Does low pour point indicate good synthetic base?

[DrRoughneck]

Q for you chemists/blenders: does a low pour point correlate to having a better synthetic base?

Given two different synthetic oils from two different manufacturers A and B of same viscosity, A's pour point is -39C and B's pour point is -51C.
Manufacturers don't disclose composition, only label each oil as "synthetic". Both oils are intended for the same application (gas engines).

Is the lower pour point of oil B a good "clue" that "B" has in fact a synthetic base of higher quality than A?

 

[Alfred_B]

Not necessarily.

 

[kschachn]

Better how? It generally indicates a higher percentage of PAO but as been shown that does not necessarily translate into a "better" oil.

 

[Solarent]

What is the viscosity grade?

 

[kschachn]

I was wondering, what is your PhD in?

 

[DrRoughneck]

Originally Posted By: Solarent
What is the viscosity grade?

It's a 5W30

 

[DrRoughneck]

Originally Posted By: kschachn
Better how? It generally indicates a higher percentage of PAO but as been shown that does not necessarily translate into a "better" oil.

That answers it, thanks.

 

[Solarent]

Originally Posted By: DrRoughneck
Originally Posted By: kschachn
Better how? It generally indicates a higher percentage of PAO but as been shown that does not necessarily translate into a "better" oil.

That answers it, thanks.


Yes I agree, especially with a 5W30. Either a higher concentration of PAO (more likely) or of a low viscosity Group III+

 

[Donald]

I think if you buy a name brand synthetic that meets the newer specs, your getting a good base and good additive package. Some do have a higher TBN for extended oil changes. The base is the last thing I would evaluate for a synthetic oil.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Many spec charts are inaccurate as well and never corrected by the manufacturer.
Listing the same specs across the board.

 

[MolaKule]

Originally Posted By: DrRoughneck
Q for you chemists/blenders: does a low pour point correlate to having a better synthetic base?

Given two different synthetic oils from two different manufacturers A and B of same viscosity, A's pour point is -39C and B's pour point is -51C.
Manufacturers don't disclose composition, only label each oil as "synthetic". Both oils are intended for the same application (gas engines).

Is the lower pour point of oil B a good "clue" that "B" has in fact a synthetic base of higher quality than A?


The answer is no, it does not necessarily track.

I can take a GroupII or III and add a sufficient amount of Pour Point Depressant (PDD) to hit target.

I can also use a small amount of PAO and/or ester with a Group II to lower Pour Point and use a very small amount of PPD.

I can take a mix of Group III, PAO, and ester and still have to add a PPD if the customer wants a low PP.

 

[Garak]

Mola, what would you say if a recently reformulated oil had its pour point rise by like 15 or more C, and the flash point fall through the floor?

 

[Jetronic]

removal of PAO and/or GrIV content and putting group III in it's place. Volatility likely went up aswell.

 

[Garak]

Yes, I had come to much the same conclusion myself, and my comment was mostly me muttering under my breath, just loud enough for a few to hear me.