Best motor oil???!!!

Those are interesting tests...but seriously inadequate and incomplete for evaluating a motor oil's effectiveness. There's ever so much more to motor oil performance...that's why the ILSAC and ACEA test sequences are ever so much more comprehensive. Amsoil doesn't submit to independent tests for ILSAC or ACEA compliance. Why?

They consist of testing things like measuring wear on cam lobes and actual performance in representative test engines (actual engines made by GM, Ford, Volvo and VW,not lab engines) operating under controlled conditions then tearing it down and evaluating oil performance, in addition to lab tests like those and much more. An oil is like any other complex system in that you can maximize performance in a few areas and leave the rest sucking badly.

A buyer is only left with Amsoil's marketing assurance it "meets the requirements of....", why not certify it to the standard like every other 1st tier manufacturer does? That's a far higher legal standard and puts the company balls on the line for you.

Again...I'm not saying Amsoil is a bad oil and anyone who chooses to use it is not likely making an error by it. I'm just saying I will buy my oil from a company who's willing to submit to independent testing and certify performance to industry standards. Thanks anyway.

 

That's pretty much the same as just looking at the viscosity weight...right? That is to say, a 0w oil has lower viscosity than a 5w oil...and especially lower than a 10w oil.

Or are you looking for oils that are have a viscosity rating that's low in the weight? that is: per SAE specs any weight has a range of viscosities that are acceptable to obtain that weight rating.

I believe the range of weight ratings is to allow for manufacturing tolerances. If I'm right, then I'd expect that the viscosity you see is not necessarily the number you would get in the bottle you buy. It doesn't have to be 'cause SAE specs allow it to vary any place within the allowable range. That's just my thoughts on it.

 

Your second paragraph as referenced by my, "On the data sheets they usually have a viscosity rating at 40 degrees C, so I look for a low number there."

Based on my understanding that a cSt of 10 at any temp is ideal I'm looking for oils that are close to 10 at 100C and at the standard low temp rating at 40C. The labeled grade is irrelevant, in part for the reasons you suggest.

For example:

Mobil 1 10W-30:
Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 10.7
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 65.3

Better would be Mobil 1 0W-30:
Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 10.6
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 56.7

This is similar to some '0W-20' oils.


Comparing Mobil 1 to Amsoil, I'd definitely go with the Mobil 1 because:

Mobil 1 0W-20:
Viscosity, @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 8.5
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 44.8

Amsoil 0w-20:
Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D-445) 9.0
Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D-445) 49.1

And better might be Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20:
Viscosity, @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 8.5
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 44.0

 

Guys,

Looking at just one test may not be the answer. Take a lot at a new comparison completed in Mar. 2010 of the most popular synthetic oils. These tests https://www.amsoil.com/lit/g1971.pdfe are held to strict specifications and are documented. There has not been any testing done by Mobil 1 vs. Amsoil that demonstrates anything different. Mobil 1 only has higher user ratings due to it's market saturation advertising where Amsoil is more word of mouth. Take a look at the above survey. They are both excellent oils but Amsoil also has a warranty on their products. I am a big believer in trying something before you speak about it. I have used products from both companies and personally I prefer Amsoil.

John

 

That is a 2008 test, not a 2010 test as your post suggests. Also apparently the testing is done by Amsoil, not an independent testing agency. Amsoil decided what tests, who should do the testing, what oil to be tested against, and what grade of oil to test.

This kind of 'test' is of little value except to provide propaganda for the the organization doing the 'test.'

For Toyota Tacoma 4 cyl owners, 0w-20 is the grade we wish to compare, not 10w-30. I would like to see current tests, with that grade, and with all motor oils, not just those selected by Amsoil.

This is another example of why Amsoil hype sets off the bullshit detectors of many analysts

Bob is the Oil Guy recommends Amsoil in one grade, 0w-40, only, along with others:

"40 Grade:
Amsoil 0W-40
Castrol European Formula 0W-30 (a thicker 30 grade oil, almost a 40 grade oil)*
Mobil One 0W-40
Penn Ultra Synthetic 5W-40
Renewable Lubricants Inc. 5W-40*"

 

I haven't studied Bob the Oil Guy or all 15 pages here but wondering why the 40 when Toyota recommends 20 or 30 ? The 0 is for easy start up - right ?

 

correct. I only mention the 40 because it is the only AMSOIL oil that made his list. So, unless you think a 0w-40 is the correct weight for your vehicle, it does not make Bob's list.

 

Thanks Dan. The advantage to the 0 is easy start up. They advantage to the 40 over the 20 or 30 is what other then making the list ?

 

I use Amsoil cause I trust it.
Not many people fully understand what synthetic oil is and the differerence between reg and synthetic.
By consumer law in order for it to be legally labeled as a synthetic, every single molecule of the oil has to exactly the same, made of the same stuff and all molecules the same size.
Most synthetics are a very small molecule in size where the synthetic can flow into tighter spaces, flow better and in many tests can absorb into the metal
Most synthetics have a much higher vapor point and flow evenly even at temperatures of -60 below

But! under the comsumer laws on the books, there are no set standards on how manufacturers can call what they make as a full synthetic, they can scrape road tar up from a road and call it a synthetic as long as every molecule of the road tar is the same.
There are some brands of synthetic out there thats doing that and ripping you off,
I am not going to name those brands cause I don't want to get into a fight, BUT, I can tell you where you can find the information and you can make up your own mind

 

as promised.............amsoil

 

I don't see the advantage, unless your manufacturer calls for it. I'm no expert. When I need expertise, I look to an expert. 'Bob' appears to qualify. If I understand him correctly, it is no trick to design a motor oil that has a viscosity of 10 at operating temp (for most of us = 212 F). Using a 40 makes it difficult to get the viscosity thin enough for the crucial start up. You only get that with a 0W or 05W - 20 or 30. And that kind of range only with a full synthetic.

At least that's what I distill from Bob's page.

I say this despite the fact I was 'raised' on the Porsche idea of heavier, racing weights being better. I don't race. . . except for Walter Mitty racing, which is racing only agains people who don't know I'm racing them.

 

Dan, Thanks "At least that's what I distill from Bob's page." That's good enough for me and save a lot of time reading and figuring out. Thanks again.

 

Dude, you REALLY love amsoil!!!! LOL!!!! You must be a rep for them or if not they owe you big for your hundred comments about their oil!

I like Mobil 1 5-30 every 5,000.

Guy I worked with this summer has a newer dodge diesel, low miles, changed his oil with amsoil 15w-40, and that engine sprung multiple leaks....cost him around a grand to get seals replaced, not sure which ones went bad but saw the oil stains on his driveway. Was amsoil to blame? probably not. was he pissed? Totally.

I love reading this forum, and when some claim to go 10K, 15K, or even 20K on oil changes, it makes me SO glad I didnt buy used!! BTW, I put 150K on a subie legacy on good ol supertech oil from walmart, and that car still runs awesome!!

 

One thing everybody does wrong when using a full synthetic oil is choosing and changing the right oil filter, if you are using a cheap oil filter with a cheap filter media then the synthetic oil is a waste of money,
synthetic is a super small molecule, that smaller oil molecule carries a smaller speck of dirt, if the cheap oil filter has a cheap 10 micron filter media then the 2 micron oil and speck of dirt will pass thru the filter media and go back into your engine, also the oil filter will trap more dirt, more quickly and fill up more quickly and must be changed more often, you will find the used oil filter to be much heavier cause its full of dirt.
The way I do it is I change the synthetic oil at 8000-10,000 miles, BUT I change just the oil filter ONLY at every 3000 miles, then just add enough new oil to replace what was lost just changing the filter.
You don't have to spend $20 for a good oil filter, there are some brands that are just as good or better than an expensive oil filter
If I told you what brands of oil filters are the best most of you guys wouldn't agree with me and call me names and get into a fight.
yes! I do cut the filters open, you'll be surprized that there's a $3 oil filter thats exactly the same and made by the same companty that makes a national brand $20 oil filter

 

I read a lot on TW and decided on Wix but I wouldn't mind knowing the name of the $3 = to a $20.

 

Well why don't you share your findings? I'm sure it'll help alot of people that may not know better. And for those who calls you names and try to fight you, it won't be bad because it's only the internet.

I like the Stock Toyota Filters... I bought a case from TRDparts4u awhile back. Change it every 5k, forgot the part number though.

P.s. You better not bash the Tacoma OEM filter or else I'm gonna bash you you lint licker.

 

LOL "you you lint licker."

 

ok, but don't get mad at me,

The Wal Mart Super Tech Oil Filter is the same filter as the Mobil 1, (EXCEPT it doesn't have the same mount seal), but the inside is exactly the same. Wal Mart Super Tech #ST6607
Wix Napa are also good filters
Pure 1 Purolator
AC Delco
Hastings
Baldwin
Bosch

 

I guess the saying "Opinions are like A-holes is true". You know everyone has one. Here are some facts that you can research.

1. Synthetics are superior to conventional oils
2. Synthetics do not cause leaks in seals
3. Long drain intervals along with synthetic oil were developed by Amsoil.
4. Amsoil motor oil comparisons are done by independent labs.
5. A working man does wash his hands. (Educated ones at least)
6. Amsoil's newest oil comparsions were done in 2010.
7. Using a quality filter is smart with any oil.
8. Oil preferences are like good women. When you find one you stick with it.

JG

 

I use Wix but that's interesting. You actually cut the Wal Mart Super Tech Oil Filter and the Mobil 1 up and compared them yourself ?