In the months I've been following many of the discussions and analysis results I've learned a great deal and have drawn a few conclusions:
1) Routine UOAs to find engine problems early are smart & effective tools. For example: a couple of $20 UOAs found the intake manifold gasket leak on our GM Minivan before it did much damage and while the vehicle was still covered by extended warranty. Thanks!
2) For most applications and when following conservative OCIs there is very little data to support the idea that expensive synthetic oils reduce wear as compared to the best "dino" or blend oils. GF-4 seems likely to make this even more true as most of the dino oils have had to improve their game. "Dino" oils in the case of many makers are being made with ever higher grade basestocks (Group II, II+, etc.).
3) Some engines are highly prone to sludge formation and need to be watched closely. Others have chronic intake manifold gasket problems, etc. Researching the known trouble spots for your vehicle and acting accordingly makes sense.
4) Some of the car makers are specifiying very long drain intervals without making sure that the motor oils and vehicles are really up to it. Marketing is trumping good engineering in these cases. See #3 above!
5) Top flight 5W-20 oils (i.e. Motorcraft 5W-20, Exxon Superflo 5W-20, and some others) produce better results in the applications for which they are specified then I ever would have imagined possible. If you are using a 5W-20 oil, make sure it meets the Ford WSS-M2C153-H specification. Some "major brand" 5W-20 oils do not list this specification on their label. The objections to using 5W-20 oils where called for seem to be 99% religion objections on the part of the objectors without supporting data.
6) Religious objections to Castrol and others marketing Group III oils as sythetic aside, the few actual UOAs of these oils seem to provide excellent results. Considering lesson #2 above, this is not a surprise.
7) The construction of Fram's oil filters makes me nervous and I don't buy them anymore. Wix or Baldwin for me
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All of these lessons have caused me to change my behavior and have saved me money while reducing the worry factor. More money left in my pocket AND better sleep at night. What isn't to like ?
Thanks for the education!
John
1) Routine UOAs to find engine problems early are smart & effective tools. For example: a couple of $20 UOAs found the intake manifold gasket leak on our GM Minivan before it did much damage and while the vehicle was still covered by extended warranty. Thanks!
2) For most applications and when following conservative OCIs there is very little data to support the idea that expensive synthetic oils reduce wear as compared to the best "dino" or blend oils. GF-4 seems likely to make this even more true as most of the dino oils have had to improve their game. "Dino" oils in the case of many makers are being made with ever higher grade basestocks (Group II, II+, etc.).
3) Some engines are highly prone to sludge formation and need to be watched closely. Others have chronic intake manifold gasket problems, etc. Researching the known trouble spots for your vehicle and acting accordingly makes sense.
4) Some of the car makers are specifiying very long drain intervals without making sure that the motor oils and vehicles are really up to it. Marketing is trumping good engineering in these cases. See #3 above!
5) Top flight 5W-20 oils (i.e. Motorcraft 5W-20, Exxon Superflo 5W-20, and some others) produce better results in the applications for which they are specified then I ever would have imagined possible. If you are using a 5W-20 oil, make sure it meets the Ford WSS-M2C153-H specification. Some "major brand" 5W-20 oils do not list this specification on their label. The objections to using 5W-20 oils where called for seem to be 99% religion objections on the part of the objectors without supporting data.
6) Religious objections to Castrol and others marketing Group III oils as sythetic aside, the few actual UOAs of these oils seem to provide excellent results. Considering lesson #2 above, this is not a surprise.
7) The construction of Fram's oil filters makes me nervous and I don't buy them anymore. Wix or Baldwin for me
All of these lessons have caused me to change my behavior and have saved me money while reducing the worry factor. More money left in my pocket AND better sleep at night. What isn't to like ?
Thanks for the education!
John
