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Re: Synthetic Oil (here we go again...)

To: Gernot Vonhoegen <gernot.vonhoegen@stir.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: Synthetic Oil (here we go again...)
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 08:38:51 -0700
Cc: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
Organization: Curry Enterprises
References: <ED6996BA8DFED011806C0020AF0C71FA312C62@inchna.stir.ac.uk>
I'll second what Gernot said, with the addition that at the rate my Spit
(and most lbc's) leak oil, I couldn't afford to keep synthetic in the
crankcase.

Joe Curry

Gernot Vonhoegen wrote:
> 
> assuming you are talking about oil of viscositys around 0W to 10W the
> reason for premature oil seal failing is that the oil is very thin. This
> does not make it a good replacement oil for any classic car. They are
> just not designed for this kinda oil. Lubricating qualitys are fine, its
> just that you'll experience all kinds of dreaded leaks.
> Other experiences anyone?
> 
> Gernot
> 
> > Now, on to the question Du Jour...  Is synthetic oil good for your
> > car?
> >  (WARNING -- some Volvo content follows)
> >
> > I have used only Mobil 1 in my '92 Volvo 240 since I have owned it
> > (making
> > the last payment this month).  Just this week, the Service dept.
> > replaced
> > the rear main oil seal for the 2nd time.  The 1st time was only a year
> > ago.
> >  Is this because of the synthetic oil, or did they put a defective
> > seal in
> > last year?  The service writers (a couple of regular "car guys") both
> > claim
> > that the under-current of rumor about synthetics is wrong.  This
> > under-current has it that synthetic oil doesn't cause the rubber seals
> > to
> > "swell", so any wear in the sealing area can't be compensated for by
> > the
> > chemical reaction of petroleum and rubber.  What's the opinion of
> > those of
> > you out there?  I'd love to run my TR6 on synthetic oil because I feel
> > that
> > it is a better lubricant over a wider range of conditions, and it sure
> > does
> > keep the inside of the engine clean!  I also know that any LBC doesn't
> > need
> > much excuse to start leaking all over the place.  I suppose that the
> > trade-off would be:  if it leaks, keep throwing oil-dry on the garage
> > floor
> > and keep an eye on the dip stick -- it's worth the extra $$$ to reduce
> >
> > friction and heat, and to keep the interior of the engine "surgically
> > clean".  It's coming on time for my "Spring oil change", so this isn't
> > just
> > an academic question...  Thanks.
> >

-- 
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."

 -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer

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