[DML] Re: Teflon oil additive

["therealdmcvegas <DMCVegas@xxxx>" <DMCVegas@xxxx>]

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Senatorpack@xxxx wrote:
> 
> Is Mobil one synthetic better than conventional oils? 
> 
> My BMW's (and other European Cars) have a decal attached under the 
hood "requesting" the use of Mobil One synthetic. 
> 
> The BMW dealers use zero 0w/30 oil.
> 
> Michael Pack

>From many pages online both by Synthetic oil manufacturers, and 3rd parties, 
all agree that Synthetic oils do indeed have benefits over conventional motor 
oils. Specificly, the benefit is increased resistance to wear within various 
categorites, which in turn leads to longer engine life & $ savings. Now as a 
disclaimer, I'm no ASE certified mechanic, these are just paraphrases of 
simular claims by both regular people, and synthetic manufacturers that I've 
found on the internet (and of course if it's on the internet it must be true, right? 
:p), as well as other sources. So if somthing is wrong here, please correct me.

1.First of course is that synthetics have longer intervals between oil changes. 
This is the biggest factor of all that offsets the higher price ( the biggest turn off 
for DeLoreans due to how much we use!), if not make them cheaper 
according to some.

2. Syntheics don't nessisary lubricate "better" per se as they can lubricate 
quicker because of a better flow when either hot or cold. And of course the 
next reason...

3. Synthetics are even more resistant to breakdown and oxydation due to 
extreme temperatures and harsher environments.

4. And of course there are the other things such as resistance to 
contaiminates, less wear on components, and improved fuel economy due to 
less resistance.

The only disadvantage I've seen is the "older seals can develop a leak issue". 
Synthetic doesn't damage oil seals, but since it flows easier/has smaller 
molecules, it can flow thru smaller cracks in seals where conventional oil 
would not have. As far as this goes, I've seen an even split between people 
who've actually switched to synthetic (vs. those who "know" someone who 
has) that this will or will not occur. I'm assuming there are other variables 
though that have contributed to this, so I'm still not 100% convinced that leaks 
will or will not occur.

Now if you have a vehicle that specificly requests the exclusive use of 
synthetic oils, then you do definatly need to stick with them. Newer engines 
that require specific types/grades of motor oils do so because they are 
engineered specificly for them. Anything other than these stated can reduce 
econmy, and increase wear, aside from even voiding the vehicle's warranty in 
some cases. As was explained to me, some newer motors can have smaller 
ports where the oil passes thru than previous, and the wrong oil will not be 
able to flow thru as fast causing less lubrication.

Now as to which type of synthetic motor oil to use, who knows. Apparently 
some petrolium companies are changing the definition of "synthetic oil", so 
I've no clue. However, I can tell you this. When you buy synthetic oil, watch out 
for that "Multi-blend" stuff. It's just regular oil with a little synthetic blended in to 
up the price a bit. That it itself defeats the purpose of using synthetics.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"