Castrol Magnatec, no API donut

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Jul 13, 2025
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Philippines
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made in malaysia. castrol is reputable so this is ok to use right?

also what does "synthetic technology" mean here? group II ?
 
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Not a U.S. marketed product. ACEA A3/B4 So high HTHS Full saps lubricant which should make for a great HD all rounder.

The proof is in the running not parsing tech tidbits. Use with confidence. What engine again? You asked the forum to choose between two oils a few days ago, I guess this one came out ahead.

Magnetec = Great Product
ACEA A3/B4 Great oil spec.

What's the worry?
 
Castrol self-certifies that it meets API SP spec and I wouldn't hesitate to trust a company like Castrol. They aren't going to pay for the donut in countries that typically don't care about "American" specs though. I am surprised they don't list at least a JASO spec.
 
also what does "synthetic technology" mean here? group II ?
It means what they want it to mean. If I were to guess I would say it is a high(er) VI non-hydrocracked oil much like Chevron sells.

Technology improves, if you want an ACEA A3/B4 oil then go for it. That’s your marker of proven performance.
 
It is tricky since OP is in Asian Country which have oil sold in that region.
They have different labeling standard and viscosity standard.

I don't see why you cannot use the oil.

FYI, API is American Petroleum Institute which is a standard here in the US.
Not sure what standard is used in Asian countries.
 
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It is tricky since OP is in Asian Country which have oil sold in that region.
They have different labeling standard and viscosity standard.

I don't see why you cannot use the oil.

FYI, API is American Petroleum Institute which is a standard here in the US.
Not sure what standard is used in Asian countries.
Just hazarding a guess: API/ILSAC
The "I" in ILSAC stands for International
++++++++++++++++++++++++

p.s.: But maybe that justs for U.S. RC wants/needs.
Obviously not helpful here today, LOL.
 
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It's probably fine but I'm not sure what the rules are in the Phillipines.
 
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We also get Castrol Magnatec 10W30 in Australia. I've used it before, back when it was SN and A3/B4, and I liked it, very smooth. This is the new stuff API SP & Euro A3/B4.

Nothing in Australia gets an API donut. None of the brands use it, I got some Valvoline the other day and it didn't have an API donut on it, yet it's SP rated. Listed in the information on the back.

By synthetic technology they mean semi-synthetic. A blend of mineral and synthetic base oils.

I like Castrol Magnatec 10W30, I've used it before. I would use it again.
 
Your from the Philippines. Does your oil normally have the API certification?

I believe ACEA A3/B4 is still a current Euro spec. What are you planning on pouring it into?

yes. right now i've got in my stash some repsol, xteer (hyundai oilbank), accel (warren). they all got the api donut

the magnatec will be going into non-turbo non-DI honda L15 and suzuki K15B engines
 
I doubt there is any synthetic base used, at least not according to the SDS I saw for the product. Mostly hydrogen-saturated (hydrotreated) and some solvent dewaxed base.

Solvent dewaxing is Group-I, if used it would most likely be as a carrier for the additive package, not the base oil. Hydrotreated is Group-II. Both are conventional bases.

In Australia the Magnatec 10W30 is called "Part Synthetic" by Castrol, which I take to be Group-II and Group-III base. They also sell a Magnatec 5W30 which is called "Full Synthetic" by Castrol, which I take to be all Group-III. Both carry the same specs of API SP and ACEA A3/B4.

When it comes to fire fighting or environmental safety, which is what a SDS is about, a Group-II fire/spill would be treated the same as a Group-III fire/spill. SDS is an emergency protocol not a manufacturer recipe.

More than likely this is the same product as sold in Australia, which is semi-synthetic, just with a different front label terminology for local language variation.
 
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