On 6/2/05 2:22 PM, "Art McGinn" <ajmcginn@EARTHLINK.NET> wrote:

>  is it true -- or has this already been covered? -- that switching to
> synthetic oil for an older engine can or will lower compression or
> weaken an elderly mill by cleaning-out carbon buildup or other crud that
> had found a comfortable home with dino oil? even as it's a great idea
> for a new or newer engine? art '82 westy
> 
> 
This is one that has been proven to be mostly myth.

Yes it will clean out an engine better depending on the quality of oil
previously used. There are recommendations to change out the first oil
filter 30 days after changing to synth.

No it does not destroy compression.

Yes you can get a drip or two you didn�t have before.  But the leak was
usually already there and you just didn�t notice it before.

Noted that you are an 82. If you still have the air cooled mill I personally
recommend that you stay with a high grade dino single weight in summer (40
or 50 weight) if in the hotter climes or in heavy hills where you cook your
oil.  Cheaper to change as you should be changing it much more often.  I
used valvoline race 40 or 50 in the summer and a synth in the winter on all
of my aircooled engines over the years.

With an aircooled I would use synth or synth blend in cooler more temperate
climes or in the winter, or with the waterboxer all the time.

And I am off to the oil store.  All this talk of oil has reminded me it is
now june and oil change months for me are beginning may and beginning
november. OOOPS!

I use castrol synth blend and change filter every 3 months usually.

jimt