[Mgs] Syntec 20W 50

[Truxtun Southworth]

All,
Castrol 20-50 Synthetic stopped being available in CT about 2 years ago.  At
least I couldn't find it anywhere.  I switched to Valvoline VR-1 20-50 full
synthetic. for both my B and the TF.   Pricey but it has the zinc these
engines need.  As an alternative I also tried straight Castrol 20-50 and
added a half bottle of Lucas zinc additive (I think they market it as a new
engine break-in additive) .  Could only get that at the local NAPA store.
 Anybody tried Kendal?  I know they also sell a 20-50 full syn with zinc.

On Wed, Jun 22, 2011 at 10:24 AM, Phil Bates <jello at cableone.net> wrote:

> Ok, I edited in my HTML editor, and that's why I lost the content before.
> Oops.
>
> This thread may have hit the list before - but I found out this week that
> Castrol
> is no longer selling a 20W-50 Synthetic oil (Syntec).  I've been using it
> in
> my
> Lotus Elan, an Esprit.  I know some british car owners were also using it
> because
> it had higher ZDDP levels than regular Castrol GTX.  Unfortunately
> Castrol's
> solution is that 5W 50 is the best replacement.  Well, it's not.  A cold
> temp
> 5 wt
> oil is too thin for my cars, and probably several of yours.  Bottom line is
> that I
> now have my choice of Mobil 1 15W-50, or mail order for Red Line or Amsoil
>  if
> I
> want a Synthetic 20W 50.  I can do that - no problem, but a lot of
> harassment
> to
> me, as I used to pick up Syntec at the local Autozone.
>
> Maybe if Castrol heard they're losing business to their compititors,
> they'll
> reconsider.
>
> For Castrol's comment on the change - see #8 on their website here:
>
>
> http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_internet/castrol/castrol_usa/STAGING/loc
> al_asse
> ts/downloads/f/Castrol_EDGE_FAQ.pdf
>
> I can add that last night I changed oil in one of my cars.  As it was
> winter
> when I
> changed oil last, I had used Syntec 5W-50.  I did have some concerns with
> oil
> pressure, but not major ones.  I had purchased enough Syntec 20W-50 for
> this
> oil
> change before it got discontinued.  I drive 30 miles to work, so my oil
> does
> get
> hot.  Oil pressure this morning was better.  Although it should be the same
> hot
> (they're both 50 wt hot), I had about 1/2 a bar (close to 10psi) more
> pressure
> before I pulled off the freeway.
>
> Syntec 20W-50 will be missed, and I will have to go to another
> manufacturer.
>
> Phil Batse
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