So I had an oil leak about 4 weeks ago... Found out the pan was cracked... so I replaced with a new pan.. now it s leaking a a bit again just enough to run back on the manifold and give me that pleasant smell in the morning when the car is first warming up... I am 98% sure if coming from the pan again. I m using Mobile 1 currently, however was thinking about going conventional and to a heavier weight to see if the leak or seap stops... what do you guys think... 98 2.8 A4 with 150K on it... Runs like a champ other than the oil leak and the nasty smell in the morning. Oil levels remain pretty muh the same between changes.

 

just say NO! to conventional. it would be like running 87 octane. sure, it works, but why take the chance?

 

No, stick with synthetic and keep going. I switched mine to synthetic 5w40 and it loves it. Yes you can have a possibility of seepage with the synthetic on an older engine. Just replace the gaskets if it leaks. It's worth it.

 

with your 2.8 try running some Rotella T 15w40. Its a really good oil and thick enough it might not leak.