Synthetic Oil and Oil leaks

[Voldog]

Been meaning to ask this question.

For those who have this engine, has anyone switched to full or blend synthetic between say 75000 - 150000 miles? If so, did it create any oil leak?

Am only asking because I have read some opinions that synthetic may be better for the turbo engine as far as keeping the turbo and PCV clean. My X70 has 117k. Back in the days with some of my cars, I have switched to synthetic at high mileage and every time I did I get oil leaks. And I believe its because synthetic oil cleans the carbon residue and deposits inside the engine thus increasing the tolerance from moving parts and making oil pass thru.

I'm guessing that it will be the same with this engine.

[billr99]

Well for what it is worth, I have had 3 P2s all purchased when they were at least over about 130K kms. Only one, the R, had a history of synoil. In all cases, I have run synoil exclusively since I took ownership with no problems, including leakage. In the case of the '02 XC, I put nearly 300K kms on it (it had 130 when I bought it) and never even had to do a PCV system change. Generally, I have run Mobil 1 or Formula (Can Tire-branded Esso (or Mobil) synoil) with a 0-40 weight.

Cheers,

Bill

[Astro14]

Doubt it will cause leaks.

My switch to synthetic has yet to cause any leaks on any Volvo I've owned. I am up to Volvo #5. My 3rd P2 (a 2001 T5) is in the driveway now. Doesn't leak.

[MacNoob]

And if your car has been running on conventional (non synthetic) oil at the factory drain intervals, better save up for the PCV system replacement, sooner rather than later. Turbo engines are hard on oil you could be seeing a gunked up plugged mess of a PCV system (which will cause severe oil leaks . . .)

[sjonnie]

Bought and '02 with 120K on it and changed to synthetic oil the very next day (M1 0W40 or 0W30). It's been 10 years and 140K miles since and it hasn't ever leaked a drop. Now the L6 3.2 in the wife's XC90 is another story....

[Voldog]

Bought and '02 with 120K on it and changed to synthetic oil the very next day (M1 0W40 or 0W30). It's been 10 years and 140K miles since and it hasn't ever leaked a drop. Now the L6 3.2 in the wife's XC90 is another story....

I wonder if synthetic really cleans everything its in contact with thus making turbo engines on P5s last longer.

[sjonnie]

Didn't clean squat in my car. What it doesn't do is break down into sludge that will clog your PCV and so continues to offer better protection through the life of the oil. Synthetic oil is good for 6 months, maybe even longer, I hear in Europe they do yearly oil changes now.

[Voldog]

Sorry for the late reply. Good to know that no one experienced oil leaks. How about consumption like burning oil?

[Astro14]

Synthetic is better for keeping the turbo and PCV clean. You really want an oil that is rated A3/B4.

You probably still need to do the PCV system.

Viscosity and volatility matter more than basestock.

I’ve been using Castrol 0w40 lately. Great oil. A3/B4. $23/jug on Amazon.

API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4, Meets Ford WSS-M2C937-A, BMW LL-01, Mercedes Benz 229.5 and 229.3, Porsche A40, VW 505 00 and 502 00

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03101...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

I talked about this a while back in this thread:

https://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showt...ded-engine-Oil

I will add that Mercedes 229.5 and BMW LL-01 are very demanding specifications for long drain and high temperature. If an oil meets those, you’re good.

[Voldog]

I got some Valvoline High Mileage full synthetic oil. I realized I had been using a synthetic blend all along with no issues so I felt more comfortable switching to full syn. I did get a jug of 0w-40 A3/B4 oil for the next oil change.