Synthetic Oil Lesson

[SHARK1007]

I'm a very hard-headed type. I inquired about synthetics, read all the posts and asked my mechanic.

He warned me that he had tried synthetic twice on older SD's and both started using oil. They resolved this pesky habit when he switched back to regular oil.

Undaunted by professional advice, I bought the 5W40 Wal Mart Rotella and gave her a shot. Seemed quieter on start up, even though I'm in Florida, I liked the idea. My 83 300SD with 160K seemed to run about the same and maybe leaked a tiny bit more.

After a few trips, I thought the old girl was smoking a bit more at night under acceleration. I noticed a puff of smoke on early morning start up's. Sure enough, the oil level dropped a little, and I noticed oil residue from the oil fill cap very slightly and blow by on the vent to the air cleaner.

I switched back to Delo 15W40 and after a 100 mile trip today where I pushed 80 mph on cruise most of the way...no oil from the oil cap or any evidence of blow by.

I learn the hard way, but don't forget these lessons.

Just thought I'd share my experience with any of you who might be thinking along the lines I did.