Synthetic Oil

[deejay1272]

Since I just purchased my '85 Terc 4WD, I decided to start off on the right foot and put full synthetic oil in the car this weekend. Since it has 224K on it, I figured this was reasonable. I've actually never used synthetic before so I'm wondering if folks have opinions on this with respect to higher mileage Tercels. First off - is it worth the extra cost? At $6-$7 per quart, this was a bit tough to swallow. Second - how long can I go between future oil changes now? More than 3,000 miles?

Thanks,
Dan

[Typrus]

My writeup on conventional versus synthetic might still be floating around....

For one, use a Purolator PureONE PL30001 (That should be the PH8A equivalent) oil filter. Its extra capacity and filtration surface will help push those intervals longer.

The biggest concern would be if pre-existing sludge deposits are blocking cracked or rotted gaskets or seals. Synthetic oil will clean the deposits up, revealing the gasket or seal behind. If it is damaged, you've opened up a leak. Its not the synthetics fault, as the leak was covered in the sludge, which is wrose than having a leak.


I'd vote Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic or Schaeffer's Supreme 7000.