TomsHHR

Lots of oil and filter discussion in the past threads. I finally broke down and started using straight synthetic, Valvoline Duralube. I hit the midway 3,000 miles and changed only the filter. Found that no oil was needed after the leak test and recheck oil level.

Good? bad? What are your thoughts for midway filter changes.

Goose

I think changing the filter out at 3K is too early. Did you mean Durablend? If so that is the synthetic blend. SynPower is the straight synthetic oil from Valvoline. You should be able to run that filter out until 6-7K miles easy. Have your oil analyzed at Blackstone Labs and they will provide with all the info you need to know on how you oil is doing, how well filtration is taking place etc....well not the end all and absolute truth it will give you a pretty good idea on how things are going under the hood. Here is a report I got with my Matrix








Cost is 32.50 per sample or 22.50 without having a TBN done. TBN basically gives you a number on how much longer you could have run the oil


Goose

TomsHHR

I was running the Durablend and now went with the straight Synthetic. I am going to run my DIC down to 25% and try a sample to see the mileage it could last. People in the past have said it does not hurt to change the filter midway.
With the mileage at the 3,000 mile the dic shows 67%, this could show 9,000 miles could be reached between changes, but not sure I will go that far until testing the oil.

leez2273

Have used Amsoil for years with recommended 25k to even 35k changes on their good stuff. Filters need to be changed regularly though. However, they do even sell a special filtering system that can utilize one or two filters - and can be relocated under the hood if you have the room. With that system traditional oil changes almost become a thing of the past. You just have your oil analyzed periodically to determine quality. Synthetics like Royal Purple, Amsoil, Redline, etc., are expensive but there is no question they provide a better level of protection than any traditional motor oil.

TomsHHR

Weird. but being from the HQ town of Amsoil, I cannot develop a liking to the brand.