More uniform molecules = less friction

[Merkava_4]

That image is from Mobil 1. The synthetic oil molecules on the left are all the exact same size, while the conventional oil molecules on the right are a haphazard convolution of different sized molecules. That image illustrates pretty well how synthetic oil would lubricate better since the molecules are all the same size. You guys that are running conventional oil, are you concerned about this?

Link To Page

 

[dave1251]

No.

You should not be either because uniformed molecules could cause more noise. Because there is more noise your engine could not be properly lubricated.

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4

You guys that are running conventional oil, are you concerned about this?

Link To Page


No, if my cars gotten so old I'm running conventional I'm probably more worried about the Atx taking a dump.

 

[artificialist]

I once saw a similar picture at a Ford dealership, it was either 2007 or 2008

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
You guys that are running conventional oil, are you concerned about this?

No, I'm not concerned about exaggerated pictorials.

Besides, slightly different molecule sizes does not automatically translate into "lubricate better" in a meaningful way apart from some specific cases such as very low start up temps or unusually high running temps (at the track).

But yeah, synthetics have their benefits, for sure. I just don't want some to draw the wrong conclusions here.

 

[NHGUY]

Pennzoil.....its like liquid ball bearings.

 

[Clevy]

Considering that the metal parts aren't uniform I think I'd prefer different sizes. Less leaks too

 

[Shannow]

Stupid analogy, only marginally better than square/round molecules.

 

[fdcg27]

Why don't you try emailing this to the guys on the conventional side of the XOM lube oil marketing house?
Just don't tell them where you found it.
Let us know what they have to say about it.
The fishing might be more entertaining there than here.
In fact, I'm sure it would be and I'd love to see you get a peeing contest going between the conventional and synthetic guys of the same brand.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Why don't you try emailing this to the guys on the conventional side of the XOM lube oil marketing house?
Just don't tell them where you found it.
Let us know what they have to say about it.
The fishing might be more entertaining there than here.
In fact, I'm sure it would be and I'd love to see you get a peeing contest going between the conventional and synthetic guys of the same brand.


Actually you are a little late. In oil comparisons between XMs M1 and conventional oil, they already compare M1 to their own conventional oil. All the same lab.



Another example of molecules of M1 synthetic compared to convential.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Mobil_1_Wear_Prevention.aspx

 

[fdcg27]

You're missing the point.
Email the silly graphic blind to the conventional lube guys and see what they have to say about it.
It would be both fun and easy to tie the two marketing groups in knots of illogic.
M1 is just a product of a large and diversified producer, refiner and marketer of petroleum products.
No more, no less.

 

[gathermewool]

Those don't look like molecules I've ever seen...

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
You're missing the point.
Email the silly graphic blind to the conventional lube guys and see what they have to say about it.
It would be both fun and easy to tie the two marketing groups in knots of illogic.
M1 is just a product of a large and diversified producer, refiner and marketer of petroleum products.
No more, no less.


You say" it would be both fun and easy to tie the two marketing groups in knots of illogic". How so? Another hypothrtical that can't be proven.

Yes, M1 is a very successful brand within a very successful American company. We agree on that. Hopefully more American companies will proper.

 

[fdcg27]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Those don't look like molecules I've ever seen...


Maybe not, but if the M1 folks portray them as you see them here, then that must be what molecules really look like.
Ask tig.
The M1 promos can't be wrong.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Those don't look like molecules I've ever seen...


Maybe not, but if the M1 folks portray them as you see them here, then that must be what molecules really look like.
Ask tig.
The M1 promos can't be wrong.


And other synthetic oil producers inform the public of the various benifits of synthetic oil as well. I remember in the mid 70s that I first learned of the molecule advantage in synthetic oil from an Amsoil lecture I was invited to. This is BITOG. We all strive to learn more about oils.

 

[ShotGun429]

what about a syn. blend?? am i ruining my engine useing it? big molecules, and uniform molecules together. My engines were doing so well until i read this. Gregg

 

[JAG]

That graphic is bogus because M1 contains a blend of different base oils that are in some cases very different in molecule size. Studies have shown that this is more than ok...it can be advantageous.

 

[KrisZ]

Those must be some huge molecules if the metal surface appears flat when compared to them. How are they to fill in surface imperfections then? That's exactly the job of lubricant. So if M1 cannot do it, it's a mighty poor lubricant and it perfectly explains elevated iron levels

 

[mcrn]

I like how it shows some metal being off kilter due to the different size molecules....im sure the metal in an engine would do the same. lol

 

[JHZR2]

That picture is truly stupid. Believable only to those who don't know what they are talking about.

Synthesis processes still create a wide distribution of molecular weights, so you can get products from small molecules to heavy waxes. Hydro treating or distillation gets a narrower range, but there is never a truly singular molecule or molecular weight.

Sure, there are no aromatics, and the ratio of linear and branched molecules, single or double bonds, etc will be different, with the products more uniform, but practically speaking it will still look like the picture on the right.