Switching from Dyno to Synthetic

[goldwing]

Just recently purchased a 1999 Acura TL with 59,000 miles. The original owner had all maintence receipts. The Acura dealer was doing all oil changes with 5w30 Valveoline at 7,500 miles. This is the weight and change interval recommended by the manufacture Honda.

I would like to switch to Mobil 1 Synthetic but not sure if this is a good choice based on the mileage and present diet of this engine. I don't want the seals to start leaking.

I tried searching for past info from previous post but couldn't locate the info. Please provide your feedback and suggestions.

 

[TallPaul]

The mileage is plenty low enough for a switch to synthetic. I don't think the mileage is the issue as much as the crud buildup and how it has affected the seals, which is why very high mileage older cars will more likely have leak issues with synthetic. In your case you might want to do the Auto-Rx treatment and rinse cycles before the switch. Not absolutely necessary, but Auto-Rx likely would make for a nice transition. First OCI on the synthetic may do some cleaning anyway, but that might shorten the first synthetic OCI. Hey did you see the Mobil 1 coupon in the Pep Boys calendars? Buy three, get three free. Stock up on the coupons at a buck a calendar.

 

[SWS]

I have an '00 Honda Odyssey with 3.5L V-6 - perhaps an engine similar to yours. I always had the oil & filter changed at the dealer every 3750 miles or 3-4 months, using Valvoline 5w30. I decided to switch to Mobil 1 5w30 at 52K miles about 7 months ago. I ran the first batch of Mobil 1 for 3 months, and now have 4 months on the second batch. Thus far I have been pleased with Mobil 1. As has been noted previously on this site, and maybe by Mobil as well, I observed that the first batch of Mobil 1 got dark, but not black, after a few months. The second batch of Mobil 1 is staying clearer after 4 months. I am planning a 6 month OCI, and it looks like this will be successful. Note that, to me, the color-shift of the oil matters so I change it by mileage, time in service, and color-shift. My cars mostly see in-town, stop-and-go driving.

It is starting to get cold here in TN, so it will be interesting to see if the benefits of synth, such as improved cold flow, faster pump-up on start-ups, etc will be realized.

Best Wishes as you motor along!

 

[Al]

I'd say you got good advice on the above posts. I don't see any issues. I think the Auto-Rx would be a good move also, but not totally necessary. And as was mentioned..shorten the OCI on the first change.

 

[goldwing]

Thanks for the prompt responses. Bought a jug of 5W30 M1 at Walmart tonight. Plan of using OEM filters. Dealer wants 10.00 for a filter. I can order them off Net for 5.50.

I am going to do an oil analysis on the 5-30 Valveoline and see how well it has performed at the 7500 mile change interval used by the cars original owner.

I will also send in another sample when I replace the first batch of M1 around 3,000 miles.

 

[goldwing]

This is a used oil analysis from the original owners oil change regiment. He was following Honda's recommendations per the owners manual. I switched over to M1 5X30 the same day I purchased the vehicle. "Let the Cleaning begin."

Your comments regarding the used oil analysis are welcome.

BLACKSTONE LABS 
OIL Report 



Report Date 12/20/04 Sample Date 11/27/04
Oil Change Interval 7,500 miles
Make & Model 1999 Honda Acura 3.2 TL 6 cyl.
Oil Brand Valvoline All Climate 5w30 conventional Dealers Special Bulk Blend.

Blackstone Labs Comments 
Iron wear was a little higher than we normally find for the Honda engine but was not necessarily high enough to suggest a mechancial fault. Instead we think it read high due to your long change interval. Most samples we see from this engine have been run about 4300 miles, and it's normal for iron to increase the longer you run the oil. All other wear accumulations appear normal. No harmful contamination found 
The TBN read 0.3, so the oil contained very little active additive. If you want to run longer oil changes, you may want to try a different type of oil. 









Unit Location Averages Univ Avg 
Aluminum 5 5 3
Chromium 1 1 1 
Iron 26 26 11 
Copper 13 13 18 
Lead 0 0 5 
Tin 1 1 1 
Molybdenum 0 0 43 
Nickel 0 0 0 
Manganese 0 0 0 
Silver 0 0 0 
Tinanium 0 0 0 
Potassium 0 0 1 
Boron 0 0 37 
Silicon 23 23 12 
Sodium 5 5 7 
Calcium 2081 2081 2236 
Mangnesium 5 5 157 
Phosphorus 812 812 834 
Zinc 1038 1038 969 
Barium 0 0 0 

Normal values Tested Values
sus vis 210F 54-61 56.8
flashpoint in F >365 380
Fuel %  Antifreeze % 0 0.0
Water %  Insolubles% <0.6 0.5

 

[Amkeer]

That uoa is a prime reason why you use a synthetic for extended drains. Those miles on a bulk oil do not correlate. Of course if its a lease or you do not keep vehicles more than 3-5 years, then what does it matter.

Good choice on the oil. You can get a Wix filter for $5.

Daily Drives:
-2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner,2.7 liter, 4 cylinder, Mobil 1 5w30 ODO 12200
-1995 Toyota 4-Runner,3.0 liter,6 cylinder, Mobil 1 10w30 ODO 93000
http://community.webshots.com/user/amkeer

 

[Matt89]

Looks to me that the Valvoline conventional did 'surprisingly well' for a 7500 mile drain.

Frankly I would have expected much worse!