syn oil not good for older engines

Soundguy · Aug 2, 2004

I post heavilly on another board, and forum dedicated to older fords.

One of our members was asking about synthetic oil in his tractor.. He emailed mobil, and asked them... not really expecting an answer.. but got one pretty quick!

Here is the quote of what they said:

( "Mobil does not recommend using synthetic motor oils in pre-1980 applications due to possible gasket and seal incompatability issues." )

I was a bit surprised...

Soundguy

KiotiJohn · Aug 2, 2004

This is something that I addressed in a small way on another thread about using synthetic in a small engine.
One must know what the MFG says about the internals as the synthetics are quite often not compatible.
You want to do the right thing, maybe extend the drain time, and then find out that you've ruined the gaskets and seals. Not fun. John

Soundguy · Aug 2, 2004

I was shocked... Most people here blindly proclaim that synthetic oil is the cure for 'anything'.. and there is nothing better.

It's nice to get a real 'perspective' from one of the major players themselves... I hadn't even though about gasket problems with the synthetics.. I wonder if it has a problem with leather! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy

slowrev · Aug 2, 2004

"I was shocked... Most people here blindly proclaim that synthetic oil is the cure for 'anything'.. and there is nothing better."

Most or only the most outspoken ?

WilliamBos · Aug 2, 2004

Hi,

I was glad to read this statment from mobil. I will be following their advice with dino oil and regular intervals once we ger out A3.152 rebuilt!!

Take care

Will

Soundguy · Aug 2, 2004

( Most or only the most outspoken ?
)

They are one and the same. The most outspoken post the bulk of the messages about the pro's of synthetics.. thus.. most of the posts I see here tout synthetic oil as a 'cure all'. (snake oil).. hey.. I think that's a funny!

I know that is a dramitazation.. but you get the point I was making.

GerardC · Aug 2, 2004

Thanks for the post. Sounds like real good advice. G

_RaT_ · Aug 3, 2004

Do realize that not all synthetics share the same base componet. Mobil's synthetic has been around before the 80's if memory serves me correct. Did Mobil sell a product to the public that was destroying their gaskets and seals?

Soundguy · Aug 3, 2004

I'm not sure. All I know is that one of the owners of an antique ford in a club I'm in was considering mobil's syn oil for his tractor. he wrote in and asked their opinion, and that is the reply he got.. verbatim. I can't say whether that covers anyone else's oil.. but at least for mobil.. they didn't recomend it. I'm surprised, and glad, that they actually provided that info.

Soundguy

KirkMcD · Aug 3, 2004

( Do realize that not all synthetics share the same base componet. Mobil's synthetic has been around before the 80's if memory serves me correct. Did Mobil sell a product to the public that was destroying their gaskets and seals? )

It might be that for an engine that never used synthetic oil that switching to it now would cause problems. Sort of like when it is said that if you've never changed the transmission fluid on a high mileage, not to start changing it.

-- Kirk