Are synths actually better than conventionals?

[JAG]

Thanks Kestas. I baited a good fish which is not what I was after. I was hoping for one of the croakers.

My sump is also around 4.8 qts. It's not the tiny one used in some 1.8T's. I didn't realize you had a 1.8T. Just be cautious with it. If the PCV system clogs, all the savings from oil choice and too long OCIs goes out the door if you have to pay over $500 to replace much of the PCV system (most of the cost is parts!). I still haven't determined what the max. OCI is I can use with any oil. Since the replacement, I'm monitoring the situation and staying under 3500 mi. OCIs with very select synthetics...currently Amsoil ACD. The PCV system has again built up slight deposits and a slight oil/water emulsion (it's winter obviously) but they are so far, not a solid mass of unified deposit. It's more of a dirty oil layer with some small chunks of deposits. What a bad design.

 

[Kestas]

Actually, the 02 NewBeetle belongs to a family member. I call it mine for the purposes of discussion. Thanks for the tip on the PCV system. I'll check it out next time the car is in my garage.

The recommended oil maintenance is 10K OCI with 5W-40. Visually, the oil doesn't looks bad after 6K. I feel confident that we're doing okay with this regimen.

 

[JAG]

In my 2003 1.8T they recommend 5K mile OCI. 10K is crazy as a general recommendation.
I just got done checking and cleaning the valve cover nipple to Y-hose part of the PCV system. It was nastier than I expected since I last did this only about 1 month ago. It had oil/water emulsion (yellow) with some dark brown oil and some dark brown and black solids in it. If you check that Beetle's hose(s), please do tell what you find.

 

[glennc]

You must really like that car to put up with that kind of trouble with it.

How's the G35 in comparison?

 

[JAG]

LOL. This mess has caused me to consider something worry-free and low maintenance. But it's soon paid off, it gives 31 to 33 mpg, and it's fun to drive so I'm sticking to it for a while.

The G35 is nice. Wife's car...of course she has to have the more expensive car. When I checked the PCV valve after 40K miles, it looked almost brand new! What a difference. It's still somewhat hard on oil since it's a TBN killer but that's not really problematic since I can just use good oils and not worry about anything.