The other day I posted a topic about whether Havoline 5w-30 GF4 or Motorcraft 5w-30 GF4 would be better. I got some response but it got me to thinking about a related issue. The Havoline is a Grp II+ base and the Motorcraft is a Grp II / Grp III base oil. Now which if the Havoline has a supposedly lower quality base oil does it have to make it up with the adds and conversely does the supposedly superior base oil in the MC mean that they can skimp on the adds? So which is the more crucial piece, base oils or adds?
Base oil or Additives, which is more crucial?
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I'd have to make a wild-guess here, but my opinion would be along the lines of "the weakest link defines the strength of the chain".
In other words, a great base oil with a weak additive pack might be no better than a "crummy" base oil with the same additives. Similarly, a great additive pack in a crummy base oil might not outperform a ho-hum additive package in the same base.
I think that the conditions in the engine will attack the weakest part of the oil, additives or base, and either can be the downfall of a product.
Cheers
JJ
In other words, a great base oil with a weak additive pack might be no better than a "crummy" base oil with the same additives. Similarly, a great additive pack in a crummy base oil might not outperform a ho-hum additive package in the same base.
I think that the conditions in the engine will attack the weakest part of the oil, additives or base, and either can be the downfall of a product.
Cheers
JJ
IMO, the additives are the most important aspect of an oil, and can help crutch a lower tier base stock. I think that the superb performance of schaeffer's supreme supports this. I don't think that a great base stock can do that much with a crappy add pack (but I'm often wrong).
I say a better base can make a better potential oil. Then again it's showned with better or proper additives on can compensate in producing an excellent motor oil in it's application.
From ground up, I say it starts with the base and then the additives. Better additives better the oil.
From ground up, I say it starts with the base and then the additives. Better additives better the oil.
well you can run an engine on non detergent oil for atleast a little while. try running an engine on straight additive and see what happens and then decide which is more important.
Gotta be a good combo, this we have all seen.
GC, not a ton of adds, good oil. Must be the base oil.
The weakest link is a great analogy jaj.
GC, not a ton of adds, good oil. Must be the base oil.
The weakest link is a great analogy jaj.
As most of you have stated it is a balance (thats my opinion too but ...). Now is this a sliding balance? If you use the grp III type base how far can you cut the adds type of sliding scale. I wonder if it is something that you can chart? I suppose it isnt but there may be some "rules" or conventions in these matters.
No.
You can't formulate a usable motor oil that meets current API service categories with a lousy base stock. And you can't use a Group IV or V base stock to meet a current API service category without adequate additives.
That's why comparable motor oils sell for comparable prices, and why there are no oils selling for 50 cents a quart that rate an API service category, and why only Ferraris demand an oil that sells for $30 a quart.
If you have a better base you got a better oil to formulate with the additives. It's the base first and what makes a better oil with the additives.
Crypto nailed my opinion.
Are you guys running out of topics? How 'bout a modified question?
1 Is just API certified good enough for your engine or would you be willing to spend more money for a better oil?
2 Are you willing to change engine oil more often to ensure that your engine has the best protection?
3 What snake oil do you believe in enough to pour it into your engine
4 Do you believe in flushing or cleaning your engine with snake oil and if so what brand?
5 Which base stock is better, a four or a five?
6 Do you believe that one company is more careful than another about putting clean oil in clean bottles and getting fresh stock on the shelves?
1 Is just API certified good enough for your engine or would you be willing to spend more money for a better oil?
2 Are you willing to change engine oil more often to ensure that your engine has the best protection?
3 What snake oil do you believe in enough to pour it into your engine
4 Do you believe in flushing or cleaning your engine with snake oil and if so what brand?
5 Which base stock is better, a four or a five?
6 Do you believe that one company is more careful than another about putting clean oil in clean bottles and getting fresh stock on the shelves?
Larry what is your point here? Do you have opinion on the additives or base oil? Are you just trying to be humorous? hmmmm......
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=000602;p=1#000000
I posted a good article on this topic. Have fun.
I posted a good article on this topic. Have fun.
Ide say a good addiive pack would be the way to go... because the additives are what keeps things clean in the engine! less aditves, no matter how good the base stock is, still means youde have to change your oil more frequently.
A hundred years ago you could distill a fairly good basestock out of a good Pennsylvania crude. They didn't have much additives. Want to go back? Remember Kendal, the 2,000 mile oil?
It seems that VOAs show that better quality base stock oils use less additives.
Take anybodys dino, and compare it to their comparable synthetic offering.
They never seem to go full tilt with both components maxed out.
Maybe Redline...
Take anybodys dino, and compare it to their comparable synthetic offering.
They never seem to go full tilt with both components maxed out.
Maybe Redline...
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