Is there a way to tell if I have synthetic oil?
 

I have a used my 2000 and am ready for my first oil change. Is there a way to tell whether the previous owner was using synthetic or mineral oil?

Thanks.

You could always send it off for an analysis. This would give you a good baseline on your engine's current condition, and costs $18.50. Try http://www.blackstone-labs.com

Here is an observation I've made from making too many oil changes. When draining the oil, I notice that synthetic motor oil goes from a stream to a "drip" much sooner. I've noticed that conventional motor oil has a tendancy to develop very thin stream, but not break up into drops until almost the end. Synthetics seem to go to drips much more like water.

This is not scientific, nor would I bet on the type of oil based on what I observed, but I'm curious if anyone else has observed this.

I'm the type of guy that likes to get just about every drop of dirty oil out of my car, so I watch stuff like this. It's one of the reasons I won't use a Fumoto valve, even though I bought one over 15 years ago (it doesn't let you get as much oil out of your oil pan).

What difference does it make, other than just curiosity? Just change to what you want in it.

Keep some of the old oil in a small jar. Put some "known" oil in another small jar. Put them both in the coldest freezer you've got. -18*C would be nice. After about 3-4 hours, take them out and immediately pour them both out. If they pour the same, it's what your "known" oil is. If they don't, it's not what your "known" oil is. Go with a 10W30 for your "known" oil be it dino or synthetic.

GOOD POINT!

maybe he heard the rumors about not being able to go back to conventional if synthetic is already used.

is 60k too late to go to synthetic?

It's never too late to go synthetic UNLESS your engine has developed leaks already. If it leaks with dino oil, it will leak much worse with synthetic. Generally, get the leaks fixed first before changing over or simply put up with it and keep wiping up the larger blobs on your garage floor.

Why dont you try tasting it? Synthetic has a bit of a more saltier taste than the conventional stuff..good luck :LOL: