What Does Viscosity Mean and Its Importance?

How does viscosity affect your engine, mileage and performance?

Motor oil viscosity is the measure of its resistance to flow. Low-viscosity oil (e.g. 0W-20) flows faster than high-viscosity oil (e.g. 20W-50).

To illustrate, think of water and honey. When poured from a container, water flows much faster than honey.

For more good information on oil viscosity including easy to understand charts, read this blog:

What Does Viscosity Mean (and How Does it Affect Your Engine)?

The Best Synthetic Motor Oil

What is the best synthetic motoroil?

AMSOIL provided proof of superior performance for it's Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil.

Click photo for more information.

AMSOIL Signature Series has the proof of superiority.

www.upmpg.com

AMSOIL Signature Series

Signature Series: Maintains Protective Viscosity

The main bearings in your vehicle rely on an oil film thinner than a sheet of paper. When motor oil loses viscosity due to a process called shear, it can fail to provide the required level of wear protection.

Shear (often called mechanical shear) occurs when one layer of oil moves in the opposite direction of another layer of the same oil. This often occurs between the piston and cylinder wall. These two oil films move in opposite directions under intense heat and pressure.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oil features naturally shear-resistant base oils combined with top-tier viscosity improvers to withstand extreme heat and shearing forces. In fact, Signature Series fights viscosity breakdown better than the competition*, providing superior protection of pistons, cams and bearings.

Signature Series stands up to the potentially devastating effects of viscosity breakdown and provides maximum engine protection.

*Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series, Schaeffer’s Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic, Lucas Synthetic, Valvoline Conventional Daily Protection, Mobil 1 Annual Protection and Pennzoil 5W-30 in the Kurt OrbahnTest. Oils purchased on 5/3/18.

For product information on AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil.

Understanding European Motor Oil Standards

European Motor Oil Specifications Explained

It’s important to use the right motor oil for your European vehicle, but the sea of specifications can make it a challenge. AMSOIL European Car Formula finds the sweet spot of emission compatibility and complete engine protection for every application.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) establishes lubricant standards for Europe, similar to the American Petroleum Institute (API) in the United States. ACEA recognizes that European engines differ from U.S. engines in both design and operating conditions. European OEMs often maintain their own motor oil performance specifications and play a larger role in their development than their U.S. counterparts. Volkswagen* drivers, for example, must use an oil that meets the requirements of VW’s own performance specs. The same holds for Mercedes*, BMW*, Porsche* and other European vehicles. 

Many European vehicles available in North America today feature gasoline and diesel engines with emissions systems that are highly sensitive to the SAPS content of motor oil. These advanced emissions systems require lower SAPS formulations to properly function for a long period of time. The required formulations match the exacting engine oil specifications of ACEA and European OEMs to ensure they are compatible with current emissions systems while still providing engine protection.

EUROPEAN CAR FORMULA SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL

• Engineered to meet or exceed European MANUFACTURERS.SPECIlCATIONS
• Balanced formulations that consider the needs of modern exhaust treatment devices
• Excellent protection for gasoline and diesel engines
• Fights sludge for superior engine cleanliness

*All trademarked names and images are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries.No affiliation endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are developed by AMSOIL for use in the applications shown.

Signature Series Keeps Engines Cleaner Than Other Synthetic Motor Oils

AMSOIL Signature Series

In general, the higher an oil’s TBN, the better its ability to neutralize contaminants such as combustion by-products and acidic materials. Higher TBN oils neutralize a greater amount of acidic material, which results in longer oil life and cleaner engines.

TBN levels decrease as the oil remains in service. When the level reaches a point where it can no longer protect against corrosion, the oil must be changed.

The TBN Test

The Total Base Number Test (ASTM D2896) uses a series of chemical reactions to measure the alkaline additives in a motor oil. We recognize the value of formulating motor oils with high TBN, and AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil features the highest TBN of the oils tested.

AMSOIL Signature Series is fortified with a heavy treatment of detergent additive and it delivers 30% more acid neutralizing power1 than Mobil 1, and 36% more than Royal Purple, helping engines to stay cleaner, longer.

The AMSOIL Advantage

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants feature a large dose of quality additives that consistently deliver high TBN for the life of the oil. They neutralize acidic contaminants and keep them in suspension to maximize engine protection. AMSOIL lubricants use detergent and dispersant additives to significantly reduce sludge and carbon deposit formation. In the Total Base Number Test (ASTM D2896), AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil demonstrated the highest TBN of the oils featured in the test, helping it deliver reliable protection for extended drain intervals.

1Based upon independent testing of Mobil 1 Annual Protection Full Synthetic 5W-30, Royal Purple High Performance 5W-30 and AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 in ASTM D2896. Oils purchased 05/03/18.

All trademarked names and images are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries. No affiliation or endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are developed by AMSOIL for use in the applications shown.

AMSOIL Signature Series and Turbochargers

AMSOIL Signature Series Protects Turbochargers

The turbocharger/direct fuel injection combo has emerged as automakers’ favored choice for producing powerful engines and meeting government fuel-economy requirements. The increased airflow turbos generate enables an engine to burn more fuel and produce more power, but this power comes at a cost. The tremendous heat and stress turbos create cause some oils to break down and form harmful bearing deposits through a process known as turbo coking. Over time, turbos can suffer reduced performance or fail altogether.

How Turbos Could Slow You Down

The deposits common to turbochargers can lead to:

• Blocked oil passages, oil starvation and eventual failure
• Reduced turbine speed – resulting in lower boost pressures, reduced performance and poor efficiency
• Oil breakdown and oil burning
• Expensive turbo rebuild or replacement 

The GM Turbo Coking Test

The Turbo Coking Test was designed to simulate the extreme operating conditions of a turbocharged engine. It evaluates a motor oil’s ability to resist deposit buildup in the oil passages and bushings of a turbocharger. Temperature increases within the turbo and the weight of any deposits are recorded.   

Test Parameters

Engine   -  2012 GM 1.4L

Duration   -  2,000 cycles of extreme heat soaks – approximately 537 hours

Measures   -  A motor oil’s ability to resist deposits in a turbocharger’s oil passages and bushings

Simulates   -   High-heat operation of a turbocharged engine 

Requirement   -  Temperature change within the turbocharger limited to 13 percent

Signature Series protects turbochargers 72% better than required by GM dexos1® Gen 21

The GM Turbo Coking Test requires an oil to limit the temperature change within the turbocharger to 13 percent or less to pass the test. Signature Series limited the temperature increase to only 3.6 percent, controlling heat and proving it protects against deposits common to high-temperature engine environments.

For more information or to buy AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil

1Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 in the GM Turbo Coking Test as required for the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification.

*All trademarked names and images are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries. No affiliation or endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are developed by AMSOIL for use in the applications shown.

AMSOIL Signature Series Battles Sludge

AMSOIL Signature Series Battles Engine Sludge

Synthetic motoroil

The health of your engine depends on motor oil circulating quickly and efficiently through the system, but sticking components and obstructed passages inhibit motor oil from lubricating, cooling and protecting your engine. Engine “sludge” occurs when oxidized oil and contaminants build up on engine surfaces. It can restrict the flow of oil to the point of engine failure and costly repairs.

Sludge: Where It Starts & How It Ends

The valve cover and oil pan are generally the first areas sludge appears.
The oil pick-up tube screen is often the next spot it accumulates, impeding oil flow through the system.
What begins as a thin film of lacquer or varnish deposits eventually bakes into an expensive mess.

The Sequence VG Engine Test

Engine failures due to sludge are often caused by a clogged pick-up tube screen – the motor is effectively starved of oil. The Sequence VG Engine Test determines how well an oil resists sludge formation and keeps the lubricant flowing freely throughout the system. The test is required for API SN PLUS – a specification recommended by most domestic vehicle manufacturers.

TEST PARAMETERS

Engine

Ford* 4.6L V-8 

Duration

216 hours

Measures

Sludge and varnish deposits, piston ring sticking, clogged oil pump screens and roller pin wear

Simulates

Taxi, delivery or commuter vehicle service

Requirement

Oil pick-up tube screen limited to 10 percent blockage

The Results

Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil was subjected to the Sequence VG to measure its ability to prevent sludge. As expected, Signature Series produced an oil pick-up tube screen virtually free from sludge (see image). Our unique combination of detergents and high-quality base oils control oxidation and sludge to keep engines clean and efficient. 

Signature Series has 50 percent more detergents1 to help keep oil passages clean and promote oil circulation. It provides 90% better protection against sludge2.

1 vs. AMSOIL OE Motor Oil 
2 Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 in the ASTM D6593 engine test for oil screen plugging as required for the API SN PLUS specification.   
*All trademarked names and images are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries. No affiliation or endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are developed by AMSOIL for use in the applications shown.

AMSOIL Adds 700-Hour Limit to Signature Series Drain Interval

Because a motor oil’s service life can be greatly affected by vehicle operating conditions, AMSOIL provides definitions for normal and severe service and recommends corresponding drain intervals for each. One of the conditions used to identify severe service is “excessive idling.” Because this term is somewhat ambiguous, AMSOIL is adding a 700-hour limitation to its Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil drain interval for vehicles subjected to excessive idling. In normal service, Signature Series is recommended for up to 25,000 miles, 700 hours of operation or one year, whichever comes first. In severe service, Signature Series is recommended for up to 15,000 miles, 700 hours of service or one year, whichever comes first.

More information:
AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oils

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

Solving the Challenges of Flat-Tappet Cams in Classic Car Engines

Summer belongs to classic cars and hot rods. It's the season when thousands visit car shows across North America and loyalists of every make and model cruise the streets to show off their rides. One of the big concerns among classic car owners in recent years, however, has been the abundance of flat-tappet camshaft failures that many attribute to the reduction of zinc and phosphorus in today's oil formulations.

Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is the most common zinc-based additive, and is used primarily as an anti-wear agent to prevent premature engine wear. It also provides corrosion and oxidation protection. However, because the zinc and phosphorus found in ZDDP can negatively affect catalytic converters, it has been phased out of motor oil formulations in recent years.
Reducing ZDDP content has drawbacks, as classic car owners have found. Older vehicles with flat tappet camshafts and, in particular, engines that include high-tension valve springs or other modifications that create high contact pressures can suffer premature wear due to reduced ZDDP levels.

Flat-Tappet vs. Roller Cams

The design of flat tappet cams makes them especially vulnerable to wear. As the name indicates, the tappet - or lifter - is flat. During operation, the surface of the cam lobe slides rapidly over the surface of the tappet, producing high friction and temperatures. A thin oil film is the only barrier that prevents the lifter and cam lobe from welding together. If the oil film fails or provides insufficient wear protection, the two components can eventually wear the flat tappet cam and affect valve operation. Engine power and efficiency can decline if the flat tappet cam cannot lift the valves enough to adequately charge the chamber for ignition or release exhaust fumes. Because most V8 engines of the muscle-car era came standard with flat tappet cams, the problem is especially prevalent to classic-car and hot-rod owners.
Roller cams, on the other hand, are differentiated by rolling contact rather than sliding contact. Although more costly, roller cams are common in most modern vehicles and can be retrofitted into classic-car and hot-rod engines.

Click for larger image

Demand for High-Zinc Oils

The abundance of flat tappet camshaft failures in classic-car and hot-rod circles has spurred the market for high zinc motor oils formulated especially to protect flat tappet cams AMSOIL Z-ROD® 20W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil (ZRT) and AMSOIL Z-ROD® 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (ZRF) are specially engineered for these classic and high-performance vehicles. It features a high-zinc formulation to help prevent wear on flat tappet cams and other critical engine components. Because many of these vehicles sit idle much of the time, Z-ROD contains a proprietary blend of rust and corrosion inhibitors for added protection during longterm storage. Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil is designed to perform on the street and protect during storage.

Complete Vehicle Protection

Classic cars and hot rods need more than just premium engine protection. Many are modified to deliver increased power and torque, placing added stress on the transmission, differential and chassis. AMSOIL Synthetic Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube (MTG), Severe Gear® Synthetic Gear Lube (SVG, SVT, SVO & Dominator® Synthetic Racing Grease (GRG) offer advanced protection modified classic cars and hot rods need. These and other products are featured in the new Classic Cars Brochure (G3113).

Purchase AMSOIL products at up to 25% discounted as an AMSOIL Preferred Customer.