Synthetic?

[buddah]

I know we've been down this road numerous times before, but I'm old and I forget stuff really easy.... I'm considering going to Mobil 1 in my 03 RX-1 LE shortie. Unfortunately, I broke it in "by the book" so I got one of the ones that burns a little oil. I've tried the "shock treatment" and virtually everything else, all to no avail. So it's just something I have to live with.

Now.....what problems, if any, can I expect when switching to synthetic? OR, is it not a good idea at all. Sled has about 16,500 on it.

 

[grader]

when my 03 started to use oil i switched to mobile 1 15-50 full synthetic. this oil has a pour point near -50 so the cold starting is no problem. this did not totally eliminate the oil burning issue, but it helped.i believe all synthetic oils have a higher "burn off rate" compared to conventional oils. im refering to the temp. where oil goes from liquid to charcoal. i can not think of any down side to you running synthetic except for the cost, it is the best oil made. the fix for the oil burning is changing the rings to the 05 style.

 

[buddah]

... the fix for the oil burning is changing the rings to the 05 style.

Not worth the effort............mine doesn't burn THAT much anyway...

 

[LABRADOR WARRIOR]

synthetic

Talking to my dealer this week ..told me not to use 100% synthetic oil..said it has something to do with the starter slipping???First I heard of this...there is supposed to be a friction bearing in starting mech ..with using syn.oil causes starter to slip..
Anyone hear of this???

LW

 

[grader]

your dealer needs to learn about his products. there is no friction bearing in the starter, or anything else that could slip from oil type. if there was, half the 4 strokes out there would have problems with starters, as synthetic is quite popular.

 

[maim]

if there is a friction device in there (i do not know myself) just use motorcycle oil that is wet clutch approved. use it in my xt350 all the time. clutch is still mint.

 

[LazyBastard]

The misconception that synthetics are bad is from an error in the owners manual. Large segments of it were copied from the BIKE manual. The BIKE, of course, has a wet clutch.

Synthetics are fine. Rather than 15w50, you should use a 5w50. Same "hot" viscosity, better low temp flow.

 

[Sled Dog]

Re: synthetic

Talking to my dealer this week ..told me not to use 100% synthetic oil..said it has something to do with the starter slipping???First I heard of this...there is supposed to be a friction bearing in starting mech ..with using syn.oil causes starter to slip..
Anyone hear of this???

LW

You should tell him to learn his product better before passing judement.

 

[Sled Dog]

The misconception that synthetics are bad is from an error in the owners manual. Large segments of it were copied from the BIKE manual. The BIKE, of course, has a wet clutch.

Synthetics are fine. Rather than 15w50, you should use a 5w50. Same "hot" viscosity, better low temp flow.

Yup!

 

[sleddheadd]

I know we've been down this road numerous times before, but I'm old and I forget stuff really easy.... I'm considering going to Mobil 1 in my 03 RX-1 LE shortie. Unfortunately, I broke it in "by the book" so I got one of the ones that burns a little oil. I've tried the "shock treatment" and virtually everything else, all to no avail. So it's just something I have to live with.

Now.....what problems, if any, can I expect when switching to synthetic? OR, is it not a good idea at all. Sled has about 16,500 on it.

there will be no problems whatso-ever from switching. if anything your sled will benefit from it!it will clean your motor up and allow it to work a little smoother! the only downfall is that you are burning oil.....that is bad because synthetcs are a little more expensive and it will hit the pocket book a little harder than regular oil. i'm going to be bringing some four-stroke amsoil to the giveaway ride this year. maybe you can win some of that and give us a try! otherwise we will see you on the jan. trip!

 

[buddah]

..... i'm going to be bringing some four-stroke amsoil to the giveaway ride this year. maybe you can win some of that and give us a try! .....

The only reason I specified Mobil 1 is because that is what is available at the local Auto Value.......