Zinc Dialkyldithiphosphate Provides Proven Wear Protection

But its incompatibility with pollution-reduction devices severely limits its use in modern motor oils.

As today's automotive engines push the envelope seeking higher fuel economy and lower emissions, the demands placed on motor oil are escalating. This push for improved performance is nothing new. Racers and muscle-car owners have long looked for ways to squeeze more horsepower from their vehicles. This is often done in vintage cars by modifying the engine, while tuner enthusiasts usually focus on computercontrolled performance improvements. Whatever your preferred method, it puts more stress on engine components, and the oil must protect parts from wear even as they are pushed beyond the limits of OEM design. This is where the most recognized anti-wear additive, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), comes into the picture.

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ZDDP is very good at reducing wear and improving oxidation stability. It also exhibits mild extreme-pressure (EP) protection. ZDDP contains both zinc and phosphorus components that work together to provide anti-wear protection and minimize lubricant breakdown. Specifically, ZDDP helps protect highimpact surfaces like camshaft lobes, lifter surfaces and rockers against wear. As temperatures rise and surfaces come closer together, ZDDP decomposes and the resulting chemistry is what protects the critical metal surfaces. When parts move during operation, any sliding or rolling motion takes place on top of or within the ZDDP anti-wear film, which reduces metal-to-metal contact. This is especially important in modified engines with flat-tappet camshafts because the engine is creating more horsepower than it was designed for, which puts more stress on the engine. The camshaft and lifters are responsible for triggering the precisely tuned movements of the valvetrain. Without the protective film barrier provided by ZDDP, the cams and lifters will wear from the force of operation, resulting in poor performance. All engines benefit from oils with superior film strength and antiwear properties, so why don't all motor oils have boosted levels of ZDDP? It's back to the goal of improving emissions systems performance. Generally, ZDDP used in high levels results in volatile phosphorus being transferred from the combustion chamber to the catalytic converter. Like with lead in 1970s gasoline, phosphorus can blind over the catalytic reaction sites in the converter, making it less efficient in turning carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide (CO2). The EPA mandates that catalytic converters operate as designed for more than 100,000 miles. As a result, ZDDP levels are now limited for newer motor oil specifications. The largest portion of the volatile phosphorus is generated right after you change your oil. So the more you change your oil, the more your catalytic converter is exposed to this volatile phosphorus. Conversely, longer drain intervals can limit the negative impact of volatile phosphorus on catalytic converters.

Both engine technology and oil technology have evolved over the years. Today's performance engines have very different oil requirements compared to older engine designs from the 1960s and 1970s. Many new engines use roller cams, which aren't as sensitive to ZDDP anti-wear protection as older flat-tappet camshafts and solid lifters. Older engines equipped with flat-tappet cams require higher levels of anti-wear/mild EP (ZDDP) than today's engines. This area in an engine is exposed to extreme contact load. Since this load increases significantly when non-stock, high-pressure valve springs are used, the use of properly formulated motor oils is extremely important to reduce wear and extend flat-tappet and camshaft life, especially during the critical break-in period. Since the amount of zinc and phosphorus in oils formulated for today's automobiles has been greatly reduced and newer API oils are not designed specifically for older-style, modified engines, engine wear can be a major issue.

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AMSOIL manufactures a complete line of motor oils tailored to meet the specific needs of classic cars and other vehicles requiring higher anti-wear/mild EP protection. AMSOIL Z-ROD® 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (ZRT) & AMSOIL Z-Rod® 20W-50 Synthetic Motot Oil (ZRF) are designed with the level of anti-wear/mild EP required to safely protect older and modified engine designs such as those with flat-tappet camshafts. It is also designed specifically to resist rust and corrosion that attacks engines during periods of inactivity and storage. AMSOIL DOMINATOR® Synthetic Motor Oil (RD20, RD30, RD50,RD60) is formulated similarly, but more for true racing applications. This makes it the right choice for muscle cars, street rods and other high-performance vehicles with flat-tappet camshafts. AMSOIL Break-In Oil (BRK) is designed to work quickly in new and rebuilt high-performance and racing engines. This SAE 30 viscosity grade oil features a no-friction-modifier formula that helps induce controlled wear in rings to help mate and seat piston rings. It also has very high levels of ZDDP.

Whether you're a classic-car enthusiast, hot rodder, tuner or drifter, your equipment may require the protection provided by these products. Knowledge is power; but we want you to experience maximum power from your engine also!

Understanding European & German Car Motor Oil Specifications or Requirements

What does "SAPS" stand for and what is the significance for German and European auto warranty requirements? If you own one of these higher performing autos you might find this very interesting.

 In this modern era of increasing differentiation it is important to understand why AMSOIL carries three different European oils. And why are two of them 5W-40? What’s the difference?

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) helps establish motor oil standards in the European market. ACEA recognizes that European engines differ from U.S. engines in both design and operating conditions. As a result, the demands on motor oil are different as well.

The differentiator between various makes and models of European cars has to do with the acceptable levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) in the motor oil.

Sulfated ash is the by-product of metallic compounds as they are burned. It can improve an oil’s antioxidancy, anti-wear properties, Total Base Number (TBN), corrosion resistance, engine cleanliness properties and soot-handling ability.

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Phosphorus is present in motor oil for its antioxidant properties.

Sulfur provides antioxidancy, anti-wear and engine cleanliness properties.

SAPS makes up a significant portion of a motor oil’s additive content. Some emissions systems and aftertreatment devices, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalysts, are sensitive to the SAPS content of oil and require lower-SAPS formulations to properly function for a long period of time.

So, how does an owner know which oil to use in their car? Check your owner's manual and use the chart below to match the correct oil with the proper specification your auto manufacturer listed in the owner's manual.

AMSOIL EFM 5W-40 Full SAPS	AMSOIL AFL 5W-40 Mid SAPS	AMSOIL AEL 5W-30  Low SAPS
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 API SN/SM... BMW LL-01 Mercedes Benz 229.5/229.3 Porsche A40 Renault 0710/0700 VW 502.00/505.00	ACEA C3 API SN/SM... BMW LL-04 GM dexos2 Mercedes Benz 229.51/229.31 Porsche A40 VW 502.00/505.01	BMW LL-04 Mercedes Benz 229.51 Porsche C30 VW 504.00/507.00

AMSOIL Synthetic Dominator Racing Oil

Winner of the 2013 AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge

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Jon Kaase is a premier race engine builder who has been turning wrenches since he was a kid. He followed his passion and learned everything he could from those he sought to emulate. "Now I'm the guy with young guys working for me," says Kaase, "and I'm hoping I'm the guy who teaches them and gets them to be successful."

 The 2013 Engine Master, who has worked a lot with AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, had this to say about the experience after his qualifying run: "We're doing great with it. It makes great power and it doesn't ever give up. We've never found anything that makes better power if you change it, and believe me we've tried. We just made six or eight dyno pulls; the last one was the best. So what does that say about the oil? It did good."

Accept No Substitutes.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils

Quality filtration is equally as important as quality lubrication.

Mark Nyholm-  Technical Product Manager

Filters are often overlooked, but they are integral to keeping oil clean and performing at its best.

It’s often said that motor oil is the lifeblood of the engine. We depend on it to prevent wear, maintain cleanliness, minimize operating temperature and act as a seal. Should the oil become contaminated, its ability to perform these tasks can be greatly impaired. Dirty oil can cause piston ring wear, leading to increased oil consumption, and it can also accelerate wear in bearings and cylinders. Engine contaminants cannot be eliminated, but they can be controlled with proper filtration. Proper filtration helps keep oil clean and flowing freely, ensuring the lubricant will be able to perform its necessary tasks continuously.

At a basic level, all filters are designed to separate solid particles from air or fluid and keep them from entering into places where they are not wanted. Think about your morning coffee and what would happen if the coffee filter failed to keep the coffee grounds out of the brewed beverage. You would have very thick and sludgy coffee, not unlike the sludge that can build up in engines with severely contaminated motor oil. In the same way as coffee filters keep grounds out of your java, oil filters capture contaminant particles within the oil to prevent them from causing engine wear. This is important because contaminated oil can reduce engine life from 60 to 80 percent. You probably can see how a poorly designed filter could lead to an engine filled with gunk.

When discussing filters and filter performance at your next barbeque, make sure you talk about the four main criteria: flow, efficiency, capacity and particle size. Proper flow is important so oil can get to critical parts of the engine. If the filter creates an abnormal restriction of oil flow, it can lead to oil starvation and catastrophic engine damage. Efficiency is a measure of a filter’s ability to adequately remove contaminants of a particular size that may critically harm the application. The greater the efficiency, the better that filter is at removing contaminant particles. Capacity describes the amount of contaminants a filter can hold and still flow oil properly. Capacity is described as the service interval or useful life of the filter.

Most of these particles are smaller than what is visible with the human eye. Particles of greatest concern for most applications are 5-25 microns, which is smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Generally, if a filter has large openings, like a window screen, it will have poor efficiency but will flow very well. As screen holes get smaller, more small particles will get caught in the screen. The trade-off is that flow will be restricted. Balancing these two design features is an essential part of filter design.

The type of filter media used in a filter has a big impact on performance. Four major types exist in today’s marketplace, including open-celled foam, cellulose, cellulose/synthetic composite and full synthetic. Synthetic filter media has several advantages over the other filter media materials. Synthetic media has higher capacity and can be modified to a wide range of efficiencies. Synthetic media also removes smaller contaminant particle sizes, and is suitable for extended service intervals because of the increased capacity for contaminants. It is also typically more durable than other filter media, like paper-based materials that use sticky resins to keep fibers from falling apart over time. Cellulose media used in lower-quality filters have larger fibers and bigger holes that let more contaminants pass through the filter. Synthetic filter media is chemically manufactured rather than derived from a tree, like paper, so the fibers are much smaller and specifically designed to capture smaller particles while still keeping good flow of oil through your engine. Ah, the magic of synthetic materials.

AMSOIL incorporates synthetic media into AMSOIL Ea® Filters, which rank among the highest-efficiency filters available. Better filtration equals reduced engine wear. In addition, the extra capacity to hold more contaminants means they keep filtering over extended intervals. When used in conjunction with AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters designated with product code EaO are guaranteed for 25,000 miles/ one year (15,000 miles/one year in severe service). Smaller Ea Oil Filters designated with product code Ea15K are guaranteed for 15,000 miles/one year in normal and severe service. Good oil and good filtration go hand in hand, and AMSOIL Dealers have the products to offer the best of both to their customers.

Maximum Hydraulic System Protection

Certain hydraulic systems, including those installed in log splitters, skid steers and small tractors, are often operated seasonally or intermittently, then stored for extended periods. Although checking and changing hydraulic oil is sometimes an afterthought, fluid maintenance is important to ensure optimum protection and performance and maximum equipment life. AMSOIL synthetic hydraulic oils can provide significant benefits and cost savings over conventional hydraulic oils.

Reduced Heat

The synthetic construction of AMSOIL synthetic hydraulic oils can reduce heat in hydraulic systems, leading to better viscosity retention; less varnish build-up, oxidation and component wear (including hoses); longer seal life; and better overall system performance.

Cold-Weather Performance

Mobile hydraulic equipment often sits in the elements while on a job site, causing many conventional hydraulic oils to thicken in the cold and lead to equipment damage such as excessive pump wear due to cavitation, blown hoses, broken shafts and extended warm-up times that waste fuel. AMSOIL synthetic hydraulic oils are formulated for better coldtemperature characteristics than petroleum oils, helping reduce or eliminate many of these issues.

All-Season Functionality

To eliminate some of the problems associated with temperature changes, many mobile hydraulic equipment owners switch oil viscosities with the seasons. AMSOIL synthetic hydraulic oils are high-viscosity-index formulations that can eliminate the need for seasonal changes. It's possible to run an AMSOIL ISO 32 or ISO 46 hydraulic oil successfully year-round in all but the most extreme cold conditions.

Hose Life Preservation

Cold and heat wreak havoc on hydraulic system hoses and seals. Cold, thick fluid can cause pressure spikes and extremely hot fluid breaks down hoses and seals over time, leading to leaks and wasted hydraulic fluid. The superior cooling and flow properties of AMSOIL synthetic hydraulic oils help preserve hose integrity.

AMSOIL Synthetic Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil

AMSOIL Synthetic Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oil effectively inhibits oxidation to help prevent acid formation and viscosity increase, resist carbon and varnish deposits and inhibit rust and foam (providing smooth hydraulic operation). It contains an effective zinc-based antiwear/ antioxidant additive that controls wear in high-speed, high-pressure vane and gear pumps while meeting the lubrication requirements of axial piston pumps with bronze-on-steel metallurgy.

• Maximum cold-temperature performance
• Formulated for long life
• Superior anti-wear protection
• Contains rust, oxidation and foam inhibitors
• Hydrolytically stable and readily separates from water
• Available in ISO 22, 32, 46 and 68 viscosity grades

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Viscosity Hydraulic Oil

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Viscosity Hydraulic Oil's blend of high-viscosityindex base oils and performance additives provides all-season protection and reliable operation at a lower cost. Its proven wear resistance and varnish-control deliver maximum hydraulic system performance and life, and it is additionally tailored to promote energy efficiency and foam suppression.

• Provides all-season performance at a lower cost
• Reduces maintenance costs
• Resists varnish, viscosity loss and chemical breakdown
• Increases system performance and responsiveness
• Helps reduce energy costs
• Available in ISO 22, 32, 46 and 68 viscosity grades

AMSOIL Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil

AMSOIL Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil (BHO) is a premium-performance, ISO 46 hydraulic oil that exhibits high biodegradability and low aquatic toxicity, along with superior oxidative stability, excellent low-temperature performance and outstanding results in laboratory and extended-duration pump testing. It contains antioxidants that prolong oil life and foam inhibitors that help promote problem-free operation.

The Importance of Proper Lubrication to Automotive Seal Life

Although most motorists don’t think about them unless they notice a fluid leak, vehicles contain several different seals responsible for retaining lubricants within the system and keeping contaminants out. Seals are also responsible for confining pressure and keeping lubricants separated. Familiar locations include the crankshaft, transmission output shaft and axles. Made primarily of elastomers (synthetic rubber), modern seal materials offer increased performance and life. But age, high mileage and storage can lead to drying and hardening, causing shrinking, cracking or tearing. In addition to fluid leaks, damaged seals can allow dirt and other contaminants to enter the system, negatively affecting performance.

In the 1930s, manufacturers pioneered the custom manufacturing of elastomers. Common seal materials today include nitrile (buna-N [NBR]), neoprene, silicone, ethylene acrylic, polyacrylate and fluoroelastomer. Each material offers different strengths and weaknesses throughout different temperature ranges.

Nitrile seals, better known as buna-N (NBR), are common in automotive applications due to their low cost and good resistance to oil, water, grease and other substances. However, NBR offers poor resistance to ozone and weather aging. Ethylene acrylic and polyacrylate are often used in transmission and power steering units.

Wherever seals are installed and whatever they are made of, proper lubrication is required to maximize life and performance. Seal compatibility is achieved by selecting the proper base oils and additives that cause seals to swell at a slow, controlled rate over their usable lives. This allows the seal material to take the place of worn material to prevent premature leakage. Seal conditioners help keep seal materials supple to prevent them from becoming brittle and causing leaks. For example, valve seals prevent oil from entering the cylinder during the intake stroke. A dry, brittle seal may allow oil to leak past the seal and burn during combustion, causing the engine to use oil.

Years ago, many erroneously believed synthetic oils were too slippery and leaked past seals. However, field studies and real-world use by countless motorists prove otherwise. Put to the test in a Las Vegas taxi cab driven over 100,000 miles in severe service, AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (ASM) and AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) delivered excellent protection for seals and offered reliable, no-leak protection. See the Las Vegas Taxi Cab Field Study (G3118) for details. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are formulated and tested to be fully compatible with modern seal materials. They deliver excellent seal protection and compatibility, helping them function properly throughout their service lives.

Common Automotive Seal Materials

Material	Temperature Range	Advantages & Disadvantages
Nitrile, Buna-N (NBR)	-50ºF ~ 250ºF	• Low cost • Good resistance to petroleum oils, water, silicone oils, greases & glycol base fluids • Good abrasion resistance, cold flow & tear resistance • Poor resistance to ozone & weather aging
Neoprene	-40ºF ~ 225ºF	• Resistant to both petroleum lubricants & oxygen • Provides good resilience & flex resistance
Silicone	-80ºF ~ 400ºF	• Broad temperature range • Good ozone resistance • Resistant to compression set • Low resistance to hydrocarbon fluids like gasoline or paraffin fluids
Ethylene Acrylic	-40ºF ~ 300ºF	• Good resistance to lubricating oils, greases, transmission fluids, power steering fluids & diesel fuel • Higher temperature limit than NBR • High/consistent vibration dampening capability • Fair cold-temperature limit • Costs more than NBR
Polyacrylate	-20ºF ~ 300ºF	• Good resistance to mineral oils, hypoid gear oils, EP additives, greases, aging & flex cracking • Higher temperature limit than NBR • Fair cold-temperature limit • Lower mechanical strength • Costs slightly higher than NBR • Poor dry-running ability, water resistance
Fluoroelastomer	-30ºF ~ 400ºF	• Good high-temperature resistance • Compatible with wide range of fluids • Fair resistance to water & dry running • Fair low-temperature resistance • High cost

Keeping Engines Clean with AMSOIL

Though conventional motor oil quality has improved over the past 30 years, this progress is also offset by emission-reduction strategies, including variable valve timing (VVT), which strangles the engine a little tighter and makes it run hotter.

The average motorist has never even heard of variable valve timing, but it’s a critical component in the operation of a vehicle. Almost every vehicle manufacturer has published a bulletin stating that the number one cause of variable-valve-timing system problems is small amounts of residue and sludge. In other words, cleanliness is absolutely essential.

In the old days, the engine’s intake and exhaust valves were set to open and shut at specific points in the four-stroke cycle for a set amount of time. With variable valve timing, engines can adjust the timing for when and how long these valves open and shut by relying on a combination of sensors and mechanical systems, many critically located on the camshaft and crankshaft. When these components get gummed-up with sludge or deposits, it can lead to poor performance and costly repair bills.

Because AMSOIL synthetic motor oil resists oxidation and breakdown in high heat, it is less prone to produce the varnish and sludge that damages these critical sensors.

Keeping engines clean by using AMSOIL synthetic motor oils helps them last longer. Cleanliness reduces wear, ring sticking and emissions while helping ensure all these components operate as designed.

More information  on AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil

AMSOIL SYNTHETIC MOTORCYCLE OIL DELIVERS WHAT BIKERS WANT

According to an industry survey, U.S. bikers value engine  protection and quality above all else.

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Over 80 percent of survey respondents rate engine protection and quality as important or very important when selecting motorcycle oil. Viscosity grade and motorcycle specific formulations are also important or very important to a majority of respondents. Interestingly, price was the sixth most important factor, indicating most bikers are willing to pay a premium for motorcycle oils that help them get the best performance and most years from their engines. Results indicate what motorcyclists want in a motor oil is exactly what AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil delivers.

Keeping Bikes Longer

The demographics of the U.S. motorcycle fleet may have played a large role in how bikers responded to the survey. Sales of new bikes, as reported by the Motorcycle Industry Council, reached 452,400 in 2012. However, over half of the 10 million bikes in the U.S. fleet are more than seven years old while almost 25 percent predate 1995. Bikers are keeping their motorcycles longer and selecting lubricants that help them do so by maximizing engine protection and longevity.

MOTORCYCLE SPECIFIC FORMULATIONS

Bikers also value motor oils formulated specifically for motorcycles  demonstrating that many understand the unique challenges motorcycles present to lubricants and the need to use lubricants formulated to meet those challenges. Motorcycles run hotter and at higher RPM  than passenger cars/light trucks – conditions that require robust oils formulated to resist viscosity loss due to extreme heat and mechanical shear. In many bikes, the oil must lubricate the engine, transmission and primary chaincase simultaneously. Effectively protecting against engine and gear wear while delivering superior clutch performance requires a balanced oil tailored to protect all critical areas. Passenger car/light truck motoroils simply aren’t designed to meet the needs of motorcycles. However, 59 percent of respondents indicated an API-certified oil was very important or important, indicating there is still limited knowledge of lubricant specifications and their applicability.

Synthetics on the Rise

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Full-synthetic oils rate as important or very important to 42 percent of respondents. Where bikers once had to be convinced of synthetics’ superiority, many now understand synthetics are better-suited to protect their engines in the toughest riding conditions. The survey also found that the strength of brand reputation and explicit product quality claims are two key differentiators in the market. The AMSOIL brand signifies industry leading quality due to the company’s presence at the largest and most influential motorcycle rallies in North America – including Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week and Laconia Motorcycle Week – and its sponsorships in the motorcycle racing markets – including AMSOIL Arenacross, Erik Buell Racing, Monster Energy Supercross and Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships.

More importantly, AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil lives up to its performance claims delivering real world benefits experienced by countless bikers. Formulated specifically to meet the demands of motorcycles, its exceptional high temperature film strength provides maximum wear protection. AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil promotes superior engine cleanliness, wet-clutch performance and transmission protection. Its performance has earned AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil a strong reputation for quality, delivering the performance bikers want. 

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil Information