Oil Update

[Alienspecimen]

I just bought mine a few months ago and it did not need anything. About a week ago, it was due for an oil change (according to the sticker on the window...). I replaced it with Mobil 1 Synthetic (20W40) and Mobil 1 filter.
I did notice that the handle of the RPM's became very steady at idle which was not exactly the case before (but nothing to worry about...).
It is a 99 and it has 118K on it. It does not burn oil and the oil that I replaced at 3000mi according to the sticker was almost clear. Make out of this info whatever you wish, I am just "reporting from the field"... It might not have the same effect on yours
Your friendly Alien,
Boris

 

[Professor Bobo]

Alien... Usually putting synthetic oil in a high mileage motor that didn't have synthetic before is not recommended. Not because of damage or anything, it's just that you may notice it "consuming" oil now and the synthetics are so much more expensive.
It will use oil because the synthetics are alot "slicker" than regular oil. Old motor, old rings and cylinder wall wear = more consumptionand $$$
I'll prob. catch he11 for this post, but in my training seminars that's what I was taught.

Live long and prosper.

 

[Kejtar]

Alien... Usually putting synthetic oil in a high mileage motor that didn't have synthetic before is not recommended. Not because of damage or anything, it's just that you may notice it "consuming" oil now and the synthetics are so much more expensive.
It will use oil because the synthetics are alot "slicker" than regular oil. Old motor, old rings and cylinder wall wear = more consumptionand $$$
I'll prob. catch he11 for this post, but in my training seminars that's what I was taught.

Live long and prosper.

The big deal with synth in high mileage engines is that it might end up leaking a bit on old gasket, but I have happily ran synthetic on my old motor and as soon as I do rear main and oil gasket I will be running it on this one (reason I'm waiting to do it is the XJ is parked and I'm just replacing/rebuilding things )

 

[Jackhill442]

I recommend Mobil 1. I have used it for 100,000 miles and it has been great. It only needs changing every 5,000 miles or more, though, never every 3,000. Also, 20W40 is too thick. Use 10W30. You are hurting gas miledge and performance, and making the engine work harder.