Date:         Fri, 15 May 1998 11:33:50 EDT
Reply-To:     Kim <Kim@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Kim <Kim@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Use of Synthetic Oil in Syncro Transmission
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 5/15/98 1:36:13 AM, bpremack@WAVETECH.NET writes:

>It is my intention to change the oil in the transmission and front
>differential of my 86 Syncro.  Would synthetic oil be the preferred choice?
> If so, are there any distinctions between Redline and Castrol?

My brother (a long time mechanic) once told me (years ago) that you should
either change your differential's oil frequently, or not at all. As to
synthetics, the issue is that because synthetics pentrate much better than
normal oils, if you put them into a worn engine (or I presume trans) you have
the risk that they'll get past the seals that were good enough for the dino
oils, causing leaks where you didn't formerly have them.

If you are working with a recently rebuilt trans or engine, then the
cautionary note shouldn't concern you, as fresh seals should be able to deal
with the synthetics fine.