Update on Amsoil research!!

[kokopelli]

brayboy , My only experience with the seal problem was not a personal one ,rather one of a close co-worker . Like I've said before , I'm kinda' an old timer compared to some of the memebers here . I can remember when Mobile 1 first came out . I had just bought a new 1979 Subaru 4WD Station wagon, my friend had purchased a new 1980 Dodge Colt . He had read about the "new" Mobile 1 synthetic oil and was determined to change over to it in the Colt despite what he had read about it's use prematurly deteriorating the seals after changing over from petroleum based products . He was trying to convince me to switch the subie over too .

You need to remember that this was in the time period following the Arab Oil Embargo and the World Energy Crisis . At this point in time , Americans were still wheeling in shock from fuel rationing , waiting in line to purchase gasoline on "Even & Odd" days . The price of gasoline had gone up from 34 cents a gallon , to past 59 cents a gallon to over 75 cents per gallon eventually in some places . Manufacturing Facilities were temporarily mandated closed by the Federal Government to save Natural Gas , during extremely cold snaps during the winter so that the citizens would have enough fuel to heat their homes . People were finding themselves on unemployment lines because of the situation . Unleaded fuel was becoming mandatory as leaded fuel was being phased out , Emission control was becoming a concern . Alternatives fuels like "Gasohol" were being pushed . Catalytic converters were becoming mandatory and people were switching to smaller more fuel efficient cars . Our Government began forcing Auto Manufacturers to increase the fuel eficiency in their vehicles . Front wheel drive vehicles hadn't become popular yet , but Domestic Auto Makers were begining to feel the pressure from more fuel efficient FWD forgien FWD imports . Americans felt it was their patriotic duty to do what ever they could to help conserve "OIL" . We were being told at that time there were probably less than 20 years worth of "crude" left in the world and finding alternatives or taking consevation measures were imparative .

..........Anyway , despite of what he had read about the seal deterioration problems of switching to synthetics , my friend made the switch from petroleum to synthetic and immediatly experienced seal leakage problems . In his case , I believe that in his case the seals were relatively easy for him to change because of vehicle design , and as he was mechanically inclined and had the facilities to perform the work , but I'm sure others weren't so lucky .

I don't know if the problem was a result of the make-up of synthetic oil , a chemical reaction between switching from petroleum to synthetic , or if the problem was in the composition of the seals . This problem and the cost of the synthetic was what soured me on synthetic oil and kept me successfully using petroleum , which has always met my needs .

My question was : Does this problem still exsist or was something ever done to remedy it over the past 25 years .

As far as choosing what kind of lubricant to use in your vehicle , I think everyone have to honestly evaluate their need of level of protection and make their choice accordingly .

There have also been "other" oil addative type products introduced to the American public over the years that have promised increased protection for engines , from the simplest petroleum addative to the more modern high tech stuff . Agressive marketing campaigns have been aimed at the American auto enthusiast to sell these products . I feel the same way about these products too . I don't believe the "Average " driver has much to benifit from them , however; certain select groups may gain from their use .

Ya' pays Ya' money and Ya' picks Ya' Poison..... [img]images/graemlins/AR15firing.gif[/img]

Brayboy,

If it was my truck, I wouldn't worry about changing it over at 55k. That is just me. It is also a Toyota, they are built to last. If it was a Kia, we might be talking a different story.
Although, I would change the oil after 3,000 during the first chang over, along with the filter.
Then I would continue on with Toyota's recoommendation of every 7,500 miles.
I am at 43,00 right now and am getting ready to change over to Mobil 1 at 7,500 miles.
I think the problem of seal break down and the seals being helped sealed by the sludge in the engine is a thing of the past. We are SO FAR beyond the technology of the past it is unbelieveable. That is why mechanics aren't mechanics anymore, they are technicians, except for the lube rack boys, they are still mechanics, if that.
Its up to you though. If you do have seal leakage, it was gonna leak sometime soon. As soon as whatever was closing the leak, got dislodged.
I don't want it to come back on me.
But if it was my vehicle, I would have no caulms about changing over. You will notice a difference in my personal opinion, especially on the engine running smoother, and starting easier, especially on cold days.
I live in N. Dakota, so some days it is -35 below. So for the question for me to change over is an easy one. Although I recommend it for all climates.
About Amsoil, I think there is a lot of hype. With the oil and filters. I run a TRD filter which is almost the same as a K&N, except it has a lot more filter element which equals to better filtertration. To make it an Amsoil, all I need to do is add some foam to he front part to catch the bigger stuff, but that is what the screen is for.
These are just my personal opinions from 10 years of previously being a techician. I was one of the first 5000 ASE double Master Certified techicians. Both of which ran out in 2000, as I never updated them as I went into a white collar job. I also went to Ford and Chevy techical schools and learned a lot there as well.
Take it for what its worth and make the decision on your own.
I personally think it will add miles to your engine, as well as smooth it out.
I guess there is always the possibility of seal leakage. Although, there is the possibility of seal leakage without the change over.

Chezman