Hi,

I read that Mobil 1 synthetic oil causes leaks in older engines. Is this applicable for all synthetic oils?

I get a much better cold start and accelaration when I used Mobil 1 synthetic oil, but I am concerned about leaks and I’d like to switch to other brands. What do you think?

Thank you

Mike

 

my understanding is that all synthetic oils can do that cause the libricity is so slick that it basically slides right out the seals

 

Well, sorta (someone correct me if I'm wrong here).

Synthetic oil will actually clean out some of the old sludge build up that has occured over the years. Some of that sludge is actually plugging up some of the leaks that would have been noticable early on had synthetic oil been used through out the life of the car. But at the same time, if synthitic oil had been used from day 1...you probably wouldn't have any leaks either.

It's all up to you and what you want to deal with. I personally use fossil oil (Valvolive 5w-30) and everything works just fine.

 

Just wondering, how many miles do you have on your engine.

Thanks

 

342,000 original miles

 

Me? 135,000.

 

Ok, thanks.
I don't have much of mechanical experience and I'd like to know what other seals can leak other than the typical gaskets like valve cover gasket, head gasket etc... What other specific seals, if any, inside the engine may leak when using sythetic oil?

Thanks

 

Rifleman, how many times did you rebuilt your engine?

 

Well...hmmmm possibly around the oil pan, sometimes there will be more blow by at your piston rings, the timing chain area......Am I missing anything anyone?

 

Front main seal, rear main seal.

I wouldn't be surprised if Rifleman's car is on the original build. I'm at only 218,000 miles and my engine is great!

 

That is one thing i love about these cars, they just last forever....not too many other makes can make the same claim...