Quote:
Originally Posted by kgallerie
I have heard many times that if you switch to synthetic with that many miles, things can start leaking because the synthetic runs a bit less viscous (thinner) than conventional.
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Leaks can sometimes occur, but not for the reason you state. Oil thickness is measured against an industry-wide standard. An oil rated as a 30-weight will fall within the thickness range of a 30-weight regardless of whether it is synthetic or petroleum-based.
If one were to introduce synthetics to a high mileage engine that had been neglected up to that point, the superior detergency of the synthetic oil could dissolve deposits left behind by the petroleum oil and potentially leak through defective gaskets, previously sealed by the deposits. Along those lines, the increased detergency of the synthetic oil could cause it to become contaminated quicker than normal if introduced to a "dirty" engine and result in increased oil consumption.
With that said, Nissan engines are typically not prone to sludge. I've change many high mileage engines over to synthetics without issue. If you do decide to go with synthetics, check the oil regularly and change it if consumption increases...increased consumption is a sign that the oil is becoming dirty/contaminated.
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