Switching from Standard oil to Synthetic

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Phil - 15 Jan 2006 09:37 GMT

What is the consensus on switching from standard oil to synthetic?

Vehicle is 96 Rodeo 3.2L engine, automatic transmission, 4WD, 120,000 miles
Functionally equivalent to a Honda Passport, which is why I've crossposted.

I've been changing oil / filter every 3K miles since I bought it with approx 80,000 miles,
no idea how it was cared for before me.

Any particular process for switching this way besides just doing a standard oil change
and filling it with synthetic?

If I did switch to synthetic for a couple / three cycles and then wanted to switch back
is there any "special" procedure I should be aware of at that time?

If you're running synthetic and need to add a quart of oil inbetween changes, does
that additional quart HAVE to be synthetic or can standard mix with synthetic?

Thanks, in advance
Phil Z

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Ether Jones - 15 Jan 2006 19:45 GMT

My understanding is that synthetic and petro are compatible.

Just drain old petro and refill with synthetic.

And vice versa.

I run nothing but synthetic in all my vehicles. It makes a big
difference on start-up in the winter up here when you have to leave the
car outside in sub-zero weather. It doesn't turn into molasses like
petro does.

In hot weather, synthetic provides a small extra measure of protection
in the event of engine overheating problems. It maintains viscosity
better at extreme temperatures.

I also run nothing but synthetic in my small engines. Especially my
lawn tractor, which I abuse to maintain trails through heavy brush.

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gorf - 16 Jan 2006 02:10 GMT

> I also run nothing but synthetic in my small engines. Especially my
> lawn tractor, which I abuse to maintain trails through heavy brush.

Never considered that, thanks for the tip!

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