On 18 May 2003 at 14:08, Loren A. Busch wrote:

> How about those of you that have actually switched to synthetic oils
> reporting on whether you did or did not develop leaks??  We have heard
> all kinds of anecdotal and second hand comments and opinions, but I
> can't recall any first person/real world experiences being related here.
> How about it: If you switched to synthetic, did you develop oil leaks?
> And what was the mileage (on the engine) at the time of the switch?

I switched to Mobil 1 15w50 when we got our '88 Westy in '96. I have all
records since new, and it had never had synthetic before - usually just
10w30. No sign of leaks until summer of 2001, when rear main seal
started leaking after switching to Amsoil 15w40 synthetic. I suspect
switching oil type was not a factor, just age - the engine now has about
210k kms on a VW rebuild long block. Synthetics work wonders for
eliminating lifter noise, especially the Amsoil, which I ran for 2 years before
changing, and it still quieted the lifters within seconds after sitting for
months.

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
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