Re: Using Synthetic Oil in a Subaru <= From a Factory Tech Rep

<RedCrow · 2005-10-18T06:29:51+00:00

I was a factory tech rep for one of the major import manufacturers. Here is thelowdown on synthetic oils from the factory, the techs and the dealers.(A) Synthetic oils are superior to dyno oils in all respects with respect to usein autos and trucks except "break in" and some leak problems listed later.(B) Synthetic blends are an advertising and sales idea. The higher thepercentage of synthetic the better, not because synthetics are good, which they are, butbecausedyno oils are bad for your car. This is true for short trips, long trips,frequent trips and storage.(C) The additives in oils are to offset the potential damage from the dyno oilsand combinationsof dyno oils and other contaminents such as fuel and water. Where does thegunk, dirt, goo and crap you mentioned come from? The engine crankcases of todayscars are essentially sealed as required by federal law. Therefore, all the mentionedabove comes from the breakdown and deterioration of the oil and contaminates which youmust expect in a car engine such as fuel and water. Lets not get into "blowby"(D) Mechanics, and I have workedwith hundreds (if not thousands) tend to stick with what they know fromexperience.I wish a few more would try learning for a change. My favorite, and often heard statement from a mechanic is "I've done it that way for years". Unfortunately, my reply is often "Well maybe it is about time to learn how to do it correctly".(E) Oil leaks have occured from Synthetic oils in some of the early cars such as Chevy Vega because incompatible materials were used in the manufactureof the seals. This was when synthetic oils were new. No manufacturerwould do that today, but where do your replacement seals come from?(F) Even though engines are now built much better than in the past, the"seating of the piston rings" is still a process of wear. The rings and cylinderwalls MUST wear slightly to conform to each other to produce a better seal at a near microscopic level. This "seating" process...

Oct 18, 2005 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

Tom Reingold 20 years ago

My motto: You can't antagonize and influence at the same time.

Vote

330xi 20 years ago

try updating to the 21st century

read following link and be informed

formatting link

Vote

Rick Courtright 20 years ago

Hi,

Good philosophy... unless I missed a post, nowhere does this guy actually SAY he OWNS a BMW. Should we take his musings as entertainment from someone infected with "I fell for the advertising-itis?"

Rick

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required