SF SG SH SM
- Thread starter AndyH
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Always use the most currently available oil. Each year there are improvements. Even though an SG oil is good enough, an SJ oil is better in every way.
aehaas
aehaas
The "poor soul" who's unable to find "SF" rated oil for his '88 model year car engine will have to suck it up and suffer through improved oil technology and enhanced engine protection just like the rest of us. Life's unfair - and then you die. What part of "backward compatible with all previous API service categories" do some of these "poor soul" morons not understand? Should they be driving? (or even using a toilet unattended for that matter?)
I read the following and get the impression that backward compatability in motor oils is not foolproof:
Now it may or may not be an issue for an 88 honda, but the farther back we go, the less backward compatable modern oils are. Sure, they are some of the best built oils ever, using some of the best components ever, but apparently not enough of some components.
AH HA!! We found someone who can use the SF rated "Accel" oil from WalMart for $.99/qt. I think those bottles have been there since 1988 too.
If you go to the API specifications you will see that wear rates are decreased in order to pass the next level of oil rating.
Backwards compatibility is as such: When the SM rating was accepted, they removed an additive that was required for the proper break-in of a camshaft made in 1965. It was accepted by all the oil and engine manufacturers that this part was no longer in existence. THEY allowed the additive to be removed in the new specification.
These things are very, very complex. WEAR is not the issue. Newer oils have newer additives that surpass previous standards.
I know this as I speak to these people. Not everything is public knowledge. Way more is behind the scenes than people realize.
Please understand.
aehaas
Backwards compatibility is as such: When the SM rating was accepted, they removed an additive that was required for the proper break-in of a camshaft made in 1965. It was accepted by all the oil and engine manufacturers that this part was no longer in existence. THEY allowed the additive to be removed in the new specification.
These things are very, very complex. WEAR is not the issue. Newer oils have newer additives that surpass previous standards.
I know this as I speak to these people. Not everything is public knowledge. Way more is behind the scenes than people realize.
Please understand.
aehaas
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If we say "pretty please," will the Oilluminati throw us commoners another morsel?
Thanks for the link Andy. That is a nice document.
Yes indeed, Thank you Andy. Much more helpful than Ray.
I believe the additive that Dr. Haas speaks of was for flat tappet cams....This is why flat tappet cam people are staying with either a SL or Diesel oil, or even supplementing with additives....like SX-UP or VOT.....interesting, I wonder if SL oil alone is good for my Flat tappet cams anymore
My 88 Honda has a sticker on the air cleaner saying to use SF oil, 7500 OIC. The Resolute 5w30 that I bought says it is SL rated and approved for SG and SH as well. What do these ratings mean? I realize that oil technology has improved so I know that I'm safely lubed. BUT what about the poor soul that took that to heart but can't find any SF oil? Thanks, Mick
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