Synthetic blended vs conventional oils

[jawatson33]

I just bought a 2003 LC w 107000 miles on it. I have a 2000 model with 150000 miles on it. The 2000 model gets 5w30 conventional oil but the previous owner of the 03 used a blended synthetic oil. No problems in the 00 model just wondering if I should change the 03 model and go with the conventional 5w30. Would it start leaking, what should I look for. Is it ok to go back and forth between the 2.

 

[hankinid]

I just bought a 2003 LC w 107000 miles on it. I have a 2000 model with 150000 miles on it. The 2000 model gets 5w30 conventional oil but the previous owner of the 03 used a blended synthetic oil. No problems in the 00 model just wondering if I should change the 03 model and go with the conventional 5w30. Would it start leaking, what should I look for. Is it ok to go back and forth between the 2.

You should have zero issues changing from blended syn to straight dino oil.

I like full syn as oil change intervals are much longer...e.g., I change the LX's Mobil 1 at 7500 and last 2 Blackstone oil tests noted I could extend that to 10K or 15K with no issues.

With dino oil, I'd be looking at 3-4K. Not worth my extra time as I'm in the peak of the ag season right now. I like synthetic mainly because of better lubrication, imo, when temperature is in the teen's here in the winter. That's probably not an issue for you.

hth

Steve

 

[OregonLC]

Yep synthetic to conventional is not the risky direction. The other way has the potential to cause problems on a poorly maintained motor if sludge deposits are loosened.

I wouldn't worry about leaks on the 2UZ, other than perhaps the valve cover gasket which only requires minor torquing of bolts.

Personally, synthetic oil just isn't that much more expensive on a DIY so I'd keep it synthetic if it were me. YMMV.

 

[APKhaos]

As Oregon says, conventional oil over a long service life will build up sludge. Changing to synthetic will dissolve the sludge and clean the engine up nicely. Best plan is to fill with synthetic & a new filter, run for a few hundred miles, then dump and replace with a fresh fill and filter. You'll be amazed at how dirty the oil will be. Repeat the process until the oil is staying clean and transparent on the dip stick. Highly recommended process. A clean engine is a happy engine. More efficient, better oiling, and less chance of a clogged oil gallery causing bearing problems down the road.

Does synthetic cause leaks? Its possible on a highly stressed high engine. The early Porsche air cooled engines expand considerably as they get hot, and the clearances caused some leak problems. Unlikely on a 2UZ, and most of the population here use synthetic.

 

[OregonLC]

Not for the OP, but if others are looking to go to synthetic, Amsoil makes a flush that will accelerate the cleanout process. Have not used it myself.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/engine-and-transmission-flush/?page=%2fstorefront%2fflsh.aspx

 

[Nottajeep]

I would not do a flush or short oil change interval unless the engine has not been properly maintained. Sludge only occurs when you run the oil out way too long or you let condensation buildup.

You can use a dino oil or syn oil. It's all in your preference. Oils are very interchangeable without the engine even knowing the difference.

My favorite oil is the Mobil 1 high mileage or the extended performance. both can be run 1 yr or 10k miles very easily.