Valvoline SynPower

[racer12306]

I found this place that was a pennzoil distributor called Salvos Auto Parts. I was hoping to find some platnum 5w40. But I instead I found some Castrol 5w40 and some Valvoline 5w40. The Valvoline is SM rated. anyone have any recent experience with the Valvoline SM 5w40. And out of curiosity is this SM 5w40 a group III or group IV oil?

I was pretty surprised at this place, lots of types of oil. AMSOIL, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Mobil, and others I cant remember.

 

[Al]

Synpower is GR III

 

[racer12306]

I remember reading that the old synpower was group III and then there was a reformulation, guess they kept at group III then.

 

[Al]

quote:

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Originally posted by racer12306:
I remember reading that the old synpower was group III and then there was a reformulation, guess they kept at group III then.

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Well if it changed say in the last 9 months or so it could be a PAO but I very much doubt it. They would be advertising it bigtime.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

It's SM then it's GIII.

 

[wavinwayne]

quote:

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Originally posted by GROUCHO MARX:
It's SM then it's GIII.

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Are you saying, that since the oil is SM, that makes it group III?

If so, then what about Mobil 1 0w40? It's SM & PAO. Maybe I am not reading you right.......

 

[Dominic]

It's very good oil, and very well refined. I personally run a Grp II/III mix Maxlife, since it provides most of the protection of the synpower for half the price and I can get it in 5qt jugs

. I would rather run Grp III Synpower over Mobil 1, but that's my personal preference.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

I meant that older, much older versions of Valvoline Synthetic may have have been GIII.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

BTW, I have it in my truck right now, but it's time to come out. Good-bye free motor oil.

 

[SSQ]

I used it in my 1.8T and it held up well. It doesn't perform any worse than other real synthetics out there.

 

[JAG]

Valvoline tech person told me that Valvoline Synpower SM version is PAO and uses no Group 3. They told another BITOG member the same thing. Their MSDS long ago said it was PAO. Then later ones said Group 3. I last checked their MSDS a few months ago and it wasn't up to date. But putting aside all of the conspiracy theories people come up with about these matters. I've extensively tested SL version Synpower to SL version Mobil 1 and between same viscosity grades, the volatility and resistance to forming deposits is approximately equal, so don't think that Mobil 1 is a better oil based on what you believe the basestocks to be.

As for used oil analysis, Synpower often gives really low UOA-detectable wear metals. I haven't seen anything in its additive package to account for this but it's a nice surprise.

 

[GMorg]

From BrianWC's link:
"But SynPower motor oil molecules are specifically designed to be more consistent in structure and more stable. The weak links have been eliminated."

This sounds like a description of hydrocracking.

However from Valvoline's FAQs: "Synpower uses a proprietary combination of various types of synthetic base oils to obtain optimum performance."

This sound like the base oil is plural.

 

[JAG]

The 20W-50 synthetic will most likely always be primarily PAO because Group 3 oils cannot be made in such a high viscosity (I read that in an article about Group 3 oils). I recall that everytime I've seen a Synpower 20W-50 MSDS it said PAO, which supports what I read in that article. So I think you made a good point GMorg, the base oil description sounds plural or they are at least leaving that option open.

 

[GMorg]

JAG,
Using the same logic, are you suggesting that Castrol Syntec 20W50 is also PAO?

 

[JAG]

If the information that I am basing it on is correct without exception (from that one article), then I'd say yes. But I'm not certain of it enough to etch that on a piece of granite as eternal truth.

 

[Al]

I guess if you want to be "certain" that you are getting a PAO (if that's what you want) steer clear from synpower..to much doubt.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Here we go again. I simply am not convinced that PAO offers any advantage(other than cold flow) to a good grp III used in a well formulated lubricant. Oxidative stability, VI and solubility are very similar.

 

[Bio-T]

I would not hesitate to use Valvoline Syn Power in any gas engine. I used it in my Caddy for 1 year and it ran very nice with it. I was using the 5W30 SL. I have not seen any problems with any UOA using Valvoline. Personally, Valvoline will still be lubing the engine when the panels rust off the body.

And I am talking about undoctored Valvoline. Not the Tall Paul brews.

 

[BrianWC]

Perhaps I was being a naive idealist, but I thought quotes like these seemed to indicate a "true" synthetic like a PAO:

quote:

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In contrast, synthetics use molecules made (or syntheticesized) to fit a specific molecular design. Through a variety of chemical processes, molecules in synthetic products can be consistently made with the right shapes or sizes, or to provide specific performance characteristics or to enhance lubricating quality. In fact, the molecules used in SynPower products are made to provide the ultimate in consistency and performance.

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But I work for the fed govt...and know the fine art of the weasel word.

 

[Terry]

If I can get good wear control, lubricity( film strength),thermal, and oxidative stability I don't care if you use horse poo poo as the base oils. Yes Gmorg all bases are plural to get the design grade.

As I have stated before the adds are becoming the base and the base is becoming the add as technology advances.