Engine Oil

[01CAMAROSS]

I switched to Synthetic last year and have developed a small amount of oil consumption (3/4 quart over 3,500 miles). I've been told that synthetic uses a little oil over time because it can slip through areas that standard mineral oil cannot.

The question that I have is, I want to switch back to mineral oil to see if this is indeed the case but I have always been under the understanding that it's not good to switch back to mineral oil once you have made the move to synthetic. Everything that I have read says that both oils are compatible and switching back and forth isn't an issue.

Does anyone have any knowledge regarding the issue of synthetic v mineral oil and switching them is ok?

[Fbomb]

you should be alright so long as you drain all the old stuff out. Some people say that switching to a synthetic can break up some of the crud around your seals and cause a leak but I think it's bs.

[ITSSLOW]

I've always heard you aren't supposed to keep swapping oils (ie std to synthetic to high mileage back to synthetic). I'm guilty of it though. My DD's have always gotten whatever is on sale that week at the store. I've never swapped between types though. Just brands and grades.

[01CAMAROSS]

From what I have read, people switch back and forth depending on the seasons. Winter = synthetic, mineral = summer. I've been under the same impression you are, you aren't supposed to switch but I don't think it will hurt. 10w30 with each.

[SSTODD]

Hey Justin, you can switch all you want with oil types with today's oils but what you may want to look at is a new style pcv valve or adding a catch can to your pcv system. These LS1's are known for sucking oil thru the pcv into the intake (ckeck your throttle body for oil residue). I bought the new style pcv (small hole in center instead of large hole that rattles) at ws6store.com and still need to buy the catch can. I use 10-30 pennzoil platinum for the oil.

[ezcruisn71]

Hey Justin, you can switch all you want with oil types with today's oils but what you may want to look at is a new style pcv valve or adding a catch can to your pcv system. These LS1's are known for sucking oil thru the pcv into the intake (ckeck your throttle body for oil residue). I bought the new style pcv (small hole in center instead of large hole that rattles) at ws6store.com and still need to buy the catch can. I use 10-30 pennzoil platinum for the oil.

We run Synthetic oil in all our Prototype Engines at work on the Dyno, then when we start running Development testing on them we switch to mineral based oils.
We switch back and forth all the time with no problems.
Todd is right about checking the PCV valve. If the PCV valve goes bad the engine will start using oil.

[Boost Addict]

My truck developed an oil leak from the cooler lines soon after switching to synthetic, however they're notorious to leak anyways

[MunsterZ28]

no issues, can use whatever oil you want.

[01CAMAROSS]

Hey Justin, you can switch all you want with oil types with today's oils but what you may want to look at is a new style pcv valve or adding a catch can to your pcv system. These LS1's are known for sucking oil thru the pcv into the intake (ckeck your throttle body for oil residue). I bought the new style pcv (small hole in center instead of large hole that rattles) at ws6store.com and still need to buy the catch can. I use 10-30 pennzoil platinum for the oil.

Thanks for the help Todd. I'll take a look tomorrow. I was concerned when I got on the throttle last Sunday and saw a small puff of smoke in the rear view. I"ll check the PCV, it sounds like a common problem.