Switch to Syn after 85k?

[cmarsh90]

So just what the title says. I'll be acquiring a '91 with 85K on it in a few weeks, it's had a diet of regular oil. Is it good or bad to switch to synthetic oil?
(I know asking about oil is a bad idea, but I'm a glutton for punishment, so lay it on)

 

[Slingshot]

I switched to Mobil 1 when I bought my 1993 with 63,000 dyno oil miles. I have not experienced any leaks during the following 6,000 miles (2 changes). The only concern you should have is potential leaks on degrading gaskets and seals since the synthetic's molecules are smaller than dino. I would recommend changing just for the reason of dry starts if the car is not a daily driver. Smaller molecules reach critical areas quicker than dino. If you are using this as a daily driver (here comes the flames) there is no reason why you can't extend the oil change and OEM filter duration to every 5,000 miles.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by cmarsh90:
Is it good or bad to switch to synthetic oil?

Good.

Here's what the Mobil 1 website says about this:

MYTH: Mobil 1 will leak out of the seals of older cars.

REALITY: Mobil 1 does not cause leaks. In fact, new Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ was tested in dozens of industry standard and OEM tests to prove its seal performance. It is fully compatible with the elastomeric materials from which all automotive seals and gaskets are made.

ExxonMobil engineers are wary of conventional oils that tout their use of additional seal-swelling agents. With extended use, these agents can over-soften engine seals, resulting in leaks. More to the point, an oil additive will not rejuvenate worn or damaged seals. The damaged seal may have been caused by a worn rotating metal component in the engine.

If an older engine is in good condition and does not have oil leaks, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ provides the same advantages as when used in a new engine. ExxonMobil recommends taking measures to repair the leaks, then using Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™. ExxonMobil also always recommends following the automobile manufacturer's manual for the proper oil to use.

 

[matteni]

Originally posted by Slingshot:
...If you are using this as a daily driver (here comes the flames) there is no reason why you can't extend the oil change and OEM filter duration to every 5,000 miles.

Why the flames - for changing your oil more frequently then Honda recommends? Honda only recommends changing every 7500 miles unless "severe" conditions which would be every 3 months / 3750 miles.

Severe Driving Conditions
Items with a # in the chart will need service more often if you drive in some severe conditions. The conditions are:

A. Repeated short distance driving
B. Dusty conditions
C. Severe cold weather
D. Areas with road salt or other corrosive materials
E. Rough or muddy roads

All right here: http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Maintenance/schedule.htm

Most of us do change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. That said if Honda says every 7500 - my guess is you can take it to the bank.

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by Slingshot:
If you are using this as a daily driver (here comes the flames) there is no reason why you can't extend the oil change and OEM filter duration to every 5,000 miles.

Here's what the Mobil 1 website says about this:

MYTH: You don't have to change the oil as often when using Mobil 1.

REALITY: While Mobil 1 has given excellent results in extended oil drain tests, ExxonMobil prefers to remain conservative with oil drain recommendations. ExxonMobil engineers recommend that you can go all the way to the maximum mileage or time frame shown in your owner's manual for oil changes when using Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™. This allows the reserve protection capabilities of Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ to cover unusual or unexpected driving conditions.

Oil change intervals can be as short as 3,000 miles or as long as 15,000 miles on some new cars. Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™'s high-performance reserves can give you the confidence to go the full mileage or time frame recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ is especially suitable for the latest vehicles with extended drain intervals or vehicles with oil monitoring systems that vary oil drain intervals.

As Nick points out, that means 7500 miles or 6 months unless you fall into one of the "severe conditions" categories.