OT -- Best Synthetic for Mini-Van

[kenmac]

Here's a link to their site Why Synthetics? says they use high performance fluids ??? & PAO

 

[DieselPower]

Yes, "and PAO's". They have gotten crafty in their wording over the last year or so since changing their base stock formulation. If you directly ask them the question if it is pure PAO they simply reply they can not talk about proprietary information. Read between the lines and it's a GP III and PAO blend.

 

[kenmac]

If you directly ask them the question if it is pure PAO they simply reply they can not talk about proprietary information. quote]



1 of the very reasons I quit using their product. I want to know what is in the oil that goes into my vehicles. And it is true, if you ask they ( mobil) won't tell

 

[DieselPower]

I wouldn't fault them, at least not to much for going the propietary information route. This is the answer you would get from most lubricant manufacturers when asked about exactly what's in their blend. The bottom line is, does it perform as advertised? With the major advances in GP III base oil technology over the last few years and additive chemistery improvements it may still be as good if not even better now. By going to a GP III base oil they can now suspend more additives in their formulation due to the improved additive solvency of conventional base stocks. I'm in no way implying that is what they did but it could be one reason. Lubricants manufacturers invest tens of millions of dollars every year in research, testing and certifications. They do have a vested interest in providing products that perform well especially when talking about top shelf oil.

 

[RWEST]

They do have a vested interest in providing products that perform well especially when talking about top shelf oil.

For sure!! In this age of instant communications, can you imagine how quickly word would spread if a specific name-brand oil showed up in a couple different brands/types of failed engines? The mfrs are under the microscope more now than ever.

 

[Chuck73]

The reasons to use a synthetic motor oil are three:

1. Extreme low temp service.
2. Extreme high temp/(read high load) service.
3. Extended drain intervals.

If you are going to change "before" the recommended oil change on your van and you are not living in extremely cold area or pulling a trailer, I see no reason for you to use a synthetic oil.

 

[kenmac]

I wouldn't fault them, at least not to much for going the propietary information route. This is the answer you would get from most lubricant manufacturers when asked about exactly what's in their blend.

I have always gotten info from Amsoil. They have never told me that they wouldn't or couldn't tell me the info that I asked for

 

[kenmac]

The reasons to use a synthetic motor oil are three:

1. Extreme low temp service.
2. Extreme high temp/(read high load) service.
3. Extended drain intervals.

If you are going to change "before" the recommended oil change on your van and you are not living in extremely cold area or pulling a trailer, I see no reason for you to use a synthetic oil.

Better lube protection against wear, a little better fuel mileage. Extended drains are just an extra benifit. I wouldn't do extended drains without A UAO

 

[DieselPower]

I have always gotten info from Amsoil. They have never told me that they wouldn't or couldn't tell me the info that I asked for

But your talking about a boutique or niche oil company not a major off the shelf brand company. Much like the lubricants company I work for they are in the specialty business aimed at customers that are looking for the best. They will give you a little extra information like a general characteristic of base oil type, in this case PAO. After all, that's their selling point. I highly doubt you would get any information about the exact base oil and the manufacturer of that base stock just like you would be hard pressed to get any specifics about the additive package.

 

[Conservation]

The reasons to use a synthetic motor oil are three:

1. Extreme low temp service.
2. Extreme high temp/(read high load) service.
3. Extended drain intervals.

If you are going to change "before" the recommended oil change on your van and you are not living in extremely cold area or pulling a trailer, I see no reason for you to use a synthetic oil.

Right on Chuck! My car has never seen synthetic in its 235000 miles, and uses no oil and gets great mileage. Change the oil at 7,000 miles. Look. Oil needs to be clean and dry. We don't wear it out and it doesn't break down in modern vehicles. I use a synthetic in my methanol burning race car because it tends to ward off moisture and alcohol better than dyno oil. I will use it in my plowing tractors if it gets really cold and I am having trouble getting them to spin over. Other than that, I see no reason for them. I have yet to see a car actually live longer because of synthetics. Something else usually toasts a car before oil related failures do.