AMSOIL and API
Trapper L said:
Considering that oils and lubes is my job on a research level I think I may be able to give you the info necessary for you to make an intelligent decision. Amsoil is a PAO basestock just like Mobil One. They use specifically basestocks from Mobil/Exxon. They buy their additive packages from Lubrizol. They are a blender, not a refiner.
These forms are nice for others to post their expert opinions unfortunately Trapper L does have a few “not so expert” statements in his reply. Maybe he does work in the oil research business but he is lacking in his knowledge of what AMSOIL products claim and how you apply them to each application you use them in. I am and have been one of their “quote (following act like brainwashed idiots) end quote” users and an AMSOIL dealer or over 20 years and have gained knowledge about synthetics in general by doing research like reading the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE on your oil bottle) papers published on the benefits of synthetics and researching web sites NOT related to AMSOIL about oils in general along with yes AMSOIL published information about synthetics.
In addition, as an FAA licensed Aircraft mechanic with over 15 years experience I have been exposed to the performance and benefits that come from synthetic oils. The first synthetic oils really where developed by the Germans for use in their first jet-powered aircraft. In addition, all jet aircraft use synthetic oils in the engine and most in the hydraulic systems. These oils are of a different Group of synthetics with different additives but they are the only oils that will work in turbine engines.
In mechanical sound engines, the oil change interval is either 25,000 miles or 1 year and you change the oil filter at 12,500 miles or 6 months (when using the AMSOIL Super Duty Oil filter) which does a much better job of filtration than a standard paper filter.
There is NO requirement to do oil analysis every 5,000 miles when using their full synthetic (100%) oils. The statement of AMSOIL not being the first to develop synthetic oils is correct but the claim is AMSOIL is the “First to develop in 1972 an API –rated 100% Synthetic Motor oil”, this was long before the other oil companies even made a synthetic oil. AMSOIL has over 30 years of synthetic product research and development, much longer then the ones that are now offering synthetic oils. His claim that motor oils have to be API approved to meet a warranty requirement is also not so correct. If he knows oils so well he should know that in order for any oil (petroleum or synthetics) to meet the API standards and be “API Approved/Licensed” and keep that approval ALL oils have to be tested to get the approval, which is very expensive. Along with the costs any changes require testing again to maintain the API Approval/License.
I doubt many of your oil products you find in Wal-Mart or many parts stores is API approved. API rated is the norm and this what you will see listed on most oils.
Some AMSOIL motor oils are API licensed the 5W-30 (XLF), 5W-20 (XLM) or 10W-30 (XLT) XL-7500 and the 15W-40 (PCO) are API licensed oils.
An API (American Petroleum Institute) license indicates that a specific motor oil formulation has passed the minimum performance standards as defined by a series of laboratory bench, physical, chemical and engine tests. These tests were selected and minimum performance standards were set by the API Lubricants Committee to address specific areas such as engine wear, deposits, fuel economy, emissions, etc. The committee is comprised of representatives from automobile, oil and additive companies. The current specification as of 2004 is SL/CI-4.
AMSOIL’s research and development lab subjects their oils to test that other oil companies do not even use. Longer drain intervals are the norm for Europe where they have more stringent testing of oils then the US has and they have been using synthetics for many years with drain intervals of 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year.
One thing about AMSOIL synthetic oils over other brands is the additive packages used to gain the performance AMSOIL has over other synthetic oils. This can account for the higher cost when comparing AMSOIL to other synthetic oils. These added performance additives are also what allow AMSOIL to go a longer distance then the rest.
To see some of the tests that show just how much better AMSOIL is than some other oils follow the link to the web site.
http://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/g1971/index.html
If you would like more info on API Approved/Licensed procedures email me and I can send you some.
[email protected]