4.6L General Discussion This section is for non-tech specific information pertaining to 4.6L (Modular) Mustangs built from 1996 to 2004.

Seafoam!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:48 PM
  #21  
02stang2113's Avatar
02stang2113
4th Gear Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,246
From: Canton, Michigan
Default

Its crazy how much i have learned on here since i been a member.

But dont worry sxynerd people listen to you too
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:54 PM
  #22  
cliffyk's Avatar
cliffyk
TECH SAVANT
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,937
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Default

Originally Posted by 02stang2113
Its crazy how much i have learned on here since i been a member.

But dont worry sxynerd people listen to you too
Me too, if I knew it all I would not still be working at age 62...
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:59 PM
  #23  
idcoocheimonster's Avatar
idcoocheimonster
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 585
From: Miami, Fl.
Default

So I take it, that this one time deal would be ok? Considering I don't/didn't know the maintenance of the car.

I used synthetic oil, which I'm not sure was the right choice, I've since developed a small leak at the front driver's side corner of the oil pan, so that's my next step and then a built auto tranny. The stock one is starting to slightly slip and stick in first and second.
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:03 PM
  #24  
Sxynerd's Avatar
Sxynerd
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,786
From: Virginia
Default

I wouldn't
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:14 PM
  #25  
cliffyk's Avatar
cliffyk
TECH SAVANT
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,937
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Default

Originally Posted by idcoocheimonster
So I take it, that this one time deal would be ok? Considering I don't/didn't know the maintenance of the car.
There's nothing "wrong" with it, it's just not needed or even desirable (IMHO) on a properly maintained engine. That said, from what you describe your engine may have benefitted from the snake oil.

I used synthetic oil, which I'm not sure was the right choice, I've since developed a small leak at the front driver's side corner of the oil pan, so that's my next step and then a built auto tranny. The stock one is starting to slightly slip and stick in first and second.
Oh my goodness, I am in for it here...

Over the years I have had a 50/50 experience with changing over from "dino" to synthetic oil. To sum it up, most higher mileage, virgin (I.e. never broken open), engines I have attempted to switch over have developed weeps and/or leaks when run on synthetic oil. This is because the molecules of synthetic oil are smaller than those of dino oil--much like R-134a vs. R-11.

The smaller molecule size means that seals nd other barriers that held their own with "dino" oil may weep or outright leak with synthetic oil--you have just experienced this.

The good news is that switching back to "dino" oil will more often than not seal things up again; and that although synthetic oil has many properties that make it technically superior to "dino juice", most of those are irrelevant to day-to-day internal combustion engine lubrication requirements. That said, let it be know I run synthetic in my '03 GT.

Ny advice is switch back to conventional oil at the next change, and if you have 100k+ miles use one of the "maxlife" formulations.
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 11:30 PM
  #26  
Sxynerd's Avatar
Sxynerd
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,786
From: Virginia
Default

I love oil Topics. :0) This isn't about the topic at hand but a good read, none the less.

This is my favorites oil article.
Old Apr 28, 2010 | 09:59 AM
  #27  
tdcalhoun89's Avatar
tdcalhoun89
4th Gear Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,977
From: Atlanta
Default

Originally Posted by sxynerd
Damn, I must be too damn arrogant for anyone to listen to me. No one believes me but cliff pops in and it's golden words. I can't wait till I'm "well seasoned in years", lol.


I'm smart I promise. I have degrees and everything.
I was listening to you as well if that's what you were talking about. I was being lazy and didn't feel like linking both of you guys. I think you and cliff are some of the most helpful and intelligent people on here. I apologize for my hard headed-ness. You guys along with a lot of other people on the forum have taught me a lot and helped me a lot with my car.
Old Apr 28, 2010 | 12:47 PM
  #28  
Sxynerd's Avatar
Sxynerd
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,786
From: Virginia
Default

Originally Posted by tdcalhoun89
I was listening to you as well if that's what you were talking about. I was being lazy and didn't feel like linking both of you guys. I think you and cliff are some of the most helpful and intelligent people on here. I apologize for my hard headed-ness. You guys along with a lot of other people on the forum have taught me a lot and helped me a lot with my car.

Woh Woh woh, I put my pants on just like the rest of ya, one leg at a time. ...except once my pants are on, I make gold records.

Last edited by Sxynerd; Apr 28, 2010 at 12:55 PM.
Old Apr 28, 2010 | 01:34 PM
  #29  
idcoocheimonster's Avatar
idcoocheimonster
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 585
From: Miami, Fl.
Default

Cliff, I was aware of the smaller molecules. I just decided to switch for peace of mind really. And if it means having to change a gasket here and there, I'm ok with that. The valve cover gaskets are brand new, that's one thing I noticed, So changing out the oil pan one isn't much of a problem.
Old Apr 28, 2010 | 02:14 PM
  #30  
Sxynerd's Avatar
Sxynerd
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,786
From: Virginia
Default

Have you ever changed an oil pan gasket before? lol If you had, you wouldn't be so, "Eh whatever"



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:42 PM.