Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Synthetic oils

[RKraft]

I am thinking about switching to synthetic oil. I was wondering if there is a problem to change over now? My truck is 01 24v HO and has 124000 miles on her. One of my co-workers said its a bad idea because it could cause leaks. He claims he change one of his over at about 110k and it washed out the rear main seal, I think it was on an older Chevy car. Any information or opinions are greatly appreciated.



Thank you,

Randy

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Absolutely NO reason NOT to make the change - it's highly unlikely to cause any leaks on so relatively new a truck.



Some REALLY older stuff occasionally had leaking gaskets and seals when switched to synthetics, but the newer stuff should be fine...

 

[Hohn]

Synthetics do NOT cause leaks. However, they may remove the engine sludge that was sealing a pre-existing leak.



You may wish to clean the engine internally before converting to syn, using one of the following products:



Auto-rx--- www.auto-rx.com



Lube Control LC20--- www.lubecontrol.com



Justin

 

[Rman]

modern oils don't sludge up near as much as older multi weights did. The additive packages clean very well. Switching to synthetic shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Diesel Freak]

Switched to synthetic at ~135k



no issues yet

 

[WestTN]

The seals are teflon, so no oil is going to eat them up.

 

[TGibbs]

Switched to Synthetic at 100k no probs yet

 

[Silver_Ram]

Some of the older Chevy motors would have leaked the synthetic oil when it was brand new. I saw it several times, it had something to do with the clearance around the crank & rear main seal.

 

[2-ND TIME]

synthetic oil

Have been using syn oils since 86. I have been using Mobil Oil engine 5w/40, transfer syn ATF and front and rear diff 75W/90,

And yes syn oils will weep from seamingly good seals so a little tightening of the bolts maybe nessecary but very worth it.

 

[RKraft]

Thanks guys, what brands do you recommend? I will switch over to synthetic very soon.



Randy

 

[ProspectorTim]

Thanks guys, what brands do you recommend? I will switch over to synthetic very soon.



Randy

Oh boy - nothing like discussing Politics, Religion, or brand of oil (or automatic transmission vendor)! No doubt you will get several different answers, all "correct".





My choice is Amsoil Series 3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy-Duty Diesel Oil

 

[DAlameda]

I use Red Line synthetic. Polyol Ester Based - Expensive but None better period. There is quite a bit of difference between synthetic oil types. Some are not actually synthetic though they are labeled that way. Red Line is expensive (8. 00+ per quart) but if you put on a bypass oil filter (Amsoil makes a good one) you can go 25K between filter changes and 50K or better between oil changes. Some people never change the oil only the filters at 25K intervals. The Polyol Ester based synthetics are the same as are used in Turbine Aircraft engines and are good for 500 degree + temps and will never wear out only get contaminated. The Bypass filter will filter down to 1/10 of 1 micron and will also remove moisture. Oil still looks new after 15K miles.

 

[Supermod56]

I use Red Line synthetic. Polyol Ester Based - Expensive but None better period. There is quite a bit of difference between synthetic oil types. Some are not actually synthetic though they are labeled that way. Red Line is expensive (8. 00+ per quart) but if you put on a bypass oil filter (Amsoil makes a good one) you can go 25K between filter changes and 50K or better between oil changes. Some people never change the oil only the filters at 25K intervals. The Polyol Ester based synthetics are the same as are used in Turbine Aircraft engines and are good for 500 degree + temps and will never wear out only get contaminated. The Bypass filter will filter down to 1/10 of 1 micron and will also remove moisture. Oil still looks new after 15K miles.

Yep, great stuff if you can fork over the cash. And I have never seen a older Chevy 2-piece rear seal that didn't leak!!! The Cummins has a 1 piece like all of them should have!!