Synthetic oil in new V6 accord? Is it worth it?

> wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> TWW wrote:
> > > wrote in message
> > oups.com...
>
> > You should wait until the engine is broken in before you change to
> > synthetic. At least to 10k miles.
>
> That information applies only to very old engine designs whose piston
> rings need more friction to seat properly. It doesn't apply to anything
> made in the past 15-20 years, and some cars, such as Corvettes, come
> from the factory with Mobil 1 synthetic in them. See the answer to the
> 5th question in the following FAQ from 1996:
>
Have no idea that you are right or not. Just followed the recommendations
of the dealer's mechanics. I do note that my Prelude used oil at about 1 qt
every 1500 miles until about 10 miles or so and then slowed to a qt every 3k
by the time I got to 20k. From what other Prelude owners say, this is
quite normal. I would say then that the Prelude falls into the "older"
design you mention.

> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
> All
> Synthetic Oil
> auto
>
> The following is quoted from Mobil Oil's fact sheet about its Mobil 1
> synthetic oils. Call 1-800-ASK-MOBIL for more information.
>
>
> Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE OIL WHEN USING MOBIL 1?
>
> A: A number of factors influence oil change frequency, including
> your driving habits, typical road conditions and environmental
> conditions. We recommend that you follow the oil and filter
> change frequencies shown in your owner's manual, especially
> during the warranty period. The excellent protection you get from
> Mobil 1 gives you the confidence to go the full length of the
> mileage or time frame recommended for changes by the
> manufacturer.
>
> Q: WHY DOESN'T MOBIL CLAIM 25,000 MILE DRAIN INTERVALS ANY MORE?
>
> A: Each auto manufacturer develops and specifies oil and filter
> requirements for their vehicles. Mobil respects their oil drain
> recommendations and does not want to put the consumer in a
> position that is in conflict with the auto manufacturer
> recommendations. While Mobil 1 has given excellent results in
> extended oil drain tests, we prefer to remain conservative with
> our oil drain recommendations. We recommend that you can go all
> the way to the maximum mileage or time shown in your owner's
> manual for oil changes when using Mobil 1.
>
> This allows the reserve protection capabilities of Mobil 1 to
> cover unusual or unexpected driving conditions.
>
> Q: WHAT VISCOSITY GRADE SHOULD I USE? WILL A HIGHER VISCOSITY GRADE
> (15W-50) PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION?
>
> A: Mobil recommends that you follow your engine manufacturer's
> recommendations as indicated in the owner's manual. For maximum
> wear protection and maximum fuel economy, use the lightest oil
> viscosity that is recommended by the engine manufacturer for the
> temperature range expected. Heavier oils lower fuel economy and
> rob horsepower. For normal driving conditions, 5W-30 and 10W-30
> are the primary current recommendations of automotive
> manufacturers.
>
> Q: DO I NEED TO FLUSH MY ENGINE BEFORE CONVERTING TO MOBIL 1?
>
> A: No. There is no special preparation necessary when converting
> from conventional oil to Mobil 1. In fact, Mobil 1 is compatible
> with conventional oil should it be necessary to mix the two.
> However, the superior performance characteristics of Mobil 1 will
> be reduced by diluting it with conventional oil.
>
> Mixing different types of synthetic oils is not recommended since
> different oils may be composed of different types of synthetic
> stocks. Change the oil and filter before changing from another
> synthetic oil to Mobil 1.
>
> Q: WHEN CAN I START USING MOBIL 1? CAN MOBIL 1 BE USED IN AN OLDER
> VEHICLE?
>
> A: You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time. In
> fact, Mobil 1 is the factory fill for the Corvette LT-1 and LT-5
> engines. One of the myths that persists about Mobil 1 is that new
> engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. Current
> engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in
> period. As the decision by the engineers who design the Corvette
> engine indicates, Mobil 1 can be used in an engine from the day
> you drive the car off the showroom floor.
>
> Mobil 1 can be used in older vehicles with high mileage on them.
> However, in older vehicles, if there is a problem with oil
> consumption or leakage, it may not be economically wise to
> convert it to Mobil 1 until such mechanical problems have been
> corrected.
>
> Q: WILL THE USE OF MOBIL 1 VOID MY NEW CAR WARRANTY?
>
> A: Absolutely not. Mobil 1 exceeds the API engine oil service
> requirements of all new car manufacturers. This includes both
> American and foreign-made autos. The only exception to this is
> the Mazda RX-7 rotary engine which recommends against using any
> synthetic oil.
>
> Q: CAN I OR SHOULD I USE ADDITIVE SUPPLEMENTS AND/OR ENGINE
> TREATMENTS WITH MOBIL 1?
>
> A: We DO NOT recommend the use of any additive supplements or engine
> treatments with Mobil 1. Mobil 1 has been formulated to greatly
> exceed the most severe industry and engine manufacturers'
> requirements. Using additive supplements will not improve the
> long-term performance of Mobil 1, and our tests indicated that
> use may actually degrade product performance. The American
> Petroleum Institute (API) and American Automobile Manufacturers
> Association (AAMA) have stated that "certified oils eliminate the
> need for supplemental engine oil additives."
>
> Tests have shown that some additive supplements may significantly
> alter the performance and properties of any lubricant. In
> several cases, additive supplements have been detrimental to
> viscosity, storage stability and reduced protection against the
> formation of deposits.
>

Eric wrote:
> My 1991 Accord on 420000 miles with Syn. oil since day one still running
> strong. Is it worth

what's your change schedule?

>
> > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>
>>jim beam wrote:
>>
wrote:
>>>
>>>>TWW wrote:
>>>>
> wrote in message
glegroups.com...
>>
>>>>>You should wait until the engine is broken in before you change to
>>>>>synthetic. At least to 10k miles.
>>
>>>>That information applies only to very old engine designs whose piston
>>>>rings need more friction to seat properly. It doesn't apply to
>
> anything
>
>>>>made in the past 15-20 years, and some cars, such as Corvettes, come
>>>>from the factory with Mobil 1 synthetic in them.
>>>
>>>have you ever heard of product placement?
>>
>>I wouldn't rule it out, but I mentioned this only to show that 100%
>>synthetic could be safely used in a brand new engine.
>>
>>
>>>for contrast, dig around in the scion [toyota] web site & get their
>>>recommendation on the use of synthetics. basically, they say don't
>>>bother.
>>
>>John M. Feiereisen used to post the same, and he wrote with authority:
>>He designed oil additive packages. His recommendation was to use the
>>cheapest oil with a high quality rating (www.api.org certification SJ,
>>SL, etc.) and the right viscosity range, except possibly for
>>turbocharged engines and engines operated in extremely cold climates.
>>
>>
>>>now, which is known for better longevity, chevy or toyota? [rhetorical]
>>
>>In red states or blue states?
>>
>
>
>

TWW wrote:
> > wrote in message
> oups.com...

> You should wait until the engine is broken in before you change to
> synthetic. At least to 10k miles.

> > That information applies only to very old engine designs whose piston
> > rings need more friction to seat properly. It doesn't apply to anything
> > made in the past 15-20 years, and some cars, such as Corvettes, come
> > from the factory with Mobil 1 synthetic in them. See the answer to the
> > 5th question in the following FAQ from 1996:

> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > Q: WHEN CAN I START USING MOBIL 1? CAN MOBIL 1 BE USED IN AN OLDER
> > VEHICLE?
> >
> > A: You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time. In
> > fact, Mobil 1 is the factory fill for the Corvette LT-1 and LT-5
> > engines. One of the myths that persists about Mobil 1 is that new
> > engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. Current
> > engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in
> > period. As the decision by the engineers who design the Corvette
> > engine indicates, Mobil 1 can be used in an engine from the day
> > you drive the car off the showroom floor.

> Have no idea that you are right or not.

See above, written by the world's largest oil company and largest maker
of synthetics. Or you can check the owner's manual or factory TSBs.

> Just followed the recommendations of the dealer's mechanics.

I've found that mechanics, even some of the best, are not reliable
sources of information about automotive chemistry.

> I do note that my Prelude used oil at about 1 qt every 1500
> miles until about 10[K] miles or so and then slowed to a qt
> every 3k by the time I got to 20k. From what other Prelude
> owners say, this is quite normal. I would say then that
> the Prelude falls into the "older" design you mention.

Unless it was from the 1970s, I doubt it was one of the old ones as far
as how the engine was machined goes, and I thought new Hondas were oil
burners only back in the CVCC days when the 3rd valve had no seal. For
over a decade now, car makers have tried to reduce oil consumption
since it wears out the catalytic converter.

wrote:
> TWW wrote:
>
> wrote in message
groups.com...
>
>
>>You should wait until the engine is broken in before you change to
>>synthetic. At least to 10k miles.
>
>
>>>That information applies only to very old engine designs whose piston
>>>rings need more friction to seat properly. It doesn't apply to anything
>>>made in the past 15-20 years, and some cars, such as Corvettes, come
>>>from the factory with Mobil 1 synthetic in them. See the answer to the
>>>5th question in the following FAQ from 1996:
>
>
>>>----------------------------------------------------------
>>>Q: WHEN CAN I START USING MOBIL 1? CAN MOBIL 1 BE USED IN AN OLDER
>>> VEHICLE?
>>>
>>>A: You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time. In
>>> fact, Mobil 1 is the factory fill for the Corvette LT-1 and LT-5
>>> engines. One of the myths that persists about Mobil 1 is that new
>>> engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. Current
>>> engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in
>>> period. As the decision by the engineers who design the Corvette
>>> engine indicates, Mobil 1 can be used in an engine from the day
>>> you drive the car off the showroom floor.
>
>
>>Have no idea that you are right or not.
>
>
> See above, written by the world's largest oil company and largest maker
> of synthetics. Or you can check the owner's manual or factory TSBs.

with respect, the only technical nugget in that, er, "information" is
that it exceeds api specs. other than that, it's a marketing piece
dubbed "safe for consumer consumption", approved by the corporate
lawyers, that leaves you completely in the dark. "it's been blessed by
chevy engineers" is so much b.s., it's just insulting.

>
>
>>Just followed the recommendations of the dealer's mechanics.
>
>
> I've found that mechanics, even some of the best, are not reliable
> sources of information about automotive chemistry.

unlike news groups...

>
>
>>I do note that my Prelude used oil at about 1 qt every 1500
>>miles until about 10[K] miles or so and then slowed to a qt
>>every 3k by the time I got to 20k. From what other Prelude
>>owners say, this is quite normal. I would say then that
>>the Prelude falls into the "older" design you mention.
>
>
> Unless it was from the 1970s, I doubt it was one of the old ones as far
> as how the engine was machined goes, and I thought new Hondas were oil
> burners only back in the CVCC days when the 3rd valve had no seal. For
> over a decade now, car makers have tried to reduce oil consumption
> since it wears out the catalytic converter.
>

jim beam wrote:
> wrote:
> > TWW wrote:

>>>You should wait until the engine is broken in before you change to
>>>synthetic. At least to 10k miles.

>>----------------------------------------------------------
>>Q: WHEN CAN I START USING MOBIL 1? CAN MOBIL 1 BE USED IN AN OLDER
>> VEHICLE?
>>
>>A: You can start using Mobil 1 in new vehicles at any time. In
>> fact, Mobil 1 is the factory fill for the Corvette LT-1 and LT-5
>> engines. One of the myths that persists about Mobil 1 is that new
>> engines require a break-in period with conventional oil. Current
>> engine manufacturing technology does not require this break-in
>> period. As the decision by the engineers who design the Corvette
>> engine indicates, Mobil 1 can be used in an engine from the day
>> you drive the car off the showroom floor.

>>>Have no idea that you are right or not.
> >
> >
> > See above, written by the world's largest oil company and largest maker
> > of synthetics. Or you can check the owner's manual or factory TSBs.

> with respect, the only technical nugget in that, er, "information" is
> that it exceeds api specs. other than that, it's a marketing piece
> dubbed "safe for consumer consumption", approved by the corporate
> lawyers, that leaves you completely in the dark. "it's been blessed by
> chevy engineers" is so much b.s., it's just insulting.

I seriously doubt that Mobil's answers are mere corporate BS since
Mobil/Exxon isn't Amsoil or Slick 50, and Chevy specified synthetic for
that Corvette to eliminate the need for an oil cooler.

>>>Just followed the recommendations of the dealer's mechanics.

> > I've found that mechanics, even some of the best, are not reliable
> > sources of information about automotive chemistry.

> unlike news groups...

Of course.

Some of the wrong chemical information I've heard from otherwise good
mechanics includes:

1. Dexron is always allowed for power steering (Chrysler TSB said
otherwise).

2. Conventional green antifreeze protects better than Dex-cool or
Glysantin.

3. Red Toyota antifreeze is similar to Dex-cool because both are red.

4. 20W-50 or straight 40 should be used in hot climates even when the
manufacturer approves only 5W-30 or 10W-30.

5. Electrical tape won't harm the plastic vacuum hoses found in old
Chryslers.

6. Silicone oil causes vinyl to dry out.

The only problem I now see with synthetic oil, is the oil change
itself.
I normally take my car into a Jiffy lube or let the dealer take care of
it at maintenance intervals. I guess if you use Mobil 1, you have to do
all oil changes yourself.

Techman; do what I do, purchase the oil at any discount parts store,
bring it anywhere you normally would for an oil change,since you are
bringing your own oil, they knock off the cost of their oil from the
oil change


--
lyndab5685
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lyndab5685's Profile: http://Club3series.com563
View this thread: http://fitfreak.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2735
Discussions from http://fitfreak.net