Valvoline Synpower OCI, and Quality Questions...

[BHop]

Hello all:

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer. It has been about 10000 kilometers or 6000 miles on the motor oil. The brand
of oil is Valvoline SynPower.

First of all, should I change it? I ask this because I have read on this board that Synpower is a lousy synthetic oil, mainly because of it's additive package.

Is this really true? If so why did it come in 2nd overall on the test which Amsoil have conducted? Here is the link (I am sure you all have seen these @ 1 point or another): http://www.go-synthetic.com/amsoil_testing/amsoil_testing.html

Were these tests done before the conclusion to the Mobil VS Castrol litigation and is that why it received such great marks?

Secondly if you think I should, then which brand should I use? There seems to be much talk about PP, and Castrol Syntec, along with Mobil. These brands are easily available where I live so I will choose amongst them pending on what kind of response I get from fellow board members.

Other Info: It's fairly mild all year round where I live. It only gets to about -15C in the dead of winter, and that is rarely speaking. Summer time is fairly mild too, but it can get pretty hot too. It has been 40 Celsius in subsequent years but this is fairly rare too. Lets just say it is the 30's over the summer, however it has yet to hit 30 thus far.

Rain is the most common weather where I live. Don't know if the weather stats will help but there ya go!

I want to avoid a UOA as I have limited funds, so I am just trying to the best answer based on what you pros know.

Also, how long will a good oil filter such as Napa Gold, last?

Thanks a million!

 

[DINO_NO]

The people that say Valvoline has a horrible additive package are idiots. Valvoline All Climate has no moly and no boron, but it is formulated in a way that it dosent need them. Castrol does the same thing, go take a look at our UOA section. All I can tell you is.. if it meets SM it had a fine additive package.
Synpower exceeds SM quality standards and does just as good as Syntec and Pennzoil Platnum.

If you dont take that advice, atleast dont trust any other website about motor oil other than BobIsTheOilGuy because we have people that know what their doing, not people that hear from a friend that pennzoil causes wax. We have professionals that are trained in the fields of motor oil design and engine design, unlike most others.

WE ARE BITOG!!

Have a nice day.

P.S I would recommend changing now at 10k, getting a OUA and seeing how far you can take this oil based on lab comments and input here from bitog. Only if you feel.

P.P.S I'm not one to answer an oil filter question, I use fram

 

[Merkava_4]

Quote:

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First of all, should I change it? I ask this because I have read on this board that Synpower is a lousy synthetic oil, mainly because of it's additive package.

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farrarfan1's signiture:

05 Chevy Uplander Valvoline Synpower 5W30
96 Chevy Blazer Maxlife Synthetic 5W30



Hey farrarfan1, your Chevy is in big big trouble.

 

[badtlc]

Synpower is an exellent full synthetic. it is just as good as any other out there. The main problem is that not many are running it and getting UOAs done.

As for when to change it out, that is hard to say w/out getting a UOA done. Since there aren't many out there, I dont think it is really known how long a typical Synpower run can go before the TBN is depleted.

 

[TallPaul]

Synpower is fine, especially the 5w40, but you will do better in the 30 weight category to use Maxlife Synthetic. Compare the specs.

 

[BrianWC]

Quote:

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Synpower is fine, especially the 5w40, but you will do better in the 30 weight category to use Maxlife Synthetic. Compare the specs.

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I agree but right now Advance has regular Synpower for $15 and change for a gallon jug. Seems a no-brainer for the average synth user.

 

[globey]

I'm currently running 5w30 Synpower in my 2.3L. I've got about eight hundred miles now and I'll be getting a UOA at 4500 on it. I'm running a Napa Gold filter with it.

Is your Exploder spec'd for 5w30?

 

[3putter]

SynPower is one of a handful of oils meeting GM 4918m standards for use in Corvettes, including the Z06. That doesn't sound like a lousy oil to me.

 

[beanoil]

Nothing wrong with Synpower. At 20.49 for a 5 quart jug at WM, it is hard to beat. YMMV, but your 6k run IMO is getting near the end, only a UOA will tell you how close. Depending on use, engine, etc., you may be fine for another 1500, 4000, or 0. Most posts say 5k on conventional, 7.5 to 10k on Syn is fine.

 

[BHop]

Quote:

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I'm currently running 5w30 Synpower in my 2.3L. I've got about eight hundred miles now and I'll be getting a UOA at 4500 on it. I'm running a Napa Gold filter with it.

Is your Exploder spec'd for 5w30?

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Yes my Exploder is rated for 5w30.

Okay so Synpower is fine to use. That is great, mainly cuz it's so cheap at Walmart. Maybe I will get an UOA done to see where I stand... if I do I will keep you guys posted.

Okay then so what about oil filters... how long will a good oil filter last... cuz I am pretty sure that they will last more than 3000 miles or 5000km.... correct?

Thanx again.

 

[TallPaul]

A Wix filter should be easily good for 5000 miles and probably more. You may be able to run a larger filter. Does it take a FL400? Then the FL1A should fit. My 3.0 V6 specs the FL400 and I run FL1A. The gasket mounting surface is wider and the same as my F150 that takes FL1A. The gasket diameter is slightly different, but both fit same mounting surface. If you already take a FL1A then FL299 is longer, but get a Wix version as cheaper cost.

 

[BHop]

Quote:

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A Wix filter should be easily good for 5000 miles and probably more. You may be able to run a larger filter. Does it take a FL400? Then the FL1A should fit. My 3.0 V6 specs the FL400 and I run FL1A. The gasket mounting surface is wider and the same as my F150 that takes FL1A. The gasket diameter is slightly different, but both fit same mounting surface. If you already take a FL1A then FL299 is longer, but get a Wix version as cheaper cost.

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Tall Paul

So an FL299 is the wix code for this longer version of the oil filter that wil fit my truck then?

And yes it take the FL400... what size motor is this FL299 filter designed for... the 5.0L?

 

[XB70]

Quote:

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"I agree but right now Advance has regular Synpower for $15 and change for a gallon jug."


AND


"At 20.49 for a 5 quart jug at WM, it is hard to beat."

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Until the store closes on Wednesday night (6/27/2007), AutoZone will gladly beat both of those deals for you.

Here's the post from the thread dealing with the Fram SynWash Long Life air filter if you're interested in the whole thread.

Here's the abridged version: AZ has the free Prestone Fuel additive with the purchase of a Fram air filter for which you can get a rebate of $3.00 if you piggyback that with the $6.00 Tough Guard rebate you use along with the $17.99 Valvoline SynPower/Fram Tough Guard oil filter deal.

In other words, 5 qts. of SynPower, a Fram Tough Guard oil filter, a Fram air filter (let's say Extra Guard) and your choice of one Prestone Fuel additive for $14.98 plus tax if your air filter is $5.99. >

$17.99 Synpower + Fram Tough Guard Oil Filter Package Deal
- $6.00 Rebate from Fram on the Fram Tough Guard Oil Filter
+ $Cost of ANY Fram Air Filter (let's assume $5.99)
- $3.00 Rebate from Fram on the Fram Air Filter
+ $ Cost of ANY Prestone Fuel Additive (~$4.00-7.00)
- $ Rebate from AutoZone of Price Paid for ANY Prestone Fuel Additive
$14.98 (plus tax and cost of two stamps and envelopes)


Also, AZ has Gumout Regane and WD-40 Free-After-Rebate, limit 2.

The link to the rebate form from Fram can be found on this page.

 

[TallPaul]

Quote:

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So an FL299 is the wix code for this longer version of the oil filter that wil fit my truck then?

And yes it take the FL400... what size motor is this FL299 filter designed for... the 5.0L?

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These are all Motorcraft numbers. If your truck takes FL400 then the next step up is the fatter FL1A (WIX 51515). You must make sure there is clearance for the wider filter body, accounting for engine rock under torque. It works on my Aerostar 3.0 and since you have a 4-banger, there should be plenty of room. Also make sure the gasket mounting flange is wide enough (should be) because the gasket is slightly different diameter, maybe 1/16" or something at most IIRC (sizes on Wix site). The FL1A is the same length as the FL400 but wider. Now overkill would be the FL299 (Wix 51773), which is the same width as FL1A but about 1.5 inches longer. Again check clearance. But I think FL1A should be sufficient.

 

[wagsg]

For those with a Fleet Farm Store (upper Midwest), a case of 6 qts is $16 and change for Synpower and $10 and change for DuraBlend.

Not bad.

 

[Durango]

BHop,

I'm mainly a Mobil 1 user but my second is Valvoline when my store doesn't have M1 in the weight I need. Besides in my book there's no real difference in the synthetic oil in my book.


Durango