Its time for an oil change and I wanted to put in some AMSOil Synthetic Oil in my truck, the motor does have 178,000 miles on it, and leaks slightly from the timing cover. I was warned that synthetic oil will make my engine leak worse since the particles are smaller? Is this true or is it safe to use? I wanted an oil I can run hard and still have optimal performance from it.

Thanks!@

 

I wouldn't see any problem using full syn. oil.I run part syn. in my motor with no problem and mine has 225,000 miles. Is the leak from a gasket on your timing cover?

 

It looks like its from the timing cover gasket. Is there something else it can leek from in that area?

 

I don't know about the leaking issue, but if your engine has been running conventional motor oil and you switch to synthetic oil or vice-versa. It will cause it to use oil. I've seen it too many times.

 

I have had good luck but you should introduce it a little at a time. Maybe 25% synthetic at your oil change and go with more on the next oil change.

 

Mine had 300k the first time it saw synthetic. Drain the old dino, dump in the syn. You might leak a little more oil, but I don't really think you will notice the differance.

 

As posted already, many things can happen but it's never consistent. I switched a 94 at 267,000. It was using/leaking 1qt every 3000. Not the best situation for a change but since I sell it, I'm using it. I flushed it first. It didn't get any worse. Then after 1-15k, it actually improved to 1qt every 4500-5000. Strange things.
As a general rule, as stated, if it's leaking or using oil, chances are it won't get better and may get worse. Depending on the rate of use and your comfort with that, switching will not harm anything and you'll still recieve the benefits.
If you decide to and need product, be glad to help. Or I have a couple dealers in Sacramento that can help too.
Good luck!

 

Thanks for the help! Im only leaking from the timing case but I wanted to fix that anyways. What dealers do you have in the Sacramento area, more specifically Roseville if there is any? amsoil was what I was looking at using anyways for a synthetic. And should I introduce the oil into my truck in parts like only going 25% synthetic or Is it the same as going all synthetic after transferring over?

 

I agree with Heath, flush the system first

 

Has your kdp been delt with? If not you should deal with it while you take care of the oil leak.