For all who wish to be a good sales person for GTO, it is a must that you know more about oils than your prospects. Most often than not, you get this feeling that you have a great product in your hands... but the moment you are put into an intellectual argument... you are at a lost!... There is a good article that I encourage you all to read. Plenty of valuable information you need to know is here. If you can absorb all of it, then you are ready to fully understand how and why GTO (Green Technology Oil) is the BEST OIL enhancement formula in the world. But I can't spoon feed this for you, you need to read it and absorb it all for yourself. Empower your minds... Know what they know but more!... click the link to start learning. http://
THE FOLLOWING ARE TWO COPY PASTED MATERIALS THAT PROVIDE THE LAY MAN A MORE COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING ON EVERYTHING ABOUT OIL.
What does API GL mean?
API stands for American Petroleum Industry and GL stands for Gear Lubricant, see below for their definitions:
API GL-1 Straight mineral oil
API GL-2 Mild EP for worm gears
API GL-3 Mild EP for spur and spiral bevel gears in axles and transmissions
API GL-4 Medium EP, MIL-L-2105 quality, moderate severity hypoid gears, manual transmissions
API GL-5 High EP, MIL-L-2105D quality, all hypoid axles, some manual transmissions
API GL-6 Extra high EP, now obsolete
Is it important to select the right API GL rating?
Yes. Selecting the correct gear oil performance level will provide the best protection to the components of the transmission.
What do the SAE grades mean?
SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers. The SAE classification system is a way of defining how thin or how thick an oil is. This is known as an oil�s viscosity. The classifications are listed here in order of increasing thickness: SAE 75W, SAE 80W, SAE 85W, SAE 90, SAE 140, SAE 250.
What does EP mean?
EP means extreme pressure and refers to the additive used in gear oils. This additive is designed to stop metal-to-metal contact taking place between transmission components. The EP additives are usually based on sulphur and phosphorous. These elements bond to the metal surfaces where there are points of extreme pressure and temperature, forming a sacrificial chemical layer. The sulphur gives gear oils their characteristic smell.
Will synthetic gear oils and mineral gear oils mix together?
Yes, but beware that there two kinds of synthetic gear available: polyalphaolefin (PAO) based and polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based. PAOs are basically a man made version of mineral oils (although with greatly improved properties) and can therefore be mixed with mineral oils. In fact, semi-synthetic products have mineral and synthetic base fluids in them, so obviously, they must be able to mix. PAGs, on the other hand, will not mix with PAOs or mineral oil. Utmost care must be taken when using this kind of product.
API GL-1 Straight mineral oil
API GL-2 Mild EP for worm gears
API GL-3 Mild EP for spur and spiral bevel gears in axles and transmissions
API GL-4 Medium EP, MIL-L-2105 quality, moderate severity hypoid gears, manual transmissions
API GL-5 High EP, MIL-L-2105D quality, all hypoid axles, some manual transmissions
API GL-6 Extra high EP, now obsolete
Is it important to select the right API GL rating?
Yes. Selecting the correct gear oil performance level will provide the best protection to the components of the transmission.
What do the SAE grades mean?
SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers. The SAE classification system is a way of defining how thin or how thick an oil is. This is known as an oil�s viscosity. The classifications are listed here in order of increasing thickness: SAE 75W, SAE 80W, SAE 85W, SAE 90, SAE 140, SAE 250.
What does EP mean?
EP means extreme pressure and refers to the additive used in gear oils. This additive is designed to stop metal-to-metal contact taking place between transmission components. The EP additives are usually based on sulphur and phosphorous. These elements bond to the metal surfaces where there are points of extreme pressure and temperature, forming a sacrificial chemical layer. The sulphur gives gear oils their characteristic smell.
Will synthetic gear oils and mineral gear oils mix together?
Yes, but beware that there two kinds of synthetic gear available: polyalphaolefin (PAO) based and polyalkylene glycol (PAG) based. PAOs are basically a man made version of mineral oils (although with greatly improved properties) and can therefore be mixed with mineral oils. In fact, semi-synthetic products have mineral and synthetic base fluids in them, so obviously, they must be able to mix. PAGs, on the other hand, will not mix with PAOs or mineral oil. Utmost care must be taken when using this kind of product.
What is a hypoid axle?
Hypoid is an abbreviation for hypocycloidal and relates to the geometry of the crown wheel and pinion arrangement usually on rear wheel drive cars. The pinion is usually highly offset to reduce propshaft intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Do I need a special oil for limited slip differentials?
Yes. When the power distribution between two drive shafts is no longer equal (usually due to the surface condition that the drive wheels are turning on, i.e. ice, mud), limited slip differentials are able to effectively lock the two half shafts, ensuring equal power distribution once again. When this limited slip differential mechanism �kicks in� there is a high shock loading on the clutch mechanism that requires protection from wear and slippage. Use of the incorrect oil can lead to clutch degradation and vibration.
Why should I choose non-EP straight oils for my classic car?
Depending on the age, make and model non-EP gear oils may be required for use in gearboxes and final drives. Certain designs contained a lot of phosphor-bronze (copper containing) components that are sensitive particularly to the sulphur extreme pressure (EP) additive. The sulphur attacks the copper and destroys the integrity of the meshing gear surfaces.
Is it alright to use ATF in a manual gearbox?
Certain designs do specify the use of an ATF in manual gearboxes, but they should only be used where it is clearly stated by the manufacturer.
Is there one gear oil that will meet all my requirements?
This will depend on makes and models, but very often the answer is no. Gearboxes, final drives, transfer boxes, etc., all have their own specific lubrication requirements. The specification of the oil required will be outlined by the design engineers, who will determine which type of oil will provide the maximum protection to the transmission components. It may certainly be possible to rationalise and reduce the number of lubricants used, but the magical
single product may not be achievable.
What is the difference between a gear oil, an atf and an mtf and why are they sometimes interchangeable?
There is a fair amount of common ground, all do a basically similar job, an ATF could be regarded as a low viscosity gear oil with more precisely controlled frictional properties.
*
What is an MTF and why is it used instead of a gear oil?
MTF ( manual transmission fluid ) is a term preferred by some OEMs, perhaps they think it's more descriptive than "gear oil". It doesn't call up any particular performance or viscosity. For example a Volvo MTF will not be the same as a Honda MTF.
How do gear oil, atf and mtf viscosities relate to engine oil viscosities?
Gear oils and engine oils are classified by 2 different viscosity grading systems. A 75W-90 gear oil, for example, is about the same viscosity as a 10W-40 engine oil. In theory ATFs and MTFs can be any viscosity as required by the OEM. In practice ATFs are approx. the same viscosity as a SAE 10 engine oil or a ISO 32 hydraulic oil. MTFs are about the same, possibly slightly thicker.*
What is a 75w gear oil as this is only a cold crank rating isn�t it?
The target here is 4.1 cSt minimum @ 100 deg. C + the low temp target. If the gear oil in question is, for example, a 75W-80 it must meet both specs which is effectively the 75W low temp + the high temp targets of both specs.; 4.1 cSt minimum for the SAE 75W and 7.0 - 11.0 cSt for the SAE 80. You can see that the SAE 80 target " overlays" the SAE 75W target so expect the KV 100 of a 75W-80 to be about 9 cSt.
Can one gear oil cover a number of viscosities like 75w-90, 80w-90 and 90 and why?
Yes it can, the viscosity grades are not mutually exclusive, it is possible to blend a gear oil with multigrade characteristics such that it falls within, for example, the SAE 75W and the SAE 90 viscosity bands. A mulitgrade oil ( gear or otherwise ) is simply an oil which falls into more than one viscosity grade.
Why do some synthetic gear oils cause poor shifting in older or high mileage boxes?
If this really happens it can be that the generally lower viscosity of a synthetic gear oil may not suit an older or worn box.
Can engine oils be used in gearboxes if they are the right viscosity and are there advantages to using them?
Engine oils can be used in certain gearboxes, in the past it was the norm to do just that. Modern engine oils can be expected to attain the baseline API GL4 performance required for gear protection. Viscosity is not likely to be an issue, the viscosity of a 10W-40 engine oil, for instance, approximates to a 75W-90 in gear oil terms. The gear oil viscosity grade system uses bigger numbers than the engine oil system but that doesn't mean the oils are thicker.
The advantages?*The detergency and antiwear systems in engine oils may cope with excessive "competition" temperatures better.* Engine oils are intended for a shorter service life than gear oils so one point to be aware of is the viscosity modifiers used in multigrade engine oils may not be as shear stable as true gear oil VM�s so a bigger viscosity drop in service is possible. If you are considering this, use a top quality shear stable engine oil, or talk to us first.
Are filled for life gear oils a gimmick and are they in the long term bad for your gearbox?
I wouldn't say they are a gimmick but they do assume "normal" service conditions. Having a modified engine putting more power through the box & competition conditions don't lend themselves to gentle gear changes so you may see higher wear rates and more wear debris in circulation. It's logical to change the oil periodically if only to flush out the wear debris.
Of course the discerning owner may wish to change the oil occcasionally even if the service conditions are considered to be less severe.
This may raise more questions than it answers but hopefully it is of use to some of you.
Hypoid is an abbreviation for hypocycloidal and relates to the geometry of the crown wheel and pinion arrangement usually on rear wheel drive cars. The pinion is usually highly offset to reduce propshaft intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Do I need a special oil for limited slip differentials?
Yes. When the power distribution between two drive shafts is no longer equal (usually due to the surface condition that the drive wheels are turning on, i.e. ice, mud), limited slip differentials are able to effectively lock the two half shafts, ensuring equal power distribution once again. When this limited slip differential mechanism �kicks in� there is a high shock loading on the clutch mechanism that requires protection from wear and slippage. Use of the incorrect oil can lead to clutch degradation and vibration.
Why should I choose non-EP straight oils for my classic car?
Depending on the age, make and model non-EP gear oils may be required for use in gearboxes and final drives. Certain designs contained a lot of phosphor-bronze (copper containing) components that are sensitive particularly to the sulphur extreme pressure (EP) additive. The sulphur attacks the copper and destroys the integrity of the meshing gear surfaces.
Is it alright to use ATF in a manual gearbox?
Certain designs do specify the use of an ATF in manual gearboxes, but they should only be used where it is clearly stated by the manufacturer.
Is there one gear oil that will meet all my requirements?
This will depend on makes and models, but very often the answer is no. Gearboxes, final drives, transfer boxes, etc., all have their own specific lubrication requirements. The specification of the oil required will be outlined by the design engineers, who will determine which type of oil will provide the maximum protection to the transmission components. It may certainly be possible to rationalise and reduce the number of lubricants used, but the magical
single product may not be achievable.
What is the difference between a gear oil, an atf and an mtf and why are they sometimes interchangeable?
There is a fair amount of common ground, all do a basically similar job, an ATF could be regarded as a low viscosity gear oil with more precisely controlled frictional properties.
*
What is an MTF and why is it used instead of a gear oil?
MTF ( manual transmission fluid ) is a term preferred by some OEMs, perhaps they think it's more descriptive than "gear oil". It doesn't call up any particular performance or viscosity. For example a Volvo MTF will not be the same as a Honda MTF.
How do gear oil, atf and mtf viscosities relate to engine oil viscosities?
Gear oils and engine oils are classified by 2 different viscosity grading systems. A 75W-90 gear oil, for example, is about the same viscosity as a 10W-40 engine oil. In theory ATFs and MTFs can be any viscosity as required by the OEM. In practice ATFs are approx. the same viscosity as a SAE 10 engine oil or a ISO 32 hydraulic oil. MTFs are about the same, possibly slightly thicker.*
What is a 75w gear oil as this is only a cold crank rating isn�t it?
The target here is 4.1 cSt minimum @ 100 deg. C + the low temp target. If the gear oil in question is, for example, a 75W-80 it must meet both specs which is effectively the 75W low temp + the high temp targets of both specs.; 4.1 cSt minimum for the SAE 75W and 7.0 - 11.0 cSt for the SAE 80. You can see that the SAE 80 target " overlays" the SAE 75W target so expect the KV 100 of a 75W-80 to be about 9 cSt.
Can one gear oil cover a number of viscosities like 75w-90, 80w-90 and 90 and why?
Yes it can, the viscosity grades are not mutually exclusive, it is possible to blend a gear oil with multigrade characteristics such that it falls within, for example, the SAE 75W and the SAE 90 viscosity bands. A mulitgrade oil ( gear or otherwise ) is simply an oil which falls into more than one viscosity grade.
Why do some synthetic gear oils cause poor shifting in older or high mileage boxes?
If this really happens it can be that the generally lower viscosity of a synthetic gear oil may not suit an older or worn box.
Can engine oils be used in gearboxes if they are the right viscosity and are there advantages to using them?
Engine oils can be used in certain gearboxes, in the past it was the norm to do just that. Modern engine oils can be expected to attain the baseline API GL4 performance required for gear protection. Viscosity is not likely to be an issue, the viscosity of a 10W-40 engine oil, for instance, approximates to a 75W-90 in gear oil terms. The gear oil viscosity grade system uses bigger numbers than the engine oil system but that doesn't mean the oils are thicker.
The advantages?*The detergency and antiwear systems in engine oils may cope with excessive "competition" temperatures better.* Engine oils are intended for a shorter service life than gear oils so one point to be aware of is the viscosity modifiers used in multigrade engine oils may not be as shear stable as true gear oil VM�s so a bigger viscosity drop in service is possible. If you are considering this, use a top quality shear stable engine oil, or talk to us first.
Are filled for life gear oils a gimmick and are they in the long term bad for your gearbox?
I wouldn't say they are a gimmick but they do assume "normal" service conditions. Having a modified engine putting more power through the box & competition conditions don't lend themselves to gentle gear changes so you may see higher wear rates and more wear debris in circulation. It's logical to change the oil periodically if only to flush out the wear debris.
Of course the discerning owner may wish to change the oil occcasionally even if the service conditions are considered to be less severe.
This may raise more questions than it answers but hopefully it is of use to some of you.
'Guy'
THE FOLLOWING IS A COPY PASTED MATERIAL FROM A SITE THAT SUPPORTS AMSOIL - CONSIDERED TO BE THE BEST ENGINE OIL EVER - UNTIL GTO.
What does the SAE Viscosity rating on your Motoroil bottle mean?
Motor Oil Degradation - Why does it happen?
THE FOLLOWING IS A COPY PASTED MATERIAL FROM A SITE THAT SUPPORTS AMSOIL - CONSIDERED TO BE THE BEST ENGINE OIL EVER - UNTIL GTO.
Motor Oil Viscosity Grades
What does the SAE Viscosity rating on your Motoroil bottle mean?
How do they come up with this rating . . .really?
Most of the time when viscosity is explained words are used that are too technical for the average person to quickly grasp. This leaves them still wondering what the viscosity numbers really mean on a bottle of motor oil. Simply put, viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow or, for the layman, an oil's speed of flow as measured through a device known as a viscometer. The thicker (higher viscosity) of an oil, the slower it will flow. You will see oil viscosity measurement in lube articles stated in kinematic (kv) and absolute (cSt) terms. These are translated into the easier to understand SAE viscosity numbers you see on an oil bottle.
OK . . .What does a 5W-30 do that an SAE 30 won't?
When you see a W on a viscosity rating it means that this oil viscosity has been tested at a Coldertemperature. The numbers without the W are all tested at 210° F or 100° C which is considered an approximation of engine operating temperature. In other words, a SAE 30 motor oil is the sameviscosity as a 10w-30 or 5W-30 at 210° (100° C). The difference is when the viscosity is tested at a much colder temperature. For example, a 5W-30 motor oil performs like a SAE 5 motor oil would perform at the cold temperature specified, but still has the SAE 30 viscosity at 210° F (100° C) which is engine operating temperature. This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means mu
When you see a W on a viscosity rating it means that this oil viscosity has been tested at a Coldertemperature. The numbers without the W are all tested at 210° F or 100° C which is considered an approximation of engine operating temperature. In other words, a SAE 30 motor oil is the sameviscosity as a 10w-30 or 5W-30 at 210° (100° C). The difference is when the viscosity is tested at a much colder temperature. For example, a 5W-30 motor oil performs like a SAE 5 motor oil would perform at the cold temperature specified, but still has the SAE 30 viscosity at 210° F (100° C) which is engine operating temperature. This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means mu
| Why Does Motor Oil |
| Deteriorate? |
Motor Oil Degradation - Why does it happen?
Motoroil chemistry is more complex than you think.
It is common knowledge that, at some point, engine oil must be changed. It's something that is preached relentlessly to vehicle owners by vehicle manufacturers, quick lubes and oil companies. But consumers are widely unaware of what exactly makes oil changes necessary.
Many factors contribute to a motor oil's demise, but it is essentially the accumulation of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself that make the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself that make a motor oil unfit for further service. With time, it is inevitable that the oil will be contaminated by dirt or sludge, or succumb to the extreme pressures or temperatures found inside an engine. AMSOIL Motor Oils are formulated with the industry's most advanced synthetic base stocks and additive packages to combat the forces that deteriorate conventional oils.
Extreme Heat
Today's engines are running hotter than ever. More horsepower, turbo chargers and aerodynamic styling have created extremely hot environments that receive less cooling from outside air. High heat leads to oil oxidation, deposits and thickening in conventional oils. Because they are made from impure, irregular molecules, conventional motor oils are more susceptible to the effects of heat. The small, light molecules in conventional oil tend to evaporate as the oil is heated, leaving large, heavy molecules behind and leading to oil consumption and an increase in the oil's viscosity. If those large, heavy molecules are chemically unstable, they may also break-down and form deposits on component surfaces, further inhibiting the release of heat into the oil stream.
Even in relatively mild temperatures, oxygen works to break down some of the chemicals in conventional lubricants. The extreme heat in engines actually promotes oxidation. When conventional oil contaminants break down, they coat components with varnish, deposits and sludge and leave the lubricant thick, hard to pump and with very poor heat transfer ability.
Extreme Cold
Cold temperatures cause oil to thicken. Conventional lubricants contain paraffins which cause them to thicken in cold temperatures as the paraffin gels. At startup, this can leave working parts unprotected for as long as five minutes while the oil warms to a temperature that allows it to flow.
Common Contaminants
Dust and dirt from the air enter the engine through faulty air cleaners, some oil fill caps and crankcase ventilation systems. Normal engine wear produces small metal particles that are picked up and circulated by the oil. The abrasive particles of road dust and dirt increase the rate of wear and generate larger metal particles. Those particles are equally abrasive and the rate of wear accelerates with a snowball effect. While filtration removes most of these contaminants, some remain and are left to circulate with the oil.
Combustion By-products
Combustion produces several byproducts that also act as contaminants. Water and acids lead to sludge, rust and corrosion. Soot and carbon create sludge and varnish and can clog filters. Unburned fuel in liquid form is deposited on cylinder walls where it leaks past the rings into the crankcase. Sludge deposits collect on oil pump screens, limiting the flow of oil to vital engine parts and resulting in rapid and destructive wear. When oil becomes contaminated, its viscosity changes. With soot, dirt, oxidation or sludge, viscosity increases; with fuel dilution it decreases.
Internal Forces
Engines create a great deal of internal pressure. Extreme pressure can result in boundary lubrication which breaks the oil film between moving parts. Movement inside the engine agitates the fluid, trapping air and forming bubbles or foam. Because air is compressible, the ability of the fluid film to prevent contact is reduced. And because the mixed air contains oxygen, it promotes oil oxidation.
Additives
Careful research and experimentation led lubricant manufacturers to specific chemicals that combat various problems faced by motor oils. These chemical additives are added to base oils as a package. Typical additive packages can include rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, antifoaming agents, oxidation inhibitors, extreme pressure additives and viscosity index improvers. Each additive is designed to aid the base oil in the protection of components, but additives have their limitations.
While these additives are created to perform specific tasks, they are also subjected to the same extreme environment experienced by the base oil, and each additive is affected by different variables in different ways. For example, viscosity index improvers are used to reduce the thinning effects caused by operation at elevated temperatures. They are the key components that allow for the production of multigrade oils. However, the long molecules in viscosity index improvers are subject to shearing in service, which reduces their ability to minimize fluid viscosity loss. Permanent shearing of viscosity index improvers can result in piston ring sticking due to deposit formation, increased oil consumption and accelerated equipment wear.
High quality additives perform best and last longer when paired with high quality synthetic base oils.
The NOACK Volatility Test determines the evaporation loss of lubricants in high temperature service. The more motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they become, contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy and increased oil consumption, wear and emissions. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil resists high temperature volatilization better than other motor oils. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil maintains peak fuel efficiency and reduces oil consumption and emissions.
|
It's All in the Molecules
Conventional lubricants are made from refined petroleum, a naturally occurring and impure substance. The varied and non-uniform size and shape of the molecules that make up conventional oils lend themselves to contamination. They cannot withstand extreme heat or cold, and they burn off and succumb to oxidation, leading to the development of deposits and component wear.
Synthetic Motor Oils are Superior
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide extended equipment life, reduced maintenance costs, better performance, improved fuel economy and extended drain intervals through the use of high-quality synthetic base stocks and superior additive packages.
Because they are derived from pure chemicals, synthetic lubricants contain no unnecessary molecules. Their smooth lubricating molecules slip easily across one another, improving the lube's ability to reduce friction, which in turn improves wear control, heat control and fuel efficiency. In addition, uniformly sized synthetic lubricant molecules resist thinning in heat and thickening in cold, decreasing the need for viscosity index improvers and increasing the lube's ability to maintain its viscosity.
Because AMSOIL synthetic lubricants contain only strong, uniform molecules, they are much more resistant to thermal and oxidative breakdown. AMSOIL synthetics are virtually impervious to breakdown at normal operating temperatures and can be used in higher temperatures than conventional oils without breaking down. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils keep components free of varnish, deposits and sludge.
Extended Drain Intervals
Not only do AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide protection that is superior to conventional oils, but they remain fit for service many times longer as well. Heat and oxidation are the main enemies of lubricant base stocks. The excellent resistance of synthetic lubricants to thermal and oxidative breakdown allows them to be safely used for much longer drain intervals than conventional lubricants. Their uniform and smooth molecular structure allows AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils to operate with less friction and better heat control than conventional lubricants.
The Choice is Clear
When AMSOIL motor oil was introduced in 1972 it was ahead of its time. Today, engine designers have goals of increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions, more performance out of smaller engines and greater durability, increasing the demands placed on motor oils and requiring continuous upgrades. AMSOIL remains at the forefront of the engine oil market by continuing to provide oils that are ahead of their time. No other motor oil is guaranteed for 25,000 miles or one year in normal service, and no other motor oil can match the performance and protection provided by AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils.
For more information also see:
- How to Read an Oil Bottle - What do those API, SAE and ILSAC Numbers Mean?
- SAE Filtration Study - Better Filtration Reduces Wear and Maintenance Costs
- Motor Oil Viscosity Grades - What do the numbers on motor oil bottles mean?
- Motor Oil Testing Methods - What determines a really good motor oil?
- Change Engine Oil Light - How do these systems work and how good are they?
- Motor Oil Service Ratings - Good information on motor oil service ratings
- Don't Forget The Gear Oil! - Explains Gear Lube technology & maintenance
- Extending Differential Life - Changing differential fluid after break-in extends life
- Drivetrain Service Ratings Explained - Gear Lube service ratings explained
ch less engine wear.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Obviously, cold temperature or Wratings are tested differently than regular SAE viscosity ratings. Simply put, these tests are done with a different temperature system. There is a scale for the W, or winter viscosity grades and, depending on which grade is selected, testing is done at different temperatures. See the Tables to the right below for more information.
Basically to determine non-winter grade viscosity using a viscometer a measured amount of oil at 100° C is allowed to flow through an orifice and timed. Using a table they determine SAE viscosity based on different ranges. Thicker or heavy viscosity oils will take longer to flow through the orifice in the viscometer and end up in higher number ranges such as SAE 50 or SAE 60 for example. If an oil flows through faster being thinner/lighter then it will wind up in a low number range such as SAE 10 or SAE 20 for example. Occasionally it is possible for an oil to barely fall into one viscosity range. For example, an oil is barely an SAE 30 having a time that puts it on the very low side. Then another oil is timed to be an SAE 20 on the high side not quite breaking into the SAE 30 numbers. Technically speaking these oils will be close to the same viscosity even though one is an SAE 20 and the other an SAE 30. But you have to draw the line somewhere and that's how the SAE system is designed. Another system takes more accurate numbers into account known as cSt abbreviated for centistokes. You'll see these numbers used often for industrial lubricants such as compressor or hydraulic oils. The table at the right,SAE Viscosity Chart (High Temp), shows the equivalents for cSt and SAE viscosity numbers. You'll see the ranges for cSt compared to SAE numbers. An oil that is 9.2 cSt will be nearly the same viscosity as an oil that is 9.3 cSt, yet one is an SAE 20 and the other is an SAE 30. This is why the cSt centistokes numbers more accurately show oil viscosity.
Now if you look at the table labeled Winter or "W" Grades, you can get valuable information on how the W or winter grade viscosities are measured. Basically, as shown by the chart, when the oil is reduced to a colder temperature it is measured for performance factors. If it performs like a SAE 0 motor oil at the colder temperature, then it will receive the SAE 0W viscosity grade. Consequently, if the motor oil performs like a SAE 20 motor oil at the reduced temperatures (the scale varies - see the chart), then it will be a SAE 20W motor oil.
If a motor oil passes the cold temperature or W (winter grade) specification for a SAE 15W and at 210° F (100° C) flows through the viscometer like a SAE 40 motor oil, then the label will read 15W-40. Getting the picture? Consequently, if the motor oil performs like a SAE 5 motor oil on the reduced temperature scale and flows like a SAE 20 at 210° F (100° C), then this motor oil's label will read 5W-20. And so forth and so on!
I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone, usually an auto mechanic, say that they wouldn't use a 5W-30 motor oil because it is, "Too thin." Then they may use a 10W-30 or SAE 30 motor oil. At engine operating temperatures these oils are the same. The only time the 5W-30 oil is "thin" is at cold start up conditions where you need it to be "thin."
So how do they get a motor oil to flow in the cold when it is a thicker viscosity at 210° F?
The addition of Pour Point Depressant additives (VI) keep the paraffin in petroleum base oils from coalescing together when temperature drops. Pour Point Depressants can keep an oil fluid in extreme cold temperatures, such as in the arctic regions. We will not go into Pour Point Depressing additives at this time except to say they are only used where temperatures are very extreme to keep the motor oil from becoming completely immobilized by the cold temperature extreme. For now we will just discuss the Viscosity Improvers (VI) additives.
The addition of Pour Point Depressant additives (VI) keep the paraffin in petroleum base oils from coalescing together when temperature drops. Pour Point Depressants can keep an oil fluid in extreme cold temperatures, such as in the arctic regions. We will not go into Pour Point Depressing additives at this time except to say they are only used where temperatures are very extreme to keep the motor oil from becoming completely immobilized by the cold temperature extreme. For now we will just discuss the Viscosity Improvers (VI) additives.
Why don't we just use a SAE 10 motor oil so we can get instant lubrication on engine start up?
The reason is simple: it would be a SAE 10 motor oil at 210° F! The lower the viscosity, the more wear will inevitably occur. This is why it is best to use the proper oil viscosity recommended by the auto manufacturer as it will protect hot and at cold start ups. Obviously a 10W-10 motor oil won't have the film strength to prevent engine wear at full operating temperature like a 5W-20, 10W-30 or 5W-30 motor oil for example.
The reason is simple: it would be a SAE 10 motor oil at 210° F! The lower the viscosity, the more wear will inevitably occur. This is why it is best to use the proper oil viscosity recommended by the auto manufacturer as it will protect hot and at cold start ups. Obviously a 10W-10 motor oil won't have the film strength to prevent engine wear at full operating temperature like a 5W-20, 10W-30 or 5W-30 motor oil for example.
The VI additives have the effect of keeping the oil from thinning excessively when heated. The actual mechanics of this system are a little more complex in that these additives are added to a thinner oil so that it will be fluid at a cold temperature. The VI additives then prevent thinning as the oil is heated so that it now can pass the SAE viscosity rating at 210. For example; if you have a SAE 10 motor oil it will flow like a 10W at the colder temperature. But at 210 degrees it will be a SAE 10 giving us a 10W-10 or SAE 10 viscosity rating. Obviously this is good at cold start up, but terrible at engine operating temperature especially in warmer climates. But by adding the VI additives we can prevent the oil from thinning as it is heated to achieve higher viscosity numbers at 210 degrees. This is how they make a petroleum based motor oil function for the 10W-30 rating. The farther the temperature range, like with a 10W-40, then more VI additives are used. With me so far? Good, now for the bad news.
Drawbacks of Viscosity Improving additives
Multi-grade motor oils perform a great service not being too thick at cold startup to prevent engine wear by providing more instantaneous oil flow to critical engine parts. However, there is a draw back. These additives shear back in high heat or during high shear force operation and break down causing some sludging. What's worse is once the additive begins to be depleted the motor oil no long resists thinning so now you have a thinner motor oil at 210 degrees. Your 10W-30 motor oil can easily become a 10W-20 or even a SAE 10 (10W-10) motor oil. I don't have to tell you why that is bad. The more VI additives the worse the problem which is why auto manufacturers decided to steer car owners away from motor oils loaded with VI additives like the 10W-40 and 20W-50 viscosities.
Multi-grade motor oils perform a great service not being too thick at cold startup to prevent engine wear by providing more instantaneous oil flow to critical engine parts. However, there is a draw back. These additives shear back in high heat or during high shear force operation and break down causing some sludging. What's worse is once the additive begins to be depleted the motor oil no long resists thinning so now you have a thinner motor oil at 210 degrees. Your 10W-30 motor oil can easily become a 10W-20 or even a SAE 10 (10W-10) motor oil. I don't have to tell you why that is bad. The more VI additives the worse the problem which is why auto manufacturers decided to steer car owners away from motor oils loaded with VI additives like the 10W-40 and 20W-50 viscosities.
The less change a motor oil has from high to low temperatures gives it a high Viscosity Index. Synthetic motor oils that are made from Group IV (4) PAO base stocks have Viscosity Indexes of more than 150 because they are manufactured to be a lubricant and don't have the paraffin that causes the thickening as they cool. But petroleum based motor oils (Group I (1) & II (2)) usually have Viscosity Indexes of less than 140 because they tend to thicken more at the colder temperature due to the paraffin despite the addition of Viscosity Improving additives. The higher the Viscosity Index number the less thinning and thickening the motor oil has. In other words, high number good, low number bad. Low numbers thicken more as they cool and thin more hot. You see these Viscosity Index ratings posted on data sheets of motor oils provided by the manufacturer.
As already mentioned, VI improving additives can shear back under pressure and high heat conditions leaving the motor oil unable to protect the engine properly under high heat conditions and cause sludging. Also there is a limit to how much viscosity improving additives can be added without affecting the rest of the motor oil's chemistry. Auto manufacturers have moved away from some motor oils that require a lot of viscosity improving additives, like the 10W-40 and 20W-50 motor oils, to blends that require less viscosity additives like the 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oils. Because stress loads on multi viscosity motor oils can also cause thinning many racers choose to use a straight weight petroleum racing motor oil or a PAO based Synthetic which do not have the VI additives. But only the Group IV (4) PAO based synthetics don't need VI additives. Read on to learn why:
What about synthetic motor oils? Do they need Viscosity Additives?
Group IV (4) and Group V (5) base oil (synthetics) are chemically made from uniform molecules with no paraffin and don't need Viscosity Additives. However, in recent years Group III (3) based oils have been labeled "synthetic" through a legal loophole. These are petroleum based Group II (2) oils that have had the sulfur refined out making them more pure and longer lasting. Group III (3) "synthetic" motor oils must employ Viscosity Additives being petroleum based.
Group IV (4) and Group V (5) base oil (synthetics) are chemically made from uniform molecules with no paraffin and don't need Viscosity Additives. However, in recent years Group III (3) based oils have been labeled "synthetic" through a legal loophole. These are petroleum based Group II (2) oils that have had the sulfur refined out making them more pure and longer lasting. Group III (3) "synthetic" motor oils must employ Viscosity Additives being petroleum based.
Group V (5) based synthetics are usually not compatible with petroleum or petroleum fuels and have poor seal swell. These are used for air compressors, hydraulics, etc. It's the Group IV (4) PAO based synthetics that make the best motor oils. They are compatible with petroleum based oils and fuels plus they have better seal swell than petroleum. Typically PAO based motor oils use no Viscosity Additives yet pass the multi-grade viscosity requirements as a straight weight! This makes them ideal under a greater temperature range. One advantage of not having to employ Viscosity Improving additives is having a more pure undiluted lubricant that can be loaded with more longevity and performance additives to keep the oil cleaner longer with better mileage/horsepower.
How do I know what motor oil is a Group IV (4) based PAO synthetic motor oil?
As more and more large oil companies switched their "synthetic" motor oils to the less expensive/more profitable Group III (3) base stocks it has become much easier to identify which are PAO based true synthetic. Of the large oil companies, only Mobil 1, as of this writing (12-15-2007), is still a PAO based true synthetic. The rest, including Castrol Syntec, have switched to the cheaper/more profitable Group III (3) petroleum based "synthetic" motor oil. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are PAO based true synthetic motor oils with the exception of the short oil drain XL-7500 synthetic motor oils sold at some Auto Parts Stores and Quick Oil Change Centers. This leaves more than 20 PAO based true synthetic motor oils manufactured and marketed by AMSOIL with only 4 Group III (3) based synthetic motor oils identified by the "XL-7500" product name.
As more and more large oil companies switched their "synthetic" motor oils to the less expensive/more profitable Group III (3) base stocks it has become much easier to identify which are PAO based true synthetic. Of the large oil companies, only Mobil 1, as of this writing (12-15-2007), is still a PAO based true synthetic. The rest, including Castrol Syntec, have switched to the cheaper/more profitable Group III (3) petroleum based "synthetic" motor oil. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are PAO based true synthetic motor oils with the exception of the short oil drain XL-7500 synthetic motor oils sold at some Auto Parts Stores and Quick Oil Change Centers. This leaves more than 20 PAO based true synthetic motor oils manufactured and marketed by AMSOIL with only 4 Group III (3) based synthetic motor oils identified by the "XL-7500" product name.
So as you can see, the average performance of motor oils can be affected by how they change during their service life. Multi grade petroleum can lose viscosity and thin causing accelerated wear as the VI additives shear back. Straight weight petroleum (i.e. SAE 30, SAE 40) thicken a lot as they cool meaning longer time before lubricant reaches critical parts on cold starts, but have no VI additives so they resists thinning. However, they can degrade and thicken as heat and by products of combustion affect the unsaturated chemistry. Group III (3) synthetics resists this degradation much better, but being petroleum based employ some VI additives which is a negative and typically don't have as good performance in the volatility viscosity retention areas. Only the Group IV (4) PAO base synthetics have the saturated chemistry to resist degrading when exposed to the by products of combustion and heat, plus typically employ no VI additives making them very thermally stable for longer periods. For this reason the Group IV (4) synthetics maintain peak mileage and power throughout their service life
Modern motor oils are a marvel of chemistry to be sure. There are a lot more additives in play than the few mentioned here. The API (American Petroleum Institute - sets oil standards in the U.S.), ILSAC (International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee - U.S. & Japanese auto/truck manufacturers standards for motor oil) and ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles - European auto/truck manufacturer oil standards) are some of the different organizations you will see providing rating information on the service grades of different motor oils. Plus there are some auto manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen that have unique oil standards for their cars. You need to read your owner's manual clearly to be sure you are using the proper oil for your application.
Some of these organizations, such as the API and ILSAC, have reduced friction modifier amounts in order to extend the life of catalytic converters and reduce pollution. These will increase wear but will be still within the "acceptable wear" range. Because of the increased wear and expense of licensing these oils some companies will not certify for API & ILSAC in order to achieve a higher level of performance. People with older engines that do not have roller cams find these oils especially attractive to maintain a reduced level of engine wear. AMSOIL only has 5 motor oils certified for the API & ILSAC for this reason (the four XL-7500 Branded motor oils and the semi-synthetic 15W-40 PCO). The rest of the nearly 30 synthetic motor oils are not certified in order to maintain the higher levels of friction modifier to maintain the enhanced level of performance necessary for their targeted market. In other words, the less expensive motor oils made by AMSOIL are API & ILSAC certified while the high end more expensive performance motor oils are not. One reason companies like AMSOIL and Mobil are at odds with the reduced friction modifier standards is they don't take into consideration the reduced volatility of PAO based motor oils which leads to much less pollution and thereby less problems for the catalytic converter. Even with the full wear preventing additives these oils do not produce the pollution of petroleum motor oils. For this reason AMSOIL has left the friction modifier levels high and skips certification for these higher performing motor oils.
WHAT MAKES GTO "THE GREEN TECHNOLOGY OIL" ANY BETTER THAN AMSOIL OR MOBIL 1?
After reading and comprehending everything above... which we may also term as LEARNING.
We will now ask you to throw everything back in your head... this is also termed as UNLEARNING.
This is how our minds as OTG Guy work... and we aim to share it with you so you ca also LEARN the art of UNLEARNING for your own benefit.
With everything in the above foregoing items considered or shed in the light... GTO defies all these standards.
Yes we are packaging it as it is... Application wise... as an ADDITIVE. But itemwise... It actually is a replacement.
Unlike Viscousty Improver (VI)... GTO does not improve viscousity per se... although, it has that certain effect. It's not actually attracted to Petroleum based oils, It is more attracted to metals... It will blend with ay oil immediately, but it adheres to the metals, acting like a magnetic layer of fluid acting like a liquid bearing to lubricate - your lubrication. Using it in its pure or stronger concentrated form (like making a stronger GTO blended motor oil for your engine), will create an engine lubrication that isolates each metal to metal component, and even with prolonged use, the engine temperature will rise yet the oil temp. will remain stable and relatively cooler.
This is why GTO makes your old oil stable and break-down proof. Since the number 1 cause of Oil Break down and thinning is heat... GTO does not make the oil withstand heat... instead... it makes it a cool - non conductive oil under any condition, Including Overheating.
It is also the compression sealing ability (CSA) factor that makes GTO far superior than any oil existing in the world today. However, it is still too early to make this conclussion until we make it into NASCAR or Formula 1.
In conclussion; Mobil 1 and Amsoil are considered to be the worlds best motor oils so far because they took the PAO based fully synthetic oil road. GTO took a different road... a road less traveled... and we ended up where no one has ever been through before.
GTO is the only oil that can be used as both an additive and a replacement oil at the same time. It may need at least 30% mineral based oil dilution when used in winter to keep it from solidifying, since this is plant based oil it is normal for it to solidify at freezing temperatures, however, it is not really a problem when it is mixed with normal petroleum based oil.
It's doesn't matter what viscuosity index your present engine oil is, GTO can and will improve lubrication and detergency properties as well as reduce the abbrassion and wear particles in both size and number as it also improves the filters mesh size.
please see post on our DOST ETV oil analysis results both for diesel and gasoline test vehicles.
