Full synthetic vs Semi synthetic?

[fpracha]

Originally Posted By: Ken2
There are different qualities in synthetics and synthetic blends. While there is much talk about the use of Group III base oil, the so-called synthetic, as being inferior to PAO base oil, there is little talk about the different grades of Group III. The best G-III is very close to PAO in quality. The cheapest G-III is little better than Group II+. A syn blend oil can be top quality conventional base oil plus top quality syn, or it can be low quality conventional plus low quality G-III just to bring it up to minimum spec---and the label still calls it syn blend for marketing reasons and a price premium.
+1.

Originally Posted By: Ken2
So---think about your needs and buy a top brand oil that will best meet those needs. It matters little what they claim the oil is made from as long as the oil maker has a track record of excellent results. I'd rather use a top quality conventional oil (if it met my low temperature needs and other concerns) than a cheap syn blend or Full Synthetic from an oil maker I don't trust.
+1.
+1.
I would much rather pay more for quality than to cover big oil cos' marketing budgets.

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: Ken2

So---think about your needs and buy a top brand oil that will best meet those needs. It matters little what they claim the oil is made from as long as the oil maker has a track record of excellent results. I'd rather use a top quality conventional oil (if it met my low temperature needs and other concerns) than a cheap syn blend or Full Synthetic from an oil maker I don't trust.


Words to live by, Ken2! It's all about the synergy of the ingredients and the quality of the WHOLE product. Focusing on just one aspect as the end-all-be-all is a big mistake.

Not that I disagree with Will's choice of oil brand... fine products... but I would question the choice of a 15W40 over a 5W40, OW40 or even a 10W30 (which I use in my Ohio-based farm equipment and diesel powered vehicles). But that is not one of the windmills I tilt at regularly, so you are safe from my soapbox, Will (but you oughtta see me on the air filter forum! ( : < )

 

[Rob_Roy]

Will, can you tell us what you are running for equipment?

 

[fpracha]

Originally Posted By: TiredTrucker
I think the big labels are ripping people off. My local oil supplier brings me a syn blend that, according to their MSDS, has 40% synthetic. Delivered to my door, for free, in a 55 drum for just over $12 a gallon.

Hello, is it heavy diesel oil or a 5w ? So it's not a major brand and does it give u better fuel economy than a conventional oil ?

 

[TiredTrucker]

Originally Posted By: fpracha
Originally Posted By: TiredTrucker
I think the big labels are ripping people off. My local oil supplier brings me a syn blend that, according to their MSDS, has 40% synthetic. Delivered to my door, for free, in a 55 drum for just over $12 a gallon.

Hello, is it heavy diesel oil or a 5w ? So it's not a major brand and does it give u better fuel economy than a conventional oil ?


Of course it is an HDEO. I usually don't buy oil in 55 drums for my wife's car! I use it in a Cummins ISX in my semi. 822,000 miles on the engine now. Not sure about any mpg improvement. It is the same oil I have used in the truck since I bought it. Didn't feel the need to play "what if" games. At 11 gallons an oil change, I'll save the jumping back and forth between oils for the crowd that deals with a few quarts. The price was at or below any conventional oil off the shelf even at Walmart, so it made good business sense. Especially when they deliver for free and haul away the used oil for free. It is also going in my New Holland ag tractor and a couple of other pieces of equipment.

The source for the oil base is Motiva, same as all the big boys. And the add pack is supplied by Infineum. The oil is packaged for my supplier by Warren Distribution in Council Bluffs, IA. Got that from the VP of oil and lubrication at my supplier.

I just don't have the money I am paying for oil go to sponsor race cars, slick magazine ads, etc. I am basically paying for an oil that is similar to anything off the shelf, without all the fluff. Price is lower than what it would cost for a similar synblend at Walmart or farm and home outlet. And they don't deliver for free like my supplier. And I chose the synblend, I guess, simply because it was only $1 a gallon more than the supplier's conventional oil version. Figured I would get the best of both worlds for only a buck more.

 

[Ken2]

Motiva is a 50-50 refining deal between Royal Dutch Shell and Saudi Refining. They have three refineries on the Gulf Coast. Infineum is one of the four or five major additive suppliers in the world. Warren Distribution is an oil blender that produces Mag 1, Polar, Accel brand oils, Walmart's SuperTech, and other private label products.

TiredTrucker, it seems to be working well for you. My one suggestion...do oil analysis, and not just change the oil always by mileage. You don't change your tires without taking a close look at them; have a lab take a $25 close look at the oil coming out of your truck's engine. You might find that what you have is working fine and giving you the lowest cost per mile. Or, you might find that a higher priced oil run for more miles gives you lower costs for oil, filter, labor, and reduced engine wear. Let the lab give you this info.

 

[TiredTrucker]

I do used oil analysis, Ken. Oil samples look as good at over 800,000 miles as they did at 300,000. It must be working fine. Based on average UOA numbers, 25,000 miles on oil seems to be the right fit.

But it is almost a moot point. Truck getting sold when new truck shows up that is on order now.