1998 Land Rover Disco
122,000 miles

I just bought my disco beginning of march and they've been running it on semi synthetic. It wasn't leaking oil, until about 2weeks ago. A week ago i changed the oil and decided to go full synthetic. 10w30. I just read an article on the internet that was totally against going full synthetic in older engines because of the fact that it is a "free flowing" oil and the engine will leak it easily. I always thought that switching to full synthetic in an older engine was the best thing you can do. What are you guys thinking, synthetic or semi synthetic in an older engine?

here's the link to the article i read
http://autos.aol.com/article/luxury/...30125709990002

 

I had the same problem, after I bought my '97 with 152k on it I switched to Mobil 1 15w50, I change my oil every 5,000 miles. I was going through oil like mad, 4 quarts between oil changes.
After 3 oil changes it no longer used/leaked any oil. I add 7 quarts and get 6.5 back after 5k.
My driving includes off-roading, city driving, excessive idling,expressway and some trailer pulling. Even off-roading on a 95 degree day with the A/C cranking away it still dosent use oil.
So you will just need to tough it out, it will stopleaking so much oil.
Engines get used to a brand/type of oil, and when you switch it needs to get used to the new brand/type. So just stick with the brand that you are using and your engine will thank you later.
Full synthetic is the way to go.

 

Do you think that i'm fine using 10w30? or should i switch to something heavier?

 

It depends on where you live, how you drive, etc. I personally like the heavier oil, better PSI even when hot, in my humble opinion it provides better wear protection, quieter engine.
If you live in someplace warm, like oh, I dont know, South Carolina, you could use it all year, here in Michigan you should switch to 5w30 in the winter.
You will leak/burn less oil if you use a thicker oil.

 

5W30 IF YOU LIVE IN THE COLD COUNTRY FOR WINTER OIL AND AT LEAST 10W/40 FOR THE WARMER SEASONS.

 

Hello Mike,

"The cold country" made me laugh. I have to ask you, all be with a little sarcasim, where exaclty is "the cold country".

To be completely serrious, once again I learned something, thanks for the direction on the oil weight.I"m looking forward to and dreading taking my Discovery in for it's 46k km service. Oh well, whish me luck.

 

Use synthetic highmileage 10w40 in S.C.
Cold country they are still getting snow.

 

Cold country is in the north, where it gets below freezing for months at a time, NOT just a dozentimes a year.