I have a 2005 XK8 with a little over 30K miles. Car is new to me a year ago. Time to change oil in 2 months and wondering if the chains and tensioners would last longer with synthetic oil. I'm 70 yrs old and will probably be 80 yrs old by the time is needs tensioners. I'd be able to change them now but might not be able to in 10 yrs. so I want to make them last as long a possible.

Thanks
Jack

 

these don’t need chain jobs. unless you have horrible luck, even then the few cases are at like 100k+

 

Thanks xalty, That is great information.

Jack

 

Synthetic oil has been demonstrated countless times to reduce friction vs conventional oils. That would seem to answer any questions about wear.


The question I would ask, are there any compelling reasons not to use it ?

In my experience I’ve yet to discover any downside to using a quality synthetic oil in any engine.

Z

 

Thanks Z, good point.
The only downside I've seen was on an old Chevrolet 454 cu engine with racing cam and very strong valve springs. It didn't go 5 miles before gaulding cam lobes and lifters. The cam company warned against breaking in with synthetic oil but mechanic failed to read warning. This was several years ago and the oil may have been changed to work better with solid lifters.

Jack

 

When I bought my 2002 XKR five years ago it had 116,000 miles on it then. I soon changed the oil to Mobil 1 0w-40 and have been using it or Mobil 1 5w-40 (summertime) ever since

I’m now at 181,600 + and no ill effects . I also use the same oils in my classic Mustangs & Shelby’s (since 1990).

They seem to like it as well . No measurable wear on any of the cars.

 

I've used Mobil 1 full synthetic in all my cars for about 23 yrs. 2006 Kia Spectra has 210K and run like it did when new. 2016 Kia Soul with 80K and doing well. I know it's good oil. I will probably use it in the Jag.

Jack

 

I have done a little research and spoke with the folks at Blackstone Labs, just this past Monday.
Over the weekend I changed the oil in Tres (06 XKR coupe). Bought her about a year ago with 47888 miles and a fresh Castro synthetic charge prior to purchase. Drove her 1200 miles home…she is somewhat of a daily driver.
4k miles on the oil, added a pint of Marvel for 50 miles then drain and fill with Castrol synthetic 5W-40. I’m in texas and the owners manual says it is good to go for summer here. K&N filter. Pulled a mid-stream sample and mailed it to Blackstone for analysis; seems like a good idea for a car that I have no prior history on.
spoke to a few folks and it was Brianna that shared a website: pqia.org ….. interesting info to pontificate.
The owners manual very clearly states DO NOT USE OIL ADDITIVES…however I am still curious, 17 years later, about this.
Zinc, etc, primarily. I am recalling… in the past there was some issue with additives affecting the cat converters..?…

Any input, expertise or thoughts to share ?

kind regards,

Max, XKRFACE, Tramp & Tres

 

No oil additives required if you are using a decent-quality oil (which Castrol certainly is)....

 

I’ll 2nd that.

With a quality synthetic oil no additives. They would only interfere with the additive pack already in the oil.

Z

 

Admittedly….I can be obsessive…but, I concur.
my train of thought is down the road say about 2-3k on the oil and a “booster” of zinc.
with quality oil it should not be necessary…add to that I don’t beat on my cats…spirited but not abused.
I am looking forward to the analysis report.