Synthetic "Oil"

[KYDeepwater]

Just wanted to start this thread. I called the 1-800-nissan1 number and talked to one of the Titan specialists. I asked him about using the Mobil 1 in my truck. He sent my question to one of the powertrain engineers in Tennessee. The engineer reply was any approved oil (API starburst) is okay, even synthetic, but to keep the warranty valid, the required oil change interval must be kept up. This would mean changing every 7,500 miles with full synthetic, which would get expensive, but condisering the cost of every thing else, not unreasonable.
As background, I work as a Chemist in a lubricants lab where we do research on industrial lubricants. My boss, who has been in this area of research for twenty years, puts Mobil 1 in all his vehicles. He changes the oil every November, and changes the filter in May and tops off the oil level. He adds as needed, but only changes once a year. He does buy the longest oil filter he can find that fits his vehcile to give more filtration. He just sold a 1986 Dodge Caravan to his brother to use as a work van, 232,000 miles. They took it for a check-up and the engine was tested and still had over 90 % compression in all four cylinders. Two of them were at 95 %. Considering this is a four-banger engine pulling around a van and people, that is impressive in my book. He has gotten similar miles out of a Chevy Sprint, a Volkswagen Golf, and he has a Geo Metro with 100,000 miles that is going strong. I had a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 135,000 miles when I traded it in with no engine problems to report.
I will change my oil to Mobil 1 5W-30 when I get to 7,500 miles. A change at 1,000 will be done this week and another at 3,500 miles, each with regular oil. Then at 7,500 miles, Mobil 1 Synthetic. Just my views, but thought I would share!!

[ekool]

Keep in mind... regular intervals should still be maintained, even with synthetic.

Compression test wont really show any results as far as bearing wear goes, also.

Not changing the oil or changing it infrequently will show up in that regard.... you'd need to drop the pan and inspect to see bearing wear.

[JetTech]

or better yet do an oil sample to see exactly what's going on in there.

[superdave]

I plan to use Mobil 1 10W-30 in my Titan. I use it in my Tahoe; about to reach 100,000 miles without any issues.

I buy it in the 5qt containers from Wal-Mart every couple of years. Last year I bought 12-5qt containers for about $16 each. The Tahoe uses exactly 5qts, but unfortunately the Titan uses more. I plan on using 1 full 5qt containter, then the remainder of the oil will come from another 5qt container. Do you see any problem with letting the opened 5qt container set until the next oil change? (i.e. opened oil won't spoil?)

My father-in-law worked at Mobil as a chemist when they were developming Mobil 1. His discussions of the tests they performed were amazing.

D

[JetTech]

I tried the Mobil 1 10W-30 in my Titan and it made a racket at idle so I drained it out and put Chevron Supreme in it, no more drive train noise. Do a search on a thread I started and read the whole thing. It might change your mind!!!!

[1Titan]

I also verified that it is O.K. using synthetic oil and will not void the warranty as long as you can provide reciepts and records showing you are changing at the intervals determined by the Nissan manufacturer. Which by the way is 3750 miles regardless of whether you use synthetic or not. I normally use Amsoil in my vehicles which has a 25,000mi. interval. Of course I don't run it for that much miles normally around 8000. I am planning to run Amsoil in my Titan and change it as recommended every 3750 miles. It's going to cost but I think and hope it will be worth it in the long run.

[PA Titan]

I just had my first oil change 3600 miles. When I called the service department the mechanic told me they change the oil every 5000 miles even though the manual says 3750 miles. Then the sticker on the windshield says the next oil change is a 9/15 or 9000 miles!!!!! They must have went to special ed. Any how I plan to change it every 3750 miles.

[LexAllen]

Originally Posted by 1Titan

I also verified that it is O.K. using synthetic oil and will not void the warranty as long as you can provide reciepts and records showing you are changing at the intervals determined by the Nissan manufacturer. Which by the way is 3750 miles regardless of whether you use synthetic or not. I normally use Amsoil in my vehicles which has a 25,000mi. interval. Of course I don't run it for that much miles normally around 8000. I am planning to run Amsoil in my Titan and change it as recommended every 3750 miles. It's going to cost but I think and hope it will be worth it in the long run.

Changing (AMSOIL) at this short interval certainly won't hurt the engine, but I think it is unnecessary. As you know, the oil is formulated with premium basestocks and additives which allows it to be used for extended periods. The oil is well proven and the company has been making premium synthetic lubricants for over 30 years. Even if you were to use AMSOIL and follow Nissan's 7500 mile recommendation, you would still have superior protection.