Synthetic oil

[38plymouth]

Is anyone using synthetic oil? I have been using 30 weight non detergent oil in my car forever. Last year I started adding 1 qt. of detergent when I changed the oil. I finally made the full switch over to regular detergent oil but I also used 10w-30 synthetic. The first thing I noticed when I started the engine was instant oil pressure. It also seems to run a little quieter and some of the smoking from the tailpipes went away. So far I'm very happy with it. The downside is I need to change the leaking oil pan gasket because the thinner oil seems to drip a little more, but, I was going to do that anyway so I can clean out the pan.

[Guest 51plymouthod]

You bet! I use synthetic oil. In my case, Mobil 1 15W-50 in both my 1951 Plymouth and, in the 1949 B-1-B Dodge pickup...it too will get Mobil 1, but in the 10W-40 HM grade, as soon as the break-in is completed.

I do like Mobil 1...its easy availability at Wall-Mart, etc...but all synthetics, regardless of the brand name are good stuff. My Plymouth maintains excellent oil pressure and I just thnk with the rather primitive filtration on these 50+ year old flatheads of ours, using the best oil available makes sense.

However, regular Dino's a much superior...much superior product than the best oil available when those vehicles were new. "Which oil to use" is subject to many opinions. Those who feel they're better off with detergent Dino oil are NOT wrong. Use whatever you wish. Just change it regularly, and your old flathead will do just fine on it, barring internal problems.

[Normspeed]

I like Mobil 1. I've run it in 3 motorcycles with good results. Only reason I don't run it in my rebuilt flathead, I went with Rotella T. I think either one will allow my motor to run long into the next generation. I went with Rotella for that zinc additive for what it's worth, but I think the Mobil 1 would probably do fine, and maybe with less goop in the valve boxes after 100,000 miles or so. If I do another flathead 6 I'll go with Mobil 1. I'll let my descendants figure out which was better:rolleyes:

Also run Amsoil 10w40 synthetic motorcycle gear/motor oil in my overdrive tranny.

[laynrubber]

I have been trying aviation oil, Phillips 20W50, only been 1800 miles.

I use it because the price was right for a deal i had cooked up.

[Guest 57plymouth]

I switched from Mobil 1 to Rotella when all the #### hit the fan about low zinc levels and flat tappet cams.

When I had Mobil 1 in the flattie, I noticed it leaked out of the front and rear main seals a lot faster than conventional oils.