John, I read some of that stuff earlier.  One important point, besides its high temperature efficacy, is the fact that castor oil forms a varnish.  Consequently, lubes made from it should be used only in engines that are regularly broken down and rebuilt, such as racing engines and some aircraft engines.  Not suitable for the family sedan or the Vanagon.  But yes, pretty interesting stuff.

mcneely

---- John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
>   I Googled for the subject above and got all kinds of hits. I had no
> idea there were so many uses for castor oil in the automotive industry.
> I haven't read all the links obviously, but references to 40 wt motor
> oil, manufacture of brake fluids and power steering fluids all have some
> pertinence to Vanagons. There is a pretty interesting piece on the
> lubricity of castor oils here.  The technical content was originated by
> an aeronautical engineer(now deceased)  working in oil analysis research.
>
> http://www.go-cl.se/castor.html
>
> There are other articles - like about racing engine oil being castor oil
> based for superior lubrication at hi heat and high RPM.
>
> I invite you all to seek the articles out under the above subject.
>
> Enjoy.
>
> John
>
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com

--
David McNeely