Wal-Mart fined for off-grade SuperTech Gear Oil

[wgtoys]

"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."

Very interesting. Remember that API stands for American Petroleum Institute, and that it is an organization funded by, and acting in support of, the American Petroleum Industry.

1) The API agrees on a set of standards for a motor oil.

2) Blenders self-certify that their formulas meets the standards and give the API basic information on the chemical composition of the oils which the blender says meets the spec.

3) The API does some random BENCH TESTING to attempt to ascertain that the oils on the market are actually the ones documented in step 2. The API does not, however, actually do the initial or follow on testing to certify that the requirements of step 1 are met.

 

[Rolf]

Originally Posted By: wgtoys
Very interesting. Remember that API stands for American Petroleum Institute, and that it is an organization funded by, and acting in support of, the American Petroleum Industry.


http://www.api.org/aboutapi/

"API is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our 400 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry."

In setting standards it cooperates with automobile, truck, aircraft, and engine manufacturers as well as other standard-setting bodies such as ILSAC, SAE, and ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials).

An example of automobile manufacturer input was the reduction of ZDDP levels in motor oils to protect catalytic converters.



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[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: wgtoys
"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."

Very interesting. Remember that API stands for American Petroleum Institute, and that it is an organization funded by, and acting in support of, the American Petroleum Industry.

1) The API agrees on a set of standards for a motor oil.

2) Blenders self-certify that their formulas meets the standards and give the API basic information on the chemical composition of the oils which the blender says meets the spec.

3) The API does some random BENCH TESTING to attempt to ascertain that the oils on the market are actually the ones documented in step 2. The API does not, however, actually do the initial or follow on testing to certify that the requirements of step 1 are met.



They do not certify their own oils. They have to submit and GET the oils certified themselves. That is NOT the same thing. Please read the reply I got from ExxonMobil in regards to that.