Odd question

[53' Stude]

So I was reading some here via a Google search about private label brands. Has anyone ran say Super Tech, NAPA etc and noticed if you look down the fill hole any black stuff, varnish or bad stuff there? Seems the more I read on here people think that oils that are not PYB, QSGB, Smittys super S, MS5K then these "private label oils" don't have a great add pack. Thank you folks in advance

 

[dlundblad]

These oils have enough additives to meet the current API rating.

That is not to say there arent "better" options as far as wear, detergent levels, price etc., but in a clean engine, I see no issues in running anything API SN rated.

I feel that most of the time, name brand isnt that much more so that is why people run to it. Myself included.

 

[53' Stude]

Yeah, from the reading via Google search it seemed people were bashing anything not "brand name". Heavens; when I went 8,900.2 thousand miles and took a peek they the 97' Cavalier fill hole it looked like clean metal and some film of oil, nothing bad. That was with Smittys Supwr S 10w30 too. I really don't see any problems with stuff like NAPA, WPP, and Parts Master oil even "monarch" that's SOPUS made. I can get some of this oil cheap too

 

[CT8]

To meet a spec lets say SN.it has to have the proper base stock blend and additive package.

 

[53' Stude]

True. Yeah, I know quite a few old ills that use ST or Napa brand in stuff without issue.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

If it meets SN, it can't be too bad. Doesn't matter if it's Autozone SN or Walmart SN ... oh, wait, those are the same project!

 

[cat843]

Looking down the oil cap hole is not a good test of much.

If it was some unheard of brand at the dollar store that was SN rated one might wonder if it was really SN rated.

 

[53' Stude]

Well, it was a member here that said he "saw" some black film while looking thru the fill hole. Dunno how true. TIG1's pics of his valve train are re assuring I do believe

 

[Justin251]

I usually research oil before I buy if it's a brand name I hadn't heard of before.

Like smitty's super S. PQIA did a report on them and they are ok.

But there is a bunch that aren't ok or they are selling oil that meets and outdated standard (like SB or SH) and aren't compatible with today's automobiles.

I think the outdated standards are the biggest threat to getting bad motor oil. It's cheaper to meet the old ones.

 

[53' Stude]

Justin251: thanks for the info. Surprised you aren't using MC 5w30 blend in your ranger

 

[Nyogtha]

Personally, I like the National (Pinnacle) conventional oil at Menard's. Picked up three 5 qt. jugs a while back when it was on sale for $7.99 / jug. Menard's no longer stocks the jugs but individual quarts are just over $2, and when there's the 11% rebate on everything, it's right at $2 / qt. So less expensive than Supertech conventional.

Compare the PQIA data vs. PP, PPPP, & QSUD synthetics. Just a tad less trinuclear moly and higher NOACK (remember the National Pinnacle is conventional). I'm not NOACKaphobic as the two runs of this in my Ram 5.7l during the warmer months of the year showed no losses when it came time to drain.

http://www.pqiamerica.com/June 2014/pinnational.htm

Meets many OEM requirements per the sell sheet, including MS6395 for my application (which is still under warranty).

http://www.pinnoil.com/pdf/salesinfo/Sell_Sheet_Premium.pdf

However I've obtained quite a bit of QSUD for $0.99 / qt. after rebate as well as some PPPP for $1 / qt. or less after rebate so I'm running synthetic now.

 

[53' Stude]

Thank you for the links Nyogtha. And for the valuable info good sir

 

[Nyogtha]

Although I can't drink alcohol, I'll post this up.

I follow your filter C&P's. Good info there.

 

[53' Stude]

Thank you sir

 

[Justin251]

Originally Posted By: car51
Justin251: thanks for the info. Surprised you aren't using MC 5w30 blend in your ranger

Did for a long time. This was just cheap and I needed to use it.

 

[53' Stude]

LOL! Yep, $8.99 sale 5qt jug hard to beat

 

[BrocLuno]

Napa oils get bought by field mechanics when they pick up parts for any project they are working on. A LOT of Napa oil is installed in repaired equipment... I've never heard of a mechanical failure form any of this stuff. Napa is big enough to get sued by say a corp rancher or equal if there were an issue. Just does not happen ...

I dunno about ST and Wally world, but I suspect it's about the same... If it's from a national house, it's likely OK

Regional oils and specialty lubes need a bit more investigation. But that's what PQIA data is for

 

[53' Stude]

Thanks BrocLuno for the advice and info sir