Thread: I made the mistake.

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I made the mistake of putting synthetic oil in the engine. This engine has to be broke in. It is a 350 chev LT1. Is it going to be OK if I just drain the synthetic oil out. And just put in break in oil?

At this point, about your only option is to drain it and use oil with a high zinc content such as Amsoil, Lucas or Royal Purple. I think you'll be OK - especially if you haven't run the engine yet.

Hey!!Discussions about oil will vary greatly on what to use. From what I understand is that the base for synthetic will never break down as petroleum base will.The additives added to both will break down.So with that said it should not matter which oil you use(if you have a flat tappet cam zinc is needed).I use 5-30 Castrol Edge full synthetic in everything with a gas engine.2006 and 2008 daily crap drivers(change oil every 10000 miles),37 chevy truck(305)add zinc,32 ford(8BA flathead)add zinc,Wright stander comm mower(18 hp kaw),sears snowblower,generator(briggs).And not one leaks oil(even the 8BA).Thats my story!!Opinions will vary. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/faq...=haas_articles (posted this before) Pete

My understanding is, you should not use synthetic oil for the breakin period of the motor (use the breaking oil recommended by the motor builder), as synthetic oil may not allow the rings to seat properly, causing excessive oil consumption (blow by).

If you have not run the motor, you should be able to just drain the oil and replace the filter (save the oil and filter), install a new filter and fill up with breakin oil. After the breakin period, change the oil using your recovered synthetic oil for a short period of time, then replace with new oil and filter.

However, you may want to run conventional oils with additives for a little longer than the breakin period (see your motor builder for recommendations), to assure everything is mated properly before using synthetics.

There are a LOT of myths, misconceptions and misinformation regarding synthetic oils. Many high performance engines have left the assembly lines with full synthetic oils, Corvette, Ferraris, etc. I've built a number of engines and used synthetic oil (usually Mobil1) on the piston skirts and rings during assembly, used the same oil for break-in without any issues. The important factor is using proper break-in procedures. As mentioned by others, if you have flat tappets, etc be sure to follow that manufacture's suggestions.

Mike

I stand corrected Mike and humbly butt out.

Originally Posted by 36 sedan

I stand corrected Mike and humbly butt out.

36 sedan, you shouldn't feel bad. The whole motor oil arena is such a tangle, and there are a lot of "experts" who disagree on what's right, and also what's forbidden, too. Mobil answers the question about synthetics for break in with a statement about having much closer tolerances on new engines today, much cleaner assembly, etc, etc and ending with rings don't need any special "seating", saying synthetics are fine. I've never really jumped on the full synthetic band wagon, and while I agree with their logic on starting with synthetic I also see no problem with using a high quality non-synthetic for initial break in, and then if you choose to, swapping over to the synthetic. What can it hurt? For me, I also see no problem with continuing forever with non-synthetic, or with a good synthetic blend. Of course, the flat tappet cam issue is there for either path, and must be addressed.

No disrespect intended, I wasn't meaning to sound like an expert (forgive my trespass). I was only going off the information provided by GM for their crate motors. They recommend not using synthetic oils for the breakin period, unless it is an LS or newer motor.

Originally Posted by Creep

I made the mistake of putting synthetic oil in the engine. This engine has to be broke in. It is a 350 chev LT1. Is it going to be OK if I just drain the synthetic oil out. And just put in break in oil?

You are correct, drain add the proper break in oil, get that puppy broke in then take it for a spin.

enjoy!

Originally Posted by Creep

I made the mistake of putting synthetic oil in the engine. This engine has to be broke in. It is a 350 chev LT1. Is it going to be OK if I just drain the synthetic oil out. And just put in break in oil?

no .. it`s too late .. better send it to me shipping paid and get you another..i`m a ford guy but i could use a new door stop ..

I put Royal Purple in it.

Originally Posted by HOSS429

no .. i`m a ford guy but i could use a new door stop ..

I am just curious how one can be proud of a mustang that is just a souped up Ford Falcon with different body panels?

Originally Posted by Creep

I put Royal Purple in it.

Are you saying that Royal Purple is the synthetic that you put in, and are now concerned about? Royal Purple has a mineral based non-synthetic break in oil, fortified with zinc and phosphorus that is good stuff.

Originally Posted by pepi

I am just curious how one can be proud of a mustang that is just a souped up Ford Falcon with different body panels?

But made of steel!

Originally Posted by pepi

I am just curious how one can be proud of a mustang that is just a souped up Ford Falcon with different body panels?

Man, they sure did a good job with those panels!