Just been looking at the PDS for the aussie supplied Synpower 5W-40 that I'm currently running and it's changed. The PDS from 2013 has changed from
FM – Effective 1-04-2013
Performance Levels/Approvals
API SN /CF
ACEA A3/B4
Meets requirements of:
BMW LL-01
MB 229.3
GM-LL-B-025
VW 502.00, 505.00
Renault RN700, RN710
SynPower 5W-40
SAE Viscosity Grade 5W-40
Viscosity @ 100 ºC, mm2/s, ASTM D445 13.6
Viscosity @ 40 ºC, mm2/s, ASTM D445 81
Viscosity Index, ASTM D2270 173
CCS Viscosity @ -30 ºC, mPa.s, ASTM D5293 5400
Density @ 15°C, kg/L, ASTM D4052 0.853
Flash Point (COC), °C, ASTM D92 236
Pour Point, °C, ASTM D5950 -42
TBN, mg KOH/g, ASTM D2896 10.5
Noack, %mass, ASTM D5800 11.4
to
FM – Effective 03--07-2017
SynpowerTM SAE 5W-40*
SAE 5W-40
API SN/CF
ACEA A3/B4
Meets requirements of:
MB 229.3
GM-LL-B-025
VW 502.00/ 505.00
Renault RN710, RN700
SynPowerTM SAE 5W-40 Typical
SAE Viscosity Grade 5W-40
Viscosity @ 100 °C, mm2/s, ASTM D445 14.2
Viscosity @ 40 °C, mm2/s, ASTM D445 85.0
Viscosity Index, ASTM D2270 173
Density @ 15°C, kg/L, ASTM D4052 0.853
Total Base Number, mg KOH/g, ASTM D2896 10.0
CCS Viscosity, mPa.s @ –30°C, ASTM D5293 5700
Flash Point (COC), °C, ASTM D92 226
Pour Point, °C, ASTM D5950 -39
It's now 0.6 thicker at 100c TBN has dropped 0.5 and pour point dropped 3 dg and lost LL-01. Seems to be a case of swings and roundabouts as far as whether it's now better or worse. I don't know whether we will get a rename or will stay as Synpower.