Switching to Synthetic oil

Since my KJ is nearing 100,000 miles, I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to start using synthetic oil instead of dino.

I've heard a few contradicting theories on how best to do it.
Some say that you must do it little by little over a few oil changes, which I think is a bit odd.
Others say that it must be done all at once becuse the two types of oil will not mix properly, which seems more correct to me.
And one guy said that I'll have to remove the oil pan and flush out all the old dino oil when I switch.

So, now as usual, I'm confused.:think: Which is the way to go?

Also, are there any other things that I should do at the same time?
Suggestions of brands, weights, filters, etc?

Change the oil and put synthetic in it, and drive it. May do the next oil change a little sooner to get any remaining conventional oil out. A lot of people dont understand the difference between synthetic and regular oils. Synthetic oil used to be based solely from natural gas stock. From that process, all of the molecules that make up the oil are consistant, and lined up the same way, in a sense, when they convert it from natural gas. They found they could do the same with crude oil stock as well, and most synthetic oils, including Mobil1, are done this way, as its cheaper. Because the molecules are consistant, the oil itself is more stable, requiring less additives to control viscosity, etc. Think of the difference between forged steel, and non-forged steel. The only problem one may encounter is if the additives in one oil dont interact with the additives in another oil well. Then you could have issues. I have never seen this, or heard of this happenning yet, and you would be just as likely to see it happen if you switched brands of regular oil. This is a pretty basic explanation, bear that in mind, but should help put your mind to rest.

I changed from dino to Mobil 1 5W-30 Syn when I bought the Jeep with 30 k miles on it.
The first oil change using syn was done at 2000 miles and the oil came out a bit dirty probably because the syn has better cleaning properties!
I continue to use synthetics and appreciate with a good filter viewing the dip stick now at 4000 miles and oil is still fairly clean now. (cant say same for dino)
Many will say once you start using snys stay with it.

It used to be with older engines that if you switched to synthetic seals would start to leak (had an old Charger with a 360 that did this to me on the valve covers). Newer style engines have better seals/gaskets, you can switch any time.

I don't think there will be any problem switching to synthetic at 100,000 miles. And I wouldn't worry about mixing some dino with the synthetic on the first changeover since they sell synthetic blends even. Might as well go full syn. It has better qualities. I just get the 5 qt jugs at Wal-Mart for around $25 so it is not much more than dino.

As far as your question about brands, use your favorite name brand. As far as weight, use what yours is specked for. 5w30 for yours.

As far as oil filters, Wix, Purolator Pure one, Napa Gold are among the better ones.

Just some thoughts.

Dave

No offense, but the time to have switched to synthetic oil woud have been before all the engine wear took place. It isnt going to hurt now, but it would have helped during that first One Hundred Thousand miles.

With the CRD I have to use synthetic oil. Im an Amsoil guy. European car formula from them.

opcorn:

P.S. : about the OP, read my sig.... and I DO CARE for my rig!!!

I would have to agree with CRD Joe, why change now? I run synthetic so I can make to 100k after that point I think all bets are off, unless you are running a diesel or a Toyota.:icon_lol:

DJ

Thanks for the replies and the info guys.

I think my next change at 95k may get the synthetic switch.

Yeah, maybe I should have run syn oil all along, But I had no control over the early life of my KJ, as I bought it with 53k on the odo.
I've always had good luck with conventional oil over the years, but after hearing guys talk about the benefits of synthetic, I figured, why not switch.

Better late than never

@DJSKJ= "all bets off" after 100k? 3 of the 4 vehicles that I have owned have gone well past 100k.
1989 Chevy Z-24 with 2.8l V-6 (not known for durability) had 195k on the clock.
My old 1991 Chevy S-10 4x4 with a 4.3l V-6 has over 200k on the odo, and a buddy still uses it as a farm truck.
And my Jeep XJ had over 240k on the clock when I traded it for the KJ.

Heck, 100k is just getting broken in in my book:smokin:

I think 100,000m is just getting started. Regular changes at 3000m or so is key to engine life IMO. I have 200,000 + on mine.

I switched to Synth after 70,000. I now have just over 100,000 on the truck. Running like a top. I try to get my changes in every 4,000.