ahmedh2001

Hey guys, so I have a 96 es300, bout 159,250 miles on it. Up till now I have been using conventional oil but have been thinking about switching to full synthetic from a local toyota dealer (they service my lexus too for oil changes). Said to improve mileage, lubrication, etc etc. But I am wondering if it is necessary to fork over an extra $20 to change from conventional oil to synthetic on an engine as old as mine. I have read the argument on this page

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Th...Oil?&id=293637

and this paragraph from the article creator stuck out to me:

"When deciding whether it is best to use synthetic or conventional car engine oils, it is always best to bear in mind the age of the vehicle as problems and oil leaks can occur when switching to a fully synthetic oil with an old engine. This is because there can be a build-up of waxes and sludge left by conventional oils over time, which may mask worn engine seals. The introduction of a synthetic oil may cause the detergents in the synthetic oil to break down and clean-up this protective build-up which is maintaining the seal, this will then result in oil leaking through the engine seals when the oil thins as it gets hot."

should I switch to full synthetic oil and improve the engine all around? or keep my conventional oil (and my $) and maintain my engine seals. My oil change is in less than a week by the way so I can ask the dealer to check the engine seals to see if the leftover from the conventional oil is ACTUALLY building up a seal in the first place. Then my answer will be a bit more clear.

Thanks guys

silvertn35

dont do it , you will start oil leaks

ralfuller

I made the switch from dino to full syntec at 118k. No oil leaks, runs smoother, and longer intervals; I change every 5k. I was naive, I guess, and switched without researching though, now I see all these forums about "making the switch". Maybe I was lucky, who knows.

88Legend

My car has been running conventional for 22 years and 168K miles. But I will switch to full synthetic next time. It will probably help get rid of some of the lifter noise in the morning.

Maybe you should go for a blend but I recommend a synthetic.

buci

Don't waste your money on Syntethic, it's a pure scam and ridiculously expensive. Conventional oil has proved time after time after time that will send an engine to half a million miles when changed on proper intervals. 218.000 miles on my '94 at 4000 miles intervals with regular 5w-30.

97'ES

You need to do some research man. its absolutely not even close to a scam.

satiger

iTrader: (1)

All I can say is that I switched to full syn (Castrol Edge 5w-30) on my GX (55k miles) and wish could've done it much earlier. The engine runs much much smoother than conventional. I am planning to switch to full syn on my ES (with 136k miles) once I finish the last stock of Castrol high mileage oil.

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

while synthetic does give you a bit of an edge, its almost all preference. I have a 97 with 240,000 miles and I've been using conventional oil since day 1 with no problems. Normally change the filter/oil every 3k-4k miles. Car is still running strong and no leaks.

97'ES

Yeah i mean if you consider a bit of an edge double to triple the oil change interval, way better thermal breakdown resistance. Way better flow in cold weather. Much better additive packages. Granted it's double the price usually.

I'm planning on driving my 97' another hundered thousand plus, and i'm sure glad its had M1 EP for the majority of it's miles with a M1 filter. I've seen the evidence with my own eyes under the valve covers and inside the bottom end when doing an oil pan.

Now would i switch at 150k plus miles without knowing every seal and gasket was replaced or in good condition, I'm not so sure. Perhaps a high mileage blend wouldn't hurt, filters are really key, can't stress that enough. Pureone, M1, K&N (same as M1 with a 1" nut), some like Wix or Napa (never used those two personally), just don't use a fram or cheap 4$ garbage. AC Delco has always made a nice filter surprisingly although obviously not available for our cars, I understand STP filters are identical however.

ahmedh2001

Wow, Ok so I see arguments for both sides. The toyota dealer that does my oil change does conventional oil changes for $17 (+tax), synthetic blend for $27, and full synthetic for $35, all plus tax. They also fill the oil up to 4 quarts. my 3.0L V6 has about 6 quarts in it. The local lexus dealer charges $46 for full synthetic oil (on newer models that need it) and fill all quarts of the engine. So im assuming they wont use the special better oil for my old 95 engine. My oil change isnt due for another 700 miles so about a week, week and half for me. Keep in mind Im in chicago and its cold as anything now plus we get random spurts of 6 inch snow so cold weather driving is the norm here. Should I try the synthetic once and risk previous oil seal leaks? or stick with what Ive done forever and be conventional.

buci

I did when i wrote this,and tried on different cars including mine. It does nothing and it costs more.
http://www.carinstructions.com/synth...ar-engine-oil/

Anyway that's what i think.

BDSL

Hi Buci,

I agree with some of the stuff you said but I just want to point out a few things.

- engine temperature is regulated by the thermostat. Thicker or thinner oil doesn't impact engine temperature.
- while the regular oil filter is a weak link, you can get synthetic oil filter...or simply change the oil filter every 4000 miles.
- synthetic oil has not been linked or proven to be the cause of blown engines
- you forgot to take time into consideration of cost
- synthetic oil also have higher flash point and a more uniform property which is benefital to force induction engines (components running at higher temeprature and much higher speed)
- I have several vehicles (including a modified MR2) with mileages from 100k - 220k miles and they are running perfectly on synthetic oil with oil change every 8000-10000 miles. Oil filter is changed every 4000-5000 miles. But I can't use this as a proof that synthetic oil is better / worst. Using my experience to support my arguement is subjective

97'ES

where is illcool when you actually need him haha. I don't have the energy to breakdown how far and away superior a quality synthetic is......