Who says synthetics are that bad at stiction/wetting? Wheres the data?

No mention of vegetable oils (that lovely Castrol R) - incredible film
strength, still used in some racing circles (bikes) in the 80's.
.. but they leave a nasty residue that needs a rebuild every season - non
starters, but worth a mention.
NB. Castor bean based hence Castrol

Clive
'88 Syncro Transporter
(Dripping mineral oil)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Chase" <lchase@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 2:36 AM
Subject: WATERBOXER OIL DEBATE (Ash, Distilled & Synthetic)

> Volks,
>
> Let's see if I can ease out of the shadows and get a friendly debate going
> about the "Best Oil" to use in our WaterBoxer Engines.
>
> Yesterday I had a very interesting discussion with Ken Morgan / Euro Cars.
>
> The shop installing the 2.2L engine in the RoadHaus.
>
> Ken is pretty rigid on this subject.
>
> There are three types of Oils (Ash, Distilled & Synthetic)
>
> Of course you also get combinations or blends like Distilled & Synthetic.
>
> Ash is oil that is removed from the refining process very early.
>
> As we all know ... not a good choice, bad chemicals and such.
>
> So that leaves us with Distilled & Synthetic.
>
> Both fine while the engine is running ... great lubrication properties
etc.
>
> But when the engine is shut down and left standing for a couple of days
....
> like being parked in a camp ground, there is a problem.
>
> STICTION.
>
> Simply put ...... whether the oil sticks to the parts it was lubricating
or
> whether it drains off.
>
> Synthetics don't have good stiction properties.
>
> With Synthetic Oils many of the parts are dry when you fire her up, after
> sitting for a while.
>
> Bada Bing .... FRICTION / WEAR.
>
> With Distilled oils ....... a good deal of oil stays adhered to the
internal
> engine parts.
>
> Thus when you fire her up, even after sitting a while ..... plenty of
> lubrication.
>
> Now to the million dollar question ..... Brands of Distilled Oil.
>
> Presumable there are only two brands out there.
>
> One small company .. that I don't remember ....but was recently bought out
> by Castrol to settle the Caterpillar Law Suit (Engines Blew Up after using
> Castrol Synthetic) has already been mention on this forum. Apparently
> Castrol has not put much effort in getting this product in the
distribution
> channel. Thus not a viable solution.
>
> The other brand ..... Kendal Gold Racing Oil.
>
> Thus ... that is the only oil he uses in his engine rebuilds. At least
while
> they are in the shop and under warranty.
>
> OK, I'm going to duct now.
>
> Let the Debate begin.
>
> Chase
>
> Where: The Great North American Tour
> When:  01.02.03
> How: RoadHaus - 1990 VW Westfalia Syncro
> From: Mesa,  AZ
>