Re: Synth Oils

[PATRICK_KELLY@HP-Andover-om3.om.hp.com]

     Hi Elliott,
     
        Modern synthetic oils do not have a problem mixing with dino oils.  
     This used to be a problem with synthetic oils a long time ago, (like 
     the 50's and 60's).  Synthetic blends are indeed dino oil modified 
     with the synthetic polymers.  Synth blends are an economical way to 
     get some of the benefits of synthetic.  My dad sells for a company 
     that makes synthetic and synthetic blend lubricants for industrial 
     applications and OEM's like Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel.  We've 
     used his synthetic blend motor oil in four Audi's over the last 
     fifteen years with probably 3/4 million total miles with excellent 
     results.  We have swithced in straight dino for an occasional period 
     with no problems and full synthetic (low viscosity Mobil One for the 
     winter months in Vermont).  The only drawback to synthetics might be 
     the detergent action of the full synthetics seem to cause noise in 
     some peoples lifters (see archives).  The blend probably won't have 
     this detergent action to the same degree as its mostly dino oil 
     anyway.  There are plenty of people who swear by synthetics on the 
     list and they do make noticable differences.  One of the sales 
     techniques my dad uses in factories with large industrial gearboxes is 
     to attach a thermometer to the gearbox case while its running with 
     regular gear oil.  Then they drain and fill with full synthetic gear 
     oil. The operating temperature will drop significantly with the 
     synthetic.  Just my $0.02.
     
     Patrick Kelly
     '87 5kSQ
     
     P.S.  My post to the list about forgoing an engagement ring for a 
     Quattro has gotton some great responses. So far I've gotton a few go 
     for it's, a few "I'd negotiate it first", a few "it's nice to dream 
     but your going to have to buy the diamond so heres' the name and 
     number of the guy I bought mine from", a detailed analysis of options 
     such as waiting for her to ask and trying the quattro first while 
     having a refundable diamond at the ready if it doesn't fly, a couple 
     seething expose's of deBeers, and one proposal for her sister if she 
     says yes. (sorry, no sister, half sister but she's only 6) Thanks for 
     all the advice.