180k, would you change to synthetic

[Moon]

The other thread about putting synthetic in older vehicles didn't help me. My situation is: 93 chevy w 180k on it. Engine runs fine. Oil pressure remains in the high 50's.
I'm just coming around to synthetics. After 10k on my new car I switched. I now get 1/2 mile more per gallon. This is calculated by the onboard computer not me.
I like the lower running temp and easier cold starts. I would like to switch the chevy, but don't want to cause myself headaches. With a vehicle as old as my truck and with 180k miles would you make the switch to synthetic. I'm asking for your opinions please.
Thanks,
Moon of Ohio

 

[fgross335_2210]

I would not switch to 100% synthetic, likely to cause leaks after that many miles. You might try a blended oil (50/50) for one oil change keeping a close eye out for any leaks.

Also, don't be surprised if the oil gets dirty extremely fast, you will flush out a lot of gunk with the syn oil. Might need to change again after 500 or so miles.........

 

[KennyV]

Moon …
It’s never too late to stop wear with a superior lube… Switch to synthetic, if you don’t like it for any reason /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, switch back…

I have in years past switched after over 100k miles /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Synthetic has a smaller molecule so you ‘may’ get some weapage at old gaskets, but you may not. Switch it can Not hurt. KennyV.

 

[gsxr1100]

Have you owned it from mile 0.00? How is the past engine history?

 

[Moon]

No, I have not owned it since day 1. It had over 100k on it when I got it. It had a fuel pump / fuel line problem. Once that was fixed it's been A OK. Doesn't use a noticible amount of oil between the 3000 mile changes. No engine problems whatsoever. It's a Siverado 4x4, 350 1/2 ton. Not a daily driver, in case that might make a difference. I use it for towing (6k max).
Like most, I'd like to extend the life of it. One mechanic thought it could make things to slippery inside, but didn't elaborate. Don't understand how that could cause a problem for a basic 350 setup.
Thanks for all of the replies!

Moon of Ohio

 

[RalphVa]

I've switched all 3 vehicles recently to Mobil 1, no leaks from any of them. The Benz with nearly 189,000 miles was showing "diesel poop" specs on the garage floor before the switch. No diesel poop so far. (Actually, minute oil leaks, those diesel poops.)

Toyota has 129,000 miles. VW Cabrio has about 76,000 miles. Toyota is getting 3% better mileage, VW Cabrio maybe a little bit more. Can't tell on the Benz yet. The Toyota seems to have more hp now. It's my highest hp engine at 140 hp. Benz is 65; VW is 115.

The Gravely oil got dark fairly quickly the first 2 changes on Mobil 1. Now, it stays fairly clear. Can't tell on the autos and truck yet.

Ralph

 

[KennyV]

Ralph…
Mobil 1 is an excellent choice… The most miles I ever put on an engine was on my 73 Ford PU. When I sold it I had just a little over 387k miles, the last 310,000 were with mobil 1.That engine 390, never gave me any problems, other than water and fuel pumps. KennyV.

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Ralph…
Mobil 1 is an excellent choice… The most miles I ever put on an engine was on my 73 Ford PU. When I sold it I had just a little over 387k miles, the last 310,000 were with mobil 1. )</font>

KennyV,

At that kind of mileage, I'd be running Centrum Silver /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KennyV]

Brian...
You are SOOOO right … that was a great /forums/images/graemlins/cool.giftruck. KennyV.

 

[SeymourBota]

Some people report developing leaks in older engines but not all. No question it would be your answer but there is probably at least a little risk.
How about a good quality synthetic blend??

Way back when... there was just Mobil 1 and Amsoil, and I used Mobil 1. Then they developed standards for labeling these products and I found out that my Mobil 1 "synthetic" was actually about 94% 'carrier oil' meaning it was just their standard dino stock. That angered me and I switched to Castrol Syntec, but they buy most of their stock from Mobil now anyway.

I am now an Amsoil customer and am exceptionally pleased with their products.