Originally Posted By: willdog
The difference between a lab test and a field test is the data cannot be manipulated in the field. I am sure that you know that in lab tests they can be done over and over until the desired result is reached.
Indeed. On the flip side, a field test gives little to no control over the environment, so it severely limits the kind of testing that can be performed and the conclusions that can be drawn. The Timken test is a great example: it only shows one facet of an oil's performance, and it has very poor repeatability and reproducibility.
Originally Posted By: willdog
But getting down to the nuts if you put Schaeffer on the Timken and M1, and Schaeffer demonstrated lower friction what would that mean to you? Would you consider changing?
No.
I can't help but notice you're already trying to turn this into a brand war. Just to re-focus on the Timken test, let's call it Oil A vs. Oil B instead of Schaeffer vs. Mobil 1. So, Oil A turns out to do better in the Timken test than Oil B. Here's why I don't care.
First, it has to be demonstrated that Oil B's films will ever break in my engine like they do on the Timken machine. If not, then Oil A's film strength advantage is immaterial.
Then, I would need to see a whole host of other tests on things like TBN retention, shear stability, volatility, cold pumpability, seal compatibility, etc. Then I would have to do some kind of overall comparison between the two oils before I would consider switching.
Thus, the Timken test is neither necessary nor sufficient to show that one oil is better than another.
Originally Posted By: willdog
You do kinow that when a auto company puts the name of a lubricant on the oil cap the oil company is paying BIG BUCKS, and the oil only has to meet the minimum requiremet.
What the heck does this have to do with Schaeffer or the Timken test?