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Joe K · 03-25-2026, 02:22 PM

I would be more concerned about "detergent." The original Model A let all the gunk settle to the bottom. You DON'T want a detergent oil if that is your modus.

Detergent oil would be for those who have an oil filter. Detergent keeps the gunk "in solution" where it can be picked up by the filter.

You don't say your modus.

Now "synthetic" in part or in whole is more likely to be a detergent oil. BUT - the tendency today is to get away from non-detergent oils. AND to incorporate synthetic oil stocks.

It's actually a factor of "majority supply." I.e. what they're making more commonly. Synthetic DOES have an advantage in being more "consistent" in viscosity. "Flatter" viscosity/temperature curve. So when you buy into a certain viscosity with synthetic, you're more likely to GET that viscosity.

This is part of the reason that most modern cars specify synthetic oil - and the viscosity numbers are much "thinner" than might be formerly specified. My wife's Prius is the first car I've owned that uses 0w-20 - which is done for the low friction of low viscosity.

I've actually paid MORE for a non-detergent oil than the equivalent detergent oil.

But I think we need more information before our recommendation.

Joe K

03-25-2026, 02:22 PM	#3
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 5,014	Re: Synthetic Blend I would be more concerned about "detergent." The original Model A let all the gunk settle to the bottom. You DON'T want a detergent oil if that is your modus. Detergent oil would be for those who have an oil filter. Detergent keeps the gunk "in solution" where it can be picked up by the filter. You don't say your modus. Now "synthetic" in part or in whole is more likely to be a detergent oil. BUT - the tendency today is to get away from non-detergent oils. AND to incorporate synthetic oil stocks. It's actually a factor of "majority supply." I.e. what they're making more commonly. Synthetic DOES have an advantage in being more "consistent" in viscosity. "Flatter" viscosity/temperature curve. So when you buy into a certain viscosity with synthetic, you're more likely to GET that viscosity. This is part of the reason that most modern cars specify synthetic oil - and the viscosity numbers are much "thinner" than might be formerly specified. My wife's Prius is the first car I've owned that uses 0w-20 - which is done for the low friction of low viscosity. I've actually paid MORE for a non-detergent oil than the equivalent detergent oil. But I think we need more information before our recommendation. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.