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Technical Running in
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Technical Running in
fiat_freak
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Interesting debate going now.
There is a wealth of info on the web on the subject, but as always, it is contradictory and still leaves unanswered questions at the end. Most articles praise Synthetic oils for cold starting and high temperature protection and give it a higher mark for long-term engine protection. But others have different views when considering running-in as per this article from Buzzle.com
Synthetic Vs. Mineral Oil
The only basic difference between synthetic oil and mineral oil, apart from its manufacture and origin, is the molecular and particulate structure of both the lubricants. Synthetic oil being a perfected product, has a very even and uniform structuring of molecules and particulates. On the other hand, mineral oil contains uneven and less uniform molecules. Now, when the car, engine, piston and piston block is new, it is always advisable to use, mineral oil. The uneven molecular structure of mineral oil makes the uneven surfaces of the components and auto parts rub with each other and erode, thus making the surface even and smooth .This is very useful, as the young components of the engine get into shape and adapt to the mechanism. As the engine grows older, the components, get into shape and start running swiftly without any friction. This is where one should start using synthetic oil. This oil basically keeps the engine in shape and helps in increasing the durability of the engine.
There are several other advantages and disadvantages of synthetic oils as well as mineral oils. Going into the details is pretty difficult and also complex. The debate synthetic vs. mineral oil is almost as old as the time since they were found and is getting more and more complex day by day, due to the advancements that are being integrated in lubrication. The conclusion that which oil is better, hence still remains undecided.
There is a wealth of info on the web on the subject, but as always, it is contradictory and still leaves unanswered questions at the end. Most articles praise Synthetic oils for cold starting and high temperature protection and give it a higher mark for long-term engine protection. But others have different views when considering running-in as per this article from Buzzle.com
Synthetic Vs. Mineral Oil
The only basic difference between synthetic oil and mineral oil, apart from its manufacture and origin, is the molecular and particulate structure of both the lubricants. Synthetic oil being a perfected product, has a very even and uniform structuring of molecules and particulates. On the other hand, mineral oil contains uneven and less uniform molecules. Now, when the car, engine, piston and piston block is new, it is always advisable to use, mineral oil. The uneven molecular structure of mineral oil makes the uneven surfaces of the components and auto parts rub with each other and erode, thus making the surface even and smooth .This is very useful, as the young components of the engine get into shape and adapt to the mechanism. As the engine grows older, the components, get into shape and start running swiftly without any friction. This is where one should start using synthetic oil. This oil basically keeps the engine in shape and helps in increasing the durability of the engine.
There are several other advantages and disadvantages of synthetic oils as well as mineral oils. Going into the details is pretty difficult and also complex. The debate synthetic vs. mineral oil is almost as old as the time since they were found and is getting more and more complex day by day, due to the advancements that are being integrated in lubrication. The conclusion that which oil is better, hence still remains undecided.
I love these sort of pseudo science "articles" written by some person on the internet who thinks he knows what he's talking about
If mineral oil were so great then manufacturers would give engines a first fill of mineral oil......KozmoNaut
Member
Exactly. Semi-synth for the 1.2, fully synth for the Multijet and I can't remember if the 100HP takes semi or fully.
An engine designed for conventional oil will benefit from semi-synth or fully synth, but doing that won't suddenly make it incompatible with conventional oil, that was my point.
I love these sort of pseudo science "articles" written by some person on the internet who thinks he knows what he's talking about
I don't get this either.
First off, "The only basic difference between synthetic oil and mineral oil, apart from its manufacture and origin, is the molecular and particulate structure of both the lubricants.", which is basically saying that the only basic difference between them is that they are completely different
And then it goes on to suggest using mineral oil in new engines to increase wear on the parts because somehow, they think this is good for the engine. If we were supposed to run in our engines like this, it would be stated directly in no uncertain terms in the manual.
It completely misses the point that running an engine in is not about wearing it in, it's about seating the piston rings among other things. This is done by exposing them to normal non-intensive use, not by prematurely wearing out the finely machined bearings and cylinder bores.
Apart from the extremely specific cases of oil-bathed motorcycle clutches that don't like modern friction-reducing additives and old engines that require high-zinc oil, synthetic oil is better in every single way compared to conventional oil.
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