Mobil must be feeling the competition.............

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
it is interesting to note that the "Grandfathers" of synthetic lubricants as we know them - the German lubricants Engineers - discontinued using the "four ball" test in 1941 after a short period of such testing

They designed a much better animal for this purpose 67 years ago!

Oh well..........................

 

[Pablo]

Quote:
ASTM D4172 - 94(2004)e1

This test method can be used to determine the relative wear preventive properties of lubricating fluids in sliding contact under the prescribed test conditions. No attempt has been made to correlate this test with balls in rolling contact. The user of this test method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for making a preliminary evaluation of the anti-wear properties of fluid lubricants in sliding contact by means of the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine. Evaluation of lubricating grease using the same machine is detailed in Test Method D 2266.


The test is still current.

 

[FZ1]

The truth is we really don't know which oil is best. So I limit my choices to Amsoil,Mobil 1 Extended Performance,PP,or motorcraft,and hope I'm gonna be O. K.

 

[buster]

Quote:
The user of this test method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines.


The problem with the 4-ball wear test, as it was explained to me, is the repeatability and lack of correlation between it and other extensive field testing. Results on used oil after a few hundred miles can radically change the results so testing "new" oil really doesn't help much. It's also not part of any ACEA/API testing requirement. That says something.

I asked several major oil makers about this test and they all dismissed it as being irrelevant for PCMO's. The test might have "it's place", but I'm not exactly sure what that is. It's more related to gear oils and EP additives I believe.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
Pablo - You said;

"The test is still current"

Maybe but which other Oil Company/Blender (other than Amsoil) uses the test for engine lubricants and any such results in their marketing?

Which engine manufacturer uses this test protocol as a precurser to obtaining their Approval?

 

[Pablo]

I have no idea.

 

[cheetahdriver]

doug,

i know, i know, i know (frantically waving his hand).

that would be... nobody

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
thanks cheetah............

Its all Turkey droppings Marketing - and that snares the largely uninformed and susceptable populace regarding lubricants

Just like "our oil is the best..........." (or 400000k OCIs as a regular possibility) which is actually believed by some purveyors

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: cheetahdriver
doug,

i know, i know, i know (frantically waving his hand).

that would be... nobody


So you know for a FACT the TRUTH that NO other oil companies use the 4-ball test in any form at any level?

 

[buster]

I think some may use it as a "guide" or other reason. It's just marketing. They all do it.

 

[cheetahdriver]

well, lets say that nobody who thinks their clients are smart enough to realize what the 4 ball test simulates.....which is the four ball apparatus, nothing more.

i have actually had a snake oil salesman bring a four ball apparatus to a factory that i was engineering manager of, but i think his company was out of business before he cleared the perimeter fence. the one who brought the "salesgirl" with the plunging neckline got more of my time (50 seconds vs 20) but neither got an order...