I know it's not a fishing topic but... I started using Mobil 1 synthetic oil in my truck, and ever since I did, I now have an oil leak. I talked to a tech at Mobil and he said it's because the synthetics flow so much better due to the oil molocules being spheres instead of different shapes in conventional oils. Has anyone else experienced this? I want to keep using synthetics, because I tow alot and want the added protection,but leaking oil at $5 a quart gets spendy. Thanks for any advice, and sorry for getting off the fishing topics.

If you developed a leak after you changed over its because the old oil had gummed up the leak before and you didn't know it. If your going to run Synthetic oil run Amsoil its the best on the marked and you get Extended change intervals with their filters. I run a powerstroke diesel and I change my oil every 30,000 miles and my filters every 15,000 miles. Now at about $110 for a change and two filters. I save alot of money per year versus a change every 5,000. Plus it takes 15 quarts per change.

Would recommend to get the oil leak fixed. The leak was inevideble.The synthetic oil just pointed it out. As for better protection, your still better off using regular motor. Oil additives now days are better than before and will have just as good "protection" when changed at regular intervals. If you drive a vehicle with quite a bit of miles on it, changing oil at the scheduled intervals will help you keep an eye on the motor. The best protection for an engine that tows quite frequently is to get rid of heat!!! Examples: larger radiator, aux. tranny cooler, cool air blower fan for the egine compartment, go 10 degree cooler on the t-stat..as long as it won't affect the EFI system.

Robert

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"DO THE WILD THANG"

Synthetics can have a seal compatability problem. To me it's not worth the risk. I'm not saying all synthetics have problems, but petroleum based products are preferred.

As good as new petroleum based motor oils (SL rated) are, synthetics are better at their job. Period. Are they worth the extra cost? Depends on the situation. Are they better at lubricating at extremes temperatures? Yes,far superior.

Synthetics keep your engine far cleaner, let it run cooler, and protect it better during cold starts and high temperatures.

As far as running synthetics longer drain intervals, I wouldn't. Two reasons. 1) If your vehicle is under warranty, you MUST change your oil at the designated intervals, to keep your warranty intact. 2) While the oil is still capable of lubricating, it will have contaminates that the oil filter is not capable of removing, such as fuel and microfine dirt and carbon particles. The only way to remove them from your engine, is to remove the oil, no matter what kind of oil you use.

As far as leaks and rings not seating because of synthetics, I can tell you that General Motors uses Mobil 1 full synthetic as a factory fill on all Corvettes, SS Camaros and GMC Denali SUVs, with no ring seating or seal problems. They use synthetics in these high perfomance vehichles, because it is better. If you own one, you must use Mobil 1 or equivalant to keep your warranty intact. The only oils that are equivalant are all synthetics. No standard petroleum based oil meets the GM designation.

The best thing you can do is change your oil and filter regularly and use the proper viscosity oil. I would also suggest you use a factory oil filter such as AC/Delco for General Motors, Motorcraft for Ford and Mopar for Dodge. Cut a Fram filter apart sometime and you will see why.
Hope this helps.