API 'backwards compatability' a big lie???

[mongo161]

Some people must have nice big stashes of SJ, SL oils to make sure that they never run out of the oil needed for their older vehicles.

Now that would make sense....if you can find these oils! I've only seen the Castrol Diesel in quarts and in the Gallon Tection Jugs in SL at Kmart's on clearance. These "Older" white bottles of 15w40 would be a nice way to start building a stash. Most were reduced down to $.99 a quart. I'm sure the oils are fine since they have been kept in a temperature controlled environment like Kmart for quite a few years.


The only other oil that I've seen, that might qualify, would be the German Castrol. That is still a API-SL oil. Maybe a blend of the two oils would suffice?

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
We know that the API has lowered the amount of Zinc and Phosphorus anti-wear additives in newer oils. Oil compnies and the API claim that newer anti-wear additives make up for the reduced Zn/Ph in newer oils.

So, if that is the case, WHY do some oil companies, many professional engine builders, and others push for, and assert, that older engines need high-Zn/Ph oils? The market for 'high zinc' oils keeps growing all the time, and there has been no real effort by the API to stop it, or get help stopping it.


As others have pointed out, it's the API's job to deal with current specifications, and not police older specifications. Further, oil isn't regulated quite as tightly as gasoline. It's perfectly legal to sell oil with older specifications, and can be done without much issue, assuming the product isn't a sham and it's properly labelled, whereas if you try to open a gas station and sell leaded gas in Canada or the States, you're going to run into trouble.

As for the reason behind this being an issue and such oils being marketed, it's probably a combination of truth and profit motive. I don't doubt that some older engines benefit from extra ZDDP. Some people with such engines want extra ZDDP. Hence, some companies sell oil with elevated levels (non API rated) or ZDDP additives.

I find it kind of nice that things like QS Defy are coming out. The old F-150 might benefit from higher ZDDP levels, and it's nice to be able to get them without resorting to additives or boutique oils or something in the 40 grade or going to clearance events and estate sales.

As tig1 demonstrated ages ago, and my dad did as well, 40 weights are not needed for 1960s and 1970s vintage engines. If I want something in the 30 grade with extra ZDDP for my old F-150, why should I have to pay more for two oil changes than what a cam and lifter replacement cost in the first place?

 

[ledslinger]

To stoke a potential conspiracy theory, if the EPA was involved in oil specifications, they would likely want an oil that made low polluting new cars run for a long time, and if older higher polluting cars wore quickly, that's OK.