Originally posted by bobdog
I have read articles that have explained why syn is better. I have also seen articles where syn has made a difference on the dyno. I see cleaner oil when I change the oil in the engines I run it in. If you can convince me I am wasting money then that will save me. Hold youself to the same standard you hold others to though and be VERY specific as to your sources.
Sure, I will not argue that a synthetic or synthetic blend is superior to a non-synthetic. I will also not argue that a synthetic will reduce the amount of friction vs. a conventional oil for a longer period of time.
However, if you use a good quality conventional oil and change it within it's recommended intervals (getting rid of it before it's point of becoming less effective and not providing the protection needed), you have achieved your desired goal.
Running a synthetic in tcases, diffs., etc. can be a good thing simply because most people don't change it often if not ever.
(don't ask me why...),
I guess the point I'm trying to make is this: The advantages in running a synthetic or synthetic blend is a real thing, but these advantages are so small in comparison to overall vehicle maintenance and repair, that the typical vehicle owner will never see the benefits long term.
My sources/experience comes form the following:
Phillips 66/Conoco sales rep. training 1993/1994
Phillips 66 Distributor's meetings (annually since my involvement in 1990)
Precision Tune National Training Seminars for Management (2001/2002)
I do not have any literature on this, but then again, this was the stuff that you DON'T talk about when you're expected to sell it to the mass public.
I will say that if I had a nice, high performance car or truck, and I wanted to do everything I could to care for that vehicle and cost is not an issue, I'd run a synthetic blend. If anything, it would make me feel good and it doesn't hurt.
By running these oils, I'm not insinuating that you are throwing your money away. There are benefits as I've mentioned, but will they outweight the cost long term? Thats for you to decide for yourself. I feel it is no, but thats my opinion. Also, the chances of a vehicle developing a terminal failure unrelated to lubricants is a factor that comes into play as well. People will have to wonder or decide if their vehicle will still be owned or even functioning when the long term benefits of a synthetic are realized.
It's not really important anyway, I'm just a punk who was raised by an oil guy and worked in the industry here and there.
If you want REAL data, take samples to Wheeler Machinery and have different oils anylized. You'll get as much info on your oil as you can handle.
