Does GF-5 trump GF-3 with a polorized ester?

[Funster226]

Specifically, given 5w20 grade and comparable synthetic base stock, would a new gf-5 spec oil provide equal shock load protection to a gf-3 grade oil that includes a polorized ester?

The wear, engine cleanliness, and fuel economy specs rate higher with the new gf-5 however, according to this site, RP uses a bonding ester to prevent metal on metal contact but is that really better?

Better enough to miss out on the benefits of gf-5?

Am i talking rubbish?

 

[dtt004]

Hi.

Analyzing the molecular structure of an ester:

R----O----R'

We can see that the oxygen atom, is the most electronegative, so it wants to pull electrons towards it. That makes it a POLAR molecule, with the dipole moment towards oxygen. Since it is POLAR, it is soluble in water. However, that changes with the number of carbon atoms added to the chain.

What this means is that esters are polar, so there is no such thing as a polarized ester. It is already polar. It cannot be made polar.

A motor oil, regardless of composition, was formulated to prevent direct metal-metal contact. If a motor oil didn't do it, your engine would break.

I am sure Royal Purple is good oil. But bonding ester is simply a marketing term, as is the tagline that says it prevents metal-metal contact.

Because a motor oil's job is to do that.

 

[pzev]

RP isn't the only oil using Ester's either, though I can't comment on the specific ester type RP uses...whatever it is, I pretty sure its what they are referring to with their "synerlec" advertising.

Anyways, IMO I would prefer the oil that has successfully past the greatest, and the most recent manufacturer and industry tests. GF-5 and API SN are the two latest and greatest, and from what I have read, they offer nothing but improvements over GF-4 and SM. Now that isn't to say boutique oils that forgo the ratings couldn't meet or exceed the specified performance level, but you are dependent on the word of the manufacturer...and as we all know, companies don't necessarily tell the truth. But that's getting a bit to "conspiracy theory" for me....so its probably time to end this post.

 

[ltslimjim]

As regards RP, it may not matter soon if their new lineup is introduced in a matter of months. Then, if any clearance sale happens I'm sure most current users will gobble the 'old' API SL up. New car? I'd be concerned about using it due to warranty concerns. Anything else? I'd use their current oil no question, especially if a clearance happens this summer.

 

[Steve S]

For most all applications any quality name brand oil of the proper rating is all that is needed.

 

[Funster226]

Excellent info all. Thank you.