Well, damn.  I guess I did it all wrong.  four years ago I changed to Mobil
1 15/50 in the engine, Mobil 1 ATF in the tranny and started using synthetic
brake fluid as well.  When I replaced the power steering rack this year I
flushed and refilled it with Mobil 1.   The engine does not leak oil and
doesn't use any between changes (I change filters every 3k miles and oil
every 6k), and the tranny shifts smoothly and quietly but the brakes feel
like they may need another fluid change (after two years).

I agree with your beer statement though.

Chuck
85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'

on 5/18/03 11:00 PM, Automatic digest processor at
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM wrote:

> Date:    Sun, 18 May 2003 21:07:46 EDT
> From:    No Name Available <Vanagonluvr@AOL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Oil Leaks due to Synthetics
>
> One should never switch to synthetic oil during the life a of a mototr that
> has been living on non synthetic. The reason behind this is (from my
> understanding) oils do have some natural deposits in them, kinda like home
> brew beer. these deposits make microscopic grooves in the metal and they also
> build up over time in the motor creating a film. This film is what keeps your
> compression good and your oil in the motor, the build up around the seals is
> essential. So when you go throwing perfectly brewed synthetic oil with
> detergents in it it breaks down the deposits and thus you will spring leaks
> and comprimise the integrity of your motor.
>
> Sooo always drink unfiltered beer and stick with castrol 20w-50....
>
> stay away from bud
>
> Chris
> VT
> 91 westy (no leaks 157k)
>
> PS this also goes for trannies and front diffs....