Switching to synthetic in 235K + engine?

[oilcan55]

Have a 98 Ford Expedition w/235k using Valvoline 5-30 in the winter and 10-40 in the summer. Uses about a quart every 1k if I keep it below 65mph, otherwise about a qt every 500mi.

97 Dodge 1500 w/245k miles using Pennzoil 5w30 which may use a quart every 3500 miles if I push it hard.

Was thinking about switching to SuperTech synthetic in both vehicles but hesitating because of possible problems in such well used engines. Maybe a blend would be better, or not worth the chance of switching. The only strict rule I previously adhered to with previously used vehicles is to change it every 3-5k depending on use, and not to change the brand of oil as my belief is the difference in oil brand additives can cause sludge.

 

[getnpsi]

Id go to pennzoil platinum in the dodge, and run the cheapest oil I could find in the Ford. Spending more on oil in a burner like that is throwing money away. You could also try the auto-rx treatment in the Ford and see if it helps, if the truck runs fine aside from the consumption.

 

[tig1]

Try the Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 year round. It's a very stout oil that will resist burn off, help clean coked rings that can cause oil consumption. Check it out. It's good stuff for your needs.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I'd run what got you here. Why change?

Also I've run everything under the sun and no sludge so that old wife's tale can die.

Using a quart every 500 miles the last thing I'd want to do is run a high priced oil.

Save your money for the rebuild on the Ford!

IF you want to change I'd recommend the normal Maxlife oil.

As far as the Dodge, again run what got you there!

Take care, bill

PS:

 

[02zx9r]

agree, keep using what you been using

 

[Steve S]

Stay the course.

 

[JHZR2]

Ive done it multiple times at >200k miles and >20 years old.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Try the Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 year round. It's a very stout oil that will resist burn off, help clean coked rings that can cause oil consumption. Check it out. It's good stuff for your needs.


I will second this advise if you want to run synthetic!

 

[TurboLuver]

I agree with the others, dance with who brung ya.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Try the Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 year round. It's a very stout oil that will resist burn off, help clean coked rings that can cause oil consumption. Check it out. It's good stuff for your needs.


That's what I'm running in my oil consumer (10w30 grade) to see if I can eventually slow it down. If not, I'll switch back to conventional and keep it that way.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Really don't think a Saturn engine will ever stop using/burning oil. HM 10-40 is a better choice for this engine.

 

[bubbatime]

10w30/10w40 High Mileage Oil in both vehicles. Probably SuperTech brand because of the consumption.

I never understood why people take a car with over 200K miles, all on dino, and then want to one day switch it to synthetic oil??? Makes no sense to me.

 

[crazyoildude]

Ok so your engines lasted over 200,000 miles on valvoline and Pennzoil Conventional now you want to change to synthetic??
Dont!

 

[crazyoildude]

I agree with bill save your money although those engines on the ford are pretty good i bet you will still be burning that quart after another 75,000 miles

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
Ok so your engines lasted over 200,000 miles on valvoline and Pennzoil Conventional now you want to change to synthetic??
Dont!



+1


Don't bother...

 

[jorton]

Why is it ok to use 5w30 in an old car? I tore down 1 engine from my first car but didn't measure clearances. In a 200k mile engine are bearing clearances so close spec that thicker oil isn't necessary?

 

[ThirdeYe]

I'm with Bill on this one. MaxLife or use what you used to use, and put the savings towards getting that engine fixed.

 

[joel95ex]

I would run Pennzoil Conventional in both and maybe some MMO or ARX if you think the rings are clogged. I have switched on vehicles with more miles than that with no problems. I just did a 50/50 mix of Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil Conventional for a complete OCI, then full PP after that. I would focus on cleaning it up whether it is with an additive or a syn like PP. that will probably help if the previous OCIs were in the 4k range.

 

[sangyup81]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
Ok so your engines lasted over 200,000 miles on valvoline and Pennzoil Conventional now you want to change to synthetic??
Dont!


Consider me one of those ppl who are risking it.

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. Went 220k miles on mystery dealer oil, then Formula Shell, then Pennzoil conventional. All 5w30s, all done by mechanics.

I switched to DIY and decided to go synthetic since the cost difference at a mechanic and the cost difference to me now is so much better for me now.

Went 8k on Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 and am now 3k into a Mobil 1 0w30 fill.

If switching after 200k is bad, I will let you all know.

 

[jstutz]

personally, i would run 10w40 conventionals and maybe go to the high mileage formulas as they tend to be a little thicker and stouter. just my thoughts. As a comparison i have a 1500 chevy with the 4.3 that has run rotella most of its life. It has 215000 miles on it. It used to burn a litte oil, about a quart every 3k. Toward the last 50k miles or so i started running some lighter oils in it becuase i just felt like the HDEO was not necessary. Anyway, the point of my story is i ran some Mobil 1 10w30 High Mileage in it and for whatever reason the oil consumption had all but stopped. I have some on sale dino that i picked up in the last 6 months that im gonna use up, then it will probably have a steady diet of the Mobil 1 High Mileage oils. Not sure how it burned up the 15w40 but not the 10w30High Mileage. It did have valve stem seal seeping so maybe the High Mileage oil sofened them up or something. Sorry to hear that your trucks are using so much oil, maybe you got a stuck ring or something.