Amsoil ASL 5w-30 -- Two different formulations?

[92saturnsl2]

I recently ordered a gallon of ASL 5w30, listed on Amsoils website. The following applications were listed:
* API SM/CF, SL, SJ ...
* ILSAC GF-4- 3 ...
* ACEA A5/B5-04
* JASO VTW
* GM 4718M, 6094M
* Ford WSS M2C929-A
* Daimler Chrysler MS-6395N
* VW 503.00

I noticed the HTHS viscosity was 3.2 as such it does not meet VW 502 specs.

The bottle I received seems to be a different (perhaps older) formulation entirely. In the applications it does not mention API SM/GF-4 approval, and it does include the VW 502 spec suggesting HTHS of >3.5. On the back of the bottle shows product code ASL-1G. What gives?

I chose this oil due to the product specs listed on Amsoils website for this oil. I wanted something with the emphasis on a thin 30 weight, however the product I received suggests that this is not that case. I'm thinking that this variant is a thick 30 weight since it meets the VW 502 spec of HTHS >3.5.

Does anyone have the published specs for this formulation, or know whether it is different from the one on Amsoil's website? Thanks in advance.

 

[cfromc]

I've heard that Amsoil uses the remaining (old) bottles and packaging even though a formulation has changed. I don't know if that's what happened with you, but it may be a possibility.

 

[JavaMan]

I'm don't know what Amsoil does, but, if oil X is not API Certified what is the company required to do?

 

[Pablo]

You ordered ASL1G. This simply means ASL in a 1 Gallon container.

You can be assured it's the latest SM formula, which is the updated web site specification. This formula has been out for some time (almost a year by now).

 

[92saturnsl2]

Good to hear.. Looks like quality stuff.

FWIW, the UPS guy left the package on the porch to sit there all day... I doubt if it reached 30 degrees today. And the oil was still quite fluid and "sloshed" around nicely. Hardly a test by any means, but worth noting.

 

[Pablo]

The product was packaged on September 14, 2006.