Engine oil reference list
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to" index
As with anything else you read on a website, take it with a grain of salt and caution. It is your car and you are ultimately responsible for what engine oil you choose to use. Not sure if you have a pumpe duse? Find out here: 1000q: mk4 cosmetic differences. and 1000q: direct injection vs. pumpe duse mechanical differences.
Here are some links to oil manufacturer's official websites where further technical specs can be found. If anything else, it is possible that the manufacturer changed the formula, so please check for yourself here. Manufacturer websites often change, so you find a broken link please post notice in the myturbodiesel.com forums so it can be fixed, thank you!
Do you know something that should be added to this article? Post your comments in the myturbodiesel.com forums
Some general notes about engine oil from http://www.micapeak.com/info/oiled.html
Should you change your oil more rather than less?
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Motor Oil
by Ed Hackett
My "oil" article at [ http://www.micapeak.com/info/oiled.html ] is the
latest version. I haven't had the time or desire to do any more with the
article. It is as up to date as it's going to get. Regarding the age of the data
-- you can now usually find current data on the oil company's Web pages.
Choosing the best motor oil is a topic that comes up frequently in discussions
between motoheads, whether they are talking about motorcycles or cars. The
following article is intended to help you make a choice based on more than the
advertizing hype.
Oil companies provide data on their oils most often refered to as "typical
inspection data". This is an average of the actual physical and a few
common chemical properties of their oils. This information is available to the
public through their distributors or by writing or calling the company directly.
I have compiled a list of the most popular, premium oils so that a ready
comparison can be made. If your favorite oil is not on the list get the data
from the distributor and use what I have as a data base.
This article is going to look at six of the most important properties of a motor
oil readily availiable to the public: viscosity, viscosity index (VI), flash
point, pour point, % sulfated ash, and % zinc.
Viscosity is a measure of the "flowability" of an oil. More
specifically, it is the property of an oil to develop and maintain a certain
amount of sheering stress dependent on flow and then to offer continued
resistance to flow. Thicker oils generally have a higher viscosity, and thinner
oils a lower viscosity. This is the most important property for an engine. An
oil with too low a viscosity can shear and loose film strength at high
temperatures. An oil with too high a viscosity may not pump to the proper parts
at low temperatures and the film may tear at high rpm.
The weights given on oils are arbitrary numbers assigned by the S.A.E. (Society
of Automotive Engineers). These numbers correspond to "real"
viscosity, as measured by several accepted techniques. These measurements are
taken at specific temperatures. Oils that fall into a certain range are
designated 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 by the S.A.E. The W means the oil meets
specifications for viscosity at various low temperatures depending on weight,
and is therefore suitable for Winter use. 5W is tested at -25C, 10W at -20C, 15W
at -15C, and 20W at -10C.
The following chart shows the relationship of "real" viscosity to
their S.A.E. assigned numbers. The relationship of gear oils to engine oils is
also shown.
_______________________________________________________________
| |
| SAE Gear Viscosity Number |
| ________________________________________________________ |
| |75W |80W |85W| 90 | 140 | |
| |____|_____|___|______________|________________________| |
| |
| SAE Crank Case Viscosity Number |
| ____________________________ |
| |10| 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |
| |__|_____|____|_____|______| |
______________________________________________________________
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
viscosity cSt @ 100 degrees C
Multi viscosity oils work like this: Polymers are added to a light base(5W, 10W,
20W), which prevent the oil from thinning as much as it warms up. At cold
temperatures the polymers are coiled up and allow the oil to flow as their low
numbers indicate. As the oil warms up the polymers begin to unwind into long
chains that prevent the oil from thinning as much as it normally would. The
result is that at 100 degrees C the oil has thinned only as much as the higher
viscosity number indicates. Another way of looking at multi-vis oils is to think
of a 20W-50 as a 20 weight oil that will not thin more than a 50 weight would
when hot.
Multi viscosity oils are one of the great improvements in oils, but they should
be chosen wisely. Always use a multi grade with the narrowest span of viscosity
that is appropriate for the temperatures you are going to encounter. In the
winter base your decision on the lowest temperature you will encounter, in the
summer, the highest temperature you expect. The polymers can shear and burn
forming deposits that can cause ring sticking and other problems. 10W-40 and
5W-30 require a lot of polymers(synthetics excluded) to achieve that range. This
has caused problems in diesel engines, but fewer polymers are better for all
engines. The wide viscosity range oils, in general, are more prone to viscosity
and thermal breakdown due to the high polymer content. It is the oil that
lubricates, not the additives. Oils that can do their job with the fewest
additives are the best.
Very few manufacturers recommend 10W-40 any more, and some threaten to void
warranties if it is used. It was not included in this article for that reason.
20W-50 is the same 30 point spread, but because it starts with a heavier base it
requires less viscosity index improvers (polymers) to do the job. AMSOIL can
formulate their 10W-30 and 15W-40 with no viscosity index improvers but uses
some in the 10W-40 and 5W-30. Other multigrade synthetics may not use VI
improvers either. The full literature available from the oil company should
include this information. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations as to which
weights are appropriate for your vehicle.
Viscosity Index is an empirical number indicating the rate of change in
viscosity of an oil within a given temperature range. Higher numbers indicate a
low change, lower numbers indicate a relatively large change. The higher the
number the better. This is one major property of an oil that keeps your bearings
happy. These numbers can only be compared within a viscosity range. It is not an
indication of how well the oil resists thermal breakdown.
Flash point is the temperature at which an oil gives off vapors that can be
ignited with a flame held over the oil. The lower the flash point the greater
tendancy for the oil to suffer vaporization loss at high temperatures and to
burn off on hot cylinder walls and pistons. The flash point can be an indicator
of the quality of the base stock used. The higher the flash point the better.
400 F is the minimum to prevent possible high consumption. Flash point is in
degrees F.
Pour point is 5 degrees F above the point at which a chilled oil shows no
movement at the surface for 5 seconds when inclined. This measurement is
especially important for oils used in the winter. A borderline pumping
temperature is given by some manufacturers. This is the temperature at which the
oil will pump and maintain adequate oil pressure. This was not given by a lot of
the manufacturers, but seems to be about 20 degrees F above the pour point. The
lower the pour point the better. Pour point is in degrees F.
% sulfated ash is how much solid material is left when the oil is reacted with
sulfuric acid and burned. This is used to quantify the amount of metallic
antiwear and detergent additives in the oil. Zinc dithiophosphate is a common
detergent and antiwear additive that is reflected in this test.
% zinc is the amount of zinc used as an extreme pressure, anti- wear additive.
The zinc is only used when there is actual metal to metal contact in the engine.
Hopefully the oil will do its job and this will rarely occur, but if it does,
the zinc compounds react with the metal to prevent scuffing and wear. A level of
.11% is enough to protect an automobile engine for the extended oil drain
interval, under normal use. Those of you with high reving, air cooled
motorcycles or turbo charged cars or bikes might want to look at the oils with
the higher zinc content. More doesn't give you better protection, it gives you
longer protection if the rate of metal to metal contact is abnormally high.
The Data: (Note: this data is mostly from 1991 and is for SG rated oils. Some of
the data is current, and I am working on collecting the most recent data. I have
found over the years that the "better" oils remain the
"better" oils. It is still valid as a place to start in your own
search. The formulation of oils is constantly being updated and subject to
change by the manufacturer at any time. The best thing to do is collect data on
the oils you are interested in directly from the oil company.)
[An * after the oil name indicates current SH rated version.]
Listed alphabetically. Empty cells indicate the data was not avaliable.
Brand VI Flash Pour %ash %zinc
20W-50
AMSOIL* 151 507 -45
AMSOIL Series 2000* 155 474 -47
Castrol GTX* 122 440 -15 .85 .12
Castrol Syntec Blend* 135 440 -17 .105
Chevron Supreme* 140 428 -17 <1
Exxon High Performance 119 419 -13 .70 .11
Havoline Formula 3 125 465 -30 1.0
Kendall GT-1 129 390 -25 1.0 .16
Pennzoil GT Perf. 120 460 -10 .9
Quaker State Perf.* 121 440 -20
Quaker State Motorcycle 140 440 -25
Red Line 150 503 -49
Shell Fire and Ice* 126 450 -10 .9 .12
Shell Truck Guard* 130 450 -15 1.0 .12
Spectro Golden 4 174 440 -35 .15
Spectro Golden M.G. 174 440 -35 .13
Ultra Chem 190 455 -34
Unocal 121 432 -11 .74 .12
Valvoline All Climate 125 430 -10 1.0 .11
Valvoline Turbo 140 440 -10 .99 .13
Valvoline Race 140 425 -10 1.2 .20
Valvoline DuraBlend 126 455 -17 <1.5 .125
Valvoline Synthetic 146 465 -40 <1.5 .12
15W-50
Mobil 1 170 470 -55
Mystic JT8 144 420 -20 1.7 .15
Red Line 152 503 -49
5W-50
Castrol Syntec* 175 465 <-54 .102
Chevron Supreme* 175 460 -38 1.45
Quaker State Synquest* 175 460 -50
Pennzoil Performax 176 -69
5W-40
Havoline 170 450 -40 1.4
15W-40
AMSOIL* 165 462 -49
Castrol 134 415 -15 1.3 .14
Chevron Delo 400* 134 424 -38 <1
Exxon XD3 417 -11 .9 .14
Exxon XD3 Extra 135 399 -11 .95 .13
Kendall GT-1 135 410 -25 1.0 .16
Mystic JT8 142 440 -20 1.7 .15
Quaker State* 129 420 -25
Quaker State HDX* 146 440 -30 .97
Quaker State HDX Plus* 148 420 -25 1.37
Red Line 149 495 -40
Shell Rotella w/XLA* 146 414 -32 1.0 .12
Valvoline All Fleet 140 -10 1.0 .15
Valvoline DuraBlend 137 450 -17 <1.5 .125
Valvoline Turbo 140 420 -10 .99 .13
10W-30
AMSOIL* 171 464 -54
Castrol GTX* 143 415 -32 1.07 .12
Castrol Syntec Blend* 138 415 -33 .105
Castrol Syntec* 157 455 <-54 .102
Chevron Supreme* 150 419 -27 <1
Exxon Superflo Hi Perf 135 392 -22 .70 .11
Exxon Superflo Supreme 133 400 -31 .85 .13
Havoline Formula 3 139 430 -30 1.0
Kendall GT-1 139 390 -25 1.0 .16
Mobil 1 160 450 -65
Pennzoil PLZ Turbo 140 410 -27 1.0
Quaker State* 140 410 -30 .9
Quaker State 4x4* 135 430 -35
Red Line 139 475 -40
Shell Fire and Ice* 155 410 -35 .9 .12
Shell Rotella w/XLA* 155 405 -37 1.0 .12
Shell Truck Guard* 155 405 -35 1.0 .12
Spectro Golden M.G. 175 405 -40
Unocal Super 153 428 -33 .92 .12
Valvoline All Climate 130 410 -26 1.0 .11
Valvoline Turbo 135 410 -26 .99 .13
Valvoline Race 130 410 -26 1.2 .20
Valvoline DuraBlend 142 440 -27 <1.5 .125
Valvoline Synthetic 140 450 -40 <1.5 .12
5W-30
AMSOIL* 186 478 -67
Castrol GTX* 160 410 -35 1.35 .12
Chevron Supreme* 167 410 -38 <1
Chevron Supreme Synt.* 169 468 -49
Exxon Superflow HP 148 392 -22 .70 .11
Havoline Formula 3 158 420 -40 1.0
Mobil 1 165 445 -65
Mystic JT8 161 390 -25 .95 .1
Quaker State* 155 405 -35
Quaker State Synquest* 168 450 -58
Red Line 151 455 -49
Shell Fire and Ice* 167 405 -35 .9 .12
Unocal 151 414 -33 .81 .12
Valvoline All Climate 135 405 -40 1.0 .11
Valvoline Turbo 158 405 -40 .99 .13
Valvoline DuraBlend 162 415 -38 <1.5 .125
Valvoline Synthetic 160 435 -40 <1.5 .12
Note: * indicates current SH rated oil
All of the oils above meet current SG/CD ratings and all vehicle manufacture's
warranty requirements in the proper viscosity. All are "good enough",
but those with the better numbers are icing on the cake.
The synthetics offer the only truly significant differences, due to their
superior high temperature oxidation resistance, high film strength, very low
tendancy to form deposits, stable viscosity base, and low temperature flow
characteristics. Synthetics are superior lubricants compared to traditional
petroleum oils. You will have to decide if their high cost is justifed in your
application.
The extended oil drain intervals given by the vehicle manufacturers(typically
7500 miles) and synthetic oil companies(up to 25,000 miles) are for what is
called normal service. Normal service is defined as the engine at normal
operating temperature, at highway speeds, and in a dust free environment. Stop
and go, city driving, trips of less than 10 miles, or exterme heat or cold puts
the oil change interval into the severe service category, which is 3000 miles
for most vehicles. Synthetics can be run two to three times the mileage of
petroleum oils with no problems. They do not react to combustion and combustion
by-products to the extent that the dead dinosaur juice does. The longer drain
intervals possible help take the bite out of the higher cost of the synthetics.
If your car or bike is still under warranty you will have to stick to the
recommended drain intervals. These are set for petroleum oils and the
manufacturers make no official allowance for the use of synthetics. Some oil
companies, AMSOIL being an example, offer their own engine warranties. If the
oils are used in compliance with the company's recommendations (including
extended drain intervals) and a problem is caused by the engine oil, the company
will pay for the repairs. Check with the company for specifics of any warranties
offered.
Oil additives should not be used. The oil companies have gone to great lengths
to develop an additive package that meets the vehicle's requirements. Some of
these additives are synergistic, that is the effect of two additives together is
greater than the effect of each acting separately. If you add anything to the
oil you may upset this balance and prevent the oil from performing to
specification.
The numbers above are not, by any means, all there is to determining what makes
a top quality oil. The exact base stock used, the type, quality, and quantity of
additives used are very important. The given data combined with the
manufacturer's claims, your personal experience, and the reputation of the oil
among others who use it should help you make an informed choice.