What Do You Use...and Why?

[desrt_rat]

whats with the high miles between oil changes, 3 to 5000 miles is comon sence, any gas motor leaves gasses in the oil that need to be removed and if the oil looks great after 10,000 miles, whats it doing in there, surly not cleaning and protecting. i spent alot of years tearing down motors that were neglected due to some pocket protector wearing idiot saying that the oil can run10,000 miles. any new motor can do this with almost any oil but try it with 200,000 on it and its a whole differant subject. alot of new motors will already do this without high priced oil. people spend alot of money on new rigs and don't take care of them, its a sad thing.

 

[cmj685]

Bluto,
For those of us new to this, and to the whole UOA thing, can you give a quick summary of what we are seeing on your reports, and your conclusions as to what it means? Thanks!

 

[Boaz]

No TBN.

The Silicon is most likely due to my driving environment. A lot of industry in and around Baltimore. There is a silicon plant on the west side of the Key Bridge. I drove by it everyday.

I imagine my silicon numbers will decrease when I move in 2 weeks. No more commuting 32 miles through the heart of nasty B-More any more!!!! My commute is going from 32 miles to 7 miles!

 

[Bluto]

Bluto,
For those of us new to this, and to the whole UOA thing, can you give a quick summary of what we are seeing on your reports, and your conclusions as to what it means? Thanks!

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/gasoline_diesel_report_expl.html

Mobil 1 sample had more Aluminum, Chromium, Iron, and Lead in the sample.

Aluminum = head & block wear (all Aluminum engine)

Chromium, Iron, Lead = ring, shaft, bearing wear

I changed oil about every 7500. I used Mobil 1 7500-26000, sampled. I used Amsoil 26000-51500, sampled.

Amsoil has a better additive package, evident in the higher Molybdenum (Anti-wear additive) and Calcium (Detergent).

 

[TeryT]

All I know is that during the 6yr/100k mile warranty period, I'll be using an oil with the API starburst on it - and that ain't Amsoil. It may be better than Mobil 1, or even Mobil EP, but . . . if Toyota don't like it, neither can I! :driving:

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Why doesn't Amsoil have the API symbol on it;what's keeping it from being approved like all the major brands?

 

[TeryT]

Why doesn't Amsoil have the API symbol on it;what's keeping it from being approved like all the major brands?

What I've heard is that they're a smaller company who doesn't want the expense of constantly getting API certification.

 

[cpayne5]

Why doesn't Amsoil have the API symbol on it;what's keeping it from being approved like all the major brands?

From what I can gather:
* yearly marketing fee to API (to use the starburst logo)
* $200k+ certification/ testing fees every few years per product (Amsoil says that being a smaller company, they would not see much turn around time between certs)
* 3 products are certified. (they are of the XL series, I believe)

I have also read where most manufacturers will void a warranty even if they can prove that faulty oil was to blame. What they do is tell you to talk to the oil company about it, API cert or not.

For what its worth, Redline & Royal Purple aren't certified to display the little API starburst either.

 

[TeryT]

So why doesn't Mobil 1 EP carry the starburst? They certainly have the money to do so. The website says "meets or exceeds," but doesn't say "certified." Game playing I guess, but I have to stick with the API certification - so choosing Mobil 1 SS is all the more easy!

 

[cpayne5]

So why doesn't Mobil 1 EP carry the starburst? They certainly have the money to do so. The website says "meets or exceeds," but doesn't say "certified." Game playing I guess, but I have to stick with the API certification - so choosing Mobil 1 SS is all the more easy!

The new Mobil 1 Extended Performance is not currently API licensed because it does not meet the fuel economy requirements of GF-4 (measured by the Sequence VIB engine test).

M1 is a good oil, and I'm glad you've found something you like and trust. That's what its all about, really. No one should get upset that someone else has the nerve to run a different type of oil than yourself. You can only control the brand that goes into your own car, and if you're happy with it and it works, then where's the problem?

To each his own.