There are lots of threads here where we discuss the benefits and pitfalls between group II, group III, and group IV based engine oils. Yesterday I came across a SAE paper (2001-01-1968) on diesel engine oils that concludes:
“Extended oil drains in 1995 Caterpillar 3406 and 1996 Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines found no statistical difference in fuel economy or wear between a synthetic SAE 5w40 and an SAE 15w40 using A.P.I. Group II base stocks……”
“Another study using 1999 Cummins N-14 engines found no statistical difference in fuel economy between a leading commercial synthetic SAE 5w40 and a leading SAE 15w40 using A.P.I. Group II base stocks plus a premium additive system…….”
“Based on used oil analysis from the 1999 Cummins N-14 field tests, a leading commercial synthetic SAE 5w40 had statistically higher wear than a leading SAE 15w40 using A.P.I. Group II base stock plus a premium additive system. Both had the same A.P.I. CH-4-SJ/CES 20076/Mack EO-M Plus quality level.”
The synthetic is a mix of 74.6% PAO, 0.4% Ester, and 25% Alkylated Naphthalene.
It continues with 14 pages of graphs and details. A few days ago I would have told people I thought Synthetic was better, but maybe not worth the price in many cases. So could the difference be in our minds?
“Extended oil drains in 1995 Caterpillar 3406 and 1996 Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines found no statistical difference in fuel economy or wear between a synthetic SAE 5w40 and an SAE 15w40 using A.P.I. Group II base stocks……”
“Another study using 1999 Cummins N-14 engines found no statistical difference in fuel economy between a leading commercial synthetic SAE 5w40 and a leading SAE 15w40 using A.P.I. Group II base stocks plus a premium additive system…….”
“Based on used oil analysis from the 1999 Cummins N-14 field tests, a leading commercial synthetic SAE 5w40 had statistically higher wear than a leading SAE 15w40 using A.P.I. Group II base stock plus a premium additive system. Both had the same A.P.I. CH-4-SJ/CES 20076/Mack EO-M Plus quality level.”
The synthetic is a mix of 74.6% PAO, 0.4% Ester, and 25% Alkylated Naphthalene.
It continues with 14 pages of graphs and details. A few days ago I would have told people I thought Synthetic was better, but maybe not worth the price in many cases. So could the difference be in our minds?