Best Oil Type?

sculver · 06-16-2006, 08:21 AM

Okay, this is not a "What's better, synthetic or dino oil?" thread. I'm already a fan of synthetic fluids but have read on different threads here in Titan Talk that the Titan Endurance engine doesn't like synthetic motor oil.

So my question is this, if I use a synthetic motor oil that meets all the current specifications required and is the same weight (5W30 or 10W30) the owner's manual calls for, what problems could there be? I thought synthetic was superior for cold starts (I live in Omaha, NE and beleive me it gets cold here in the winter!) and is superior for hot weather and/or severe service like towing (I tow a 4200 lb. boat locally on the weekends during the summer).

I changed the factory fill at around 800 miles and did another change with about 2000 on the odometer both times using regular 10W30 motor oil (Valvoline). I'd like to start using synthetic oil for the reasons I mentioned above (cold and towing) but I'm not sure why folks have written that the Titan does not like synthetic motor oil. Would using a synthetic actually harm the Titan engine?

Any advice would be much appreciated as I would like maximum protection for this outstanding powerplant! Thanks for the advice!

Regards,

Steve

sudden urge · 06-16-2006, 08:30 AM

I don't remember ever seeing posts that said, " Titan Endurance engine doesn't like synthetic motor oil."

sudden urge · 06-16-2006, 08:34 AM

I'm using Pennzoil 5w-30 and will continue to do so. I guess I'm lucky not to have any of that cold start clatter that many have reported.

sculver · 06-16-2006, 09:00 AM

What I've read on Titan Talk was some using synthetic motor oil had increased noise from the engine (valves, OHC, etc.).

I'm just not sure why there would be a difference if the oil is regular dino oil or synthetic. I've always read synthetic was far superior for protecting an engine under harsh cold/hot climates.

Where am I going with all this? I traded in my 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
(4.7 SOHC V-8) for the Titan (Thank God!). Last summer I tried using Walmart synthetic (10W30) in the Dodge engine during the summer/towing months. I noticed a slight increase in MPG and the engine ran cooler. I was pretty happy with the oil but wanted to have an analysis run just in case. Blackstone labs sent the report attached which seemed to confirm it was doing a good job.

I was thinking about using this oil in the Titan but read how the Titan does not like synthetic oil.

Thanks.

Steve

CraigG · 06-16-2006, 09:28 AM

That is not true some have reported alittle more noise using reg. Mobile 1 but that is kind of a trait with that oil wont hurt anything. This engine will do fine with either dino or synthetic with the cold starts a good syn may be worth the extra$$ I have been running all kinds of synthetic oils and havnt had any trouble with any of them.

**ArmyAviation** · 06-16-2006, 09:34 AM

Remember synthetic runs alittle thinner then dino, I'm running Mobile1 0-40 right now and I dont have any valve train noise at all. And yes synthetic is a better oil then dino, thats why we use it in aviation. Dino couldnt hold up in the high temps that turbins put out.

cheekjo · 06-18-2006, 06:03 AM

My Nissan dealer uses Quaker State Syn Blend in all their oil changes.

DelawareDon · 06-23-2006, 01:02 PM

After the 1000 mile "dino dump," I've used nothing but synthetic in both of my Titans....Amsoil in the first and Mobil 1 in the second. Both have worked well with absolutely no valve clatter on start-up.

Truck41 · 06-23-2006, 04:58 PM

I use a blend; four parts castrol GTX 10/30. three parts castrol syntec synthetic 10/30

Bayou Titan · 06-23-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudden urge

I don't remember ever seeing posts that said, " Titan Endurance engine doesn't like synthetic motor oil."

Here's one.

Just Drained The Mobil 1

.

*5.6* · 07-03-2006, 09:40 PM

im running a blend in mine. 5 qts. mobil 1 5-30 and 2 qts. advanced auto brand dino 5-30.

works great, no noise,

SKEET · 04-13-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigG

That is not true some have reported alittle more noise using reg. Mobile 1 but that is kind of a trait with that oil wont hurt anything. This engine will do fine with either dino or synthetic with the cold starts a good syn may be worth the extra$$ I have been running all kinds of synthetic oils and havnt had any trouble with any of them.

How often should you change your oil using synthetic?

Bayou Titan · 04-13-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKEET

How often should you change your oil using synthetic?

I darn sure wouldn't change it every 3,000 miles.

SKEET · 04-13-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayou Titan

I darn sure wouldn't change it every 3,000 miles.

I don't change dino oil that often.

bestatchess · 04-13-2007, 08:48 PM

I have been running M1 for 50,000+ miles, changed every 7,500 w/o excessive noise or other problems. But yeah, if you are going to change every 3,000, I would use something cheaper, like Chevron or Halvoline.