Re: Synth winter weights (fwd) Good Read

[adamnelson@juno.com]

It never ceases to amaze me how easily thousands of hours of engineering
work and experience can be tossed aside as a "common misconception." The
fact is, heavier oils such as 20W/50 have been recommended by VW/Audi for
most of their cars for many years. They have built literally millions of
cars over the past 50 years and have the burden of warrantying them
against failure. Since the 60's VW and Audi have made cars especially for
the US market with US specific engines. It only stands to reason that the
recommendations they make in the US-only owner's manual are based on US
driving. 

I'm sure that many people are quite happy with the performance of 5W/30
in their cars, but anyone who has taken a science class knows that a
sample size of 1, 2 or even 5 does not make a good study. As for the
figures noted, I seriously doubt that they were taken on a test course or
track using properly calibrated test equipment. That is how VW and Audi
do it, so I'll go with their numbers for now.
 

>>In response to your question regarding the 5w-50 synthetics ....
>>
>>or 5w-30 synthetic in the winter.  I run now the Amsoil 0w-30 
>synthetic
>>year round in both my Audi and VW in Huntsville, Alabama with no 
>problems
>>these 4 & 5 cylinder VW engines run noticably better with the low 
>viscosity
>>Unless your engine is really worn or is leaking oil there is NO need 
>to use
>>anything heavier than a 10w-30 synthetic.  As for Audi's oil
>>recommendations - these are based on European driving conditions and 
>the
>>use of petroleum oils; this necessitates the use of 15w-40 or 20w-50 
>oils
>>to provide adequate oil pressure at very high (230-260) oil temps. I 
>have a
>>ps:  feel free to post, as this is a common misconception on the list 
>that
>>you must use these heavier oils in German cars ....
>>
>
>

Adam Nelson '85 4000S, Blaupunkt cassette, Starbucks go cup, '69 Beetle,
1 piece
windows, hand held fan, '91 Vanagon, KYB Gas a Just, bug screens.
Columbus, Ohio
adamnelson@juno.com

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