switch to syn, new gasket, or continue standard oil?

[sapo]

hello all, long time since i browsed through here last. i am happy with the results of my oil education from a couple years ago - have put 30,000 miles on my tacoma with only three oil changes using M1. the initial UOAs were positive, and i am now just going with it.

now i have just purchased a 1985 toyota 4runner with a nearly new remanufactured engine. the reman has close to 4,000 miles now, and the third oil change is emminent. i would like to switch over to M1 for this truck too, however i have noticed a small oil leak near the front of the block (block/valve cover/water pump interface), and another small leak at the rear of the oil pan.

so my dilema is whether to 1) switch over to M1 now with extended change intervals, 2) use standard oil and change intervals for now, or 3) install a new head gasket myself before using M1. there is advantage that i can see for doing engine /gasket work - it would be an opportune time for me to also upgrade the cam and timing chain guides (these are things that i have planned for this truck eventually, its a project truck). however, if i can put that task off for a while would be best.

so, i am soliciting opinions for the above choices, or if you have other bright ideas please advise. does anyone believe that M1 might actually aid in fixing my leaks, or is it more likely to worsen them? thanks in advance- bk.

 

[LargeCarMan]

Switch over.....your engine is clean inside with only 4K on it. Run the 0-40 Mobil in it or what ever grade your happy with.

 

[sapo]

what do you think about those little leaks though? will synthetic get leak more? i'd rather not make a wetter engine. or do you think the synthetic can eventually swell the gaskets and slow the leaks?

anyone else?

 

[Clyde65]

If you're so concerned about the leaks, why not get some high mileage oil with seal conditioners added? With full synthetic Maxlife, you can have your cake and eat it too.

 

[dave1251]

I had a the same problem when I had a remanufacterd engine. After about 7K the problem cleared up. I dont know why, but I suspect the reason do to oil conditioning the seals. If your problem continues to exist try an HM oil.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[sapo]

dave1251, were you using synthetic oil in your engine when the leaking stopped? if not, it might have been just sludge building up around the leaks.

 

[dave1251]

No it was conventional. What I am saying give it a little more time. Maybe your seals have not fully "swelled" to fit your remanufacterd engine.

 

[sapo]

thanks dave. i am inclined to do as you say. i just went an purchased standard oil for this change. i will monitor for a few thousand more miles before i decide what to do. if the leak does not get worse, or even gets better, i will probably change over to M1 at that time.

 

[jmacmaster]

I'd try tightening the bolts holding on the "block/valve cover/water pump interface" and the oil pan and see if the leaks stop. If they don't, then since the remanufactured engine only has 4,000 miles on it, it seems to me that whoever you bought it from should pay to do what's necessary to stop the leaks. Doesn't the engine have a warranty on it?