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Hi guys,
I've got a 1997 Altima, and it's been running like a champ (regularly getting 31-35 just driving around town). I got the car with 83k miles on it and I've heard that if you've been using dino oil until then synthetic can actual release some of the sludge buildup in the engine and can create engine leaks among other problems. Right now I've been using Castrol 5w-30 Dino oil. So should I make the switch this late?
well, fact. almost every person I know of had to replace their seals. including myself. Doesn't matter when you switch. The only issue I've heard of my entire life was just a small fixible leak here and there. however problems? never heard of that.
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First BS in Computer Science, second as an Electronic Engineer.
2001 Altima GXE
OBX 4-2-1
2001 F350 - I like big trucks. :-D
I got the car with 83k miles on it and I've heard that if you've been using dino oil until then synthetic can actual release some of the sludge buildup in the engine and can create engine leaks among other problems.
On my last oil change I needed to have my engine flushed to get out the sludge that was built up in the motor. The previous owner used synthetic oil so I'm just continuing what he started. After I had the engine flushed the mechanic told me to check the oil to make sure I have no leaks. Last week I had a ticking sound come from the engine when I checked the oil.. it needed some. I hope flushing the engine didn't start up a problem.
On my last oil change I needed to have my engine flushed to get out the sludge that was built up in the motor. The previous owner used synthetic oil so I'm just continuing what he started. After I had the engine flushed the mechanic told me to check the oil to make sure I have no leaks. Last week I had a ticking sound come from the engine when I checked the oil.. it needed some. I hope flushing the engine didn't start up a problem.
F\S : Stock SE struts and springs, AC Compressor, 94 Rack and pinion, Sunroof switches, Power Window Amps, All 4 door harnesses, blue inside door handles, Stock radio brackets with cup holder, Grey 6.5 inch speaker rear deck, Stock Fog light stalk, motormight brand new dist, stock headlights, stock turn signals, Manual heater controls, Few need painting se rims, New 93 to 97 Driver Side Fender
as long as its the front crank seal its easy to change, and itll go out whether you use dino or syn.
ive used syn, ive used dino...i have a very small leak on my front crank seal but other than that i dont lose or use any oil. if the car was taken care of and the oil was changed regularly then you should be fine.
No problems YET with Synthetic, only been running it for a few days but I just switched to Valvoline SYNPower 5W-30. My oil pan gasket was a bit leaky (not dripping on the ground yet but moist around the edge) before so we'll see what happens now.
I plan on cleaning the hell out of it and loading it up with RTV, hopefully that keeps it tight.
I use a Valvoline 5w-30 synthetic blend w/ lucas synthetic oil stabelizer every oil change. No leaks and the car runs just fine. I use the blend because I made the switch around 130000 miles and I want the advantage but not the risk of leaks. Use blend to be on the safe side IMO
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Stupidity is not a crime so you’re free to go
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2001 Nissan Altima GXE Special Edition
Cloud White
K&N air filter
UR Pulley
Royal Purple 5W-30 W/ K&N Gold Premium Filter
Stillen Sport Drilled Rotors
Hawk Pads
Pioneer Head unit
Pioneer x4 Speakers
NGK Plugs & Wires
Eagle Eyes headlights
Philips bulbs - White LED Rear Plate bulbs
TYC F&F Euro Tails
I recently switched to synthetic in my 99 SE at 110k. I've got a few hundred on the change now and haven't seen any problems and hope I won't. (Knock on wood) But I have switched to synthetic oil at different mileages ranging from 5k to 125k, and have never had a problem with sludge releasing and sparking a leak. You're definitely right to be worried, though. Sometimes, the sludge is all that's holding the oil in on some cars...
See the car I own has 170k on the body but the motor was replaced. I don't know how many miles the swap has on it but I switched from reg 10w30 to syn mobil1 10w 30 around 160K and she loves it..
No leaks or problems..
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1998 Nissan Altima
Bone Stock under the hood
nuffin but a air filter replacement using a scepter...
more coming soon...
All Muscle in the trunk:
1 15" Fi BL
1 saz-1500d by Sundown Audio
Custom Ported enclosure 4 cu ft
Kinetik HC-2000 in the rear
I don't think switching should really be a problem...however I don't think it would be of any benefit either. Its really best to stick to what you've been using. Regular oil works very well, if the car is maintained. Your engine, if properly cared for, shouldn't really have sludge buildup. Synthetic is good as a preventative, so its nice to use it on new, or well maintained cars.
On the other hand, mixing reg and syn is a very bad thing, so many people flush their engines when they switch. This is ok if you do it with the actual oil, but if you use an "Engine Flush" product, really bad things WILL happen. GIXXER is the latest victim of this engine flushing scam. You NEVER want to dislodge any sludge from the engine too fast, because while its harmless sitting on the walls of the crankcase, its very damaging to the engine components while its free flowing. Leave it alone!
On the other hand, if you're like me and must get it out , use a mild detergent additive like Marvel Mystery Oil, and use that with your oil changes. It will SLOWLY dissolve the sludge into the oil column, which you can then drain (but you have to change your oil more often as it becomes saturated faster). Just remember that there is always a downside...MMO will make your oil thinner, so its likely a little will seep through the seals.
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, use a mild detergent additive like Marvel Mystery Oil, and use that with your oil changes. It will SLOWLY dissolve the sludge into the oil column, which you can then drain (but you have to change your oil more often as it becomes saturated faster). Just remember that there is always a downside...MMO will make your oil thinner, so its likely a little will seep through the seals. 
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