Originally Posted by Direct_Rejection
My phone conversation with David Ward," the source of all knowledge" at HPL, was quite enjoyable. He shared a few things.
First, I told him I am considering 0w12 and 0w20, in addition to the spec'd 0W16.
He said to stay away from 0w12, per their testing, as it oxidizes quickly. If he had recommended 0W20, I would have used that, but he liked my choice of the 0W16 HD, for my circumstances.
I am using the appropriate very thin viscosity for my high tech engine, with its world class 41% thermal efficiency. Also as a mega- mile driver, I will benefit from the beefed up, enhanced additive package in using this heavy duty motor oil. My laser clad intake valves/seats and the piston ring region should remain relatively clean and free of wear for many hundreds of thousands of miles.
It is substantiated per David Ward that HPL is a high ester oil, with lots of polarity and calcium. To wit, David recommended that in order to establish a baseline, I should run a normal OCI, then draw a sample after 100 miles, on OCI #2. Then do UOAs with normal OCIs. What he essentially said is do not forget about the "scavenger effect," whereby metal particles on the surfaces are ultimately replaced by the bonded esters. Subsequent continual OCI's with this same high ester oil will inevitably yield great results.
David Ward also let me know that HPL uses the highest level of base stocks and additive components offered by Chevron. HPL does extensive in house testing, to get dialed in on their dosages and their blending. I am not shilling, just concluding that this is the correct oil for me, considering price, value, OCI, driving conditions, etc.
In conclusion, there will be no chasing of particles per million of Fe here, nor switching up of brands, formulas or grades. And by the way my TBN is a whopping 13.5 too. I am using this stuff and that is my final answer.
You're not going to find better customer support. Their products are top of the line.