The starting and stopping in HSD is WAY different than conventional gas engines: the generator-motor spins the engine up to 1,000 RPM with no fuel or spark, with very little compression to restrain the spin-up. Compare that with a regular gas engine that is always under compression being spun by an anemic 300-400 RPM starter, all the while with spark and fuel present...hoping the whole thing 'catches' and fires up.

Completely non-issue in HSD, as far as starting the gas engine.

I'm using Mobil 1 5W20 syn, changed every 5K per owners warranty/maintenance book. Could be overkill (every 5K), but it's realy about my peace of mind with synthetics better lubricating and cooling and viscosity ratings versus straight-up dino oil.

YMMV.

Cheers,

Curt.

'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.