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Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

posted by  John Brabant on  Mon Mar 11 15:25 CST 2019
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last visit: Sat Dec 7 13:37 CST 2013
[RELATED]

Quick question. My 2012 Volvo XC70 has been dealer services since birth, with oil changes performed using partial synthetic oil. I am considering moving to using full synthetic oil. The car has 130K miles on it. Many years ago I changed to using full synthetic on 2 of my Volvo 740 turbo wagons at mileages in this range. There were many warnings against running the risk of seal leaks in doing so where the car had previously only used conventional oil. It sounded like a wives tale to me and I went ahead to using full synthetic. Very soon after, as I had been warned, both cards developed severe front and rear engine seal leaks. So I am checking in about whether this would be an issue in the case where partial synthetic motor oil had been used up to 130K miles in a newer Volvo XC70.

Looking to hear whether this is a risky idea or from folks who have made this switch and their experience in this regard,

Thank you.
--
John Brabant 2012 XC70 T6 Platinum








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    Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

    posted by  someone claiming to be ibs740 on  Sun Dec 22 17:41 CST 2019 [RELATED]

    Been running Mobile 1 in all Bricks I've owned. 2- 1991 turbo's 740/940
    and 2- 2004 V70s, 2.4 non-turbos, All cars were used when I bought them. Purchase mileage ranged from 142,000-211,000 km. No idea want was run in them before.
    No drips, leaking seals etc. I had the 740 & 940 for 14 years and the 2004's for 5 years.








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    Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

    posted by  KlausC on  Mon Mar 11 15:51 CST 2019
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    I have never had a problem, even with my current ride that made the switch at 178 miles. Dirtiest engine I have ever seen! The problem with oil leaks is that gunk settled over the seals and the gunk hardened, causing the seal to dry out from lack of oil. In most cases, the synthetic will clean off the gunk gradually and light oil leaks are produced. These oil leaks usually resolve themselves after they are able to swell with the oil.

    Of course, there are exceptions when the seals are so dried that they crack.

    Just go ahead and make the switch.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








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      Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

      posted by  Chris Mullet on  Mon Mar 11 22:26 CST 2019
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      last visit: Fri Oct 24 09:08 CST 2014
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      At Klaus’ insistence I switched over to full syn at about 155,000. Now at about 245,000 and still no leaks.
      --
      Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (getting ever closer to road worthiness)








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        Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

        posted by  John Brabant on  Thu Mar 21 14:14 CST 2019
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        last visit: Sat Dec 7 13:37 CST 2013
        [RELATED]

        Thank you Klaus and Chris for your advice. Gonna switch with the upcoming oil change.
        --
        John Brabant 2012 XC70 T6 Platinum








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          Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

          posted by  someone claiming to be Bob on  Fri Mar 22 08:43 CST 2019 [RELATED]

          Morning.

          Here are my recommendations. I have been driving Volvo vehicles since the 90's and I have switched everyone of them over to AMSOIL Products with no issues.

          I also happen to be an Amsoil Synthetic Lubricant Dealer as well.
          My site is www.weareoil.com
          My email is rpiescik@weareoil.com

          Should you have any questions let me know. I will be glad to help you out.

          Based on the info you have provided at this point and the mileage on the car I would recommend doing an engine flush as the motor oils that Volvo tends to use are a low grade semi synthetic. By using our engine flush product you will do a serious cleaning of the internals on the car.

          Use one bottle of our engine flush product and let your car idle for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not drive the car. after the 30 minutes go ahead and drive out the oil and change out the oil filter.
          Then install the new oil and filter.

          If you let me know the year of your Volvo and the Engine you have, along with whether it is a turbo or not, I will be able to point you in the right direction for recommended oil, filter setup.

          Don't be afraid when you go to drain out the oil and see that it is very black. This will mean that the engine flush did its job.

          Bob







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            Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

            posted by  John Brabant on  Tue Mar 26 06:37 CST 2019
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            last visit: Sat Dec 7 13:37 CST 2013
            [RELATED]

            Wow. Thank you Bob. I will definitely be reaching out to you. My car is a 2012 XC70 T6 Platinum. It is a real beauty for sure and want to keep it this way as long as possible. I am very interested in the prospect of installing a remote, auxiliary oil filter to pull out the finer contaminants and extend the life of the synthetic oil. Would be interested in what you would recommend in this regard.

            --
            John Brabant 2012 XC70 T6 Platinum








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              Shift from partial synthetic to full synthetic oil - any concerns regarding seal leakage? V70-XC70

              posted by  KlausC on  Tue Mar 26 09:18 CST 2019
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              last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
              [RELATED]

              Don't mess with adding an additional filter. Current practices regarding synthetic oil require an oil flush/filter change 7,500-10,000 miles. If most of the trips are short/local then use the 7,500 mark. Long trips allow the oil to get hot enough to burn off most of the contaminates.

              Anal folks have been known the change the filter at 5K intervals, leaving the oil flush at the 10K mark. Just make sure you buy good filters and DIY.
              --
              Keeping it running is better than buying new







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