Whats the difference between the Amsoil Types

[joe424]

I was wondering what the difference is between the following motor oils offered by Amsoil? I realize the drain intervals are different. I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD currently I'm running the Signature Series 0w30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil.
SAE 5w30 XL Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5w30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil
Signature Series 0w30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil


I have another question, do I change my oil by the oil monitor on the truck or by the AMSOIL interval. I use the truck as a daily driver and company vehicle for a lawn and landscape business, so it qualifies as a severe service vehicle.

 

[c3po]

Others may disagree, but I think it would be wise to go by the oil life monitor.

As far as the oil's listed above the XL is a Group III oil which is a mineral oil hydrocracked to be a synthetic.

 

[rg200amp]

Follow the OLM while in warranty.

 

[c3po]

Originally Posted By: rg200amp
Follow the OLM while in warranty.


Are we telling him after the warranty that he should not follow the OLM.

 

[rg200amp]

Originally Posted By: c3po
Originally Posted By: rg200amp
Follow the OLM while in warranty.


Are we telling him after the warranty that he should not follow the OLM.
I am telling him he can do what he wants out of warranty since it will not void it. While in warranty I would follow the OLM or change before the OLM says so.

Once the warranty is up, yes I believe you can go a bit longer than the OLM says with a quality synthetic. But again do what makes you comfortable. I change my oil before the OLM tells me to. I will do that even after my warranty is up. Its all a matter of personal feelings.

 

[HondaMan]

Why worry about the OLM for warranty if the oil itself does not meet required spec from GM????

All good oils, on the drain interval, do what you feel is best.

My only advice is do not let the OLM go down to zero and stay there.... simply reset and continue to run the oil if that is what you decided to do. Why? The history is all in there.... those OnStar reports are cool but also a bit big brother.

 

[chevrofreak]

The XL is a Group III base, similar to Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline Synpower, etc. The others use PolyAlphaOlefin (PAO).

The XL is a less expensive product for people who wanted the Amsoil quality and protection in a less expensive oil that they could afford to replace at warranty required oil change intervals. It has a lower Total Base Number than the other Amsoil products, because it is not meant to be used as long. It is still higher than most over the counter Group III oils.

 

[bmwtechguy]

The XL uses a less expensive synthetic base oil (group III) and is rated for 6 months of use. Also this oil is API licensed starburst oil for those people that feel it is necessary.

The 5w30 ASL is supposed to be primarily a Group IV (PAO) base oil product and could possibly go 10-15k miles or one year unless you're driving a lot of very short trips where the engine does not get fully warmed up for a period of time.

The SSO probably uses PAO and more Group V base oil than the ASL 5w30. The additive package is also different/better supposedly. This oil is supposed to give the best fuel efficiency over time and hold up a little better than the 5w30 ASL under the same conditions. It costs more, but has more expensive components too.

If you change the oil at the OLM's interval, the XL is all you really need IMO. The others would be overkill unless you are going for extended oil change intervals. I don't extend oci for vehicles under factory warranty.

 

[NHHEMI]

"IF" you are going to worry about the drain interval/OLM issue because you are under warranty then there is only one oil on the list you should be looking at and that is their 5w30 XL oil. It is the only one Amsoil offers that is API Certified which you also need for your warranty. I have no doubt their XL line would meet GM6094M which would be your other warranty requirement( this is a gas motor right? 6.0L? ). It is also the correct/recommended weight.

IMO I would only run their 5w30 XL oil and go by the OLM or a 5K OCI while under warranty but it is your truck so do as you please. If however you are not concerned about voiding your warranty( lubrication issues with engine )and/or do not believe going against the requirements GM sets forth in your owner's manual for warranty preservation( many don't so not being a smart arse )is an issue then run the Amsoil Signature Series which is their best in whatever weight you want and change whenever you want.

The choice is up to you.

 

[zrxkawboy]

Personally, I'd run the XL according to the OLM while under warranty. After warranty, I'd run one of the better oils you listed, and establish an OCI based on UOA.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: joe424
I was wondering what the difference is between the following motor oils offered by Amsoil? I realize the drain intervals are different. I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD currently I'm running the Signature Series 0w30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil.
SAE 5w30 XL Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5w30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil
Signature Series 0w30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil


I have another question, do I change my oil by the oil monitor on the truck or by the AMSOIL interval. I use the truck as a daily driver and company vehicle for a lawn and landscape business, so it qualifies as a severe service vehicle.



The fellows did a great job of distinguishing the oils for you. Not much I can add with the except of the SSO 0w30 containing more esters and a proprietary low ash additive package.

On a new truck, go by the OLM. Maybe do at least one UOA to see if the engine is in good shape (no coolant leaks), then perhaps later you can carry on by just resetting the OLM and not changing the oil. I have done this twice in our 2006 Honda Odyssey.

BTW The Volvo (dummy) OLM light keeps lighting up. I need to tell it I'm going for two years and/or 20K+ miles on SSO.

 

[joe424]

Thank you for your response and help