing. The way your doing it is great but I still believe Synthetic is a way better oil. I've seen many trucks in here with both types of oil & doesn't matter, CAT, Cummins or what ever engine. Engine life is longer with good stuff & We do tons of oil sample & many times on the same truck. With the new emmisions the cheap stuff will take turbos out left & right!! But everyone has there own mind.
No offence to you personally, but I know several journeymen techs that really are not that well versed to the ins and outs of oil and filters.
Having said that, it is never a simple matter that just because you used a certain oil and filter combination that you can go a certain distance. It all comes down to what conditions you will be driving in and what condition the engines and its ancillary components are in.
The biggest concern would be viscosity breakdown over distance and time. The only way to ascertain how your oil is behaving over time is through periodic oil analysis, through a lab. This way you can "trend" viscosity as well as wear metals as time goes by. You can even try cheaper conventional oils later and see how they compare.
I did this with several of my vehicles, including my motorcycle. The oil trends in my Honda XR650l were by far the most revealing. Since the engine is a big bore thumper and the engine shares the oil supply with the transmission I suspected the oil would shear ( lose viscosity) quickly. I wasn't disappointed. It didn't matter whether I used expensive synthetic, including Amsoil and Redline,all the oils would shear down quickly, moving below the recommended viscosity.
So, with trending knowledge behind me I moved to the lowest priced 15W40 diesel oil I could find. The advantage to diesel oil is that it is loaded with zinc and phosphorous, which are great barrier additives to have anyway in an engine such as the XR650. So, the best solution I found through oil analysis was to buy the CHEAPEST 15W40 diesel oil and change it every 800km. And that oil was the Walmart brand. I sent in a virgin sample first to establish the additive package and a few subsequent samples have proven that my system works; ie; the engine is getting the best lubrication I can give it.
Having said that, it is never a simple matter that just because you used a certain oil and filter combination that you can go a certain distance. It all comes down to what conditions you will be driving in and what condition the engines and its ancillary components are in.
The biggest concern would be viscosity breakdown over distance and time. The only way to ascertain how your oil is behaving over time is through periodic oil analysis, through a lab. This way you can "trend" viscosity as well as wear metals as time goes by. You can even try cheaper conventional oils later and see how they compare.
I did this with several of my vehicles, including my motorcycle. The oil trends in my Honda XR650l were by far the most revealing. Since the engine is a big bore thumper and the engine shares the oil supply with the transmission I suspected the oil would shear ( lose viscosity) quickly. I wasn't disappointed. It didn't matter whether I used expensive synthetic, including Amsoil and Redline,all the oils would shear down quickly, moving below the recommended viscosity.
So, with trending knowledge behind me I moved to the lowest priced 15W40 diesel oil I could find. The advantage to diesel oil is that it is loaded with zinc and phosphorous, which are great barrier additives to have anyway in an engine such as the XR650. So, the best solution I found through oil analysis was to buy the CHEAPEST 15W40 diesel oil and change it every 800km. And that oil was the Walmart brand. I sent in a virgin sample first to establish the additive package and a few subsequent samples have proven that my system works; ie; the engine is getting the best lubrication I can give it.
02-12-2011, 08:44 AM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: winnipeg
Posts: 15
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
I run synthetic in winter only. motors main issue for wear is on start up. synthetic provides the best lubrication on start up in cold climates than non synthetic so that is why I use it. as far as lasting longer and making oil changes longer cause it is synthetic, I am not sure i would trust what manufactures say about that. you want to protect your motor than continue with oil changes at 4000KM or 5000KM. as far as the oil change indicator on the JK, thats what I have, I had changed my oil for a trip. once I was well on my way about 600KMs in the oil change light came on? I couldnt believe it. for whatever reason whether it was the sythetic oil or whatever the light came on meaning to change the oil. i dont trust the dummy oil change light. just go every 4000 to 5000KMs. Keep it simple. the synthetic is good oil but dont do it if your going to go longer between changes. I believe you will cause more damage than good.
but being a certified tech....LOL.... I thought you would tell us what to run...... Just joking with you....
but being a certified tech....LOL.... I thought you would tell us what to run...... Just joking with you....
02-12-2011, 10:29 AM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: gananoque
Posts: 138
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
LOL...Just a quick note , after a 24 hour straight run from our home town in Gananoque ,ON to Daytona Beach I checked the oil to first see if I had any (LOL) and second to see the colour.. It was still crystal clear.
Lots of great reading and thoughts in the previous posted BTW.
Check out my other thread about fuel mileage I got and later I'm posting it way more detailed. It was my wifes job on the way down in those 24 hours to take notes !! ( and not talk or give directions ) LOL
Lots of great reading and thoughts in the previous posted BTW.
Check out my other thread about fuel mileage I got and later I'm posting it way more detailed. It was my wifes job on the way down in those 24 hours to take notes !! ( and not talk or give directions ) LOL
02-12-2011, 12:28 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Somewhere between NE and SW Alberta
Posts: 1,216
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
I'm a firm believer in synthetic oil, if they make it for any part of my Jeep that's what's in there. I also run bypass filters to help keep the oil clean.
For the initial price of the synthetic and the extended mileage you get I think they're well worth the cost especially if you drive through extremes in weather and high mileage.
A "typical" winter drive to work is +10 to -20/30 and 1900kms return twice a month.
For the initial price of the synthetic and the extended mileage you get I think they're well worth the cost especially if you drive through extremes in weather and high mileage.
A "typical" winter drive to work is +10 to -20/30 and 1900kms return twice a month.
02-17-2011, 07:16 PM
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 5
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
The oils job is to clean, cool and lube the engine so mine get regular oil and filter since i make short trips in town and dont hit the highway to often so it dosen't get the opportunity to boil out condensation that gets built up.
02-19-2011, 12:35 AM
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 13
Re: oil change, synthetic or....
Had the fortune to work at a oil change shop for a period. 
My understanding at the time was that Synthetic was really designed for gas turbo\super charged and a few other applications that really abused regular dino oil.
In these applications the regular oil change scheduling was to be followed based on the oil specs required by the OEM.
But for non-high revving, or high heat applications, you could feasibly go much further between oil changes using synthetic. (But may have to top up you oil)
In the US, the oil change schedule for any car truck can vary from 3k,5k or even 8k miles.
As such the shop owner swore by one synthetic oil change every 15000kms, but two filter changes, at 5k and 10k kms. (Non turbo application)
It worked for him, and the oil still didn't look like it needed changing at 15k kms.
(I'm no lab tech)
The US Jeep Manual states
"NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, whichever occurs first."
I never understood why the warranties are so short in Canada compared to the US, and why our oil change interval is so frequent...
My understanding at the time was that Synthetic was really designed for gas turbo\super charged and a few other applications that really abused regular dino oil.
In these applications the regular oil change scheduling was to be followed based on the oil specs required by the OEM.
But for non-high revving, or high heat applications, you could feasibly go much further between oil changes using synthetic. (But may have to top up you oil)
In the US, the oil change schedule for any car truck can vary from 3k,5k or even 8k miles.
As such the shop owner swore by one synthetic oil change every 15000kms, but two filter changes, at 5k and 10k kms. (Non turbo application)
It worked for him, and the oil still didn't look like it needed changing at 15k kms.
(I'm no lab tech)
The US Jeep Manual states
"NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, whichever occurs first."
I never understood why the warranties are so short in Canada compared to the US, and why our oil change interval is so frequent...
02-19-2011, 08:34 AM
#10
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SK
Posts: 36
Re: oil change, synthetic or....