> > I heard somewhere (maybe here?) that the use of synthetic oils in older
> > cars, my '73 TR6 in particular, may lead to some damage. I remember
>
> The guy asked me very carefully about the proposed use: in my case, an engine
> that hasn't been taken apart since 1967. Bottom line - they didn't
> recommend I switch. Basically what they see is that seals and gaskets
> that old have started to harden and crack, and are sealing mostly
> because of deposited sludge. A synthetic oil will clean the sludge from
> the engine, and then start to clean the sludge away from the seals. And
> then it will start to leak. And then people will call and complain that
> Mobil 1 ate their seals.
>
> The general rule seemed to be that if you have oil consumption due to
> leakage or burning, switching to Mobil 1 (or any synthetic). will
> increase that consumption. Whatever it is about synthetics that makes
> them cling to metal better also makes them find cracks better.
My experience with synthetic oil would support this. I've been using
Mobil 1 in my Oldsmobile for the past 140,000 miles... It now leaks
as much, or more oil as my TR4... which is not bad, but does leave
some spots on the garage floor. I recently pulled the oil-pan to
replace the gasket in an attempt to stop the leaking, and was
astounded by how clean the inside of the engine was.
-Steve-
P.S. I still use Castrol in the Triumph
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