Recycled oil

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Can someone respond and post a link to an unbiased report about any purported benefit of using synthetic motor oil?

Mex, I can offer my personal experience with synthetic oil.

First let me present my qualifications to do engine work.
I spent my younger years as an automotive mechanic and moon-lighted in the local automotive machine shop. I am not unfamiliar with the workings on internal combustion engines.

I spent many years on an enduro dirt bike at 8K feet.
Making a 2 cycle engine run well at that altitude is difficult, at best.
When my 1982 PE 175 started to power down, I decided to change the piston rings and switch to Amsoil at the same time. BIG MISTAKE!
The Amsoil 2 cycle oil at 100-1, worked so well, it wouldn't let the rings scuff in. On a 2 cycle engine the blow-by dilutes the fuel charge just like a big EGR valve, thus no power.
After a disappointing week-end I purchased a new set of rings, deglazed the cylinder walls again and this time I broke it in with standard 2 cycle oil (Golden Spectro) at 50-1. Wala! The rings seated, I switch back to synthetic oil and wheeled off into the sunset.
So my point is, I believe synthetic oil reduces friction better than the old stuff. Thus my justification for spending the additional $$.
Your mileage may very. GRIN

Richard