synth oil change interval ??

[slowrodent]

Hi all.
Just a curiosity... My synthetic oil has lost its new ultra-clean look after around 3500 miles, but I'm guessing it's still good-to-go for quite a while longer.. So I'm looking for some input as to what mileage you all use as your SYNTHETIC oil change marker.

thanks much.. Kevin

[gomarlins3]

Whether it is dino oil or synthetic, I change it at 5,000 miles.

[Java Junky]

A couple'a passes down the strip'll turn your oil (Dino 'r Make-believe) darker. No penalty.

[philiam]

Darker color doesn't mean much except the detergent is working. For more info, google, "Bobs the Oil Guy"

[Pablo]

Does the group have a preference, Dino VS Synthetic? I used Castrol Syntec on my 1st oil change and one of mother's own filters. It worked on the bike so did same with stewie

Opinions welcome.

best regards
Pablo

[philiam]

I use Mobil 1, but Castrol has always been good oil so Syntec is probably just a good.

[kgf3076]

Mobil 1 10w-30 full Synthetic. Honda OEM oil filter every 5000 or after a major event..(Monticello Mountain Romp, Gathering in the Garden State, etc)...don't care how many miles since the last change for those...oil is cheap compared to F22c engines.

[controller]

I like to change every 3, but I use Mobil 1 10-30 (non-synthetic). It's an old habit I picked up from domestics and I just can't get myself to drive 5k on oil. I use Napa gold filters.

[slowrodent]

thanks for the responses..
I'm a noob to synthetic oil (sad to say) and I've been curious about what most folks thought.. Also thanks for the discoloration reponses... I'm amazed that some cars are prone to discolor oil sooner than others..
My wife's Saturn (with EcoTec) really discolors the oil quickly... (and don't EVEN get me started about the sloppy oil filter!)

I figure I'll run to at least 5000 miles (actually typed 50000 there..whew!) and then take a look... Thanks a bunch.

[philiam]

"My wife's Saturn (with EcoTec) really discolors the oil quickly... (and don't EVEN get me started about the sloppy oil filter!)"

That tells you something. Filters are not created equally. Plus the Saturn may have a little blow by and need a better air filter. Oil does not wear out. Moisture in the system works to create acid. The chemicals that are added, to make modern oil so much better, eventually break down. Synthetics have an even molecular structure compared to regular oil contributing to better lubricity and longer life. I change the oil once a year in my 89 Civic and 99 Accord. both cars use no oil between changes, have run great and cost very little to maintain. It's recommended that the filter be changed every 6 months. Stewie might benefit from more frequent changes because it is a high performance engine subject to more abuse than normal.

[desmo4]

Redline 10w30 change every 12000 and change filter every 3000 per Redline instructions. Oil comes out the same color it went in.

Jonathan

[Pablo]

Ok, I guess this is a stupid question, but how do ya change the oil at 12K and the filter at 3K? Do ya just drain the oil, change the filter, then put the used oil back again?

OK I've thought about it while writing this....., I guess the oil in the sump does not drain since the oil filter is higher up on the engine. So I guess you just take off the old filter, screw on a new one, then replace about 1/3 qt of oil.

I still wonder though, if you have gone through all that trouble why not just dump in some nice clean oil?

best regards
Pablo

[philiam]

You do need to put oil in to replace what was in the filter. Synthetic oil is not cheap, but if you don't mind the expense...

[tlcs2k]

I use Castrol Synthetic and have it changed every 4500 miles

[Kalm_Traveler]

Originally Posted by Pablo

Does the group have a preference, Dino VS Synthetic? I used Castrol Syntec on my 1st oil change and one of mother's own filters. It worked on the bike so did same with stewie

Opinions welcome.

best regards
Pablo

In my old 88 Prelude (which is now the GF's car) I used dino Quaker State 5w30 and 50% Fram filters/50% Honda ones during the 6 years I had the car (went from 130k miles to 180k). GF has it just over 200k miles now and has continues my 3 month intervals - motor still burns no oil and doesn't leak a drop either. Oil comes out a medium brown color every time.

Now, with the S2k I've only changed his oil once (3 mos after purchasing). No clue what oil it had but it assuredly had about 3000 miles on it w/ a Honda filter. Oil came out dark brown/black. I put Mobil 1 10w30 and a K&N filter, checked the oil after about 2000 miles and it's still pretty yellow.