switching to synthetic at 140,000

mdwebneck · Nov 2, 2005

I have a 1994 JEEP Cherokee Sport (4WD/4.0L) and finally convinced myself it is time to spend a few more dollars on better oil. My next oil change will come around the end of the year when I suspect my odometer will read ~140,000.

I was told by someone at a local auto parts store that I should use a petro/synthetic blend for at least the next oil change before going strictly to a synthetic oil as the synthetic oil will have my jeep running hotter.

Is there any truth or value to this suggestion?

My driving is typically rush hour hwy driving, but I do go on short day trips occasionally and will take it off road maybe a couple times a year.

Historically, I have always used Pennzoil lubes and either pennzoil or FRAM filters.

Doug C · Nov 2, 2005

IMHO, I would not change from what you have been doing for 140K miles. If you want to change to a higher quality oil filter, you could; but I would NOT change your oil type at this time.

Run hotter? Hmmm, that's odd.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Oldwolf · Nov 3, 2005

I switched to M1EP at 95k miles with no problems. MPG went up about 1 or 2 though.

Virtuoso · Nov 3, 2005

Running hotter is **. You should have no problems switching oil types, usually; but it's always good to stick to one regimne.

JHZR2 · Nov 3, 2005

no issues... Ive done it MANY times at mileages a lot higher!!! No issues.

JMH

TallPaul · Nov 3, 2005

If the engine is not leaking you probably will be fine. My understanding is that the first one or two OCIs with synthetic will dirty up quicker as it will initiate some cleaning action. So on that note, might want to run the lowest priced synthetic first and, once clean, get the good stuff. Group III seemed to do some cleaning for me the first time I used synthetic in a 100,000 mile car.

mdwebneck · Nov 3, 2005

Thanks for the input, the question I wanted answered was should I bother with mixing petroleum based oils with synthetics for the next oil change, or just switch outright?

It would be nice to see my mpg increase, though for a 6cyl, I have no complaints with my mixed driving 18+mpg . I just don't want to bring any unnecessary shock into the system.

mdwebneck · Nov 3, 2005

tallpaul
ok, yea, I've heard that, use cheap synthetics but a good filter and cut the change cycle in half.

Mr Nice · Nov 3, 2005

With that many miles, I would use Chevron Delo.

TallPaul · Nov 3, 2005

quote:

Thanks for the input, the question I wanted answered was should I bother with mixing petroleum based oils with synthetics for the next oil change, or just switch outright?

I think either way would be fine. You could put a quart of Redline in with conventional, but I think a full load of Group III will do more than just the one quart of Redline because of the dilution factor.

Cheap synth: Maybe Walmart Supertech

Steve S · Nov 3, 2005

TallPaul GP III ond PAO oils in them selves really don't clean. the ester oils clean . I would keep on what you are doing . If you want to spend extra $$$ do 2 auto R/X treatments as per the instructions sheet.That would be way better. The pure base oil is all that is needed .

NewGuy · Nov 3, 2005

Why not choose a HM oil instead? We have seen some good wear numbers with them and they claim to have added detergency and anti-wear additives vs. conventional oils. The seal swelling additives might be a plus if the detergents clean a brittle gasket and expose a leak. Plus they are 1/2 the cost of a synthetic. Advance Auto has Castrol HM for $2.44/qt right now. Just a thought!!

merlin64 · Nov 3, 2005

Just stick with conventional. Heck, you already got 140k out of it. Use conventional and save the difference compared to syn for a new engine!

Winston · Nov 3, 2005

Spend you money on two ARX cycles. That will get you more bang for your buck.

Spector · Nov 3, 2005

No need to go gradual but I also agree with many above who said why bother, if it ain't broke don't fix it now.

mdwebneck · Nov 3, 2005

THis is the first time I've had a vehicle past 140,000. The last 3 vehicles either started nickle&diming me to death or they weren't worth investing in past that point.
I would very much like to get at least another 60k before considering replacing the cherokee with a bigger SUV.
{I'm 73" tall w/ a 37" leg length and barely fit}
Since the brakes have been the only recurring liability on this vehicle and I just replaced the entire cooling system, I figured I'm in for the long haul now. Wanted to start doing now what I could to ensure my investment was going to last that long. (i.e. Bosch plugs/wires etc)

97tbird · Nov 3, 2005

use a good HM oil, like already suggested.
No use for syn. oil, imo.
switching to syn.oil at that age "might" cause leaks due to syn. "cleaning" out the seals...sometimes that's a (+), but can cause oil consumption.
if dino worked well so far, I would stay with it, or just go to an HM oil.

mdwebneck · Nov 3, 2005

Winston
pardon my ignorance, but I'm not familiar with the ARX acronym(?)

What does it stand for?

(in my CADD world,
arx = Autocad Runtime eXtension)

MarkC · Nov 3, 2005

You'll get way more than another 60K out of your Jeep if you want to.
I don't think you'll have any problems with switching to any oil you want to.

Like was stated above the various HM oils are a good deal. I use one in my 96 Cherokee and have good wear numbers.
BTW I'm also 73" tall and I fit in mine just fine!

BIGJ552000 · Nov 3, 2005

Here you go about the ARX acronym.
http://www.auto-rx.com/

switching to synthetic at 140,000

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