TV Question?-Synthetic Motor Oil

[JonesFamilyJayco]

I recently had my oil changed for the first time (3000mi) in my Toyota Tundra truck.  I decided to get synthetic oil (5W-30 Mobil 1).  My questions are:
     1.) It was an extra $25.00 - Is synthetic oil that much better; is it
          worth it for my truck?
     2.) The mechanic said that synthetic motor oil can be changed  
          every 6,000mi instead of the usual 3000mi.- Is this true?
Also, I am using synthetic oil in my generator (Honda eu20001). Is this a good choice and how often should I change it.

Last, should I consider a fuel/oil additive such as zMax-They say that it reduces friction and will improve gas milage.  Is it safe for my truck and is it worth the money. Has anyone used it in a generator?

Thanks

Kaaljonesfamily

[brainpause]

If you go to the "motor" boards, such as Trailer Life's Tow Vehicle Forum, or any of the brand forums at other sites, this is one very debateable subject.

My personal experiences: I have gone back and forth between synthetics and conventional for my truck. I usually do stretch the oil change to 4K or more miles, but since the jury is still out, I don't mess around too much. It seems to me that (at least sometimes) the truck runs better on synthetics. However, I haven't been able to suddenly get another 25 miles on a tank or anything.

I have used synthetic EVERYTHING on our ATV's since it was new (gear oil, tranny oil, engine oil, etc.). They seem to be running well, still, after 4 years of intermittent running (which, to me, is harder on the engine).

The only TRUE way of knowing about conventional vs synthetic oil for YOUR vehicle is to do an oil analyis on the used oil. I have checked into this, and it isn't cheap.

Larry

[aw738]

Synthetic oils are the better choice but the change interval is not extened as some believe. The problem is fuel comtamination. In all internal combustion engines regardless of age or condition there is a little bit of unburnt fuel and other combustion gasses that get pass past the piston rings. The only way to remove the oil contamination is to change the oil. Synthetics are more resistant to this contamination but they still should be changed at regular intervalls.

[tlhdoc]

If you start using synthetic oil you should stick too it.  Switching between synthetic oil and regular oil is not good for the engine.  The oil may last longer but the filter does not, so change the oil at a normal interval.  My DH know someone that drains the oil, changes the filter and then uses the same oil for a second time.  I am approaching the first oil change in my new TV and am trying to decide if I should go synthetic or use the blended oil I used in the last TV.  I need 5-20 and no one in my area carries it in a synthetic.  I also change my oil about every 6 weeks, so the synthetic adds up quick for me.  DH has used Mobil One in his truck for years.

[aw738]

Tracy if you are looking for synthetic 5W20 then you have to look no farther than your local Advance Auto Parts (yes that was a shameless plug) to find it. All you have to do is ask for Motorcraft 5W20, it is a full synthetic oil and should be carried in stock at most stores. Another altertaive is the following:

Mobil 1 0W-20

[Tim5055]

If you go to the "motor" boards, such as Trailer Life's Tow Vehicle Forum, or any of the brand forums at other sites, this is one very debateable subject.

My personal experiences: I have gone back and forth between synthetics and conventional for my truck. I usually do stretch the oil change to 4K or more miles, but since the jury is still out, I don't mess around too much. It seems to me that (at least sometimes) the truck runs better on synthetics. However, I haven't been able to suddenly get another 25 miles on a tank or anything.

I have used synthetic EVERYTHING on our ATV's since it was new (gear oil, tranny oil, engine oil, etc.). They seem to be running well, still, after 4 years of intermittent running (which, to me, is harder on the engine).

The only TRUE way of knowing about conventional vs synthetic oil for YOUR vehicle is to do an oil analyis on the used oil. I have checked into this, and it isn't cheap.

Larry,

Oil analysis is only $20, less if you buy multiples at a time

Blackstone Laboratories

Here is my firstone on the F-250

[tlhdoc]

Tracy if you are looking for synthetic 5W20 then you have to look no farther than your local Advance Auto Parts (yes that was a shameless plug) to find it. All you have to do is ask for Motorcraft 5W20, it is a full synthetic oil and should be carried in stock at most stores. Another alternative is the following:

Mobil 1 0W-20

I used Motorcraft 5W20 in my last TV, but it is a blend.  Mobil 1 is the only full synthetic oil I know of, for my vehicle.  Is there a Motorcraft 5W20 that is full synthetic? :confused:

[brainpause]

Thanks, Tim. That was very interesting to read. I had looked into analysis, and I guess I only could find the expensive ones.

Interestingly, I read the analysis values before I read the narrative at the top. Given the values, I was thinking that some of them must be high because you are still in the break-in period. Then I read the narrative. Exactly what they said.

I might send one out at my next oil change. I'll have 101,500 miles on the engine at that time, with at least 10,000 towing miles. Might be interesting to see what it says. I also change the oil in the ATV's every Nov/Dec, so that might be interesting too.

Larry

[brainpause]

PS: I just ordered my oil analysis kit!

[whitestar505]

JonesFamilyJayco,
 
Yes, Yes and Yes, I use this type of oil all the time in my generator and TV. This type of oil is great for keeping the temperature down on all engines or course less wear. I also use it in my TV, and not just the motor oil but my transmission oil. I change the filter only every 3000 miles and top it off. Every 6000 miles I change it all. I will tell you that there are some cheaper synthetic oils out there that just as good as Mobil.
 
Because oil is so high in cost in Europe this is all they use in there cars
 

[chasd60]

I have mine changed at Super WalMart.

Less than $30 a for Mobil 1 oil change

[tlhdoc]

I have mine changed at Super WalMart.

Less than $30 a for Mobil 1 oil change

Wow I wish I could get it that cheap here.  Just the 5W20 oil cost that much. :eyecrazy:

[aw738]

I used Motorcraft 5W20 in my last TV, but it is a blend. Mobil 1 is the only full synthetic oil I know of, for my vehicle. Is there a Motorcraft 5W20 that is full synthetic?

Tracy you are correct I found this out when I got to work this morning and looked at the label on the oil.

[tlhdoc]

Tracy you are correct I found this out when I got to work this morning and looked at the label on the oil.

How do you think it compares to the full synthetic? :confused:

[aw738]

I don't really have any experiance with Motorcraft oil or any synthetic blends. It should be a good oil to use though.