Re: Synthetic Oil

From: Glenn & Lynn Vanderburg (vanderbu@silk.net)
Date: Sun Sep 14 1997 - 22:39:06 EDT


Ever see them paid commercials talking about their special oil additives?.
You know them as slick-50, duralube, prolong and the like. What I would
like to know if any of you have tried these and what you thoughts are on
them.
Glenn

----------
From: Smith L. W. Nash <railway@mindspring.com>
To: 'dakota@ait.fredonia.edu'
Subject: RE: Synthetic Oil
Date: Sunday, September 14, 1997 7:08 PM

I've been using Mobil 1 for awhile now and have no leaks to speak of. I
have 90200+ miles and no leaks since changing over at 85K. Although it may
be too soon to tell, the valve cover gaskets are original so that will be
the acid test on leaks. Since it doesn't leave a varnish as it breaks
down, it won't do as much damage as it cooks. My grandfather has been
using Mobil products since he owned his first car, a 1928 Pontiac Coupe.
He swears by it still.

Smitty Nash
'92 Dak 3.9L Magnum
90K+

----------
From: Gary Ludwick
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 1997 4:30 PM
To: 'Dakota list'
Subject: Synthetic Oil

I've noticed discussion here from time to time from folks using synthetic
oil.
I also have a Mercedes, and yesterday received the current issue of the
Mercedes Club's magazine in which there is a long discussion among
mechanics, tech experts and MB service personnel on the merits of using
synthetic oil.

In a nutshell...NO appreciable benefit.

The only measurable benefit appears to be in SOME cases, a slight increase
in mileage...and that is negated by the high cost of the oil. The only
other benefit noted is easier starting in EXTREMELY cold environments.

One of the experts on the panel runs an oil analysis business. Does a lot
of work for large fleet companies, trucking lines, as well as individuals.
 In a database of thousands of users, they could find no difference in
engine wear rates between regular and synthetic oil.

Synthetics attack some gasket materials and cause increased leakage. This
happens in some new vehicles. On older cars and trucks, as seals shrink &
harden, synthetics are MUCH more likely to leak. As one participant stated,
"Given the quality of motor oils today, synthetics have no place in the
market. With conventional oils, we have engines going 5,6,or 700,000
miles. What more could you want?!"

One other point: At least with Mercedes, you still must meet regular
mileage oil change requirements...even if you're using synthetic, or
----------



This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:07:52 EDT