rcy, you're welcome. It's good to hear you think the numbers are close to your original results. The inconsistencies were bugging me.
Caterham, thanks for posting the manufacturer's specs for comparison. Both tested viscosities and the flash point are slightly higher than spec, while the VI is within two points. Although higher than spec, the Toyota V40°C is still the lowest of the four. Of course with sample/lab differences, I'm probably looking too closely. Also, thanks for discussing possible origin and the available UOAs.
Rumple, moly has generated plenty of arguments on BITOG. It's widely used, but new organic additives are appearing. Is the new stuff better? I don't know, but some of the new additives are working quite well. When in doubt, watch for how well they trend in UOAs.
See MolaKule's first post in this thread, "Controversial Moly:"
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1180354&page=all
See the last post by MolaKule:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1156893
MolaKule discusses moly levels:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=149348
Postjeeprcr, I should have steered clear of subjective comments. Terry did say it contains thin esters at an unknown level, meaning they could be in the additive package or base oil. I'd guess the add pack.
I've heard of esters smelling like fruit or flowers (or rancid). But after doing some searching, it is correct that the esters used in motor oil have little smell. People are smelling the additives instead. Here are some references:
Red Line L.S. friction modifier:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1709736#Post1709736
"Since POE virtually has no smell, you are most likely smelling the LS compound." - MolaKule.
Need education on multi viscosity gear oils:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=513000&page=all
"Most of the odor you smell is the smell of protection from the Sulfur and Phosphorus EP additives." - MolaKule
Do all Esters smell sweet?
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1421757&page=all
"Mostly what you smell is the lower molecular weight components, not the base oil. Dribble a little oil on something hot. Smell it. Go away and come back later. Most of the oil will still be there, but it won't smell nearly as strong. Stick around and your nose will start ignoring the smell." - labman
"Esters are a broad class of chemistry. Volatile esters (low molecular weight) are often odiferous and are used in flavors and fragrances. The esters used as base oils in synthetic lubricants, however, are of much higher molecular weight and are essentially odorless when properly made.
What you are likely smelling is one or more of the additives. But if the oil in your bottle was old and exposed to moisture, then the diester base oils could have hydrolyzed slightly, which would liberate sweet smelling oxo-alcohols. Shouldn't affect performance." - Tom NJ