Vindicating Vancouver's guru, sort-of

[JHertzman@xxxxxxx]

Recently Dr. Ted Siverns mentioned the advice of a Vancouver Alfa specialist
who "referred to an Alfa technical bulletin discouraging the use of synthetic
engine oil because of bottom end damage. They could not, however, find a copy
of this bulletin and I wonder if they are confused or have bad information.
Fred Di Matteo earlier indicated that the type of oil was not crucial (though
the weight is important). Any one with any knowledge of such a bulletin?"

He got several slightly snippy replies on the order of "What the hell do they
think Selenia is?" 

There WAS such a bulletin, the Vancouver Alfa specialist has a good memory,
(which is to be prized) but Fred Di Matteo was of course right "that the type
of oil was not crucial (though the weight is important)"

The bulletin said: 

SERVICE BULLETIN

- - SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILS -

	Synthetic engine oils are compositions of man-made hydrocarbons. Most
available synthetic oils have an S.A.E. rating of 5 w 20. This viscosity
rating means that the lubricant is equivalent to 5 weight oil at 0 degrees F
and 20 weight oil at 210 degrees F. An oil of this type is adequate when used
in a low-speed large displacement engine, and even then, the major automotive
manufacturers do not recommend the use of synthetic oils for sustained highway
driving.

	In contrast, the Alfa Romeo engine is a small displacement, high-speed, high
performance engine, which results in greater frictional loads on certain
components. In particular, the "shearing" action between the camshaft and
tappets due to the overhead-cam configuration and more radical cam profiles.
Piston speeds and resulting loads are also multiplied several times in the
high performance engine.

	Engine clearances are designed for high-speed operation. The above factors
make it necessary to use a 10 w 50 grade oil. Using the less viscous synthetic
oil could result in premature wear on components, excessive oil consumption
and dangerously low crankcase oil levels between the times oil is replenished.
Synthetic oil also affects oil pressure at idle, causing it to drop below
allowable limits.

	Alfa Romeo owners should be advised to use an SAE 10 w 50 grade oil and to
check the level regularly as outlined in the Owner's Manual.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The date of the bulletin was October 1979, and since then there has been
progress, or at least change, and synth is no longer synonymous with 5W. Have
your cake - 

Cordially, 

John H.

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