As a pilot and previous aircraft owner (1969 Beechcraft A36) I am well
aware of the Mobile AV-1 debacle. The problem with AV-1 was apparently
a chemical compatibility problem that only applied to AV-1 that caused
sludge buildup, thereby drastically reducing the oil's ability to
lubricate. In cases where AV-1 caused damage, it had little to do with
tappets or cam bearing surfaces in particular, it was spun crank
bearings, cylinder wall damage - big problems. If you recall, Mobile-1
(and Mobile AV-1) wasn't a fully synthetic oil in their first
formulations. Mobile-1 is a different animal now and is fully
synthetic.

I would think if the same problem(s) existed in Mobile-1 or any other
synthetic oil, they would be pulled off the market or the manufacturers
would be sued (like the AV-1 issue) or both. I haven't seen that
happen, in fact more and more major oil companies are formulating
better and better synthetics, all of which outperform mineral/petroleum
oils.

I don't have anything against Mobile-1 or any other fully synthetic
major brand, however I choose to use only AMSOil or RedLine Synthetics.
The API tests speak for themselves.

That's my 2 cents worth anyway.

Jeff


Gene Kearns wrote:
On 6 Jun 2006 12:22:27 -0700, Chehalis Jeff penned the following well
considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:


As for the quality of synthetics under heat/pressure in high stress
points like tappets or cams, I have been told that's not true. I don't
know...

If interested, check out the story of Mobil AV-1. The FAA rescinded
the approval for use (STC) of that lubricant due to engine failures.
There was also a huge class action lawsuit and settlement.

--

Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.

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