quote:
If esters are so much better than PAO's why does Redline need so much moly
in it?
Again, there is widespread confusion among how the base oil functions, what are Friction Modifiers, and what is an Anti-Wear/EP modifier?
Ester make good Friction modifiers and mild Anti-Wear fluids, in addition to lowering pour point, and adding thermal stability to the base oil.
You need a good barrier additive that acts as a heavy duty AW and EP agent, such as Boron, MoTDC, or SnTDC, to keep things turning when the hydrodynamic film fails, engine wise. High levlels of Boron, Phosphorus, and Sulfur additives are needed for gear lubes and greases.
Each component in an oil has a specific purpose or set of purposes (as is the case for multifunctional base oils and additives).
Edit: I think in the near future you will see some HD AW/EP additives made purely of esters, without organometallic compounds. There are already some AW/EP esters out there, but are very expensive. If they can raise the production level and lower costs through improved processing, the cost will come down.
[ May 22, 2003, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]