SW:

You can see why frequent oil/filter changes are recommended when switching to synthetic oil, and why some do not recommend doing so -- I've heard that using synthetics will "clean out" the crud that seals the pits and scratches in cylinder walls and cause oil consumption when the crud is gone.

I'm not sure I believe that, but synthetics are certainly vastly better at keeping the dirt suspended!

Good luck with the axles -- nothing worse that one that shakes!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!