Making Your Own Synthetic Blend

[tvl]

Our new Expedition came from the factory filled with a synthetic blend.

I was planning on switching to 100% synthetic at the next oil change - Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20. Now, I am beginning to have second thoughts after reading about more engine noise associated with a full synthetic.

1- Does engine noise increase with the use of a full synthetic?

2- Can I make my own synthetic blend? If so, what ratio of Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 to Pennzoil 5w20 conventional?

Thanks!

 

[Quest]

why blend it yourself when there's already some seriously good "syn blend" off the shelf, say, motorcraft 5W20?

If you want, go with so-called full-syn Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 or 5W30 and sleep well overnite.

Q.

 

[hate2work]

Personally, I have seen zero extra noise since switching to full syn. In fact, my engine runs butter smooth and is probably quieter than it was on dino. I've got 4600 miles on this load of Amsoil ASL 5w30 and it's just barely darkening at this point.

Yes, you can make your own syn blend. From what I've gathered, it's best to stay within one brand if you're going to blend oils.

What ratio? Most blends are about 30% synthetic, if that helps.

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted By: Quest
why blend it yourself when there's already some seriously good "syn blend" off the shelf, say, motorcraft 5W20?
Q.


I once called several of the 1-800 numbers of a few brands, and asked what the percentage of synthetic was in their blends. The few that answered ranged from 10-25%. Even 2 of 5 quarts would give a 40% blend, at less total price.

 

[JHZR2]

1) No, I suspect that this is generally a variation on the "placebo effect". While there may be some truth in it, it may also be associated with filters, initial startup, different driving conditions, etc.

2) 25% is a great place to start if youre making your own. Dont count on OTC "blends" to have more than 10-15%, so Id shoot to better that. Where there is a "knee" in the curve, I could not say...

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: hate2work

Personally, I have seen zero extra noise since switching to full syn. In fact, my engine runs butter smooth and is probably quieter than it was on dino. I've got 4600 miles on this load of Amsoil ASL 5w30 and it's just barely darkening at this point.

Yes, you can make your own syn blend. From what I've gathered, it's best to stay within one brand if you're going to blend oils.

What ratio? Most blends are about 30% synthetic, if that helps.


Same experience as hate2work and I agree with him.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: tvl
Now, I am beginning to have second thoughts after reading about more engine noise associated with a full synthetic


I believe that's utter nonsense. I broke my 4.6 4V in on Valvoline conventional 5W-20, then it sounded better when I switched to Mobil 1 5W-20 at 1,500 miles, and sounded better again when I switched to Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 at 10,000 miles.

My conclusion? Fresh oil tends to sound "better."

Straight Pennzoil Platinum is an excellent choice, don't fear the syn!

 

[JonnyHotcakes]

Making your own blend is pointless, as each oil will have it's own additive pack to make that oil reach certain specs. adding the synthetic to conventional will just dilute the add pack in the synthetic that gives it the more robust characteristics.

Also keep in mind that "synthetic blends" are often no more synthetic then conventional, and in some cases, less so. for example, Mobil Clean 5000 is 100% Group III, whereas the pricier Motorcraft synthetic blend is about 15%, with the rest being Group II.

Just use a good conventional or synthetic and change it at the proper intervals.

Also, FWIW, I have noticed no change in engine noise, mileage, "smoothness", ect from going back and forth between synthetics and conventionals of every brand out there.

 

[scoobie]

usually about 1 quart synthetic to 2 quarts conventional is a good blend. in winter use straight synthetic. another favorite of mine is 50%5w20 conventional, with 50%5w30 synthetic, supertech.

 

[Ben99GT]

I have to wonder if that is still true. Motorcraft Syn Blend kills Mobil Clean 5000 on the specs.

Mobil must really skimp on the additives if that is still the case.

 

[thunderchild]

In my Durango I use 5 quarts of 5w30 GTX with 2 quarts of 5w30 SYNTEC. I use an oversized Amsoil SDF filter. I have 4 of those left before I buy some new oil filters.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
1) No, I suspect that this is generally a variation on the "placebo effect". While there may be some truth in it, it may also be associated with filters, initial startup, different driving conditions, etc.

2) 25% is a great place to start if youre making your own. Dont count on OTC "blends" to have more than 10-15%, so Id shoot to better that. Where there is a "knee" in the curve, I could not say...


I agree, and have noticed no real noise issues with synthetic vs conventional oil. I did however notice less noise switching from Mobil 1 10W30 (which I used exclusively for many years), to Pennzoil Platinum 5w30. The PP makes less noise, the filter I am using is the same as before so I can safely rule out the filter as the cause of the noise. In all fairness with either of the oils the noise was really a non-event.

As far as a blend. If you use Pennzoil products a 50/50 mix of PP and YB should make one fine synthetic blend probably better than any synthetic blend you'd be able to buy. JMO

 

[OMCWankel]

Scoobie has a good recommendation, so does thunderchild. We blenders are looked down on in this forum as poor children that need to be shown the way. I blend synthetics, even mixing base oils (Heresy!). No issues to date and good used oil analysis on the blends. It is SAFER to blend within brands, and within base oil groups. Or you can just say “to heck with it” and run some of the good blends like Motorcraft or Schaeffers (some here even claim that M1 is a blend).

Or Just Go Full Synthetic and Never Look Back!

 

[Jim Allen]

I do the same blend in my Honda (4+1)and it's offered some superb used oil analysis and is very cost effective. The only caveat to this, IMHO, trick is that you use oils with similar additive packs. The GTX and Syntec work well in that regard and because the Syntec is G-III. I wait until there is an extreme sale on Syntec (under $4) and then, cha-ching! It's been a while since I've seen prices that good, so when my stash is exhausted, I'll have to explore the market again at that time for the best option.

JonnyHotcakes: You said Mobil Clean 5000 is 100 percent G-III? May I ask for your source on that? That intrigues me and I'd like to follow up.

 

[steve20]

I've done the same with the 05 Accord 4cyl as Jim-last UOA at 95K miles was excellent-virtually no indicated wear. I;ve switched over to PP since Igot it on sale for 2.79/quart-it's cheaper than running dino


Steve

 

[FrankN4]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
I do the same blend in my Honda (4+1)and it's offered some superb used oil analysis and is very cost effective. The only caveat to this, IMHO, trick is that you use oils with similar additive packs. The GTX and Syntec work well in that regard and because the Syntec is G-III. I wait until there is an extreme sale on Syntec (under $4) and then, cha-ching! It's been a while since I've seen prices that good, so when my stash is exhausted, I'll have to explore the market again at that time for the best option.

JonnyHotcakes: You said Mobil Clean 5000 is 100 percent G-III? May I ask for your source on that? That intrigues me and I'd like to follow up.


Jim Allen

According to Mobil web site, Clean 5000 is 100% conventional. According to Mobil frequently Asked Questions, Clean 5000 is 100% conventional. A quick 1-800-ASKMOBILE confirms that Clean 5000 is all conventional.

 

[arh]

Ive been thinking about running 4 WB Valvoline + 2 SynPower, both 5w30. What do you all think? I figure that 33% synthetic is probably 20% more than Valvoline DuraBlend. I just happen to have that quantity in the garage.

 

[caveatipse]

There is nothing wrong with a synthetic! I may be a n00b with oil, but in the past week I have really been reading and studying dozens of articles, books, webpages, etc., and from what I can tell, synthetic oil is just like natural oil except that the molecules are all of similar size. There is no reason it should cause your enigne to make noise or do anything else. It is oil just like all others, just with the molecules the same size. From what I have read (and I could be wrong of course), all of these "synthetic oil does this and that" worries are just urban myths not supported by science.

 

[KW]

Originally Posted By: tvl
Our new Expedition came from the factory filled with a synthetic blend.

I was planning on switching to 100% synthetic at the next oil change - Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20. Now, I am beginning to have second thoughts after reading about more engine noise associated with a full synthetic.

1- Does engine noise increase with the use of a full synthetic?

2- Can I make my own synthetic blend? If so, what ratio of Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 to Pennzoil 5w20 conventional?

Thanks!


If you were to mix it, I'd go with a 50/50 mix or something close. But first try the synthetic straight and see for your self if your motor is a little noisier with it. My guess is that it will be just fine.