I have a 1983 300SD with a small blowby problem. I have an oil change coming up and i am wondering about switching to synthetic, but i hvae a few questions i'm hoping someone here can help me with
1. Will switching to synthetic help to unstick my rings over a few oil changes? And even if the rings are worn will it cause any further damage?
2. IS there any problems that synthetic oil can cause in a diesel(except oil leaks)
3. Should i switch over gradually or all at once?
4. What is the price differance between this and dino oil?
5. Do i need a differant filter type?
6. will it help my 300SD run cooler down here in hot fl
7. I live in central florida with no plans on taking the car north anytime soon, which kind do i need to use?
8. ANy other info i should know about?

thanks for you help, i really want my engine to last and will do whatever possible to help prolong a rebuild or even an in shop servicing for as logn as possible. The engine runs absolutey perfect now(except for that) and i want to keep it that way. it has 150k miles on it.
R

Use Castrol Syntec 20W50. I started using it in a 300SDL at ~160,000 miles and it keeps using less oil as it gets older and more miles. I also use a ~4 oz. of ptfe when I change the oil every 10,000 miles. I think it will eventually go 10,000 miles without adding any oil.
P E H

Is contained in the archives of these forums. Using the search feature at the top of the page will allow you to read every thread even remotely associated with this subject.

You see, everytime we post here on these forums, the information is kept available for future reference on the server so we can retrieve it anytime.

Here's a few pertinent threads on this subject:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=16998

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=16759

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=16141

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=15638

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=14230

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=13620

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=13350

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=13323

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=13204

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=12277

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=11870

To answer your questions more directly:

1.Synthetic oil has better detergent properties than regular oil, so it is likely that it may have that effect.

2.As long as you use a sythetic oil with a CF or higher rating, there will not be any problems.

3.There is no "gradually", unless you choose to use a blended partial synthetic before switching to a fully synthetic oil. I don't see any benefit to doing so. There is a link to a British website that is in one of the above archives that suggests a "flushing oil", which I think is a load of crap. Just drain thoroughly and replace the old oil with the new synthetic.

4. Mobil 1 is usually about $4.59 a quart. K-Mart just started a sale on gallons of Castrol Syntec for $14.96 a gallon and Quaker State for $1.29 a quart, their synthetic blend is $1.99. Havoline 10W30 is $.59 a quart, Mobil 10W30 is $1.19.

5. Oil filters are oil filters regardless of synthetic or regular motor oil just use a Knecht, Mann, or Mahle filter. If you are frugal, you can buy filters to fit from Fram.

6. Yes, synthetic will lubricate better, reduce friction, and help your car run cooler. The main thing to do is keep your cooling system clean, and radiator clear of debris you can pick up driving around FL.

7. I would use the viscosity recommended by Mercedes for your climate, which for your car is 15W50.

8. If you don't find it in the threads above, let me know...

Finally, Mr. Haiges. If you haven't already done so, you may want to read the following information before you continue to dump PTFE into your Mercedes engine:

http://www.gsresources.com/tech/additives.oil.html

[Edited by longston on 07-08-2001 at 03:22 PM]

__________________

Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

Bravo Mr.Longston,most impressive,I have logged the threads
as well.
Tigerfox

Thanks Longston that about sums it up for me. I will switch to synthetic when i get back from illinois. Thanks again guys
R