What do all these numbers mean?

roegs · Nov 24, 2003

I'm trying to compare Valvoline's Premium Blue Extreme to Delvac 1 and Schaeffers 700, but am having a hard time with all the numbers and specs. Is there a document showing how to compare oils?

Thanks!

Example for Valvoline
Typical Properties 5W40
Viscosity @ 40 C, cSt 89.4
Viscosity @ 100 C, cSt 14.7
Viscosity Index 172
CCS Viscosity @ - 30 C, cP 6300
Borderline Pumping Viscosity @ - 35 C, cP 17.300
High Temp. High Shear Viscosity @ 150 C, cP 3.9
Pour Point, deg. C -39
Sulfated Ash, % 1.6
Total Base Number (D-2896) 12
Foam / Aeration Tests Pass

Ken2 · Nov 24, 2003

The numbers tell something, but not enough to make an informed choice. The best thing is to look at used oil analyses and compare the amount of engine wear particles, mileage the oil stays good and price. I think you'll be hard pressed to beat the Schaeffer's for all three items.

Ken

roegs · Nov 25, 2003

Ken...thanks for the reply. I spoke with a lab person today at Valvoline, and asked if the basestock for Valvoline Blue Extreme was class III or class IV. They said that was company confidential information...she said all she could tell me was that it's synthetic.

I'm now down to Delvac 1300 or Schaeffers. My main concern is which oil would provide the better protection for winter starts. Delvac 1300 claims to meet a 10W starting test. Do you know how the Schaeffers flows in cold weather?

sprintman · Nov 25, 2003

Typical Valvoline, won't even tell you what the basestock is!

Sin City · Nov 25, 2003

The Schaeffers 15w40 motor oil does meet the 10W cold pumping requirements. Schaeffers choose to market their diesel oil as a 15w40 motor oil so that there would not be any confusion since most diesel oils are 15w40. I bet that if the Valvoline synthetic oil was made mostly from PAO that the customer service rep would have told you so.

[ November 26, 2003, 06:01 AM: Message edited by: Sin City ]

csandste · Nov 26, 2003

"Typical Valvoline, won't even tell you what the basestock is!"

I bet it's a 50/50 chance that the person contacted didn't even know. I doubt if it's high end chemists sitting on the help desk.

Motorbike · Nov 26, 2003

Yawn . Oh what a sacrifice to get up early to get 6 turkeys on the smoker for the family Thanksgiving supper

Not really ! But wide awake and thankfull for the internet !

That Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5w40 is an interesting one. Per the MSDS it's a Group III / PAO blended basestock and has a CAS# for a friction modifier I presume to be oil soluable moly.

The VI @ 40c is relatively low compared to some others and I'd like to try some in a hi-mile V8 gasser but I have not seen it around as of yet nor do I know anything about the pricing .

Anyway , there was question as to it's basestock , there you have it and happy Thankgiving !

Tim · Nov 26, 2003

roegs

I used to live near MSP and I remember how cold it gets in the winter!

I'd make sure to use the otherwise suitable oils with the better (lower) pour points. There are better oils for winter use in MSP than what you mentioned in your second post. I'd stick with 5w-xx or even 0w-xx synthetic for dead of winter in the Great White North!

Tim

[ November 27, 2003, 10:14 AM: Message edited by: Tim ]

Robbie Alexander · Nov 27, 2003

quote:

Originally posted by roegs:
I'm trying to compare Valvoline's Premium Blue Extreme to Delvac 1 and Schaeffers 700, but am having a hard time with all the numbers and specs. Is there a document showing how to compare oils?
-*-*

Delvac 1 Is an oil unto itself. It is a fine fine oil. Schaffers is a great one too. Perhaps you need a test of three OCI's to TEST... I like tests.
Do you have a need for a 15w40 oil if so the 700 is it, I think.... if not, you'll need something else; Maybe the 701. This may be worth a shot to just try first in two or three back to back OCI's and if not happy then test the Delvac 1.

#701 Supreme 7000 5w30 (Synthetic Blend) SL, Energy Conserving-II ILSAC GF-3
#702 Supreme 7000 Straight 30W
#703 Supreme 000 10w30 SL, Energy Conserving-II ILSAC GF-3

##100 Micron Moly 5w30 SL, Energy Conserving-II-ILSAC GF-3
#106 Micron Moly 10W-40 SL
#306 Micron Moly 10w30 SL, Energy Conserving-II. exceeds Ford, ILSAC GF-3 General Motors & foreign car specs.

RC · Nov 27, 2003

I'm betting the Valvoline PB Extremem has very little, if any although apparently the MSDS suggest it has some, PAO in it. All the info I have seen suggest it is a Group III, including the price. Most NAPA stores can get it for you for under $15 a gallon.

roegs · Nov 27, 2003

Thanks for the replies on this issue. From a cold weather viewpoint, I'd sure agree that 5W40 would provide more protection. 5W40 is also what is recommended by GM for my climate. Funny though, in that none of the local GM dealers use it. They all tell me I'm okay with 15W40. If I go 5W40, it would appear that my choices are Delvac 1 or Rotella (can't find the Valvoline in my area). I'd like to stick with one brand and type (synthetic or dina) year-round. If I want the 5W40 protection, it would seem that Delvac would be the best overall choice.

TC · Dec 1, 2003

Roegs: Here's two articles that will help shed some light on the data you found. Keep in mind that the info on specific brands of oils is dated, but the explanatory info on oil characteristics and formulation still apply.

http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/b_smoke11.htm
http://www.vtr.org/maintain/oil-overview.html

Robbie Alexander · Dec 1, 2003

quote:

Originally posted by roegs:
-*-* I'd like to stick with one brand and type (synthetic or dina) year-round. If I want the 5W40 protection, it would seem that Delvac would be the best overall choice.

Yeah, Delvac is usually a good choice...
But not to narrow the choice just to that.... there are a dozen companies that make an oil in a quality fashion, and back to the Schaeffers
#106 Micron Moly 10W-40 SL, what-about-it?

What do all these numbers mean?

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