Co-op Sonic Gold SL 0W-30

[Uregina09]

Hi guys,

I was at my local Co-op home centre in Regina, Saskatchewan and noticed Co-op Sonic Gold SL 0w30 oil on the shelf. The description states that this is a 100% PAO based synthetic gasoline engine oil. It goes on to state that the oil "meets the performance of GF-4/SM", but is not API-rated, unlike other Co-op branded oils.

http://www.sherwoodco-op.com/products/prod_sonic_gold.php

I was thinking of using this in my 2007 Toyota Sienna and 2007 Subaru Legacy. Does anyone have experience with this oil? Anyone know why it does not have the API starburst symbol, unlike Co-op's other gasoline engine oils? The spec sheet does not provide a lot of information - anyone know where to find additional sepcifications? The pour point makes it look like a decent option for our cold prairie winters.

Thanks

 

[dparm]

Small outfits generally do not like spending the money for the starburst symbol. It's PAO heavy which is a good sign. If you want, buy a bottle and send out a sample for analysis to Dyson or Blackstone.

 

[chubbs1]

100% PAO? I wonder how they blended the additives in PAO which is horrible at solvency of AW/Detergents not to mention seal compatibility. I would try to get another 0w30. PAO is a great low temp oil, what have you been using up to this point? If it has been working well stick with it. PAO by itself is not the best engine oil.

 

[Uregina09]

As far as I can tell, all other Co-op gas engine lubes are API-certified. This is the one exception.

I currently use Toyota-brand 0W-20 in my Sienna and Valvoline SynPower 5w30 in the Subaru. I've used Esso XD3 OW-30 a lot in the past, and currently use it in my Subaru-powered snowblower, pressure washer, lawnmower, etc. The Co-op has a large refinery here in Regina, and thought I'd inquire about their synthetic oil. Thanks for the responses guys, guess I can always send a sample in for a VOA.

 

[dparm]

I doubt it's 100% PAO. Their basestocks are probably 100% PAO but I'm fairly certain there's other things mixed in there.

 

[rshunter]

This is another example of how language can lead people to incorrect conclusions, which marketing types love. You'll notice that the materials state that the oil is "100% PAO based". The thing is that most people ignore the word "based", and its meaning.

The MSDS tells us a little more, with an accent on the word little. It gives us a range of 60-100% base oil, and I'd put money down that the actual amount is going to be closer to the lower end. You've got to love the accuracy on these things...

 

[unDummy]

I'd use it. Skip the VOA. Take it for a run and get a used oil analysis instead.

Guys, quit overdoing the 100% synthetic claim. That means the base oils are. Thats it. No biggie. Nothing new in the world of oils. From their website, SONIC GOLD SL 0W30 is a 100% PAO based synthetic gasoline engine oil.

 

[bluestream]

Its the same stuff as the Esso 0W30 as I recall. Check Imperial oil site for the specs

 

[21Rouge]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Its the same stuff as the Esso 0W30 as I recall. Check Imperial oil site for the specs


Don't think so as XD (the only Esso 0W30 that I am aware of) is clearly advertised as an HDEO with a CJ-4 rating and none of the specs agree.

http://www.esso.ca/Canada-English/Files/Products_Lubes/IOCAENCVLESEsso_Xd-3_extra.pdf

Having said that it does look like a high quality oil probably very good for cold weather climates. I did inquire about this oil a while back and as I recall it was not available east of....Manitoba. I guess one could consider it a prairie product

.

 

[CATERHAM]

Yeah, I looked into CO-OP's oils a year or so ago when they inadvertently published the VI as being an incredible 240 or something like that.
Did some research and discovered their 0W-30's VI was only a more normal 170 IIRC and their stat's were not as good as ESSO's and as 21Rouge said there not available east of Manitoba. At that point we dismissed them as an interesting oil.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: 21Rouge
Having said that it does look like a high quality oil probably very good for cold weather climates. I did inquire about this oil a while back and as I recall it was not available east of....Manitoba. I guess one could consider it a prairie product.


I don't doubt it's good oil. From my perspective, living out here, while it's tempting to buy "local," as it were, Co-op oils aren't all that competitively priced. They very well might be when one buys in the 5 gallon pail, where available, but buying by quarts, or even the jug, isn't all that cheap.