I switched to synthetic in my 84 300D a few cycles ago (at about 250K) when I noticed the regular oil was a bit too heavy for the cold winters. I had no leaks before and I still don't. I also switched to synthetic in my 71 MGB GT. Unbelievably, no leaks before and none now. I've heard the talk about the seals flushing out and leaks developing, I just don't think its a real problem, I'd have to see it to believe it.

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1984 300D turbo, 250K
1971 MGBGT, 101K
2007 VW Jetta, 4K

Frankie,

The guy in question be me and the car would be MB C220 CDI and the plant is Jathropa also known as Castor.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

If you ever dismantle an engine that was running on a diet of Mobile 1 (and probably any other synthetic), you'll see that it does clean the inside very well.

But I don't put much faith in crud keeping the oil in. If synthetic flushes anything out and hastens a leak, you didn't have much time anyway.

There are some good points made here. I'm feeling more confident about trying out synthetic. Probably try the Mobil 1 . Thanks everyone!
Have a good one today.
Frankie
84 300 SD turbo

Didn't H.P. Lovecraft write fiction?

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JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

Yes, not just any fiction either -- HORROR! Quite apropos.

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'83 240D with 617.952 and 2.88
'01 VW Beetle TDI
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD
'89 Toyota 4x4, needs 2L-T
'78 280Z with L28ET - 12.86@110
Oil Burner Kartel #35

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oD/bioclip.jpg