I used to swear by Mobil 1 then Ames Oil. Had some problems with solid rollers. Cam mfg asked me to switch to a crude base which has some zinc additives in it, claimed the synthetic was too slick and caused the rollers to "slide" down the lobes? I did switch and seems like things have straightened out with the followers. Now I hear Merc is having problems with HP500 lifters and synthetics? If so, it is really too bad because the synthetics seemed to be really good for the bottom ends! If anyone has it figured out I would sure like to know!

Bob:

Yea, Bob Teague made some comments recently in Powerboat Magazine about the same thing... rollers in stock engines not rolling on the lobes and bad wear patterns as a result. Been wondering about the semi-synthetics as a half step back, hmmm. :confused:

Hope someone else does some testing.

Scott

I think the jury is still out on the synthetic oil. Just because it is more slippery does that mean its better? I am definitely no expert but I have done a lot of reading on the subject and it seems if you ask 10 "experts" you'll get a split decision. Hell, this month's Hotboat had a tech article recommending petroleum oil over synthetic. Bottom line, change your oil!!! I change my oil in my boat and my outdrive every 10 hours.

However, I do run a semi-synthetic in my snowmobile but that's mainly because it smells sweet! :D

royal purple is great stuff....works great in drives too.

Again, how much MMO should I add if it takes 12 to 13 quarts to fill my motor with oil?

just don't do it!!! run forest run!!!

Scott,
I think they should clean up the QC factor on those rollers myself. :)
Path of least resistance. When your oil starts to make roller rockers use the oil as the pivot point instead of the one they designed....that is some really good slippery stuff :).
Back to the drawing boards engine builders! :D

Pantera1: I think you are right. I need to lighten up. I was quite a ***** yesterday. Sorry.
For the record, I wanted the Buick Roadmaster wagon. She would not hear of it.
I certainly don't tout the 'scort as being the best thing on the road:p
But besides the valve seat....which was a freak thing in my book, the car has not made me put a wrench on it one time other than tires, brakes and one set of plugs. Not even a starter or anything! I can't stand driving the thing, I feel like I am in a go-kart! But everytime I take it out, I find it to be tight and running perfectly. Like I said, it surprised the **** out of me!
My daughter did not take one to college though. Dad picked out her car. A Camry, not an Escort!