4A-GE and syntethic oil

[Mux213]

Jamie,

That must be some real bad quality stuff then... I wonder if you can get that on the market here in Holland

Seriously though, the mineral oils that they sell in the automotive shops here in Holland for just a few euro's a liter seem to be pretty good quality and if you just make sure you change the oil at your normal regular interval, I just can't imagine they do any damage that hasn't already been done to your engine in the 100k to 200k thats already on your engine when you bought the car. And even if it makes your engine break 10k or 20k earlier (it will still run well over 300k if taken care of properly) then if you would have run a more expensive oil, does that justify the price?

If there really are very bad quality oils out there that really do damage your engine because they have bad contaminents in there, than that is a different story. But I think that atleast here in Holland, they do have some laws that protect us against that.

Again though, my whole point revolves around OLD engines that are already warn. Using better quality oil wont FIX your engine. It will only make the damage that has already been done to your old engine apparent and for that reason aswell it would be wise to stick to mineral oils.

On a rebuild engine, or a new or low mileage engine I have a totally different opinion. There I believe using better quality oils does make a major difference as there the difference in engine life and indeed engine HP output is effected. You engine most likely isn't damaged or warn out much, so using (semi) synth oil will ensure that it will stay healty and good for as long as possible.

But imho, using expensive oils on old engines is just a waiste of money.