Originally Posted By: Tom NJ
A lubricant failing a required specification? Oh dear. Wonder if their license was pulled?
http://www.jobbersworld.com/January 19, 2009.htm
API's Response to Valvoline's Claim Regarding Mobil 1
A significant number of readers contacted JobbersWorld with regards to several stories we ran starting on December 11, 2008 about Valvoline's claim that "Mobil 1 5W-30 does not meet minimum API SM or ILSAC GF-4 specification because of its inferior performance in the Sequence IVA wear test."
Most who contacted JobbersWorld were in disbelief (and questioned) that it could be true. They said Valvoline was simply trying to gain attention and some marketing mileage by taking on a Giant. Others said, there is no way Valvoline would be "crazy enough" to take on a Giant if they didn't have all their "t's" crossed and "i's" dotted with test data. And then there were those who asked. "what does the American Petroleum Institutute (API) have to say about it since Valvoline's claim specifically points to Mobil 1 not meeting API specifications?"
In an effort to address this issue, JobbersWorld contacted API. We asked them three questions. First, is the API aware of Valvoline's claim that Mobil 1 does not meet API SM specification? Second, does the API have any date to support Valvoline's claim, or ExxonMobil's position that Mobil 1 5W-30 meets API SM GF-4? And finally, what is the API's position regarding its testing protocol to assure that Mobil 1, or any other lubricant for that matter, meets API performance specifications?
What follows is API's response:
1. Yes, API is aware of Valvoline's claim.
2. API would not compare one licensed brand against another. However, ExxonMobil has certified to API that its 5W-30 Mobil 1 product meets ILSAC GF-4 and API SM requirements.
3. API has been testing off-the-shelf engine oils carrying the API Starburst and Donut under its Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP) since 1994 and in 1999 began testing API-licensed product dispensed from tanks and drums at quick-lube facilities, service stations, auto dealerships, and truck maintenance facilities. Since 1994, API has tested approximately 7,000 API-licensed oils from around the world.
API went on to say, "Under AMAP, API-licensed engine oils are purchased in the marketplace and bench-tested to determine their physical and chemical properties. The results are compared to licensee formulations on file at API. Conforming oils show bench-test results that are consistent with the formulations and meet program requirements. All samples undergo elemental analysis, viscosity at 100°C, and high-temperature/high-shear testing. They may also be tested for cold cranking, pumpability, volatility, foaming, filterability, rust and corrosion inhibition, and shear stability. Product packages are checked to make sure they correctly display the API Marks and carry product trace codes. A number of bench-tested oils undergo actual industry sequence engine testing for oxidation, deposits, sludge, varnish, and wear."
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