Synthetic Oil

[Hanktinman]

I just bough 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 ext cap short box with 58,000 Mi. 5.3 what do you think about using synthetic oil?

[xsports33]

I think it's a great idea. Do you have any maintenance records for the truck? If not, you might want to do some basic service such as oil, air, possibly transmission.

[95Sierra2500]

As long as you don't have any current oil leaks, switching to synthetic won't hurt anything and will in fact help you out in both the short term and the long term. You should notice almost immediate gains in mileage (less friction in the motor), and you'll gain longer engine life as the synthetic oils resist thermal breakdown and protect engine components alot better.

[Black02Silverado]

Not a problem.

[tombstone]

I had a car I picked up with 100K on it. Changed to synthetic and can it for another 105K with no recourse.

 

Go for it.

[mini1]

Sure, put some Amsoil in it. It will thank you.

[Santillan]

to change to synthetic is there any especial action you gotta take???

[Erichcb]

Changed to synthetic in the truck shortly after I got it and after buying a used yukon denali I changed it over to synthetic and changed the trans. fluid and the front and rear dif. fluid.

Pick your flavor of oil....

 

Good luck

[Stylous]

Yup. I would run an engine cleaner through it first (seafoam or the like) then drop in the synthetic oil.

 

You are also due for a radiator flush...matter of fact, an '02 would be due for a change of all fluids at this time if im not mistaken.

 

Drop in a K&N or the like while you're at it.

 

And drop in a can of fuel injection cleaner as well..seafoam or the like. Start doins that every oil change going forward.

[ScooterInMN]

I am heading the same way with an '05.

 

I am guessing that the procedure for using the seafoam...

 

 

• Pour it in
  
• let it run for 5 minutes
  
• change oil
  

 

[Stylous]

I am heading the same way with an '05.

 

I am guessing that the procedure for using the seafoam...

 

 

• Pour it in

   

• let it run for 5 minutes

   

• change oil

   

 

 

That should do it. I don't recall the exact instructions on the can but it may be on their website, it has to be on the can.

[fraso]

Synthetics generally have pretty good additives so there isn't any need to flush the engine first before changing over. Because synthetics hold their viscosity longer than conventional oils, you can extend your oil change intervals. Although my OLM will go longer, I have my oil changes coincide with tire rotations (10,000 km or 6200 miles).

 

ACCCC Engine Oil Article

[Spurshot]

I'm not knowledgeable about Seafoam or similar oil system flushes, but it seems very risky to put in anything designed to remove oil and then run the engine for any length of time. The wear in those 5 minutes could be greater than what you're trying to protect from. I dunno, but my first thought is that it's a risk with no obvious benefit.

 

The synthetic oils like Mobil and other major brands all say they're fully compatible to mix with regular mineral oils. Within a couple of oil changes, about all the mineral oil will be long gone.

[Z45]

I would seriously think long and hard before using any chemical to flushing out the oil system. I would never dump anything into the engine that was not engine oil.

 

There may be incompatibility issues with some of the components used in the engine, (seals, bearings etc). Damage to engine components may not be readily noticeable but appear over time. Then the lubricant will be blamed. Some people over use these chemicals.

[REV353]

I bought my 02' 2500hd with 134k. I run Amsoil in everything. I bought Amsoils engine flush, did what it said to do then dumped the oil. 20k later happy as can be. I did this with my 98' k1500 when it had 34k, sold the truck with 105k and never took a drop of oil, smoked or dripped.