jim mederer wrote:

Hi Paul,
I believe there is no reason not to use synthetic oil
in a rotary engine except price.  However, there is a
serious potential compatibility problem, and that is
the reason Mazda does not recommend synthetics.  I
have seen instances of "seal swell" when replacing one
oil with another (the same thing happens with some
brake fluids).  This can affect either the front and
rear seals (external leak) or the o-rings inside the
oil seals.  Since they have no control over the oils
and limited knowledge about compatibility in all
circumstances, their surest position is "don't mix" -
which means don't use synthetics.
    Regarding the oil seals, even the smallest "flat"
at the hard chromed edge can promote consumption.  We
always change the seals at rebuild.

                      Sincerely,
                      Jim Mederer

I think teflon seals should stand up well to synthetics. Teflon is very
inert to almost all chemicals.

BTW I have been soaking a stock green Mazda oil O-ring in Exxon turbine oil
for two months with no noticeable changes so far. I think it is silicone.

I have some Mobil 1 so I will start soaking it and a black one in that.

Paul Lamar
 
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