Lubrication Technology Explained

 LUBRICATION 101: A LOOK AT BASIC LUBRICATION CONCEPTS

Lubrication can be a daunting subject for someone unfamiliar with its basic concepts. Even someone with experience in the field can be confused by the multitude of lubricants available on the market today. Reviewing a few basic lubrication principles can make it easier to understand why proper lubrication is necessary in every application.

FRICTION

Webster defines friction as the “rubbing of one body against another,” and as “resistance to relative motion between two bodies in contact.” Friction can be beneficial. It generates heat that can be used to start a fire, and it is the principle behind a vehicle’s braking system.

Friction can also be detrimental. The heat generated as the result of friction can cause damage to an engine. Because contact is required to generate friction, wear can take place in these areas of contact, leading to material failures, overheating and the formation of deposits. Although there are many ways to reduce friction, the most common way is through the use of a fluid or semifluid lubricant. The key characteristic of lubricants is that they are not readily compressible, minimizing component contact or eliminating contact altogether.

TYPES OF LUBRICATION

There are three types of lubrication conditions that can exist between two surfaces:
Hydrodynamic or Full-Film Lubrication is the condition in which surfaces are completely separated by a continuous film of lubricating fluid. The non-compressible nature of this film separates the surfaces and prevents metal-to-metal contact. The lubricant’s viscosity assumes responsibility for the majority of wear protection; additives play a limited role. Although full-film lubrication does not generally allow metal-to-metal contact, abrasive wear or scratching can still occur if dirt particles penetrate the lubricating film.

HYDRODYNAMIC LUBRICATION

SURFACES SEPARATED BY BULK LUBRICANT FILM

Engine components operating under a full-film lubrication regime include the crankshaft, camshaft and connecting rod bearings, and piston pin bushings. Under normal loads, transmission and rear-axle bearings also operate under a full-film regime.

Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication exists when a sudden reduction of the oil film causes a temporary increase in viscosity. When viscosity increases, the film can become rigid, creating a temporary elastic deformation of the surfaces. The lubricant’s viscosity and additives work together to protect surfaces in an elasto-hydrodynamic regime.

The shear strength of the fluid increases due to an increase in load or pressure of a surface and behaves as though it were stronger than the metal surface it acts against, thus causing the surface to deform.

 

Anti-wear additives are often relied upon to protect engine bearings in high-load conditions, while both anti-wear and extreme-pressure additives work to protect gears in high-load conditions.

BOUNDARY LUBRICATION

PERFORMANCE ESSENTIALLY DEPENDENT ON BOUNDARY FILM

Boundary Lubrication is a condition in which the lubricant film becomes too thin to provide total surface separation. This may be due to excessive loading, low speeds or a change in the fluid’s characteristics. In such cases, occasional metal-to-metal contact takes place between surfaces, and the surfaces are almost entirely dependent on the lubricant’s additives to provide protection.

Anti-wear additives protect the cam lobes, cylinder walls and piston rings in engine high-load conditions, while antiwear and extreme-pressure additives protect ring and pinion gears in rear axles.

OTHER LUBRICANT FUNCTIONS

Though minimizing friction and wear is the primary function of a lubricant, it is also required to perform the following tasks:

Clean - A lubricant must maintain internal cleanliness by suspending contaminants or keeping contaminants from adhering to components.

Cool Moving Elements - Reducing friction minimizes the amount of heat generated and lowers the operating temperature of the components. A lubricant must also absorb heat from the components and transport it to a location where it can be safely dissipated.

Prevent Contamination - The lubricant must act as a dynamic seal in locations such as the piston, piston ring and cylinder contact areas. This minimizes contamination by combustion byproducts, for example, in the lubricating system. Lubricants are also relied upon to support mechanical seals found elsewhere and to minimize external contamination and fluid loss.

Dampen Shock - The lubricant may be required to cushion the blows of mechanical shock. A lubricant film can absorb and disperse these energy spikes over a broader contact area.

Transfer Energy - A lubricant may be required to act as an energy transfer medium as in the case of hydraulic equipment or lifters in an automotive engine.

Prevent Corrosion - A lubricant must have the ability to prevent or minimize internal component corrosion. This can be accomplished either by chemically neutralizing the corrosive products or by setting up a barrier between the components and the corrosive material.

COMPONENTS OF A LUBRICANT

Lubricants are generally composed of two groups of materials. Base oils comprise 75 to 95 percent of the finished product. The most commonly used base oils are derived from petroleum crude oil. Additives are usually added to the base oils to enhance or impart new properties. The use of such special chemical compounds is another way to minimize friction and wear, and they can offer protection when the lubricating fluid cannot maintain component separation.

INCREASED DEMAND ON LUBRICANTS

As time goes on, the lubrication needs of equipment continue to change. As equipment becomes more advanced and sophisticated, the demands placed upon the required lubricants become more severe. What may have been a preferred lubricant in the past is likely to be totally unacceptable today.

The automotive industry is an excellent example of how demands on equipment have changed. The engines used in today’s vehicles require significantly more from a motor oil than they did in the past.

Modern vehicles are requiring lighter viscosity oils for improved fuel economy, but feature engines that output more power per cubic inch of displacement than ever before. To achieve this power level, vehicle manufacturers are adding turbochargers that expose motor oils to higher temperatures and greater stress. Meanwhile, requirements for cleaner exhaust emissions have contributed to higher levels of contaminants in the oil and increased the oil’s operating temperature. By reducing aerodynamic drag, manufacturers have also minimized the amount of air that flows over engines and drivetrains, causing operating temperatures to trend further upward. Even with all these changes, manufacturers are requiring lubricants to last longer than they ever did before.

HOW ARE SYNTHETIC OILS DIFFERENT?

Although the engineering of synthetic base oils varies, synthetics are generally made through a reaction process that significantly improves the consistency of the base oil and its molecular uniformity. Conventional petroleum base oils, on the other hand, are obtained through a process of distillation.

Distillation slightly limits the molecular diversity that may exist within the base oil, but does not completely eliminate nonessential molecular structures. This is important because unnecessary molecular structures produce variations in the base oil’s performance. The ideal lubricant’s chemical composition is one in which the molecular construction is identical throughout, such as in a synthetic base oil. Because of the way synthetic base oils are produced, they are molecularly uniform and contain significantly less undesirable materials than a conventional base oil. 

Molecular uniformity also affects the properties that each type of lubricant possesses. The properties of conventional oils tend to vary due to inconsistencies in the crude oil from which they are obtained. The properties and performance features of synthetics, on the other hand, are predictable due to their molecular uniformity. 

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are formulated to take advantage of the superior properties of premium synthetic base oils and top-of-the-line additives. They provide excellent lubrication and wear protection and have been designed to resist the chemical breakdown processes that limit the service life of conventional petroleum oils. 

 

 

Cold-Temperature Performance is not Just Reserved for Sub-Zero Conditions

Startup lubrication is directly affected by a lubricant's cold-flow ability, and the impact is felt at higher temperatures than most consumers realize. An oil’s cold-temperature performance refers to its ability to flow when the engine is cold, or below typical operating temperature (212°F), and not simply to what feels cold to humans – even some summer days can be cold to an engine.

Pour point has been defined as the lowest temperature at which a motor oil will continue to flow under prescribed conditions. ASTM D97 spells out the standardized procedure for determining an oil’s pour point. After heating it to 45°C (113°F) the sample is slowly cooled and tilted sideways every time the temperature drops 3°C (5°F). When the oil stops flowing it has reached the pour point.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils have lower pour points and better cold-cranking capabilities than petroleum-based products. Long after petroleum oils have solidified, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils continue to flow.

The problems with cold weather go beyond this, however. Motor oils really need to be heated well above the pour point to achieve the desired pumping viscosity. Even at just below freezing (32°F), motor oil can become difficult to pump into the engine. It sits in the pan while the friction from moving parts heats the engine and conducts this heat down into the pan. As you can imagine, this lack of oil in an engine with fast moving parts has consequences. Cold-weather start-ups are a leading cause of engine wear.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils

OE 0W-20 Now Available in Gallons

AMSOIL OE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (OEZ) is now available in gallon containers.

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

New AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil Expands Market

AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oils

New AMSOIL 10W-40(DB40), 10W-50 (DB50) and 10W-60 (DB60) Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil delivers consistent clutch feel and outstanding gear protection in four-stroke dirt bikes, helping riders maximize their performance on the trail and at the track. It fulfills the demand for dirt-bike-specific motor oil and helps Dealers diversify their businesses.

For more information:
AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils

Premium Protection for High-Horsepower Ford Mustangs

5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil

AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil

AMSOIL has expanded the Signature Series line to include a robust 5W-50 synthetic motor oil formulated specifically for high-horsepower Ford Mustang engines. Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil (AMR) provides top-of-the-mark protection and performance that customers expect from Signature Series, and it is excellent for all Mustang engines calling for a 5W-50 viscosity.

For more information:

AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil for High-Horsepower Ford Mustangs

AMSOIL Now Offers Free Shipping to Online/Catalog Customers

Effective May 1, 2014, online/catalog customers in the continental U.S. will receive free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Customers who order less than $100 will be charged a flat shipping fee of $8.50.

Preferred Customers do not receive free shipping, but continue to save much more in discounts making the Preferred Customer option the best option in total savings in purchases of AMSOIL products.

To purchase products at the Preferred Customer price you need only visit the AMSOIL Online Store. Once you add the Preferred Customer option to cart, prices immediately drop to reflect Preferred Customer pricing. If you are already a Preferred Customer just login with your Preferred Customer number.

AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid

AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid

CVTs require a unique transmission fluid with specialized frictional characteristics designed to ensure the belt or chain remains in contact with the pulleys without slipping. AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid provides outstanding metal-to-metal frictional properties and excellent protection and performance for CVTs throughout vehicle manufacturer-recommended drain intervals.

Package sizes include:

• Quart Bottle
• 2.5-Gallon Bottle
• 55-Gallon Drum

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) create unlimited gear ratios using a belt or chain running between two variable diameter pulleys. CVTs require a unique transmission fluid with specialized frictional characteristics designed to ensure the belt or chain remains in contact with the pulleys without slipping. AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid provides outstanding metal-to-metal frictional properties and excellent protection and performance for CVTs throughout vehicle manufacturer-recommended drain intervals. It is Warranty Secure and will not void your vehicle's warranty. AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid is a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fluids.

Excellent Frictional Properties

The metal-to-metal frictional properties between the CVT's belt/chain interface and the pulleys are important, relying on the CVT fluid to prevent slipping. AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid provides exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties to help prevent belt and chain slipping and help extend transmission life.

Outstanding Wear Protection

AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid is durable. In normal and severe service, it effectively resists wear to the transmission's vital parts, helping achieve long life.

Resists Heat

In elevated heat, Synthetic CVT Fluid's thermally stable formulation guards against the harmful effects of thermal breakdown. It resists the formation of varnish that can threaten transmission performance and life.

Superior Wet-Clutch Performance

AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid provides superior wet-clutch performance for outstanding anti-shudder durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

Field Proven

Field testing was conducted to compare AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid and Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid. Four vehicles (two equipped with AMSOIL CVT Fluid and two with Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid) were driven 100,000 miles before the transmissions were torn down and inspected.

Lab Tested

AMSOIL lab testing also reveals AMSOIL CVT Fluid met, and in some cases surpassed, the protection and performance of Nissan NS-2 CVT Fluid:

• In FZG wear testing (ASTM D5182), Nissan NS-2 achieved a 7 stage pass, while AMSOIL CVT Fluid significantly surpassed it with an 11 stage pass.
• In the JASO LVFA Anti-Shudder Durability Test, AMSOIL CVT Fluid lasted six times longer, translating into improved anti-shudder durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

APPLICATIONS

AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid is recommended for belt- and chain-type continuously variable transmissions requiring the following:

• Audi/Volkswagen TL 52180, G 052 180
• Dodge/Jeep CVTF+4®, NS-2
• Ford CVT23, CVT30, MERCON® C
• GM/Saturn DEX-CVT
• Honda HMMF, HCF-2
• Hyundai Genuine CVTF, SP-III
• Kia SP-III
• Mercedes-Benz 236.20
• Mini Cooper EZL 799
• Mitsubishi CVTF-J1, SP-III
• Nissan NS-2
• Subaru Lineartronic® CVTF (P/N K0425Y0710), NS-2
• Suzuki TC, CVT Green 1, NS-2
• Toyota TC

Not for use in eCVTs

For more information or to purchase AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid.

AMSOIL Injector Clean

BAD FUEL FOULS INJECTORS

Keep them clean with Diesel Injector Clean

AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean (ADF) removes performance-robbing deposits from diesel fuel injectors to restore horsepower and improve fuel economy. It is formulated for all types of diesel engines, including high-pressure common-rail designs.

Erik Buell Racing Continues to Shake up the Industry

After 30 years, Erik Buell's drive to develop motorcycles on his own terms remains as strong as ever. That drive led him to found Erik Buell Racing (EBR) in 2009, a company devoted to building innovative superbikes that prove jaw-dropping performance is not exclusive to Japanese or Italian companies. Buell's pioneering attitude and commitment to American ingenuity mirror the values of AMSOIL INC. Fittingly, the two companies entered a partnership in 2011, making AMSOIL a sponsor of the EBR team's efforts in the AMA Pro SuperBike Series. This year the team will also compete in World Superbike, the first time an all-American brand will compete on this world-class level.

"We are doing the very best for our customers when we ship with AMSOIL in the bikes and with a strong recommendation that they continue to use AMSOIL products." - Erik Buell

But the partnership goes further than sponsorships. AMSOIL personnel work hand-in-hand with EBR engineers to develop lubrication programs that maximize the tremendous potential of EBR motorcycles. Every bike that leaves EBR's East Troy, Wis. shop, including the new EBR 1190RX, contains AMSOIL synthetic lubricants as the factory-fill and the primary service-fill recommendation.

With peak motorcycle season starting soon and the racing season in swing, AMSOIL Magazine caught up with Buell.

AMSOIL Magazine: It's been five years since you founded EBR. What are you most proud of?

Buell: The people. We started as a tiny company, and it has been so inspiring to see how the young staff at EBR has stepped up to the task of building world-class motorcycles. And it's just as wonderful to have great suppliers and partners like AMSOIL who, without hesitation, put it all on the line to support EBR.

AMSOIL Magazine: What do you still want to accomplish?

Buell: Oh, there is so much more to do. We are busy with all sorts of new products, both for the EBR brand and also for customers of our engineering-consulting business. I just want more of the world to see and enjoy the many exciting two-wheeled products that can come from the minds at EBR.

AMSOIL Magazine: One of those exciting new products is the 1190RX, named by Ultimate Motorcycling as its most anticipated motorcycle of 2014. How does it continue your tradition of innovation?

Buell: There are a lot of unique technical innovations in the bike. Our biggest goals are always related not to any one invention or concept, but putting together a package of ideas where the sum is more than any one part. There are many chassis innovations, like the unique brake [the "inside out" system Buell pioneered that places the rotor outside the caliper for increased suspension effectiveness], magnesium subframe, split radiators, fuel in frame, etc., but the sum total is a lightweight, superb-handling motorcycle.

AMSOIL Magazine: How else does the bike break new ground?

Buell: In another area, since this has been our first time building our own engine, it was important to us to make a real statement of innovation. There is a package of technology in the powertrain aimed at making it a very "green" superbike. The results are a highhorsepower engine that also has a wide and flat powerband, with huge torque, yet is very smooth and easy to ride at part throttle, gets 51 mpg on the EPA drive cycle, emits only 25 percent of permitted HC+NOx exhaust emissions and, incredibly, only 6 percent of CO emissions. These are spectacular numbers.

AMSOIL Magazine: This bike delivers 185 hp and nearly 102 ft. lbs. of torque while weighing just 419 lbs. What do those numbers translate into on the road?

Buell: For us, again, it is a whole package. So big power, big torque and light weight make for speed, but we wanted the 1190RX to also be very easy to ride every day. So we made sure it had a very predictable power delivery, excellent ergonomics, stable handling, great dashboard, powerful brakes and lightweight wheels for the smoothest ride on bumpy roads. It is so fun to ride, no matter where you are riding.

AMSOIL Magazine: Why did you choose AMSOIL synthetic lubricants as the factory-fill lubricant for your bikes, including the 1190RX?

Buell: We have had such good results with AMSOIL, both in the quality of the products and in technical expertise. Because of that, we feel most comfortable that we are doing the very best for our customers when we ship with AMSOIL in the bikes and with a strong recommendation that they continue to use AMSOIL products.

AMSOIL Magazine: On the track, Larry Pegram, formerly of Team AMSOIL, joins Geoff May, Aaron Yates and Cory West this season. What influenced your decision to expand the team?

Buell: The factory EBR Hero/AMSOIL-backed team was headed overseas to run the World Superbike (WSBK) Series, which left a gap in the AMA [SuperBike Series]. Larry had been talking with me for a couple years, and called to say he wanted to switch to our EBR 1190 for 2014. It was a perfect opportunity. Larry is a great rider, and quite a personality as well (an Ohio farm boy with a cool TV show on Velocity called Superbike Family), and he has a very professional crew. His lead sponsor, Foremost Insurance, fits well as another partner – a hardworking, all-American, Midwestern company out of Michigan. AMSOIL has worked with Larry before, and he was happy to be back working with their technical group.

AMSOIL Magazine: Why did you choose this year to broaden the scope of the team and compete overseas?

Buell: The team in WSBK runs an exhausting series, with races ranging from Australia to Europe to Russia to South Africa to Malaysia and even to the U.S. EBR and our sponsors, AMSOIL and Hero, are global companies, and since we finally had the 1190RX ready, with production sufficient for WSBK homologation, we decided it was time to move to that next level to maximize worldwide exposure. (Editor's note: AMA and WSBK homologation rules require a minimum quantity of produced units to guard against specialized bikes built only for racing.)

AMSOIL Magazine: What are your thoughts on EBR introducing the first all-American bike to WSBK?

Buell: We are really happy to have EBR competing in this premier international road-race series. There have been a number of American riders who have raced in World Superbike, but until now, never an American motorcycle.

Follow Team AMSOIL/Hero EBR all season on www.amsoilracing.com.

AMSOIL Arena Named #1 Stadium Experience of 2013

Stadium Journey Magazine recently released its third annual list of the top 100 stadium experiences in the United States and Canada, and AMSOIL Arena took the top honor. Ranking sports arena experiences based on atmosphere, fans, neighborhood, access, food/beverage, return-on-investment and extras, Stadium Journey writers have reviewed more than 1,700 venues throughout the world. The following is the top 10 of the publication’s Top 100 Stadium Experiences of 2013 list:

1. AMSOIL Arena
Home of the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
Duluth, Minn.

2. Daytona International Speedway
Home of the Daytona 500
Daytona Beach, Fla.

3. Compton Family Ice Arena
Home of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish
South Bend, Ind.

4. Lucas Oil Stadium
Home of the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis, Ind.

5. Fenway Park
Home of the Boston Red Sox
Boston, Mass.

6. Heinz Field
Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh, Pa.

7. Xcel Energy Center
Home of the Minnesota Wild
St. Paul, Minn.

8. Notre Dame Stadium
Home of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish
South Bend, Ind.

9. AT&T Center
Home of the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio, Texas

10. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Home of the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore, Md.

Harmful Motor Oils Prompt Investigations and Consumer Warnings

A rash of obsolete and contaminated motor oils have recently been popping up for sale at gas stations and convenience stores around the country, prompting state regulators and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) to investigate, warn consumers and sometimes pull products from shelves. Due to stringent quality control measures, AMSOIL Dealers and customers enjoy the peace-of-mind of knowing they receive top-quality AMSOIL products with every purchase.

"Kane in Your Corner" Reveals Bad Motor Oils in New Jersey

News 12 in New Jersey recently broadcast a three-part "Kane in Your Corner" investigation that found obsolete and contaminated motor oils for sale at gas stations and convenience stores across the state. Because state authorities have not yet stepped in, the onus is on consumers to avoid these harmful products.
"The probability of getting some of this bad stuff is pretty high here in New Jersey," says PQIA President Tom Glenn.
As part of the investigation, News 12 purchased four motor oil brands (MaxiGuard, Black Knight, U.S. Economy and US Spirit) readily available in New Jersey and had them tested at an independent lab. The results indicated that all four were unsuitable for use in modern vehicles.

MaxiGuard Super Premium

While the MaxiGuard label indicated it's "a superior all weather motor oil," it also indicated it's an API SA motor oil, meaning it contains no additives and is unsuitable for vehicles manufactured after 1930. In addition to carrying a long-obsolete specification, lab tests indicated it did not meet the viscosity standards on the label and had significant levels of abrasive contaminants, including silicon levels more than 400 times higher than normal.
As part of the investigative piece, longtime New Jersey mechanic Kenny Wetzel noted that the MaxiGuard oil looked used right out of the bottle due to its black, cloudy appearance. "That looks like what we take out of a car when we change the oil," he said.

Black Knight

Black Knight Motor Oil was labeled as an API SB motor oil, meaning it contains only a minimal level of additives and is unsuitable for vehicles manufactured after 1951. Lab tests also indicated it was contaminated with significantly higher-than-normal levels of silicon. Its viscosity presented a mystery. Labeled "10-30," its viscosity tested significantly lower than 10W-30.

U.S. Economy

U.S. Economy Motor Oil did not carry an API specification, but test results showed it had silicon levels 10 times higher than typically found in new motor oil. Like Black Knight, its label also indicated a viscosity grade without a "W." Labeled "5-30," the label explained it means the viscosity can be anywhere between 5 and 30.

US Spirit

Not only did test results indicate US Spirit is unsafe for modern vehicles, the small print on the back label indicated it is "not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1930" and "use in modern engines may cause unsatisfactory engine performance or equipment harm." Labeled as an API SA motor oil and indicating "it contains no additive," lab tests revealed it is full of additives, but not the right kind for today's vehicles.

North Carolina and Michigan Authorities Remove Harmful Oils from Store Shelves

State authorities in Michigan and North Carolina have taken action to remove harmful motor oils from store shelves.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has launched several investigations into harmful and obsolete motor oils, the latest coming against the Everclear brand. Everclear motor oils failed to meet viscosity claims and were not labeled in accordance with industry standards. The action extended to Everclear brand transmission fluids.
"The results for both the oil and automatic transmission fluid showed that additives were either absent or not at the correct levels," said NCDA&CS Standards Division Director Stephen Benjamin. "This issue, along with the presence of wear metals, indicates these products are likely recycled in origin. Any of these results would put the products out of specification and cause them to be pulled from shelves."
Last fall, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development removed a number of motor oils from store shelves, including City Star and Bullseye, due to their failures to meet the viscosity grades labeled on the packages.

API Reveals Nearly 20 Percent of Bulk Oils Fail Performance Standards

The problems aren't just limited to smaller oil distributors. Bulk motor oil testing performed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) indicates many motorists may be receiving substandard motor oil when they drop their vehicles off for an oil change. According to the API, it purchased and tested more than 1,000 samples from bulk motor oil tanks throughout North America over the past five years, and nearly 20 percent failed API performance standards.

PQIA Issues Advisory for Valvoline NextGen 5W-20 Motor Oil

In January, PQIA issued an advisory for Valvoline NextGen 5W-20 Motor Oil. After twice testing a sample of the oil acquired at a retail store in New Jersey, PQIA determined it did not meet volatility requirements set by the API and the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). While the sample passed viscosity and elemental requirements for the API SN and ILSAC GF-5 specifications, its weight losses of 18.4 and 18.3 percent in the NOACK Volatility Test (ASTM D5800) are about 22 percent higher than the 15 percent maximum required for the specifications.

AMSOIL Quality

Customers buying AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils can be sure that AMSOIL performs beyond the specifications required by the industry. AMSOIL quality control samples all base oils before accepting them from the manufacturer. Then AMSOIL samples after blending and then again after bottling. You can be sure AMSOIL products are the best quality, always.

Low-Volatility Motor Oil Helps Unlock Vehicle Performance

To meet today’s strict motor oil specifications and adequately protect modern engines, motor oils must demonstrate increased resistance to volatility. Nearly 30 years ago AMSOIL became the first oil manufacturer in the United States to use the NOACK Volatility Test (ASTM D5800) as a measure of performance excellence. Today, it’s an industry standard.

Why is Volatility Important?

Modern engines, particularly those equipped with performance-enhancing technologies like direct fuel injection and turbochargers, generate increased heat compared to their predecessors. At elevated temperatures, such as during severe service or when driving in hot summer weather, the oil’s lighter-weight molecules can volatilize, or literally “boil off.” The more volatile a lubricant is, the lower the temperature at which the lubricant will begin to evaporate. The more it evaporates, the less oil is left to protect equipment and the faster a user must replace the lost oil. You may have experienced this phenomenon by owning an automobile that “uses” motor oil in irregular intervals.

Volatility affects more than the rate of oil consumption. When light elements in oil evaporate from heat, the oil’s viscosity increases. This thicker oil forces the engine to work harder, resulting in several problems, including the following:

• Reduced performance
• Reduced fuel economy
• Poor cold-temperature starting
• Increased engine deposits
• Out-of-balance oil formulation, potentially leading to a higher concentration of additives than designed

NOACK Volatility Test (ASTM D5800)

The most common method used in measuring oil volatility is the NOACK Volatility Test. But that hasn’t always been the case. Originally developed and used in Europe, the NOACK test was not commonly used for lubricants until AMSOIL President and CEO Al Amatuzio pioneered its use for automotive motor oils in 1985. Previously, a lubricant’s flash point was the primary way to approximate an oil’s volatility.

In the NOACK test, an oil sample is weighed and heated to 250°C (482°F) for one hour. Dry air is passed over the sample, carrying the oil vapors that have boiled off and depositing them in a beaker. The original sample is removed and re-weighed. Any reduction in weight is reported as a percentage lost of the original weight.

Superiority of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils

When AMSOIL began using the test, it was common for competitors’ conventional oils to demonstrate a volatility loss in the 17-25 percent range. In contrast, the volatility loss of AMSOIL synthetic motor oil was often less than half that. The NOACK Volatility Test introduced a new measure of performance to the industry, while allowing AMSOIL to distinguish the performance of its synthetic motor oils from competitors. 

Currently, API SN and ILSAC GF-5 performance classifications require weight lost due to volatility to be no greater than 15 percent for all viscosity grades of motor oil. General Motors’ proprietary dexos1™ motor oil specification is more stringent, requiring no greater than 12 percent weight lost.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are more stable and heat-resistant than conventional oils. They resist volatility to resist deposits and oil thickening, maximizing fuel economy and engine performance and life. 

NOACK Volatility of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils

Performance Specification	API SN	ILSAC GF-5	GM dexos1™
NOACK Volatility Limit, % weight loss (g/100g) (ASTM D5800)	15%	15%	12%

Did You Know?

If a vehicle “uses” oil it may be due to the oil’s volatility. The light-weight molecules in oil evaporate more readily when exposed to high temperatures, causing the oil level to drop. Switching to AMSOIL synthetic motor oils, which resist volatility better than conventional oils, can reduce oil consumption and maximize engine performance.

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