Thinking of switching to synthetic

[Worktruck]

I have spent the last weeek or so researching the topic and have read so much conflicting info my head is gonna explode. I have a 02 4.8 ext cab that has about 63K miles. I am experiencing alot of cold knock from the motor and was suggested to me that a synthetic would reduce the noise. Have used dino oil since new with changes varying from 3000 to 5000 miles depending on driving conditions such as wether I have been towing etc. Have read some articles that state that switching to synthetics at these mileages can have adverse effects on seals and gaskets. I have relied on the members of this forum for some great advice in the past and hope you guys can "enlighten" me as to wether or not I should take the plunge and switch to synthetic motor oil. Will be waiting for some advice and some arguments as well. Jeff

[Bish]

I say go for it. That mileage isn't that high and you've been changing it regularly. Most problems come from an engine that is gummed up from lots of dino oil and poor maintenance schedule. The synthetic will clean that away and sometimes creates leaks.

 

Regarding ticking, switching to Mobil 1 (at 5K) quieted down the ticking on mine. Also, a good "Top Engine Clean" every 25K for me helps keep the knocking down. I like GM or Seafoam.

[Worktruck]

Just to define the cold knock. If I drive away when cold (before running 3-4 minutes) the motor sounds as if it will gernade. Really sounds like bearing knock. This stops when the engine is warm and have had the truck looked at by a GM tech and was told that is is piston slap.

[Mark_in_Tulsa]

Just to define the cold knock. If I drive away when cold (before running 3-4 minutes) the motor sounds as if it will gernade. Really sounds like bearing knock. This stops when the engine is warm and have had the truck looked at by a GM tech and was told that is is piston slap.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

CSK was not really bad in my truck but noticable. But the M1 helped alot.

 

GO FOR IT.

[Jasonsupafly]

Go for the Mobil 1 synthetic..Good stuff,been using it for years..Now for CSK , it never has helped mine to lighten up..dont know why it would ..But hey.

[Fatboy2]

Jeff,

I switched at a little over 50,000 on an 01 4.8 Tahoe with no problems to date. I am leaving a link to a poll that I watched before I switched.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...7&mode=show&st=

 

Maybe we will pick up some more information if some other folks can take a look at the poll.

 

Hope this helps.

[dewfpo]

I have used M1 in every vehicle I have owned since 1984, new and used, engine and tranny and I swear by it.

 

I changed a tranny over at 120,000 miles and an engine at 115,000 and have had no problems at all. Zero, Zilch problems.

 

DEWFPO