Patman,
Like I said, with the proper mixture of PAOs and esters in the above mentioned synthetics, the seals will not shrink. That is why no synthetic (that I'm aware of) uses all PAO in it's base oil, they always mix in some esters to counter this effect. "
And if you have a di-ester oil like NEO, they will use "mediating" chemicals to make sure the ster doesn't soften the seals.
Spector,
In any claim there has to be a definite "cause-and-effect' thread, data to back up claims, etc.
Here is an example case (names changed for obvoius reasons):
Mr. A is claiming as the "plaintiff" that a particular type of motor oil damaged his new Malibu. Brand B is the defendant, a rep for the oil company.
Mr. A is on the stand being questioned by his lawyer, " So, right after run-in, you changed the oil to Brand B, your engine started to run really rough, was that your experience?" "yes!"
"And so you took the car to the mechanic who said the cam had worn down?" "Yes!"
"And this was the only oil that you ever ran in this car since just after run-in?" "Yes."
Thank you Mr. A, that will be all.
The defense atty, "Mr. A, did you and your son have an argument the night before you changed the oil." Flustered Mr. A says, "I don't see what in the h...l this has to do with my case against the B oil company."
"Just answer my question please." The plaintiff's lawyer jumps up and objects, "Whats the
relevance, your honor?" Judge: "Objection overruled. Mr. Defense atty., make your point or move to something that is [relevant]."
Defense Atty, "Thank you your honor, that will be demonstrated shortly."
"Mr. A, did you or did you not have a heated argument with your 14-year-old son the same evening that you changed your oil?"
"Well, wel.,yes We did have an argument, but I changed the oil just like I always do."
"And was the mileage proper for changing out the run-in oil?"
"Of course, the papers are with my lawyer regarding the maintenance records."
"And did you ever add any aftermarket additives to your oil?" "No, absolutely not!"
"I'm sure they are, and I am confident that this was the right time to change oil. But that's not really my question; would you describe your son as 'vindictive'?"
"Why no, he's a good kid."
"Would he do anything to get even with you because you wouldn't let him go skateboarding
with the other neigherbohoood kids?"
"No, I really don't think he would be stooping to do such a thing."
"Did any neighbors ever complain that that things such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, and the
like had been damaged when your son was near them?"
"I have had one complaint from one neighbor and I paid him for the damage."
"I have here 5 police complaints regarding vandalism and malicious damage from your immediate neighbors. All complaints were for engine damage to outdoor power equipment. Your son was seen at or near this equipment before the failures."
"So what, they proved anything against my son and the old man across the road is always yelling at him; besides, the claim is not against my son but against the poor oil Mr. B's company makes."
"Mr A, I am ready to put onto the witness stand an Expert Witness, who is a Physicist and Tribologist, and will testify that the same sand found in your engine oil is the same sand found in your son's chemistry set. In addition, I am also going to recall your mechanic who stated the cam lobes were fretted, etc, not from oil, but from sand. Do you still want to continue to press for damages or would you like to consult with your attorney at this time?"
So, guess what happened next?
Did the defense really have a good defense, or were they bluffing. Did the plaintiff drop the case or did he have something else up his sleeve?