Product Data Sheet question

[Dave P.]

I'm a little confused about some of the values presented to us by the oil companies on their data sheets. I know what to look for when it comes to Pour Points, Flash Points, NOACK, etc. What I don't know is how to interpret is the various entries related to viscosity.
They all show "vis @ 40C, vis @ 100C, CCS, MRV. What's better when it comes to these values? Thanks!

 

[jorton]

CCS and MRV viscosity show me if the product is conventional oil or synthetic. Or if the numbers "look like" conventional oil or synthetic. Synthetic oil shows much lower CCS and MRV numbers than conventional.

These viscosity numbers helped me choose Quaker State Defy for a recent oil change. I was looking for best price synthetic blend.

 

[virginoil]

Originally Posted By: dpaldino
I'm a little confused about some of the values presented to us by the oil companies on their data sheets. I know what to look for when it comes to Pour Points, Flash Points, NOACK, etc. What I don't know is how to interpret is the various entries related to viscosity.
They all show "vis @ 40C, vis @ 100C, CCS, MRV. What's better when it comes to these values? Thanks!


OEM / builders approvals as well meeting specs for ACEA and API where applicable.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: jorton
Synthetic oil shows much lower CCS and MRV numbers than conventional.

Usually, but not always. You can occasionally find some ringers when it comes to conventionals, particularly if that specific oil company's synthetic line is filled with ordinary, vanilla, Group III offerings.

Pour point and flash point can often give one a clue to base stocks, too. When I see a synthetic 5w-30 with a pour point of -36 C, I know all the Group IV and Group V base stocks were left on the shelf for the next product.

 

[1JZ_E46]

Holding 40 degree and 100 degree viscosities equal, lower NOACK, pour/flash points, and MRV/CCS viscosities would indicate a higher quality oil base stock, but not necessarily a better oil.