Using Auto-Rx with Synthetic

[Crusader]

Just wondering about the what, why & how re: Auto-Rx is not to be used with synthetic oil issue. From what I've been able to gather it just takes longer. So . . how much longer? Just changed the oil on my 234,000 mile 93 Civic with Mobil 1 5w30 "Tri Synthetic" yes the "Older Stuff". It consumes roughly a quart every 3,000 miles. OCI are 7500 to at times 15,000 miles at an uper limit.

Yes the engine is the original, with a new head gasket, auto tyranny is all original in case you're wondering. Planning on driving this car well past 500,000 possibly beyond.

So should I hold off on the Auto-Rx until the next oil change and go with recommended dino oil or go with a longer initial wash phase?

 

[Mystic]

It is okay to use synthetic oil in the cleaning phase-they want you to use nonsynthetic during the rinse phase. I can see a problem with cars like the Corvette where synthetic oil is required. Really, a person would be better off using Auto-RX from the time the car or truck is new and just doing a maintenance dose. Probably cleanings would not be required as often.

 

[Shelby]

When you changed the gasket did you see any sludge? I personally would use cheap dino oil and at least two applications with a car that old. How's the PCV?

 

[Crusader]

I wasn't the one to change the head gasket. That was changed by an independent shop around the 130,000 mile mark or so. I recently adjusted the valves and I did see a moderate amount of dark deposits on the top end but nothing that I would consider excessive. Honestly I'm not sure of the PCV status.

I did have some Napa Dino 20w-50 oil that I used last summer and it did seem to slow down oil consumption.

 

[Marco Esquandoles]

Quote:

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It is okay to use synthetic oil in the cleaning phase-they want you to use nonsynthetic during the rinse phase. I can see a problem with cars like the Corvette where synthetic oil is required. Really, a person would be better off using Auto-RX from the time the car or truck is new and just doing a maintenance dose. Probably cleanings would not be required as often.

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You are the first person (AFAIK) I've ever seen say Synthetic is OK for the rinsing phase. I don't think even Frank has said this.

I know for the cleaning phase they want a good dino to keep the add pack in synthetics from conflicting with the auto-rx. I'd assume the same for the rinse phase...

 

[dbdeland]

Marco Esquandoles,

Click on this link Maintenance Test Results page#2 it will give you more information on group 111 oils and Auto-Rx usage.

 

[RD400]

Quote:

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You are the first person (AFAIK) I've ever seen say Synthetic is OK for the rinsing phase. I don't think even Frank has said this.

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That's not what he said - read it again.

From what I've read, Frank's instructions of a 1500 mile cleaning phase is OK with a synthetic oil. It used to be a shorter clean cycle with mineral oil, but over time results have shown the 1500 mile interval to work best for all applications. Just trying to keep it simple in general.

The rinse phase cannot be 'true' synthetic (whatever that definition is now).

 

[dargo]

I would like to know what about group 4 and 5 oils.

Also it looks like a synthetic is okay for rinse now.

http://www.auto-rx.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1177

 

[RD400]

dbdeland - I think you wanted to post this link

 

[RD400]

Group IV and V oils are true synthetics and should not be used for Auto-Rx rinsing.

Group III 'synthetics' such as Pennzoil Platinum are actually highly refined mineral oils and are fine to use with Auto-Rx in the MAINTENANCE DOSE, as shown in the above link. Use non-synthetic for rinsing.

edited for spellin'

 

[dargo]

I wish someone would clarify what, on their site, is ok and what is not. The synthetic part is "okay" and then the group 4 or 5 are not. Confused…since anything above a group 3 is called a synthetic.

 

[blmqzjc]

I was under the impression that if you are using dino for normal ARX applications, the mileage is 1500 for clean and 2000 for rinse. If you insist on using synthetic, bump up the clean to 2000 and the rinse to 3000 miles. But if at all possible, you should rinse with dino.

Some folks who have cars that require synthetic (like my 1.8T Passat) are scared to death to use anything but synthetic. However, in my ARX application I chose to use dino for 1500 mile clean and 2000 mile rinse. My rationale was that dino in that engine for 2000 miles ain't going to hurt it, and I wanted maximum possible benefits from my ARX application, which dino provides.

 

[dargo]

I agree but those with Vetts, Vipers, SLR's etc have synthetic from day 1. I do not "insist" more like this is what is mandated.

I have the directions in front of me and dino is needed (per ARX). So, that is out and looking to other items......

 

[BrianWC]

No it's not. Use group III synthetic. The problem is esters mixed in with group IV/V oils. Where are you overseas? Try Shell Helix Ultra. For what it's worth, my car mandates synth and I did 2 apps of arx with no trouble and it cleaned a lot of crud out. I'm about to start using the maintenance dose starting with my next oil change in a week or two. I'll be using my regular synth...or maybe Pennzoil Platinum, which is essentially the same base oil as Shell Helix Ultra.

 

[Frank]

Group111 Oils are fine for cleaning & rinse cycle. We tested them and put results on www.auto-rx.com &"Bitog" Speaking for myself only I still like "Dino"

No I have not finished testing "High Mileage-Full Synthetic Oils" we are in the process. Results will be posted.