Question about synthetic oil

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Old 08-31-2002, 04:56 PM
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Question about synthetic oil

In my previous vehicle, a '00 Buick Regal GS, I changed the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles with Mobil One 10w 30 synthetic. When I brought my TL-S into the Acura dealership for an oil change, they told me that they will not use synthetic oil, and that if I really want to use synthetic, I would have to purchase the oil and bring it to dealership at the time of the next scheduled oil change.

I plan to follow the maintenance schedule and have my oil changed every 3,750 miles. What are your views on synthetic oil? Should I even bother to use it if I plan to faithfully adhere to my maintenance schedule?

Any insight would be appreciated.
Old 08-31-2002, 06:45 PM
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A guy I know (who is a retired DOD aircraft engineer) swears by Mobil1 Synthetic and has not had a single problem in any of his cars (has owned over 200 cars, buys/sells every couple of months). I'm buying a 01' Acura CL-S (2dr) from him and plan to follow through and use Mobil1 Syn. He is a big vette guy and loves to talk about engines!
Old 08-31-2002, 07:08 PM
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Search the posts. There is a lot of discussion on that topic. Using synthetic oil too soon will prevent proper break-in of the engine.
Old 08-31-2002, 08:25 PM
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I just did my first oil change .... (do it yourself) Mobil 1 5w30 with a Mobil 1 filter ............ the dealership tech will take you oil and use it in his own car .....
Old 09-01-2002, 12:55 AM
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Unless you can actually watch the dealer pour your synth oil in your car, i wouldn't bring that oil to the dealer and expect their trustworthiness on it. Someone's gonna take your nice oil and pour in cheapies instead...how u gonna know?
Old 09-01-2002, 04:24 PM
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Good point. Thanks.
Old 09-03-2002, 04:31 PM
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Originally posted by OldGuy
Search the posts. There is a lot of discussion on that topic. Using synthetic oil too soon will prevent proper break-in of the engine.
Actually, it will not prevent it, just delay it a bit. I would wait 500 miles to ensure the oil control ring seats - that is about it.

Changing synoil at 3750 is reall wasteful. I would go with the 7500 interval. That is what I do with syn in my cars, except the Cobra, where 6 months elapse before I get even 2000 miles.

Today's quality mineral oils are hydrocracked, with many of the lubrication properties of syns, at a fraction of the cost. If you are set on 3750, I would use mineral oil + one quart of Mobil 1, unless you routinely tow in hot weather or live in Alaska or North Dakota or some other unGodly cold habitat. If you do use a mineral oil, stay away from 5w20, go with 5w30 or if the temps stay above 0 year round, go with 10w30.
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