Bruce and other pro's here have stated numerous times that oils are actually blends of different base oils. They are not homogeneous as Dr. Haas seems to indicate. This influences the behavior of the finished lubricant.
He mentions ONCE in his article about wax crystal formation. What he DOESN'T mention is Pour Point Depressant (PPD) and it's affect on the lubricant. These additives completely blow the idea of oils starting as the winter rating. These improve the cold flow of the oil, VII or not. Just about ANY hydrocarbon based motor oil will use these, especially those for cold weather.
You'd have to look at a blend sheet to verify that synthetic 10w30's don't use VII. I've never seen one. I'd bet that most do use some.
If base oil doesn't degrade, then why do we test for oxidation and nitration?
And motor oil becoming "permanently" thicker due to cold weather or storage?? First I have heard of it. No rational is given for this statement.
He also states that the more viscous start up oil won't lubricate. That is completely nuts. There will still be oil in the bearings left from the previous run. There are plenty of GREASE lubricated bearings with NO pressure or flow to them, and yet they seem to last.
IF your oil has turned to gel and won't flow at all, then you have problems.
He completely ignores the effect of low start up temps on the AW additives which are the components that really stop wear...at start up or other.
This article is riddled with inaccuracies.
