Recommendations for Synthetic Motor Oil

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paid4c4
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Car: 2009 Infiniti FX35

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I wanted opinions on using Synthetic Motor Oil in our 2009 FX35. I use Mobil 1 in all my other vehicles. If synthetic is OK is there a mileage number to switch it from dino oil to synthetic oil?Bill


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szh
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My opinion: wait till the 11,250 mile mark to switch. On the assumption, you are doing an oil and filter change at least every 3750 miles. I use Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40, but there are other good ones too.

My other opinion: if you do your oil and filter changes often enough, and regularly enough, then it almost does not matter which oil you use. A good dino oil (like Castrol GTX 5W-30 or Chevron Supreme 5W-30) will be perfectly fine.

Z

qship96
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First thing you need to determine is how long will you own the car? If you plan on dumping it before or around 100,000 miles, just use regular oil changed at 7,500/6 month intervals

If you plan on keeping it for the long haul {200,000++++}, I would use a FULL synthetic oil changed regularly {5000-7000 miles}

Q45tech
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Synthetics are great for cold winters and extreme Arizona Summers [or racing] other than that a quality conventional will be fine IF replaced every 90 days or 3,750 miles. The sump is small and the filter is smaller, is the reason for frequent changes. The dirty oil will out survive the filter, which when restricted goes into bypass and stops filtering any.

qship96
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If your filter is becoming clogged and going into bypass mode before 7500++++ miles, you have other MAJOR issues {dirt ingression past air filter or cracked intake tube, extremely high wear metals from abnornal internal engine parts failure}.

My multiple oil analysis results with OCI ranging from 3500 to 7500 miles show the factory oil filter performing fine at 7500 mile intervals based on the measured percentage of insolubles in the oil, measured silicon{dirt} and wear metals measured in parts per million. Again,your results may differ based on YOUR specific motor, maintenance habits, and driving conditions.

Full synthetic oils provide many other benefits besides extended drains or operation in extreme hot/cold climates.
Modified by qship96 at 4:25 PM 8/11/2008

paid4c4
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Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2008 5:39 pm
Car: 2009 Infiniti FX35

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I appreciate all the comments. I will probably let the dealer do the 3750 oil and filter change since it's a free bee. Then starting with the next oil change I'll do my own service and switch to Mobil 1, 0-30 or 40, with a Nissan oil filter. I'll probably send an oil sample to Black Stone Labs for analysis just to see what's going on inside the engine. Bill

maxnix
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I would take my own M1 oil and, M1 filter (from Joe) to the dealer and pay labor. I even supplied the crush washer to save $0.65 on the dealer mark up.

qship96
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maxnix wrote:I would take my own M1 oil and, M1 filter (from Joe) to the dealer and pay labor. I even supplied the crush washer to save $0.65 on the dealer mark up.
Problem is....do you end up with YOUR oil in your car, or does the pit monkey keep it for his car and fill yours with dealer standard bulk oil??? Without you being able to eyeball your $$$$ synthetic oil being poured into your engine.....it is a leap of faith, at best.

I only patronise shops that allow me into the bay to inspect what I expect.

maxnix
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One always must maintain vigilance. Trust, but verify.

Q45tech
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Better tip the oil tech since he has to open the syn oil bottles and take out your trash instead of using the central oil dispenser pump.

Our waste company charges extra for plastic oil bottles in our trash so we have to cover them up.

Jacko3
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My goodfriend:

I have been using synthetic oil right after my first oil change, at about 3000miles----has been excellent. The idea of waiting for a break in period has not been fully substantiated in any document I have read. And then, i change my oil every 3,000 miles. Nothing beats fresh oil in your engine. May save you future maintenance cost if you do so. 3750 miles before an oil change is for Infiniti. 3000 miles is for me.


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driverdriver
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If you can do your own oil changes and keep your receipts for warranty purposes or take it somewhere that you trust. I have only used Mobil1 and Napa Gold oil filters (which in my opinion are better than any OEM filter. Break one open and have a look) on all my vehicles except the Saab.

maxnix
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driverdriver wrote:I have only used Mobil1 and Napa Gold oil filters (which in my opinion are better than any OEM filter. Break one open and have a look) on all my vehicles except the Saab.
So you use the J. C. Whitney toilet paper roll cannister for the Saab?

qship96
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I hate Saabs

Should be a picture in the dictionary of one next to the word PECULIAR

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driverdriver
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The Saab OEM oil filter is an interesting contraption, it has its own magnet for separating and holding metal particulates in the oil and an interesting anti drainback valve. Its only marginally more expensive then a NAPA oil filter and works quite well and is made quite well (no glue, quality paper/cloth filter, held with lots of screws). One size fits all Saabs except the 9-7x.

texasoil
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I suggest Valvoline engine oils over Mobil1. V has MUCH better wear protection than M1. V is formulated by oil/engine guys. M1 has real good 'bean counters' dictating cost of additive package limits. Not that M1 is 'bad', its just heavily advertised and not nearly as good a V stuff.

Q45tech
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The 3.5 sump has 1/3 the oil capacity of the V8, so the oil is circulating at least 33% faster. So you should study only V6 and disreguard any comments and tests from V8 owners.

Additionally the post 2001 engines are seriously different in design especially the no lead narrow bearings and light tension piston rings.

Failure to follow the WRITTEN warning in owners manual about 3750 miles and 90 day oil/filter changes can leave you very unhappy after the 70k warranty.

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Q45denver
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I believe M1 extended wear has a good additive package and is recommended by collector car owners.

texasoil
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I stand by my earlier comments about relative wear protection of Valvoline vs M1. Both ARE excellent products, but valve train wear has been an issue with the new low phosphorus (<Zndpt) formulation

trajan10
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Where is that smallish oil filter located on 2009 FX 35? Do you have to removed some plastics to get to it?

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goody90q45
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trajan10 wrote:Where is that smallish oil filter located on 2009 FX 35? Do you have to removed some plastics to get to it?
I don't drive an FX but the MA (General MAintenance) section of the FSM has a lot of good info and pics.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/FX/2008_FX45-35/

The 2009 FSM isn't available online but the 2008 should work. You might try the FX forum for a better answer. There should be a couple of DIY'ers there.


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