Synth vs dino

[Rob S.]

Although I believe that synthetic is better, I read somewhere that an older engine that never saw synthetic before should be kept on dino for the following reason: the synthetic is thinner, and may find leaks that the dino wouldn't. Any thoughts on that?

 

[Steve]

Synth is NOT thinner. 10w-40 is 10w-40.

Any leaks that it "causes" already existed, but were plugged. The higher detergent content in most synth oils will wash away the plug.

One of the forum favorites is Rotella. If you prefer dino, get the white jug of 15w-40. If you want synth, get the bule jug of 5w-40.

Pass the popcorn, this might get interesting.

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[dorkburger]

Ha, I was chided for asking an oil question last year....a commonly asked and well documented subject. I switched to synthetic with no problems.....

 

[koolaid_kid]

Oh gosh, another oil thread. Here we go...

 

[Griffin]

I don't like dino oil.

I prefer my oil to come from trilobites for two valve per cylinder engines. For the four valve engines, woolly mammoth oil seems to work best.

 

[bccap]

I prefer Canadian tar sands oil. The sand really shines things up.......

 

[Steve]

I prefer Canadian tar sands oil. The sand really shines things up.......

If you like tar sands oil, you might also appreciate some Engine Scrub from KaleCo Auto.

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[Wingsconsin]

Synthetic VS Dino Oil... An old debate in the motorcycle world in my opinion...
Here is what I think I know...
Synthetic has better 'Flow' properties and will present the leaks that you didn't know you had.
Synthetic also has better shear properties meaning that it breaks down much less slowly so you can go further on the oil and still retain the lubricating properties.
For Synthetic I prefer Rotella T6 (blue jug)

For Dino oil (I like to use this in my older bikes 30+ years) I buy DELO 400 (Diesel Engine Lubricating Oil 400) .
At Wal*mart you can get a gallon for about $13. It is a great motorcycle oil and fabulous for wet clutches as it has nearly zero additives that are friction modifiers (bad news for wet clutches)

 

[Rob S.]

Synthetic has better 'Flow' properties and will present the leaks that you didn't know you had.

That's what I'm concerned about. A 32-year-old engine that already has enough wet spots.

 

[Dogma]

As Steve pointed out in the 2nd post of this thread, oils with the same viscosity (10w-40, etc.) have identical "flow" and cannot be more likely to get through a passage.

 

[Wingsconsin]

...

...

" ...Synthetic base oils give enhanced performance because they are manufactured using advanced chemical processes, so their molecular structure and hence, their properties, can be closely controlled. For example, fully synthetic oils like Shell Helix Ultra are designed to flow more easily at start-up temperatures.."

http://www.shell.com/global/product...ricants/cars/how-oil-works/synthetic-oil.html

 

[oldgrumpy]

As Steve pointed out in the 2nd post of this thread, oils with the same viscosity (10w-40, etc.) have identical "flow" and cannot be more likely to get through a passage.

............... hi guys i,ve always used shell sx-4 ,,which is synthetic based,,,they have now changed the name to something else but still the same oil based product regards oldgrumpy

 

[harley10]

I use Canola , lol

 

[Rob S.]

2 trains

2 trains

There seems to be two schools of thought here. See why I'm confused?

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

Flip a coin
I use synthetic because valvetrains and bearings are pricier than the value of the oil used.

I especially like the flow rate when its -30 C in January.

 

[tkent02]

There seems to be two schools of thought here. See why I'm confused?

Only one school of thought, use whatever you want. It just doesn't matter.

If stretching the oil change interval is important to you go synthetic. If not, don't.

It's a GS, not a Ferrari. You could use squished up bananas and Jergen's and it would last quite a while.

 

[Nessism]

Just use dino sauce unless you want to extend the drain interval or plan to drive in really hot conditions at low speed. Synthetic does not reduce friction or reduce wear under any normal riding conditions. Only at meltdown hot conditions will you gain an advantage with synthetic other than the extended drain time.

 

[Guest]

I generally change my oil every 2500-3000 miles or once a season if mileage is low. And with today's oils I can't see the advantage of a synthetic oil if you change your oil that often. Even in my race bike I have to run Dino oil as they won't allow Synthetic on the track because if you crash or have a leak it is nearly impossible to cleanup and leaves a slick spot on the track. My brother inlaw swears by synthetic, but still changes his oil[ cars, trucks , and bikes ] every 2000 miles . I tell him he is just throwing his money away because even dino oil don't break down that quick

 

[bluewool]

So if I start to run Synth, do I have to change my tires? What would you recommend for tires?

 

[Steve]

So if I start to run Synth, do I have to change my tires? What would you recommend for tires?

Round black ones.

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