PU Oil Dates

[dave1251]

Originally Posted By: Dwight_Frye
Originally Posted By: Darren270
Quote:
I just purchased two sealed cases of 6 qts, 5w30 weight Ultra. Curious, I checked the date codes and all the bottles are dated March 2012... What do I have, SM or SN and does it matter ?


Doesn't it say on the API symbol printed on the bottle?


There is no API symbol on the bottle nor mention of API anywhere. It says Ultra "Euro L" Specially Formulated for European Vehicles. Meets or exceeds the requirements of ACEA A3/83/84 ACEA C2 & C3, BMW LL-04 MB Approval 228.51, VW 504 00/507 00, Chrysler MS-11106.
What the heck is this stuff ? I bought it from Amazon.com


You got a European formulation oil.

 

[richport29]

Originally Posted By: dave1251
Originally Posted By: Dwight_Frye
Originally Posted By: Darren270
Quote:
I just purchased two sealed cases of 6 qts, 5w30 weight Ultra. Curious, I checked the date codes and all the bottles are dated March 2012... What do I have, SM or SN and does it matter ?


Doesn't it say on the API symbol printed on the bottle?


There is no API symbol on the bottle nor mention of API anywhere. It says Ultra "Euro L" Specially Formulated for European Vehicles. Meets or exceeds the requirements of ACEA A3/83/84 ACEA C2 & C3, BMW LL-04 MB Approval 228.51, VW 504 00/507 00, Chrysler MS-11106.
What the heck is this stuff ? I bought it from Amazon.com


You got a European formulation oil.


The PDS for the Euro L isn't nearly as impressive as the SN stuff. Mind you it is from Feb 2012..

http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC_X_cbe_24855_key_140007054903_20120227110_5.pdf

 

[crazyoildude]

i dont like to buy oil if there is no date on the container

 

[Dwight_Frye]

The Walmarts in SouCal no longer carry Ultra and will not bring it in for store pick up. I couldn't find any left on the shelf so I ended up ordering from Amazon, fully expecting to get current 2013 date SN grade Ultra. With the rebate it comes out to $7.35 per quart delivered. Cheaper than the current price of $11.78 per qt. for the Redline 5w30 I have been using. It doesn't look like Amazon carries the US spec Ultra by the 5.1 qt. jug or 6 qt. case in the 5w30 weight or I would return it. I guess I'll just use it up, I'm sure it's good oil for the money.

 

[351mustang65]

Just picked mine up and it is all dated in 2012 and is the SN Formula. The guy working there told me I was lucky I got the last 6 quarts they had.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Dwight_Frye
I couldn't find any left on the shelf so I ended up ordering from Amazon, fully expecting to get current 2013 date SN grade Ultra. With the rebate it comes out to $7.35 per quart delivered.

As I've mentioned before, you guys may want to try a Shell distributor. My Imperial Oil distributor can beat the price you quoted for PU on their top HDEO synthetic by a significant margin, and I'm in Canada, where we tend to have much higher prices.

 

[richport29]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Dwight_Frye
I couldn't find any left on the shelf so I ended up ordering from Amazon, fully expecting to get current 2013 date SN grade Ultra. With the rebate it comes out to $7.35 per quart delivered.

As I've mentioned before, you guys may want to try a Shell distributor. My Imperial Oil distributor can beat the price you quoted for PU on their top HDEO synthetic by a significant margin, and I'm in Canada, where we tend to have much higher prices.


How did you go about locating your local distributor?

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: richport29
How did you go about locating your local distributor?

For me, when I started dealing with them, I had to use the website and the phonebook. The Imperial Oil website was good with names at the time, but bad with addresses.

For that States, there are a few ways. The oil company's website will often list distributors. Stay away from the consumer part of the website. Look for things like "Solutions for Business" or "Products for Business" and so forth. For Shell in the States, without posting a non-sponsor link, you're basically going to the Shell USA site, you go to Products and Services, Solutions for Businesses, then Lubricants for Businesses, and then Distributor Locator. It's much the same for Shell Canada, XOM/Imperial Oil, and Petro-Canada.

Alternatively, the Yellow Pages under bulk oil or bulk fuel is helpful, but the ads don't always show the distributor's brand affiliation. Emails to the oil company's customer service should also generate a response.

 

[Garak]

Since Mobil is now a sponsor, I will give you the direct link for the Imperial Oil distributor locator in Canada:

http://www.mobil.ca/Canada-English-LCW/where-to-buy_distributor.aspx

Mine doesn't show up, oddly enough, because it changed hands.