VQ Consuming Synthetic Oil?

[01silvapathy]

So I changed over to mobil 1 full synthetic oil last oil change put in enough to cover up half the thatched area on the dipstick when I put it in. I have since driven about 2k miles and I checked my oil level today before heading back to school since its a 4hr drive. Much to my displeasure I noticed that the oil level was really pretty low. So low that it was not even at the Low mark on the dipstick This is the first I have noticed my engine actually burning oil per say, i have always heard that the vq's burn oil maybe its just a coincidence that it started to happen when I switched over to synthetics? I will put it back up to the regular half full mark and keep my eye on it. Trucks about 400 miles short of 100k so maybe its just hit the phase of burning oil. Would there be a problem with going back to a conventional oil next oil change or is that a no no? Thanks for any help or input

[miamiheat3332]

ive been using valvoline full syn since like 30k miles, and i did notice something similar to this around my 115k mark. Im at 116.5k now but i think it was also because it was extremely hot for 3 weeks here. That might be 1 reason, and also hitting the gas a little when its so hot.

[01silvapathy]

Yeah we had 2 straight weeks of temps over 100 degrees here, and I also have a lead foot haha

[WPGQX4]

It won't hurt anything by going back to conventional. But give the synthetic a little longer, its well worth the benifits.

[01silvapathy]

Yeah going to see how much it uses between now and the about 1000 more miles before my next oil change and make a decision then bout synthetic or not.

[ARKQX33V6]

So I changed over to mobil 1 full synthetic oil last oil change put in enough to cover up half the thatched area on the dipstick[b[/b] when I put it in. I have since driven about 2k miles and I checked my oil level today before heading back to school since its a 4hr drive. Much to my displeasure I noticed that the oil level was really pretty low. So low that it was not even at the Low mark on the dipstick This is the first I have noticed my engine actually burning oil per say, i have always heard that the vq's burn oil maybe its just a coincidence that it started to happen when I switched over to synthetics? I will put it back up to the regular half full mark and keep my eye on it. Trucks about 400 miles short of 100k so maybe its just hit the phase of burning oil. Would there be a problem with going back to a conventional oil next oil change or is that a no no? Thanks for any help or input

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Question?
Why are you putting the level to 1/2 of thatched area on the dip stick? Too low an oil level reduces the heat transfer capability of the oil. Mobil 1 is a very good choice, I have been using it in a 97 QX4 for 13 years.

The original time of change to the synthetic oil will drop as the synthetic oil being of consistent molecular structure has a tendency of flowing into every area of the engine and mixing with residue, carbon and carries these substances to the filter. The filter at 10-15 microns will not remove all particles and these particles will be in solution in the synthetic oil and will be very dark in colour.

The first 2-3 oil changes may need to be done at a sooner interval than later depending on the mileage and time the engine spent on regular oil and how often you did changes.

With greater time and distance on regular oils, the longer it will take to clean out deposits but also the longer time it will take the synthetics to dissolve varnish and materials that stick to metals, but synthetics because of a high flash point good viscosity will still lubricate areas that are hard to reach and flush out these deposits.

The synthetics at 4 quarts or 4 liters or what the spec for your QX needs to have a full not 1/2 full charge of oil especially when a change to synthetics is taking place. As an aside the more crap that is removed you may discover oil leaks, since carbon , varnish may be blocking areas of poor gasket adhesion.

[01silvapathy]

Its good now, the level has not changed since this post. I think I just checked it at the wrong time when i posted this. The oil is getting changed right at the 3k mark if not a little before when i go home.

[tbsbiker2]

I have an 01 as well, been running Mobil 1 for 3 years so far. I have noticed that the best time for me to verify oil level is after it's been sitting overnight OR after a couple hours or so if sitting level. If I pull up the the gas pump, pull the stick it always reads low. Then the next morning, spot on full.

Peter
2001 SE

[jpedderson]

I've been using Mobil 1 5w30 since new and use a little oil, but not much. Engine has 205,000 miles on it and still runs great!

[Buzzman]

I've been using Mobil 1 since I got my truck 7 years ago. Still runs like new and uses less than a quart (litre) between changes.
Now, having said that, I'm not a big fan of switching to synthetics on an older, higher mileage vehicle.
Everything I've seen and heard and read says that if you're going to go synthetic, do it early in the life of the car/truck.
Also, don't switch back and forth between the two. You have to make a commitment to either synthetic or dino oil for the duration.
Switching back and forth is definitely not recommended.
Personally, in your case, given the age and mileage, I'd stay with conventional oil.
Some may beg to differ, so this is just my $.02. Good luck either way. Cheers.

[01silvapathy]

I've been using Mobil 1 since I got my truck 7 years ago. Still runs like new and uses less than a quart (litre) between changes.
Now, having said that, I'm not a big fan of switching to synthetics on an older, higher mileage vehicle.
Everything I've seen and heard and read says that if you're going to go synthetic, do it early in the life of the car/truck.
Also, don't switch back and forth between the two. You have to make a commitment to either synthetic or dino oil for the duration.
Switching back and forth is definitely not recommended.
Personally, in your case, given the age and mileage, I'd stay with conventional oil.
Some may beg to differ, so this is just my $.02. Good luck either way. Cheers.

So you are saying I should switch back to conventional oil on my next change, even though I really have not had an issue with it and my truck is relatively young with just hitting the 100k mark two or so weeks ago?

[Densetsu]

I think Buzz is saying not go switch back and forth, that's just pushing your luck.

If your oil level with the synthetic stabilizes -- and it sounds like it has -- then I'd stick with it. Watch for leaks on the floor, and stick some paper under the engine overnight every few weeks to make absolutely sure nothing is leaking.

[jhong1226]

I have been switching back and forth with my minivan since i got it 8 years ago, it currently have 200k miles on it and not a drop of engine oil or any engine problems. Also there are oils that are called synthetic blends, they are actually a mix of dino oil and synthetic so mixing the two types of oil is safe.

[alexf20c]

hmmph. my VG has 185kmi and i use dino oil and change it every 5-6k, or whenever i'm not feeling lazy. it doesn't burn any oil. was the OP trying to unleash some mythical horsepower by switching to synthetic at 100kmi?

[ARKQX33V6]

Remember that oil flows back to sump and is pressured by the pump. If it truly takes overnight for the flow to fill the sump to the proper level there may be a problem with blocking passages. Mobil 1 in time will cure this as any oil change done frequently enough will begin to clean up passages and as time moves on you will see your oil level returning to normal.

Do yourself a big favour and keep your older dirty oil filters. Date them when you take them off and when you have 3 of them, cut them open, check the check valves, the filter media and the state of cleanliness. You should see a difference.

You are running Mobil 1, keep with it, do a trial compression test now and 3 months later to see if any difference. And watch for leaks, because of your drain back time, there may be some blockages but stay with Mobile 1 and be aware of your engine.

By the way I have used Mobile 1 for over 30 years, in 1978 with a Bronco 400, C6 transmission a dealer changed the oil and forgot to put any oil back in, I drove from Hamilton to Mississauga with a dry sump. A very hot engine...after a cool down I filled the crankcase with my usual Mobil 1 charge and kept that SUV for 20 years. The dealer was willing to replace the motor. So I had a very good hone job on that engine and at 17 years old I inspected it from Valves to crank and it was still within spec.

Mobile 1 is what I use for my present SUV since 1.5 years old when I changed from Dino to Synthetic. There are some places that I have found synthetics do not work, in piston compressors, but where combustion takes place I really like Mobile 1. At 250,000 km and starting its 14th year the compression is even at 165 PSIG, tolerance is within spec and no oil added between changes, whether 3 months, 6 or 12month intervals.

[01silvapathy]

hmmph. my VG has 185kmi and i use dino oil and change it every 5-6k, or whenever i'm not feeling lazy. it doesn't burn any oil. was the OP trying to unleash some mythical horsepower by switching to synthetic at 100kmi?

I heard you switched to synthetics in your "Aston Martin", how did that turn out

[Densetsu]

hmmph. my VG has 185kmi and i use dino oil and change it every 5-6k, or whenever i'm not feeling lazy. it doesn't burn any oil. was the OP trying to unleash some mythical horsepower by switching to synthetic at 100kmi?

I heard you switched to synthetics in your "Aston Martin", how did that turn out

Wait, Hot Wheel cars need oil changes?

Damn, Mattel is really milking money out of kids these days.

[alexf20c]

hmmph. my VG has 185kmi and i use dino oil and change it every 5-6k, or whenever i'm not feeling lazy. it doesn't burn any oil. was the OP trying to unleash some mythical horsepower by switching to synthetic at 100kmi?

I heard you switched to synthetics in your "Aston Martin", how did that turn out

i heard you dropped your truck on the brakes when you had it jacked up. how'd that turn out?

[alexf20c]

maybe you're leaking oil from the oil filter adapter that you had to get fixed (replaced 2 o-rings) at the dealership? i suggest taking your vehicle to the dealership and have them tell you what's wrong... if there is even anything wrong with your truck, other than user error.

[01silvapathy]

It actually worked out pretty well, all that I had to do to fix it was bend back the dust shield. Goes to show how stout these little rigs are! And you really need to come up with something better than the good old oil o ring case, I mean really im pretty sure everyone on here has heard it more than once. Now go back to tinkering in your fantasy garage, unless you have been banned from that also