Dbrown...
quote:
That's why I don't use something like Shaeffers or Synpower 5W-40, even though both of those have better additives than M1.
So in my opinion, a full-blown "real" synthetic is more important than a better additive package in terms of preventing the oil from oxidizing and coking.
Might I suggest you re-think your position as you are dwelling mainly on the base oil properties and are failing(like many do) to see the overall effect on the base oil due to the additive package. It's not so much the base oil that will keep the oil from oxidizing, but the additives.
Here's a little something to think about and one thing most fail to see.
You worry about the heat killing the base oil so you goto a base oil capable of lasting a little longer with the higher heat.
Not bad but.. What about this approach.
Why not have a good base oil but then add the type of additives that will combat friction therefore creating less wear and less heat. By doing this, it then puts less demand on the oil to start with. Then add a better antioxidant additive, this will not allow the oil to oxidize as fast as many due to the fact this keeps oxidation levels down by nuetalizing the acids before oxidation sets in. Now add a good detergent package, so that when oxidation levels start to overcome the antioxidant levels, the detergents help keep the acids from building up and keeping it clean until it is changed which should be done before the oil gets too low on these additives.
So, point is, you're putting more demand on the base oil with a lower quality or not a good balanced additive package which means you'd have to run a full synth to stay up with an oil that has a better additive package that keeps the demand on the base oil at bay longer. The higher the demand on the base oil, then so should be the higher the quality or balance of additives to assist the base oil as the base oil alone cannot maintain long without this.
This is why when looking at these oils, quit looking at just one side of things and start looking at all sides.
This is why Schaeffers does as well as it does as it has an excellent well balanced blend of additives vs base oil properties.
Unfortunatly too many people like yourself look at nothing but the base oil and figure it could never do as good as a full synth(that is if it is a full synth). So, I think playing the synth oil is better than the group whatever card is so overrated and misleading.
One other example I can give you, Redline.. most of the oil analysis reports i have seen seem to show how redlines oxidation levels are higher in comparision to many other analysis with much higher miles that show better oxidation levels... wanna take a stab as to why? maybe additive balance? I'm sure that redlines base oil is better but too much of one thing, too little of another and such will upset the end results. This is another reason as to why you shouldn't use aftermarket additives.
[ June 30, 2002, 11:34 AM: Message edited by: BOBISTHEOILGUY ]