Switch to Synthetic

I bought my 80 911 SC that was a trade in at a friends exotic used car lot. Overall condition appeared good, 98k. Oil fed tenshioner upgrade. Leakdown, compression fine. No maintainance records available. In 11k I have changed oil 3 times (20-50 Valvoline--south TX , Mahle.). I adjusted valves. I found the owner by chance and learned that he had spent 12k on a complete top and bottom rebuild at 85k 2 years ago by a reputable guy in San Antonio. I further discovered he had been using synthetics. The car esentially sat for a year with synthetics in it prior to the car dealer changing to dino, then my three dino changes. Burning question--do I risk a return to synthetics without significant irreversable seal leakage?

Synthetics will not cause you any problems,
I switched to synthetics at 160,000 in my 83SC,I now have 197,000 with NO problems.
I'm in Austin, so I know about this heat we get in the summers,I think synthetics give the best protection under extreme high heat,
especially if you do not have the front fender oil cooler upgrade.I use Redline 10/40 for winter and 20/50 for summer.

You won't have any problems switching to synthetics. I use Mobil 1 15W50 in my '79SC and it leaks about the same as before...very little. I use synthetics primarily for their cold temp. properties, and for it's wide temp range. I see temps from -15F to 90+, and 15W50 works well for that entire range.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

By any chance do you know the name of the reputable mechanic in San Antonio? I am in Corpus Christi and finding a Porsche mechanic here has proven to be difficult.
Thanks,
Rich

The guy I referenced is named Bob. His shop is at Perrin Beitel@Perrin Central. I don't have the number handy, but will provide later. My favorite wrench in SA is Roger on Southcross at Roosevelt (Roger's Imports) 210 927 2141. Did a top and bottom rebuild of my 70 2.2 in 1985. Never laughs at any of my Peugeot 505's I drag into him.

I think the best advice on this popular topic (of synthetic-caused leaks), was given to me when I posted the question on the Rennlist..... "If your motor is not leaking before synthetics, it is unlikely to leak with them". There has been a lot of development of synthetic oil formulation over the years. I have read that the early ester-based blends *did* cause some seals to leak. Apparently, this is much less of a problem with more modern synthetic lubricants.

Regards,
Doug
'81 SC Coupe (loves Mobil 1)

[This message has been edited by Doug Zielke (edited 02-15-2001).]

There is a shop in San Antonio called Jones Autowerks that a few of the Austin PCA members swear by.