Synthetic Oils? Good or bad?
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ORIGINAL: limeyluke
Howdy folks, just a quick question to ask if anybody has tried or recommends using synthetic oils. I have a 1973 XJ6 Series 1, and have always been curious as to whether synthetics would be harmful to the engine. Cheers!
Luke
Howdy folks, just a quick question to ask if anybody has tried or recommends using synthetic oils. I have a 1973 XJ6 Series 1, and have always been curious as to whether synthetics would be harmful to the engine. Cheers!
Luke
I can't think of any case where syn oil was considered "harmful".
Whether or not you'd truly realize any benefit from synthetic motor oil is dependent on a number of factors and has been the subject of many debates.
Some have reported that existing oil leaks seem to drip a bit more with synthetic oil <shrug>
I think its pretty well accepted that synthetic oil flows more easily on a cold start in sub-freezing weather.
I use it, personally, to assuage myguilt over increasingmy change interval from 3000 miles to 6000 miles.
Cheers
DD
#3
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my opinion is not based on experience because I do not use synthetic oils in my two Jags.
I have been told by experienced Jaguar mechanics to not use them.Synthetics are thinner
and create leaks where none existed.
use 20W50 Castrol in the engine.
use Type FA in the transmission.
use power steering fluid for GM pumps,
use Castrol GT LMA for brake fluid.
ALL mineral oils only.
I use PRESTONE coolant. (do not buy the pre-mixed since you would be paying for water!).
others will have different opinions, that's my story and I'm sticking with it
Jose
I have been told by experienced Jaguar mechanics to not use them.Synthetics are thinner
and create leaks where none existed.
use 20W50 Castrol in the engine.
use Type FA in the transmission.
use power steering fluid for GM pumps,
use Castrol GT LMA for brake fluid.
ALL mineral oils only.
I use PRESTONE coolant. (do not buy the pre-mixed since you would be paying for water!).
others will have different opinions, that's my story and I'm sticking with it
Jose
The following 2 users liked this post by Jose:
jbellK75 (09-09-2024),
Jim Kristeff (09-03-2024)
#4
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If you repaint the car, would you prefer a 1960s paint formulation?
I use modern synthetics because oil formulations only get better. I use oil from the majors (Castrol, Shell, ... ) because I know they spend a fortune developing and testing their products.
The only time I'd not use a synthetic is for running in (breaking in) a rebuilt engine.
And 20W.. is a bit viscous for our cars unless they are severely worn. I'd go for 10W.., such as a 10W30 or 10W40 Castrol synthetic.
I use modern synthetics because oil formulations only get better. I use oil from the majors (Castrol, Shell, ... ) because I know they spend a fortune developing and testing their products.
The only time I'd not use a synthetic is for running in (breaking in) a rebuilt engine.
And 20W.. is a bit viscous for our cars unless they are severely worn. I'd go for 10W.., such as a 10W30 or 10W40 Castrol synthetic.
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20/50 is the traditional favorite. I used 20/50 or 10/40.
For the longest time I used GTX. That's what all the other guys used. And, hey, Castrol and Jaguar just sorta go together like a hand in a glove. When GTX become unavailable in my area I moved on to other brands. Shell, Valvoline, whatever. Then I eventually decided to simply buy whatever was on sale that day.
The engine didn't care at all. It ran like a watch and was still running great when I sold the car at 169,000 miles.
Everybody has opinions on oil. Buy whatever makes you happy. You probably have to go out of your way to buy an oil that would actually hurt your engine.
Synthetic? Sure, if you want. The frequency, manner, and distance these cars are typically driven these days makes it unlikely, IMO, that you realize any tangible, meaningful, or measurable difference in your lifetime or the car's lifetime. But, still, if it makes you feel good then I'll be the last one to stop you! Over the decades I've spent a ton of extra money on feel-good things. It is, or can be, part of the hobby. As the years rolled by I decided that saving money also felt good so I've adjusted some of my buying habits
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Actually I wouldn't be surprised if the price difference between dino and synthetic isn't as big as it was years ago so, possibly, there's less reason to avoid using it !
Cheers
DD
The following 2 users liked this post by Doug:
Greg in France (09-03-2024),
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#7
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Everybody has opinions on oil. Buy whatever makes you happy. You probably have to go out of your way to buy an oil that would actually hurt your engine.
Synthetic? Sure, if you want. The frequency, manner, and distance these cars are typically driven these days makes it unlikely, IMO, that you realize any tangible, meaningful, or measurable difference in your lifetime or the car's lifetime. But, still, if it makes you feel good then I'll be the last one to stop you! Over the decades I've spent a ton of extra money on feel-good things. It is, or can be, part of the hobby. As the years rolled by I decided that saving money also felt good so I've adjusted some of my buying habits
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Actually I wouldn't be surprised if the price difference between dino and synthetic isn't as big as it was years ago so, possibly, there's less reason to avoid using it !
Cheers
DD
Dave
The following 2 users liked this post by LT1 jaguar:
Doug (09-04-2024),
Greg in France (09-04-2024)
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