To Synth, or not to Synth

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May 10, 2002 | 03:15 AM

JohnEVette

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From: Los Angeles, CA

To Synth, or not to Synth

OK, I'm sure this has been asked before, but I have to bring it up again: What's the consnsus on using synthetic oil in early C4s? My '84 is showing 99-1/2K on the odo, and is oil tight. I know synth lube works great, but I've heard you can get seeping and leaks in older cars that haven't been running it. And, while we're discussing it, what about putting synth in the trans? Thanks for the input.

[Modified by JohnEVette, 12:07 AM 5/10/2002]

May 10, 2002 | 03:17 AM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

I started using synth in my '87 at 101k miles. So far so good. I still get good oil pressure. Around 60psi cold idle, and low 50s warm idle.

May 10, 2002 | 03:35 AM

Steve85

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From: Winchester VA

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Re: To Synth, or not to Synth (JohnEVette)

I wish I could find my issue of "Roundel" (BMW Car Club of America publication) in which they did real studies and comparisons of synthetic v. conventional. The jist of it was that synthetic provides superior protection with no real evidence of causing leaks in older cars. Synth. oil is far superior when it comes to reducing acids that eat seals and metal, this is perhaps the best benefit. I have no proof but I can tell you I've seriously overheated my BMW twice without any damage, as hot as that thing got, I'm pretty sure conv. oil would've broken down.

May 10, 2002 | 02:15 PM

Rob90

Burning Brakes

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From: Liberal Kansas

Re: To Synth, or not to Synth (Ski2Tee)

Go ahead and use it. I bought an old beater Ford truck with 140,000 and switched to Mobil 1 with no problems.

May 10, 2002 | 03:56 PM

jmr302

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From: Newton (Wichita Area) Kansas

Re: To Synth, or not to Synth (JohnEVette)

Go Synth. It lubricates better, lasts longer, doesn't break down under abuse as readily as dino oil.

I inherited an '89 Ford (sorry for the curse word) Bronco II in college. It had 80,000 miles on it. I've been running Mobil 1 in it since then and it now has 170,000 miles and doesn't burn oil. This is above average for an underpowered Ford product. It had a slight oil leak before the Mobile 1 went in. No new ones have appeared.

I think us 4+3 owners would be silly not to use synthetic in our OD's considering how little fluid volume they carry. I've switched to Amsoil.

May 10, 2002 | 03:58 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Re: To Synth, or not to Synth (jmr302)

Quote:

I think us 4+3 owners would be silly not to use synthetic in our OD's considering how little fluid volume they carry. I've switched to Amsoil.

Mobil 1 Synth in my OD. :yesnod:

May 10, 2002 | 04:19 PM

jaa1992

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Re: To Synth, or not to Synth (JohnEVette)

I have no clue what has been used in mine. I'm pretty sure that the dealer put dino oil in it when I bought it. First oil change I did at 122K miles was to switch to Mobil 1.

knock on wood, no new problems with the engine. No new leaks after 2000 miles and my oil pressures and temperatures are the same as before. Does it help with performance, maybe - but I will be continuing with Mobil 1.