martin_csr wrote: I've read that synthetic oil can cause leaks because it has a higher degree of solvency, so it cleans away the gunk around old seals which then leak. I think I saw that in a Valvoline info page somewhere.
I use either Shell Rotella 15W-40 regular in the white bottle or Chevron Delo. Both typically go on sale for around $13 a gallon.
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This is pretty much what I was taught in college too Martin. Also zed1015 posted something about synthetic oil's molecular structure was not right for roller type rod bearings a while back in KzR too. I don't remember the specifics of zed's post. Perhaps he can chime in. BUT.. going from my feeble memory my main instructor had a class on lubricants and in a nutshell said, if you run synthetics in a new motor that does not use oil or leak, it will continue to not use oil or leak. (Keep in mind this was at least 40 years ago when Mobil 1 was starting to experience wide spread use) .. BUT, if you take an engine that has always used dyno oil, leaks and burns oil.. it will leak and burn oil worse from the lower viscosity and higher solvency of the synthetics.
I have been using T-6, but am seriously considering switching to T-4 in my old kaw.
Even the press fit oil galley block plugs in the head are showing evidence of seepage / leaking. Notice the plug in the lower right of the pic. This was 2 weeks ago.