Synthetic Oil....

[jwk316]

I just got a 98 Galant Es 5 spd with 106000 on it. Not long after i got it the engine light came on. I just cleaned out the air filter and the oil level is fine. i dont know what it could be. But enough with the problem, i was loooking for input on possibily putting synthetic oil in the car. I have heard nothing but good things about it and also that you get better mileage as well. Please tell me hte pros and cons about the issue. Thank You.

[Inman Lanier]

Synthetic oil has much more resistance to breakdown (at temperature) than conventional oils. You can extend your drain intervals so it is also convenient. You will usually get a slight increase in mileage (hardly noticeable). Run the viscosity specified in your manual - don't run a 20W50 for example.

The reality is that conventional oils are excellent these days as well. If you are not going to extend your drain intervals (I do 10,000 between changes) - many go to 20,000 between changes (I wouldn't go beyond 10K on the filter), then I don't think it's financially beneficial, however, since it usually costs a good bit more.

[jwk316]

What about for the clutch fluid? IS there any i think there is. Should i get special amsoil fluid for that?

[Inman Lanier]

Mine's an auto so I'm not sure if its a slave cylinder or cable in the Galant manuals. In any case. clutch service is very benign - no advantage to going to synthetic. It would be a waste of time and money to worry about swapping that out.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by jwk316

What about for the clutch fluid? IS there any i think there is. Should i get special amsoil fluid for that?

Clutch fluid is plain old brake fluid.
But would not hurt to chang/flush it with new fluid just like brake fluid should be changed ever3-5 years.

At 100K it would not hurt to service transmission oil to.
But use what the manf calls for.

On the engine oil it is better to switch them over at lower mileage if you are going to do it.
But what ever way you go remember the oil filter is what keeps the oil clean.
The dirt is what will cause engine wear
Synthetic oil will last a lot longer than regular oil but.
Synthetic or regular oil will get dirty and cause engine wear after many miles on it.

As far a gas mileage I do not think you will notice much change.