Synthetic to Dino Switch and back...

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swampy_swimmer

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I have 2002 Toyota 4Runner currently 114+K and I run Mobil 1 Full Synthetic High Mileage 5W30 in it for last 15,000mi, pretty much since I bought her. Would it be a problem if I switch back to quality mineral oil for couple of oil changes and then back again to M1?
The purpose for doing that is: I want to try and do auto rx thing, and they say on their web site that this stuff works best with dino oil and by not a chance to use High Mileage oil while running auto rx.
All opinions are welcome.
Tx.
 
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Does this Q get asked multiple times a day?
The M1 is mainly mineral oil derived base. IN North American market, "Fully Synthetic" does not insure the lubricant will employ high group (iv, v) basestocks in majority.

IIRC the main issue with NOT mixing was when using plant FA esters such as Castor Bean Oil (Not Castrol) Silkolene Pro KR2 and some other FA esters in race formulations.
 
This myth was debunked long ago - you can switch between synthetic and regular dino as many times as you'd like.
 
Thanks a lot folks. On a side note: does anyone have something to say about that auto rx cleaner? Is it THAT good or just a hype as most of similar products?
 
Originally Posted By: 05foresterXT
It's a bunch of hype. Just stick to reasonable change intervals with a quality oil and good filter, and you'll be set.


Have you actually tried it, or is your opinion based on what you read on the internet?
 
If I do it, my main concern would be not to make it worse. Don't want my gasket to start leaking...
 
Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Originally Posted By: 05foresterXT
It's a bunch of hype. Just stick to reasonable change intervals with a quality oil and good filter, and you'll be set.


Have you actually tried it, or is your opinion based on what you read on the internet?


I'm ashamed to say I've actually tried it. The stuff is expensive and it looks like Worcestershire sauce coming out of the bottle. It made absolutely no difference in my oil burning EJ25. I followed the directions precisely to a T. I eventually tore the engine down, and found oil control rings to be stuck, which is exactly the condition which it supposedly works best with. I know some people report good results with it, but I bet if you followed the directions except left out the auto-rx, you'd still have a cleaner engine.
 
Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
If I do it, my main concern would be not to make it worse. Don't want my gasket to start leaking...


It won't do any harm, but I personally think there are much better places to put your money. If there's a mechanical problem with your engine, it's best to address it mechanically.
 
Originally Posted By: 05foresterXT
Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
If I do it, my main concern would be not to make it worse. Don't want my gasket to start leaking...


It won't do any harm, but I personally think there are much better places to put your money. If there's a mechanical problem with your engine, it's best to address it mechanically.


Thank you for that. I don't think there's mechanical problem (knock on wood). But it's well over 100K and I thought it could use a good scrub. I also heard that good synthetic oil like M1 High Mge has additives that could actually clean your engine if changed regularly.
 
Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer

Thank you for that. I don't think there's mechanical problem (knock on wood). But it's well over 100K and I thought it could use a good scrub. I also heard that good synthetic oil like M1 High Mge has additives that could actually clean your engine if changed regularly.


Yeah, you are already treating your engine nicely with M1 HM. You're putting a fantastic oil in your engine that is protecting it and probably cleaning it slightly too. I'd stick with that! It will save you hassle from doing this AutoRX thing too.
 
Why would you need to use AutoRx if you've been using Mobil 1 HM for the last 15,000 miles? I would think the engine would be spotless from the by now.
 
I switched between syn and dino in my LS400 many times, the engine odometer shows 380+k miles without major problem. The original valve cover gaskets started leaking little oil few months ago, just tightened all bolts a little and no more leak.

I used Lubegard engine flush with reduce dosage, instead of full 15oz bottle for 10-15 minutes I use 1/2 oz per quart, which is 2.5 oz Lubegard engine flush for 500 miles before oil change. It cleaned fairly well.
 
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Why would you need to use AutoRx if you've been using Mobil 1 HM for the last 15,000 miles? I would think the engine would be spotless from the by now.

Thats good question. I guess for the same reason I do things that Im very well without doing. Sometimes even much better without doing. Do you really think that M1 HM cleans it that good?
 
Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
Thats good question. I guess for the same reason I do things that Im very well without doing. Sometimes even much better without doing. Do you really think that M1 HM cleans it that good?


That all depends on whether or not you changed the oil several times in 15,000 miles, or if you kept one fill in there for the whole duration. If you had changed the oil with M1 three times in 15,000 miles, I'd be very surprised to hear that the engine is not spotless.
 
In fact I did change it quite a few times. I don't do much driving, so I change my oil after 6 months, which sometimes before I even get to 6000 mi.
You know what, screw this. I'll stick to my M1 HM with the same changing intervals and I will stop reading all those miracle testimonials. I always tend to make my life more complicated than it already is.

thanks all for the input.
 
Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
In fact I did change it quite a few times. I don't do much driving, so I change my oil after 6 months, which sometimes before I even get to 6000 mi.
You know what, screw this. I'll stick to my M1 HM with the same changing intervals and I will stop reading all those miracle testimonials. I always tend to make my life more complicated than it already is.

thanks all for the input.


I think you came to a fantastic decision. You are using a great product!!
 
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