Road & Track was asked in their technical correspondence section if it was
better to use synthetic or standard oil.. Their response was the only
difference was that the synthetic oil broke down at a higher temperature
than standard mineral based oil. Which to me means that if your engine is
going to self destruct it will do so at a slightly higher temperature with
the synthetic. When my engine self destructed I don't think the synthetic
oil got me an extra 400 yards.
Another intersting test was one made by Consumer Reports who tested motor
oils in New York City Taxi Cabs and found that there was no measurable
difference in engine wear between the various brands of oils they tested
(which were the major leading brands and a lot of the cheap stuff). Their
findings also found that their was no difference in engine wear if you
changed your oil every 3000 miles or 6000 miles once you were past the first
3000 miles on the engine.
So I stopped wasting my money on the synthetic..................Cheers Henry
Morrison Cedar Crest, NM
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Venables <mikevenables@hotmail.com>
To: mgs@autox.team.net <mgs@autox.team.net>
Cc: william.eastman@medtronic.com <william.eastman@medtronic.com>
Date: Friday, March 05, 1999 12:43 AM
Subject: Re: Why I use Mobil 1
>
>
>I agree. I also use synthetic oil in my B, but I use Total
>Quartz(similar stuff I guess). It certainly does stay cleaner - no
>black oil! We had a rep. from Castrol at one of our MG meetings and he
>explained the use of Castrol Futron as opposed to normal mineral based
>oils. In SA we generally don't have hugely varying temps. (esp. low
>temps.) as in US or Europe so the lower viscosity is not as necessary
>here as in colder climes. It is definatley better for cold starts /
>conditions. Lasts longer as it doen't break down and lubes better as it
>is more consistant through the temperature range.
>
>Only problem is that in older cars with higher clearances in the
ine(
>or more worn engines), more oil will be consumed. This is mainly
>because these oils are thinner throughout the range and have been so
>developed because of the advances in automotive technology requiring
>better lubrication.
>
>Regards
>MJV
>
>Bill wrote....
>
><<<
>
>So, is synthetic worth it? It is to me. The negligible difference
>in cost is offset by peace of mind. The oil keeps the engine
>cleaner, is more stable, and gets to the bearings faster on startup.
>It is also wonderful to have your car start at 30 below F. At that
>temperature you can actually see the waxes in regular oil solidify.
>
>Regards,
>Bill Eastman
>61 MGA who doesn't have to start at 30 below and is very happy about
>that.
>
>>>>
>
|