Oil change

[Nima]

Hey everyone:
I am in the middle of moving from one place to another therefore I don't have that much time to spend on my truck at these days,unfortunately.
Anyways, there was a thread while ago about different types of oils for these older trucks/engines. It was my undrestanding that most of you prefered synthetic or high milage oils. Now, my question is; I tought oil's job beside lubrication is cleaning the engine, if you use high milage or synthetic oils, how often do you change them? Isn't it better just use regular 10-30 oil but change it more frequently since I aaume these engines make the oil dirty faster?
I appreciate any input.
Thanks

[cdowns]

a quality oilfilter is what really cleans the engine the oil just carries the contaminates to the filter synthetic just does the job alot better for a longer period of time and pays for itself in longer intervals and better gas milage

[72C203503ONTHETREE]

The biggest advantage of synthetic is the resistance to breakdown due to heat. It also is slicker and actually flows better than a lower viscosity normal oil. Mobil 1 15W50 flows better than than regular 10W30 oil but still has the viscosity of 50 weight oil. I still change synthetic at 3,000 miles though, it still has all the same acids and dirt that regular oil has and it needs to be removed. The good thing is that synthetic doesnt break down and become much thinner as it gets used more.

[ChrisK10]

In our '89 GMC with a 350 that has over 170,000 miles, we use 3 quarts of Lucas Oil and 2 quarts of regular motor oil when we change the oil. The reason we use so much Lucas Oil is because the engine is very tired and has been overheated a few times in its life, but it still runs good, just eats some oil. Adding the Lucas Oil makes the engine use less oil for about 1,000 miles and smoke very little. We add regular oil when it gets low. My dad says that he tried several different things to cut back on the smoke and oil consumption, and nothing really worked except Lucas Oil. He swears by it. It's a little expensive, but it works well.

[Nima]

This is gona be off the subject a little. Well what do think about using sythetic oil in newer engine? The reason I asked is, I have a 2003 Nissan Maxima which company recomend 10/30 oil for it. I was debating if I should put synthetic in it!. I thought that might be just waste of money! since the company doesn't recommend it. What you guys think about that?

[sbc350gearhead]

Most true synthetics have a much higher level of detergent/dispersants, and are designed for extended drains. The synthetic basestocks are more resistant to oxidation, and will help keep your engine cleaner. Synthetic esters that are used in most true synthetics, act as a powerful cleaner themselves. Full-flow oil filters really only catch the big stuff........they really don't clean the oil, they simply remove particles that are large enough to cause severe damage to your engine. If you want a filter to actually clean the oil, you have to install a bypass filter.

[72C203503ONTHETREE]

We just bought a 2004 Lancer and I just changed to Mobil 1 15/50 at 900 miles, no problems at all, even runs a little bit cooler at idle. The Nissan will do ok with synthetic. The factory fill on Vettes and on the EVO(and many other hi perf cars) is Mobil 1 synthetic.

[2low72]

is it ok to use 20w/50 in an old worn out motor. mine is about dead but i want to keep the bottom end together as long as possible. and suggestions?

[Nima]

Thanks for the info. I guess i'll switch to synthetic oil.

[69 Short Fleet]

I would NEVER put synthetic oil in a new engine or one that has not been broken in yet! The properties of syn. oil (the strong anti-wear additives) act to "prevent or considerably delay break-in periods". I installed syn. oil in my mom's last Grand Prix she owned @ 65,000 miles and noticed shortly after their was noticeable noise coming from the heads ?!? I now have mixed feelings about it IMO, later Doug