Fleet Results

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

"Meron" <phwomp@cosmoslink.net> quoth:

>... fleet users do not agree that synthetics prolong engine life, in
> testing that I have conducted on industrial engines at rated load (your 5K
> would not last very long in those loads) the opposite was proven...... wear
> was increased, oil consumption more than doubled and seals life was shorten
> significantly

This statement directly contradicts literature I have received and 
read from Amsoil.  They cite numerous fleet users which have 
increased intervals between oil changes and reduced maintenance down 
time (at least for oil changes) significantly, with no increase in 
engine mortality.  Net result: lower cost to run the fleet.  
Granted, Amsoil has a 100% vested interest.  But stating the OPPOSITE 
is true?  I find this difficult to believe.  Frankly, I don't believe 
it!  And in the 20 years I have run synthetics in numerous vehicles, 
NOT ONE has had seal problems or suffered "oil consumption more than 
doubled".  I don't buy this.

> ....in INDEPENDENT tests conducted by consumer magazine, no
> significant improvement was discovered using synthetic oils, 

And those (possibly valid, possibly not) tests have been the subject 
of extensive discussion and dissection.  Again, their results are not 
compatible with the experiences of fleets cited in Amsoil literature. 
I **note** that the manner in which Audis belonging to list-members 
are driven has VERY little in common with taxi fleets.  I can think 
of few groups with more DISsimilar driving styles.  Surely this can 
make a difference.

> is your dealer
> and Mobil have better information than Audi and consumer magazine?

Can't quite make this out, but frankly, the dealers don't know SQUAT 
about oils and their uses.  They are only there to sell them and fix 
them, and some dealers do a very poor job of the latter.  All they 
can generally do is parrot what's in the manual, or recite "wisdom" 
they learned driving 56 Chevies when they were young.  The average 
member of this list knows light-years more about oils and their 
technology than most (not all) dealer mechanics.

> Why not follow the manufacture recommendations..... your dealer is not an
> authority greater than Audi, is he?

Well put: absolutely not.  And as long as the oil viscosity range 
is suitable, the owner's manual says not one word about synthetic vs. 
petroleum-based oil. Use the type you want, for the reasons you 
select, with a clear conscience.
 

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Al Powell, Ph.D.                 Voice:  409/845-2807
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College Station, TX 77843      
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