RE: Synthetic Oils

[Marc Gallagher <mgallagher@Langan.com>]

I know this all depends on the specific car but...FWIW, the car I sold to
make room for my GLX was an 85 Saab 900 8v with 245,000 miles.  Dino oil for
all 245,000.  Not ONE internal engine related problem.  No gaskets, valves,
cams etc.  Synthetics may theoretically provide a better level of protection
but it really comes down to the individual car/engine.  And knowing how
fickle these cars are....

Marc
97' Jetta GLX - Red/Black


-----Original Message-----
From: greg krueger [mailto:gregkrueger@hotmail.com]
Sent: 24 May, 2000 2:34 AM
To: jettaglx@igtc.com
Subject: Synthetic Oils


Greetings all...

I am a believer in synthetic oils. However, there is no escaping the build 
up of carbonic acid in your motor. Carbonic acid is produced by burning 
fossil fuels and is detrimental to your engine. After approximately 3,500 
miles your crankcase oil is highly acidic and should be changed.

I have made the switch to synthetic oil on several different cars. My last 
car had 95,000 miles on it when I made the switch and it was still thanking 
me 100,000 miles later when I sold it.

Petroleum based oil has a higher film strenth than synthetic oil making it 
advantageous to break a motor in with petroleum. I have seen the best 
results in motors that were switched over around 25,000 miles. But every 
motor is different. It never hurts to try synthetic any time after 25K 
miles.

As far as advantages to synthetics, I have experienced better gas mileage 
with synthetics. Synthetics generally flow better than petroleum allowing 
the motor to spin more freely. With the VR-6, I think it benefits from 
synthetics because the overhead cams get lubricated faster at start up. 
Synthetics also allow the motor to run with less friction which can lead to 
lower operating temperatures. My VR-6 seems to run pretty warm with 
petroleum. Synthetic oil seems to take the edge off the temperature.

Other parts of your car can benefit from synthetic oils as well. 
Transmissions, differentials, and transfer cases are all worthy candidates 
for synthetic oil.
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