Jon H
05-07-2005 18:51:26
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Re: OT - synthetic oil in reply to Jim.UT, 05-07-2005 11:11:48
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I have used mobil 1 in all my gas engine rigs since the late 70's. The only reason to change at the recommended interval is if the rig is still under warrenty and the maker demands it. I live in a rural area,so most of my driving is on dirt/gravel roads or farm dirt trails,so I run under severe conditions all the time. I first used Mobil 1 in a new 79 Dodge. I was used to changing conventional oil and filter at 2-3,000 miles,so I found it hard to believe the claim of up to 25,000 miles as stated on the old 70's metal Mobil 1 cans. To see if I dared extend oil changes in my heavily loaded and dirty conditions,I had the oil tested at 3-6-9 and 12,000 miles by a Cat oil lab. The first sample said iron was a little high,but might just be new engine break in. The sample at 6-9 and 12,000 miles said the oil was fine,and good for more miles. since that time I have changed the oil and filter at 1 year or 12-14,000 miles without worry. This is everything from the 3L Caravan to the Chevy 3500 with 7.4L. I have some rigs with over 250,000 miles using Mobil 1 and changed at 1 year. Oil consumption on the used high mileage stuff that I have changed to Mobil 1,usually goes down 50% with synthetic oil. The oil keeps it's golden brown color untill 7-8,000 miles. I credit Synthetic Mobil 1's superior oil film as the reason the oil consumption is less and blowby contamination of the oil is much less than with mineral oil. I normall use a good name brand oil filter and change it at 1 year with the oil. The Mobil 1 filter does keep the oil looking clean longer,but I find very few stores stock them. About the only source for Mobil 1 filters is a K mart store 100 miles away,and they do not have a good selection. In our northern climate,my engines have to deal with temps from -40 to 100+ . Mobil 1 gives me easy winter starts with instant oil pressure/engine lube,yet great oil pressure and low consumption even at very high loads and temps. attached is a link to the Mobil site,they have improved the additive package in their oils to cope with longer oil drain intervals. I have old stock still on hand,so have not tried the new stuff,but the site makes it sound very good.
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