Question about switching to Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil

[BIG]

I just purchased an 08 4Runner with a V6 with 43,000 miles that the previous owner used Penzoil conventional motor oil in up to this point. What are your opinions on me switching to Mobil 1 Synthetic oil at this point? Do I run any risk of the synthetic oil "cleaning" the engine from any sludge the conventional oil may have caused to this point and causing me troubles of any kind?

I've never used anything but conventional Valvoline in all the cars I've ever owned and never had any problems. I just thought I might go with Mobil 1 synthetic and stretch my oil changes to 5k instead of 3k with this 4Runner.

Just wanting comments based on experience. Thanks.

 

[scottm]

The worry is usually about washing buildup off the crank seals which allows a leak. I've done the switch with probably a dozen cars at around 100k, run most to 200k, no problems with any. My older Land Cruisers did leak oil, not due to the type of oil. I switched to using Shell Rotella T synthetic from WalMart, leaks stopped, I've heard the same from others online. It's supposed to be as good as Mobil 1 Extended Life, and better than regular Mobil 1.

 

[T4RBoarder]

I've done the switch with probably a dozen cars at around 100k, no problems with any.

x2 :thumb3:

 

[glock56534]

I just switched my 2005 V8 with almost 90K miles to full synthetic. I used Super Tech (Wal-Mart Brand) Full Synthetic 5W-30 in the engine and Mobil 1 75W-30 in the front/rear diffs and transfer case. I haven't experienced any problems or leaking and it runs MUCH smoother now.

 

[Nuke]

I've switched several cars from dino to M1 over the past dozen years and I had one that developed a minor "puff" of smoke on cold startup (which I've been told was probably the M1 removing some build-up). I've also heard that M1 tends to be a bit more viscous cold than other oils. My son went back to using dino when he finally inherited the car and the puff of smoke stopped. Other than that, I've been happy with using M1. I've ran M1 in 3 vehicles begiinning anywhere from 5,000 miles to 90,000 miles and all 3 were on a 10,000 mile oil change frequency. All 3 cars were sold with over 200,000 miles on them and not a lick of oil consumption, burning or useage.

I'm seriously considering switching to Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra. I've heard good things about it that impress me more than M1. If you haven't already, read BobTheOilGuy's website. Good info.

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

I bought my 2006 V6 SR5 with 35,000 on the ODO and immediately changed the oil to M1 Extended Performance. I do not have any leaks and the ODO just rolled 60,000 last week.

Also with synthetic oil you should use a synthetic filter media filter like Mobil 1, K&N, PureOre or Bosch. They cost a few extra dollars but they are worth it just like synthetic oils.

 

[asm]

You are over thinking the topic. Just do the switch, you'll be fine. After all, not even Mobil willing to claim their oil is 100% PAO (synthetic). See here... do read between the line.

I can certainly understand why Mobil went away from 100% PAO. Considering they have lost the law suite against Castrol back 1999. The suite was against Castrol for marketing their Group III based oil (AKA highly refined and filter dino juice) as full synthetic. The court agree with Castrol. As the result, why would Mobil continue to spend the additional money to produce oil based on PAO stock when court have made it clear that Group III base oil can be market as synthetic?

With that said, I still buy Mobil1 oil as it is very affordable comparing to the 100% PAO alternative (dear I say AMSOIL). The performance is darn good for all tests done on the its performance. At the end of the day, all I care is if oil does its job for the money I'm willing to spend.

By the way, Mobil1 filter is not made by Mobil. There is no reason you should use Mobil1 filter simply because you are using their oil. I'll stick with the OEM Toyota as my research have shown the by-pass valve on Mobil1 filter *may* not be set to the correct tension.

Now, I probably told you more then you ever want to know about oil...... :lol:

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Go ahead and switch. But I would use Pennzoil Platinum.

 

[echo4tango]

as everyone knows i am a BIG fan of M1 because it just plain works..it has kept one of our trucks going almost a million miles. so yes i think you should switch oil.

here is a pic of M1 on the dipstick after a year inside the 4runner engine. I use M1 Extended performance but i am seriously thinking about pennzoil ultra synthetic

 

[eskimochaos]

I switched at 50k. No issues. 7.5-10k OCI are great. (I drive a lot)

 

[Armyguy872010]

I just switched my 2005 V8 with almost 90K miles to full synthetic. I used Super Tech (Wal-Mart Brand) Full Synthetic 5W-30 in the engine and Mobil 1 75W-30 in the front/rear diffs and transfer case. I haven't experienced any problems or leaking and it runs MUCH smoother now.

I switched at 80K kind of by accident but the oil change place did me right, previous I was using a syn blend. I tow a lot with the camper and boat in the summer heat and found my mileage changed maybe by 2 mpg to the better but that may be an anomaly. No leaks though.

 

[peter78]

I was in about the same boat a few years ago. 2 years ago I bought the 04 4Runner V6 with 41,000 miles. I bought the 2001 new and used Mobil 1 in that car and have been very impressed. I also went to 5,000 miles with Mobil 1 instead of the 3,000 with Castrol GTX (dino oil). On my first day, I changed the oil on the 2004 to Mobil 1. I did notice that the oil got dirty rather fast and I changed it around 4,000 miles. I also used a pure one filter, which I thought might clean the oil better.

I notice one member said he used Pennzoil Platinum. Well, I was able to get 5 quarts with a coupon for around $5. (There was a thread about this deal about a year ago.) Anyway, that oil did say, it helped in removing sludge and I must say it did seem to help. I now use Mobil 1 every 5,000 miles and it runs about as clean as my 2001.

Changing over to synthetic at 43,000 miles shouldn't be much of a problem. Your car, might be like mine and mabye the oil wasn't change as often as maybe you or I would of liked. With a little help and faithful changing of oil, it now seems fine. I currently have 69,000 miles.

I also have a 19 year old car that I never considered changing to synthetic. I just use the Castrol GTX on that one.

Hope this helps.

 

[kylebacc]

Do it. Don't look back. I switched to castrol edge at 60,000. No worries

 

[MikesToy]

Put some Nike shoes on and just do it. Don't even think about that you switched.

 

[Bossman]

I just purchased an 08 4Runner with a V6 with 43,000 miles that the previous owner used Penzoil conventional motor oil in up to this point. What are your opinions on me switching to Mobil 1 Synthetic oil at this point? Do I run any risk of the synthetic oil "cleaning" the engine from any sludge the conventional oil may have caused to this point and causing me troubles of any kind?

I've never used anything but conventional Valvoline in all the cars I've ever owned and never had any problems. I just thought I might go with Mobil 1 synthetic and stretch my oil changes to 5k instead of 3k with this 4Runner.

Just wanting comments based on experience. Thanks.

I bought my 03 V8 Limited three years ago with 117,000 km on the odometer.

First owner had regular oil/filter changes done by their dealership. Although I do not know for certain, my guess is they used conventional oil.

One of the first things that I did was an oil change with Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic oil. Main reason was for the ease of start ups during the cold winter months.

Engine is still running problem free with Mobil 1 at each oil change since I got it.

 

[Lzyltng]

I've used M1 in almost every car/truck I have had...from brand new to switching at 75k+ miles. Not ever, knock on wood, have I had a problem with it. I change it every tire rotation, about 5-7k miles and the oil always looks fresh..."Just Do It"...you won't regret it...

 

[THEROK]

so by just plain dumb logic, one would ask for those who stuck with regular oil change intervals per manual with the regular stuff... if their trucks also have performed up to task.

but then when you guys really think about it (some need to think harder than others), there are really no objective measures because your engine runs without issue or it does not. M1 or any other quality synth oil doesn't add more power, mpg, etc. some may claim this but it's all backyard scientific experiment - no basis ,no $ backing it up, no accountability, untested etc.

at the end of the day, i'm not saying there are no merits to switching to a quality synthetic oil over quality conventional oil. what i'm saying is for those wholeheartedly recommending the switch, :wtf:. are you serious?

my take is this: follow the oil change interval per the manual whether you use synth or conven as part of a comprehensive body of work to maintain the good health of your truck.

no worries.

 

[Nuke]

... follow the oil change interval per the manual whether you use synth or conven as part of a comprehensive body of work to maintain the good health of your truck...

Unneccesary and wasteful but it's your dime. I was trained in oil analysis about 15 years ago and honestly, you probably won't gain any additional engine life or reliablity using one or the other. My sole reason for switching to synthetic was for the extended oil change frequency, period. Dino oil needs to be changed at 3000 miles; synthetic blends at 5000-7500 miles and full syns at 8000 or longer. I typically put over 30,000 miles/year on a vehicle. Using dino oil I'm under the car about every 4-5 weeks. With full syn it's about every 4 months.

I've driven many cars over 200,000 miles on both dino and synthetic. Neither performs better than the other providing you do regular oil changes at frequencies appropriate for that particular oil AND your driving style/environment.

 

[THEROK]

Unneccesary and wasteful but it's your dime. I was trained in oil analysis about 15 years ago and honestly, you probably won't gain any additional engine life or reliablity using one or the other. My sole reason for switching to synthetic was for the extended oil change frequency, period. Dino oil needs to be changed at 3000 miles; synthetic blends at 5000-7500 miles and full syns at 8000 or longer. I typically put over 30,000 miles/year on a vehicle. Using dino oil I'm under the car about every 4-5 weeks. With full syn it's about every 4 months.

I've driven many cars over 200,000 miles on both dino and synthetic. Neither performs better than the other providing you do regular oil changes at frequencies appropriate for that particular oil AND your driving style/environment.

totally. but even then, just follow the manual. follow toyota's recommended intervals. "dino oil needs to be changed at 3K miles"

yea, really? you sure? yea? everyone's an expert online.

 

[Nuke]

totally. but even then, just follow the manual. follow toyota's recommended intervals. "dino oil needs to be changed at 3K miles"

yea, really? you sure? yea? everyone's an expert online.

Then educate yourself and quit arguing with us "BS'ers". I'm comfortable with extended oil change frequencies with synthetics, having operated and maintained more than 3 vehicles that have gone beyond 200,000 miles before being sold which were still running flawlessly. I have 3 other vehicles currently on synthetics with one over 175,000 miles which are maintained on a ~10,000 mile oil change interval.

I don't expect ANYONE to take my word. Do what makes YOU feel comfortable.