Miata Mailing List: July 1993, Message #170
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   From: steve@laforge.ksc.nasa.gov (Steve Davis)
Subject: synthetic oil & filters
   Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1993 17:12:26 -0400




From: "Curt A. Mideiros" <9531MIDE@isc-novell.ucsb.edu>
>I've used them in the past without any problems, however, the
>current issue of MCA Magazine says that mixing Slick50 (an additive)
>with Catrol synthetic oil turns the oil "like jello that you could
>cut with a knife".
>Miata magazine didn't mention any probolems with synthetic oils, but
>they did advise against any oil "additives".


Before we get into a "which synthetic oil is best" argument, it's
fair to point out that Castrol Syntec (sp?) includes an anti-wear
additive that makes claims similar to those made for Slick50; the
jello result was apparently an adverse result of mixing these two
additives.  If I remember correctly, the magazine article didn't warn
against oil additives-- just against mixing them.

Of course, the use of Slick50 or other "engine coating" additives
has been the subject of many debates, but that's another story.
Personally, I'd never use it.

Several of my friends have had very good luck using Mobil 1; one's
'86 Civic was still running strong (with no leaks) at 145K miles when
he sold it (to his insurance company, actually :-(  ).  I've used
Mobil 1 for several years, but I've never held onto a car long enough
to know if it really makes a difference.  I certainly haven't had any
oil-related problems, though.  Maybe now that I have a car worth
keeping I'll find out first-hand.  :-)

Regards,

Steve
'93 Classic Red "A"