[Guns90]

Hi guys; I've been searching the threads and found a lot of talk about synthetics, but I haven't found the answer to my concern...do these engines really have to be 'broke in' before you switch to synthetic, and just exactly was is 'broke in these days?

Years ago I understood the break-in period because you could see it. I would do an oil change at 500 miles, another at 1500 miles, and again at 3000 miles and every 300 after that. I never had any trouble with any of my engines over their life. During the first two oil changes (500 and 1500) you could actually see metal fragments in the oil and filter. Since the mid 1990's though, I have yet to see ANY debris of any type in new engines. So, are engines being made that much better and more to tolerance than the old days? My 2006 Civic got dino oil changes at 500 and 1500 miles, and NOTHING was in the oil or filter.

So (and I'm sorry about this being so long, but I wanted everyone to acutally understand my concern), has anyone run synthetic oil in their new 4.0 ltr and had any excess usage or any other concern? I have 500 miles on my new Fronty, and it's probably only going to get 5-6K a year on it, so I want to go to Amsoil 0W-30. Thanks guys. Gary

00002.jpg picture by guns90 - Photobucket

 

[SDHarleydad]

I did my first oil change as recommended at 3700 miles. I used regular dino. The second I used a synthetic blend. My 3rd will be around 10k and Im looking to go to synthetic. Haven't decided between Mobil one or Royal Purple yet.

 

[pbnut]

I've read on here where guys have gotten home from the dealer, dropped the oil and filter, and refilled immediately with synthetic. They reported no problems.
I just did my second oil change on my '10. I did the first one at 1000 miles with dino oil. The one I did yesterday was at just shy of 5000 miles, and I filled her up with Amsoil 5w-30.
I felt more comfortable waiting a bit before going with the synthetic, but I really doubt there's much of a difference between a 5000 mile switch, or a 100 mile switch as far as engine life goes.

Nice truck by the way.

 

[shinermiller]

I switched to synthetic after 3000 miles. You more than likely wouldn't need to, but I did it as a precaution. Oh, and when I drained my Castrol GTX from 1500-3000 (ran it for 1500 mi) miles it was on the verge of being Sludge. Good luck

 

[SDHarleydad]

I thought I remember a post from a member that went synthetic at about 1000 miles and his engine got loud. I might be wrong

 

[RickNY]

I did my first oil change at 1583 miles and replaced the factory fill with Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30.. I did the second oil change at 5193 miles and refilled with the same.. Using the Nissan OEM filters.. I have had no problems at all with increased noise or oil usage.. Did not have to add any make up oil between changes.

Also, for entertainment I've been sending out the used oil to Blackstone.. If you're interested, you can see how things have been progressing and whats in the oil from the beginning.. Attached 2 files..

To SDHarleydad -- I recall reading something about that as well.. I went back and searched the forums, and it appears the additional noise was related to going to 0W-30 Mobil 1:
http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f8/mobil-one-0w-30-mistake-41535


Rick

 

[Haulin3kidz]

There is something in the owners manual about keeping the revs low and avoiding hard acceleration for the first 700 miles or something like that. And you're supposed to put so many miles on before trailer towing if I remember correctly. I went to Pennzoil Platinum with a Purolator Pure One filter for the first few changes (3000, 7000, 11000, 15000) and now went to Mobil One extended life synthetic with a Mobil One extended life oil filter.

 

[RickNY]

Heres what they have to say as far as break-in for the 2010:

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and ensure
the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in shortened
engine life and reduced engine
performance.

- Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
- Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
- Avoid quick starts.
- Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
- Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

 

[Guns90]

Well guys, I thank all of you for your input, although I'm still not sure that I have the answer that I was looking for. lol I guess in reality, that erring on the side of caution can't hurt, so I guess that I'll put a few more miles on her before I change over to the synthetic. I'm thinking of doing a dino change at 1000 and the synthetic change at 3000. If everything isn't sealed up by then, it probably never will be. Thanks again to everyone. Gary

 

[D189379]

Well guys, I thank all of you for your input, although I'm still not sure that I have the answer that I was looking for. lol I guess in reality, that erring on the side of caution can't hurt, so I guess that I'll put a few more miles on her before I change over to the synthetic. I'm thinking of doing a dino change at 1000 and the synthetic change at 3000. If everything isn't sealed up by then, it probably never will be. Thanks again to everyone. Gary

The engine will break-in on synthetic or regular oil all the same. If you plan on using synthetic, just switch it. There is 0 benefit to using the oil put in at the factory, other than the cost of your next oil change.