'02 V70 (Motor Oil type for older P2's)

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 09 Jul 2024, 06:00

I recently read that one should not use "fully-synthetic" motor oil for older engines. It supposedly can cause leaks thru the seals and such.
All I have been using the last couple of years is Mobil 1/ Full-Synthetic. My P2 has over 200k miles on her now. What do you guys say?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 09 Jul 2024, 07:09

My thinking is the advantages of synthetic oil outweighs the possible leaks. Try to avoid the very thin weights.
volvolugnut

Post by **scot850** » 09 Jul 2024, 08:38

I've been running what are called synthetic oils here in North America for 20+ years with no issues. Well certainly any more than I'd expect from cars of this age. Our youngest car is a 2006 XC70 and the oldest a 2000 V70R. While anything is possible, this was something that was a 'thing' back when synthetic oils first came out 30+ years ago.

Neil.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 09 Jul 2024, 11:46

Mr. Detail wrote: ↑09 Jul 2024, 06:00 I recently read that one should not use "fully-synthetic" motor oil for older engines. It supposedly can cause leaks thru the seals and such.
All I have been using the last couple of years is Mobil 1/ Full-Synthetic. My P2 has over 200k miles on her now. What do you guys say?

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Most articles relating to headgasket leaks from synthetic change over from dino have included Mobil 1. Had this happened to 3 cars over a period of few years and had to read about it in the car mags, this before the internet.

87 Integra, 88 Camry and 89 Galant. Stopped using Mobil 1 and went to Swepco dino. Discovered by accident Rotella T6 5W40 when it was on sale for $13 a gallon, thinking it was a dino on sale. The best synthetic used so far without issue. Currently have the T6 15W40 in a least 2 cars and 5W40 in others. Most recent purchase was 6 gallons last year during a sale. Have others in stock though good will stay with Rotella T6 and back to Swepco when it's all used up. Have tried the Mobil 1 5W40 when Costco carried it a couple years back and it was like water in the engine.
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Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 09 Jul 2024, 11:54

Loved this line....."Have tried the Mobil 1 5W40 when Costco carried it a couple years back and it was like water in the engine."

Post by **MoVolvos** » 09 Jul 2024, 12:08

Mr. Detail wrote: ↑09 Jul 2024, 11:54 Loved this line....."Have tried the Mobil 1 5W40 when Costco carried it a couple years back and it was like water in the engine."

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Parents neighbor was a bombardier during WWII. He describe Mobil 1 as engine having no power

. The Volvos and other lower end groaned loudly during WOT and the cars also felt gutless.

This is one time you don't want to be like water like my friend.
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Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 10 Jul 2024, 10:39

EXCELLENT, MoVolvos!!! Be water my friends.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 10 Jul 2024, 13:50

You can get "high mileage" synthetic oil which has some chemicals that prevent the seals from leaking. If you have been using synthetic for awhile with no leaks, you will be fine.