API Starbust vs. API Sx

[HondaMan]

A very nice discussion in another thread re: ACEA B vs. E has me wondering similarly:

Why are the auto makers only asking owners to look for weight AND the API Starburst symbol?
I know Honda states the look for the Starburst symbol and 5w-20 .... GM says look for Starburst, 5w30 and their pump spec (or pump+Vett).

Why not state as in the older days,,,, 'Look for API Sx rated oil.'???

What is on my mind for example are the new CJ-4s like Rotella 10w30 which I presently run in my BMW.

If GM stated look for an API Rated SM oil, other than the pump spec., the Rotella would be fine in my new Silverado. But the Rotella CJ-4 product does not of course have the API Starburst seal.

Or asked or thought of another way, is the API Starburst rating more important than the newest API Sx rating when it comes to selection and specification by the auto makers?

 

[crinkles]

Even though all oils get the SM or whatever on the bottle saying htey meet AP SJ/SL/SM down here you'll be hard pressed to find anyone bothering to put the starburst on the bottle..

 

[Johnny]

You will only find the starburst on the xxW-20 and W-30 oils. Any oil with the starburst will meet the warranty requirements of all American and Asian made cars sold in North America.

In other words HondaMan, GM does not want you to run 5W-40 in your gasoline powered Silverado.

 

[HondaMan]

Johnny,

In this case this is why I mentioned Rotella 10w30 ... API SM rated ... No Starburst.

 

[jorton]

Manufacturers certify gasoline powered passenger cars and trucks with energy conserving motor oil for the CAFE points.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

The oils formulated to meet ISLAC enrgy conserving standards are friction modified to provide superior fuel economy. They are also formulated with not only lessphosporous but it appears they are working on less violitile P. This will help the emissions system last longer. Why is this important?

1> I like to breath cleaner air.
2. Manufacturers must warranty the emmisions equipment for a long long time so they require you to use an oil that will not prematurely cause a vehicle to fail emissions testing.

So. If they say that you must use ILSAC starburst energy conserving oil and you would like that emissions to be covered.. I have a great theory on how to assure you are covered. USe the recomended oil.

 

[Quest]

Also: 5W20 are already star-bursted to begin with, and most likely bears the latest ILSAC ratings (GF-3/GF-4) and API SL or SM rated already.

So by calling for 5W20 and starburst(energy savings), you as a consumer can't be too far off.

Q.

p.s. Dunno much about GeeAm 5W30 ratings.

 

[crinkles]

So is it correct that the starburst is for API ILSAC motor oil? GF3 or GF4.

if it is API only it would only have the API service symbol - the donut, with visc is the centre

the only oil I've seen to have the starburst here is havoline 10w30 semi synth.

But, many oils here are ILSAC GF3/4 but it is noted in writing only. For eaxmple
Durablend 10w30
Mobil 1 10w30

These are but 2 examples.

Perhaps they don't use them here because people would have no clue.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Yes the GF3 and GF4 must meet energy conserving guidelines. Meeting the latest ILSAC ratings is energy conserving grades that can meet this are now 0w20, 5w20, 0w30, 5w30 and 10w30. You will find no 40 wt or higher with the designtation. THe starburst is a ILSAC symbol. The starburst is probably not an official designation in australia by the manufactureres. The oil marketers probably don't bother to use it even if it would apply as it is probably meaningless to what they are looking for. Oils that don't meet this are simply APU sm etc.
For the most part an api rating SL SM ec.. indicates an arbritrary limit on zddp.

 

[HondaMan]

Perhaps as I am understanding I should have titled the thread:

ILSAC vs. API Sx

ILSAC=Starburst
API SM does not equal Starburst

A 5w30 weight can be both .... or only only API Sx rated, and without Starburst and thus 'Non Energy Conserving'. Correct?

Now, I assume this to have been asked before:
What does the ILSAC rating/approval add or detract from, in this specific case, a xW-30 API SM rated motor oil?

 

[Bryanccfshr]

ILSAC oils have been tested and passed these test whle API oils meet arbritrary additive limitrations.
http://www.swri.org/4org/d08/GasTests/home.htm

Go down to GF4 for current specs.

To me ILSAC ratings are an assurance of a defined level of performance. The formula has been tested and meets the standards.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

ZTo add an afterthought. What I am trying to illustrate is thatthe ILSAC designation not only helps with fuel economy and emissions equipment protection, as the tests show it assures a minimum level of Performance using standardized testing.
Not only about CAFE or about Emissions equipment, they are trying to make sure the oil you use in the vehicle performs well enough to protect it.