Re: TOY: Re: Re: oil changes

[Paul Cherubini <cherubini@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

M.CLINT SEARCY wrote:

>  Are you telling me that you have 398,000 miles with no major motor work
> (new timing set / head gasket) and you credit it to synth oil? If so I may
> be converting the next time I change the oil. :o)

Yes, no major or even minor engine work ever. Zero fuel,
ignition or emmisson system problems.  Just a few alternators and water pumps
have been replaced.

No this mileage is not due to synthetic oil.  I know someone with 480,000
miles on an 1987 22R and he has run Chevron Delo 400 conventional oil which is
only $1.40 a quart at Walmart.  But his engine is now burning oil at 1500 miles
per quart compared to my 3000 miles per quart so it appears synthetic oil
reduces the rate of engine wear slightly to
moderately, but not by a large margin.

Also, in the 1970's some highway drivers were getting 500,000-650,000 miles
out of the 20R motor using conventional oil.

I think never letting the engine run hot, knock, ping or misfire
is the key to engine life. So keeping the engine perfectly tuned
up and running cool is as important (probably more important)
than the oil change interval or type of oil.  

Paul Cherubini