"oil" again.....

[VTX]

I did an extensive search but didn't find any posts about my question ?
I currently running Penzoil Platinum / Walmart filter combo. My change interval is about 4-4500 mi.
I've been hearing a lot of positive comments about Motorcraft Syn. blend (5w20).
Would there be any issues changing "back" to the sny. blend ? The Motorcraft oil is much less expensive.

Thx. for the comments.
VTX

[k757]

couple of things. follow the maintenance minder system, that will jump your oil interval to ~7k miles. Then when you change to synthetic, I believe that also increases the mileage interval as it doesn't break down as quickly.

[speedlever]

Originally Posted by k757

couple of things. follow the maintenance minder system, that will jump your oil interval to ~7k miles. Then when you change to synthetic, I believe that also increases the mileage interval as it doesn't break down as quickly.

Keith,

Are you saying that the MM knows that you are using synthetic oil and will lengthen the change interval?

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by speedlever

Keith,

Are you saying that the MM knows that you are using synthetic oil and will lengthen the change interval?

The Maintenance Minder is calibrated for dino oil only. Running synthetic oil and using the MM will still result in oil change interval between 6K and 7K depending on driving style.

[Binky]

Originally Posted by speedlever

Keith,

Are you saying that the MM knows that you are using synthetic oil and will lengthen the change interval?

The MM factors various driving characteristics such as RPM, driving interval distances and calculates the optimal time to perform certain maintenance activities.

It does not monitor engine oil characteristics, nor does it "know" what type oil is used.

[speedlever]

MikeT and Binky,

That's what I thought. But Keith's post seemed to indicate otherwise.

At 1000 miles, my MM was showing 80% remaining... so it looks like my preference and the MM will coincide at 5000 miles for the first change.

[k757]

Originally Posted by k757

couple of things. follow the maintenance minder system, that will jump your oil interval to ~7k miles. Then when you change to synthetic, I believe that also increases the mileage interval as it doesn't break down as quickly.

Originally Posted by speedlever

That's what I thought. But Keith's post seemed to indicate otherwise.

Sorry I wasn't clear on my meaning. By using the MM, 3-4k mile old-school oil changes are a thing of the past. I followed the MM and my oil changes were at ~7k miles. Also, don't listen to service advisors saying that the MM is not a good thing and you need 3k or 4k mi oil changes.. they are looking to scare you and increase their bottom line.

With Synthetic, the MM will not recalibrate to account for the extra life of the synthetic. To adjust for this, when you get to (say for example) 3k miles, reset the MM and then when it gets to talking to you again, then you know you'll be about right for the synthetic change.

[arteegee]

Originally Posted by speedlever

At 1000 miles, my MM was showing 80% remaining... so it looks like my preference and the MM will coincide at 5000 miles for the first change.

It won't and that is too soon anyway. The breakin oil especially needs to stay in till the MM says change it.

[VTX]

Perhaps I wasn't clear either....
Better stated forget the MM or even Honda for a second, just think of most "modern engines".
When you use a "pure" synthetic , can you switch back to a syn. blend or even dino ?
I wanted to try Motorcraft 5w20 syn. blend. I've been using Penzoil Platinum.

Thx, VTX

[shovelhd]

As long as they're both API certified (they are), I don't see a problem, but my name is not Bob. I used the Motorcraft $11.50 semi-syn in my wife's Pilot with no issues.