Community Forums

erpa · 07-25-2009, 02:33 PM

Was told I could switch to synthetic, but not be able to switch back.
I would not switch back to regular oil, but wonder if this is true and if so, why?

Gary RVRoamer · 07-25-2009, 05:38 PM

In my opinion that's an "old mechanic's tale". There is no real reason not to switch at will, if you choose to do so.

In days of old there used to be some chance of problems with seals changing shape/size when you switched to or from synthetic. The seals may swell differently because of the slightly different ingredients. But the synthetic and dino oils of today are quite a bit different (additive-wise) than the oils of even 10 years ago and so are engines and trany's, so changing from one to the other is no longer considered a risk.

You could also use a synthetic blend if you want to make a half-step toward change.

DandS · 07-25-2009, 07:48 PM

At first oil change, I switched from regular to synthetic in my genny. No adverse effects and If I chose, I wouldn't hesitate to switch back. Agree with Gary's post.

Clay L · 07-26-2009, 08:38 AM

It doesn't make sense to me but a Workhorse customer service told me that if I switched to synthetic not to switch back. At the time I didn't think to ask what he based that on.

He also said to wait until I had about 10,000 miles on the engine. That does make some sense because they want the cylinder walls to glaze and the synthetic apparently can delay that.

TXiceman · 07-26-2009, 09:20 AM

Old mechanics tale. Just be sure you get a good through draining and go back to the synthetic.

As for mixing them in an engine, just think a moment...they make Semi-synthetics which are a mix of regular oil and synthetics.

In the case of compressor applications, it is not recommended to mix types or even brands of oil, since they use different additive packages to prevent oil foaming...but for a small engine, it won't matter.

Ken

sknight · 07-26-2009, 10:46 AM

From a damage aspect oil is oil. You can go back and forth every oil change if you want with no ill effects to the engine at all.

Synthetic is a better oil overall, less wear, etc. That's been hashed. Most engines are designed with conventional oil in mind, so switching back won't be any worse than never having it in the first place. I've never seen switching cause seal issues or gasket problems.

And you can add conventional if you get low, it is still just oil in that regard, it just dilutes the longevity and extra wear protection.

diandtom · 08-05-2009, 09:04 AM

I have always used conventional oil in everything I own. As far as the cars and trucks go the body seems to fall apart before the engine goes. I change oil in the car at 4K and the truck at 5K. The main reason I don't use synthetic is the price. It is almost double and I cannot see any benefit unless I was using it commercially and driving a lot of miles. If I bought a new vehicle and they said use synthetic I would use it. I also change my own oil and lub the vehicle. I just always have done it and I know the filter was changed.

bugs53 · 08-05-2009, 10:52 AM

Why would you ever want to switch back? stay with the good stuff.

Bugs53 has been running all synthic for many years and will not go back.

read & learn · 08-06-2009, 07:12 AM

We use Amsoil Synthetic with a add on by-pass filter on the DP MH 330 cummins and regular Amsoil filter on the generator. Once a year we send a sample to the Lab and they send back a report on what has to be done with the oil-nothing-drain off X amount of oil-complete change.
We have a friend who has had to do nothing in 4+ years other than change filters.
The by-pass filter takes 10% of the oil from the new larger engine filter and removes particals as small as 1 micron.
On toad we also have been using synthetics for at least 17+ years. Sold a 1991 V-6
Ford Ranger [first vehicle on synthetic] to a friend and it is still running with NO engine problems with over 300,000 miles.