Can synthetic oil be used in pre 1978 vw beetle?

You can, but I would use a 15W-50 if I did, to keep leaks minimal, and also put in some moly lube or STP to bolster your additives.

.

1978 Vw Beetle

If you don't have leaks, Synth. is actually best for any engine except aircraft and some moto sickles*.However, it will shrink seals and make leaks worse. If you do notice drips, try a blend. My '64 bug always marked its spot .

Even older cars. Hi Mileage just has Zinc for less tappet/lifter friction. If you have a lot of miles, add a quart of Slick 50. Still best for any car. You may notice a lot of dirtying of oil on first using it, it has very hi defter gent properties. So if you did;t change oil on time or did not use a detergent oil, you may need to make that One change at 3-4K, then refill and keep it in the recommended 10K as it says. Mileage improves with Synth, that and the added distance between oil changes defray its added cost. It saves our oil reserves on planet Earth, too. Read here:

http://www.ehow.com/about_6080764_synthetic-conven...

*Planes can't use detergent oil. The bubbles can cause oil starvation on hard banks and dives. Some bikes use engine oil in xmission so some oils and additives can cayuse clutch slip.

EDIT: Who said there is a " radiator" on a Bug? No Way, Jay...

And, it's 10,000 miles between changes with synthetic, not 3,000. So it amortizes its added cost.

Yes it can!

Pros: Synthetic conducts heat better so your engine runs cooler. Synthetic doesn't thicken as much as regular oil in cold weather so it prevents oil starvation.

Cons: Price. Synthetic will leak faster if you have a leak (synthetic oil does not cause leaks).

In my opinion synthetic would not be of much use unless you fixed all leaks and put on an oil filter adapter to prolong the life of the synthetic oil. (the old Beetles don't have oil filters but they are available).

Synthetic of course is much better, but there is absolutely no point.

You still need to use heavy oil in order to properly lubricate the cam, lifters, etc., so you can't use oil lighter then 10W-40.

And because there is no oil filter, you still have to often change the oil.

So if you don't mind wasting perfectly good synthetic oil ever 3,000 miles, then feel free.

But changing regular oil more often will not only be cheaper, but have a better result.

Up till the early 80s I ran a Transporter with a 1600cc twin port engine. I constantly used a right this moment 30 oil, Shell Rotella 30 - it became meant to be utilized in diesel engines and the detergent in the oil stored the oil procedures of the Volkswagen sparkling. i might nevertheless advise a right this moment grade oil, attempt Millers Oils they are in Brighouse West Yorkshire and are an techniques-blowing employer, you are able to deliver a pattern of used engine oil to them and that they'll examine it for loose and provide help to comprehend the final wellness of your engine. sturdy success, Gizz.

this debate has been on going for a very, very long time. honestly....it doesnt make a difference. synthetic or dino. its up to you

i do however recommend a mono-grade SAE30 weight oil. its what VW says is the best to use in the original owners manuals. also they spend millions of dollars on research to find what was best for the cars they made.....back then, not so much today

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...

These cars are known for marking their territories (oil leaks), so I would suggest staying with regular oil.

/yes you can but if it's a higher mileage vehicle there;s no point, use a high mileage oil for it,