Should I switch to synthetic (1987 16v, 190k miles)

625 Views 15 Replies 12 Participants Last post by nuugen, Feb 18, 2002

lord kelvin

Discussion Starter · Feb 13, 2002

I'll be doing the first oil change since I got the car either this weekend or next weekend...can't decide if I should just stick with the dino or go with synth.
I would definitely feel better about synth, but I worry because of the age/mileage of the engine. What do you guys think? Also, if I switch to synth, should I use a flushing agent first? I asked my mechanic about it, and he said to be very careful...he had one customer who had a good experience with it, and another who said it was a total nightmare and may eventually have killed his engine. Yipe! Also, anybody got opinions on oil filters?
Finally...how hard is it to change the transmission fluid? Is it a do-it-yerselfer (i'm pretty low-tech, low-skill by the way), or should I leave that to the pros?
Any tips, hints, opinions, etc. very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Gary

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

roman16v

· #2 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

Always use OEM filters... and I would stick with regular oil... or it will either leak or burn oil...
I think http://www.scirocco16v.com has a tech article on changing tranny oil.

burzum

· #3 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

I would not reccomend synthectic oil, it's too slippery for a car with that many miles. It will get by the rings, etc..

Elwood

· #4 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

If the engine still feels pretty tight, you might give it a shot. You really don't have anything to lose. Watch the dipstick, though. I don't think rings would be a problem, but valve guides might be.
The transmission is is very easy. The Bentley manual will help you locate the drain and the fill plugs. I pulled the speedometer cable to refill the transmission. Its on top, so you don't have to mess with trying to fill the transmission from under the car. You still need to pull the fill plug so that you can tell when its full.

pastpargolf

· #5 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (VWhombre)

If it was fine internaly for 195K, whats the point? Wallet weight loss program?
Leaks? I wouldn't

JohnB

· #6 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (pastpargolf)

I agree with most of the guys. I wouldn't switch for the same reasons, leaks, burn, money.

rockin16v

· #7 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (VWhombre)

quote:[HR][/HR]If the engine still feels pretty tight, you might give it a shot. You really don't have anything to lose. Watch the dipstick, though. I don't think rings would be a problem, but valve guides might be.
The transmission is is very easy. The Bentley manual will help you locate the drain and the fill plugs. I pulled the speedometer cable to refill the transmission. Its on top, so you don't have to mess with trying to fill the transmission from under the car. You still need to pull the fill plug so that you can tell when its full.[HR][/HR]

the tranny takes 2 bottles of redline synthetic oil exactly to fill it up.
also, it would be the guides, not the rings i would worry about with synthetic motor oil, your right.

splitmeister

· #8 · Feb 14, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

Dont switch.
supposing that the motor has been run on standard motor oil all its life, you're simply setting yourself up for headaches switching to synthetic oil this late in the game.
Conventional oils over time build up a layer of varnish inside a motor as time passes. The varnish acts as a sort of secondary gasket in a sense, preventing oil from even getting to the original gaskets. You probably notice when taking apart a high mileage motor how the gaskets are sort of glued to the mating surfaces, due to this varnish.
Synthetic oils often have detergets which wash away these varnishes, and they are often lower viscosity. The gaskets which havent had to do their job for several years have dried up, and now a thinner oil can easily get past em. Leaks aplenty.
Just use conventional oil, and be sure to get a factory filter.

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Elwood

· #9 · Feb 14, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (splitmeister)

Myth.

Audi_VW_Porsche

· #10 · Feb 14, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

Well, what about a blend?

lord kelvin

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (pastpargolf)

quote:[HR][/HR]If it was fine internaly for 195K, whats the point? Wallet weight loss program?[HR][/HR]

Actually, I think the entire car is a 'wallet weight loss program" so why not!?!?

Thanks for the input, guys...I've decided against it...worth a try, though. So now, where does one find redline tranny fluid...available at local retail outlets, or will i have to order over the 'net?
danke schon...
gary

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Elwood

· #12 · Feb 15, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

quote:[HR][/HR] So now, where does one find redline tranny fluid...available at local retail outlets, or will i have to order over the 'net?
danke schon...
gary[HR][/HR]

http://www.myoilshop.com
bitte sehr...

86 16V

· #13 · Feb 17, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

My guess is that you'll be pissing oil out of every gasket before long. Stick with Dino!

Elwood

· #14 · Feb 17, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (86 16V)

Myth (again - unless its already leaking)

TBerk

· #15 · Feb 18, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (lord kelvin)

- Previous Synth was known for leaking past old seals, new synth has gasket conditioners in it to swell them back up after that 'varnish' is washed away.
- Switching a dino oil motor to synth is not an overnight proccess, unless you want to roll the dice. Change the oil w/ regular and substitute ONE quart with the synth. Run this as regular and keep an eye on things. Next oil change switch over to a semi synth and run that the regular amount of miles.
- Use an OEM filter, none of that Fram crap. Mahle or Mann. Maybe Wix.
- Synth can disloge lots of old crap in the motor, might clog passageways, haven't on _My_ motor but folks do tend to fret.
- Go w/ a 15w50 Mobil One type oil as apposed to 5w something to start with, thicker will oppose the dreaded drama you have been warned about, the 15 part of the weight should do you well in these winter months. Verify this with your local weather conditions.
I could go on but I'm too tired to surf for links.
hth,
TBerk

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nuugen

· #16 · Feb 18, 2002

Re: Should I switch to synthetic (TBerk)

tberk is right-on,, i have owned @ 25 vw/audi's, used mobil 1 in all of them( actually, experimented w/ castrol synth in early 90's), and my cars have gone consistently over 250,000 with NO rebuilds--just sold a 4kq with 410,000 on it, and i bought it with 106,000 on it!!, and a 90 with 275,000 on it ( my daily driver for a while!!)... 'stay away from synth" is the real myth

so on changing over, just use common sense, and your engine will be around for a long time...btw my 90 20v quattro has 250,000, the coupe has 160,000.....

car

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