SWTVC BULLETIN NUMBER 12/20 DECEMBER 2020
The SWTVC Website can be found at www.swtvc.org.uk
Registered address of the SWTVC: 80 Barfillan Drive, Glasgow G52.
Committee:
Alan Brown (Chair) san.soubeyran@hotmail.co.uk
Sandra Brown (Secretary) 07951 732611 80 Barfillan Drive, Glasgow G52
John Stewart (Treasurer)
Harry Sherry : (Webmaster)
Ronnie Johnston: (Editor)
Dave Stewart: (Webmaster)
Kevin Began: (Events Co-ordinator)
Ken McGeoch:
John Young: (Membership Secretary)
Monthly meetings: These normally take place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Kirkhouse Inn at 08.00PM but are suspended meantime.
EDITORIAL:
Well, 2020 has almost gone and I doubt if many of us will mourn its passing.
The recent encouraging news about a possible vaccine for the “virus” gives us hope that we may be able to enjoy our cars properly in the coming year. Meantime, I hope everyone is keeping safe.
MAID OF THE LOCH
You will recall I mentioned that the Maid was holding the final open day of the season on Sunday 1st November. I was particularly keen to attend this as the engines would be operating by means of a shoreside temporary boiler. I was on the Maid in August 1981 in what turned out to be the final month of her service. There had been speculation that she may not sail the following year but no formal announcement had been made. On a later visit to Balloch I noticed that the canvas cover normally put over the funnel and realised this meant she would not be sailing next year.
I was pleased to see that several members turned out bringing their classic with them. The cars made an interesting display on the pier which was much appreciated by other visitors. The Maid was looking very smart and there were interesting historic pictures and models of previous Loch Lomond steamers. A very pleasant afternoon with the bonus of giving the project some much needed income.
CLUB BUSINESS:
AGM :
A reminder that the AGM will be held via “Zoom” on 14thDecember at 7PM.
The documents have already been distributed either by email or post.
We want as many members to participate as possible: it is your Club and your input is valued.
National Historic Vehicle Survey:
The FBHVC has published the result of the recent survey. It makes interesting reading but I am unable to attach a link. It is available on line at FBHVC.CO.UK
Thanks to all who participated
Common Synthetic Oil Myths: (With thanks to Opie Oils)
There is a lot of information on the internet about oils, but a lot of it is wrong or based on out of date information. I am running this for general information in respect of modern cars and not advocating use in our oldies.
Synthetic motor oils damage seals:
Complete Nonsense! Any oil seals made after 1975 or thereabouts will be entirely compatible with any type of synthetic engine oil. (The same goes for synthetic gear oils and transmission oil seals.) It must be understood that everything associated with lubrication is thoroughly tested. The major oil manufacturers do not make oils that attack seals; seal manufacturers ensure that their products function correctly with modern lubricants.
Synthetic oils are too thin:
It is true that the best synthetic blends can be low viscosity (0w-20 for example), but they do not have to be! It is also true that the latest engines are designed to run on thin oil, which improves power output and fuel consumption. Even so, thicker synthetic based grades (10w-50, 15w-50, 20w-50etc) are available for air-cooled motors, older engines, or severe high temperature conditions. These grades can also benefit rebuilt classic engines dating back to the 1940s
Synthetics mean higher oil usage:
The complete opposite of the truth. Oil consumption in well-maintained modern engines is mainly down to the oil evaporating at high temperatures. Synthetic base oils (specially the PAO and ester types) are very resistant to evaporation loss even in low viscosity blends, so oil consumption is minimised. Obviously, engines with worn valve guides, defective seals and worn piston rings will use oil regardless, so there is no point in using expensive synthetics as an ‘old banger lube’.
Synthetic oils are not compatible with other oils:
All engine oils intended for normal road use in recent 4-stroke engines are compatible with one another, regardless of the base make-up. (mineral, PAO/ester/hydrocracked synthetic, and semisynthetic.) There is no need to flush or strip down an engine when changing from one type to another. (…but be careful with the exceptions of castor oil based racing oils and plant based engine oils.
Synthetic oils produce sludge:
Well honestly, this is just totally daft. All synthetic bases are more resistant to oxidation than mineral oil, and sludge is largely due to oxidation. In any case, all motor oils intended for road use meet the higher API specs such as SH, SJ, SL and diesel equivalents. One of the main reasons for introducing the API specs back in the 1950s was to deal with oil sludge problems. All high-spec oils run very clean, especially synthetics.
Synthetic oils cannot be used with catalytic converters:
‘Cats’ will perform more efficiently and last longer if synthetic based engine oil is used. Their lower volatility means that less oil reaches the combustion chambers via crankcase ventilation, so there are less harmful ash residues from burnt oil to de-activate the catalyst matrix.
Synthetic oils can void warranties:
People who make statements such as this never define the type of synthetic, thus revealing their ignorance. Provided that an oil meets or exceeds the API and viscosity ranges specified in the handbook or manufacturers own specification if given, the warranty will not be affected. (By law, OEMs cannot insist that a particular brand of oil must be used to maintain warranty.)
Synthetic oils will last forever:
The better synthetic blends will certainly last longer*, especially in high performance or high annual mileage situations, but ‘forever’ is not on, simply because contaminants such as soot, and acid gasses from traces of sulphur in the fuel degrade the oil.
*Provided that a very shear resistant VI improver polymer is used in the oil formulation to keep the viscosity up to spec. This point is often forgotten.
Synthetic oils are too expensive:
True, for older vehicles that use a lot of oil or are almost ready for the scrap yard. For cars that are worth maintaining, the right types of synthetic oil are a cost-effective way of retaining ‘as new’ performance, low fuel consumption, and reducing maintenance costs.
And finally:
Evidence that the only tools you will ever need are WD-40 and duct tape.
That’s all folks,
Take care and stay safe.
All the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Ronnie Johnston.