Castrol Syntec not really syntetic ???

[Accord2005NJ]

Hey, this is what I read on one of the posts in car and track oil forum. Is this true:?


The Castrol Syntec synthetic oil is actually just a much more thoroughly refined 'dino', coming from the same crude that all conventional 'dinos' come from. Even though their base stocks closely approach the performance of PAO synthetics, they still contain trace elements, and are still susceptible to the effects of temperature extremes that full synthetics are almost immune to. By the way, Castrol does not make their own oil. They never have. They don't even own a single refinery. Never have.

They simply but their base stocks from one of the commercial suppliers (Coastal-Unilube is one), buy a custom-blended additive package from an additive supplier, and have a bottler package and label it all for them. That doesn't mean that it isn't any good. It is very good. But in repeated testing, the Castrol products exhibit a wide variance in performance, the results of getting their products from many different suppliers. Syntec may be good, even excellent oil...but it sure ain't synthetic!

 

[StoicDude]

I would say that a search would do wonders.

First, since this is in the GC forum, GC, according to this forum, is the only Castrol that is PAO/ Ester blend and is truly a full synthetic.

Now for the other things. When you talk about temperature extremes, what are you really saying? Mobil 1 0w-40 is a "true " synthetic and it is constantly shearing down a grade.

And who cares who bottles these things as long as they perform.

Can you also show some facts ( I am too lazy to research this craziness) regarding variing performance.

If the oil works for you, you get good UOA numbers, and are satisfied with the price, who cares about all those things on top.

 

[Achilles]

"...who cares about all those things on top."

thats the difference between someone who cares about their race vehicle or everyday automobile, and someone who prefer replacing a busted motor because "...I am too lazy."

Just pulling your leg StoicDude (Loyal GC Member #2859)

 

[StoicDude]

The main thing that I am saying is that if you are getting good wer numbers and good performance from your oil, why does it matter so much if the oil is Groupe III or not?

I care about my car alot, and people look at me like I am crazy for all the things I do for the car, but the oil nonsense has to stop at some time.

What I am refering too is the constant "groups" fights.

I do understand the point of people getting upset over paying extra or same money for an oil that is groupe III and advertised as synthetic.

And no offense taken Achilles

 

[Accord2005NJ]

Hi,

I just copies and based the above from gen lubrication forum. I already used GC and have no problem with it.

Thx

 

[Accord2005NJ]

Thx all.

 

[speedtc]

Actually syntec (non gc) is made of group III syrup. Since it is not group IV it will never taste as good or coat the stomach like Mrs. butterworths! Also group IV syrups will taste better for longer intervals.

 

[nortones2]

However they put the package together, Castrol are a resarch based oil company, with extensive and expensive labs and engine test facilities here in the UK. So, its not quite a "paint by numbers" operation...

 

[OriginHacker21]

If you change your oil every 3,000 miles it really doesn't matter what oil you use because that oil will never really get used. (Obviously this does not apply for racing).

Synthetics come in handy when you are doing 10,000+ oil change intervals. In this case Castrol 0w30 is higher than a group III (thus a true synthetic) and that is why so many people like it.

I don't believe that the Castrol 5w30 Syntec is a true synthetic but it has a lot of additives making it a good oil - especially if you are only going to use it for 5,000 miles at a time.