Where can I buy Conoco Hydroclear?

[cheeks]

After parsing and distilling various 5w20 used oil analysis (especially MNgopher's) I've pretty much decided to go full speed ahead with this grade for my 2003 F150 4.6L. No more buying 5w20 for warranty purposes and filling instead with Mobil 1 5w30.

After hanging around here for 18 months or so I realize Motorcraft oils are (apparently) pretty much a re-branded Conoco oil. But since Conoco actually developed this grade the sentimental part of me wants the Hydroclear brand to anchor the F150 portion of my oil shrine. Hey, don't look at me.....this would have never happened had I not stumbled upon and subsequently geeked out on this site.

I have yet to find Hydroclear at any retailer... whether it be Walmart, AutoZone, OReilly etc..... the only place I've seen it was at a Conoco branded truck stop on Interstate 10 east of Beaumont, TX. And they didn't have the 5w20 grade. Some of the above mentioned retailers have the Phillps TropArtic, Kendall and Union76 brands which reside under the same Conoco/Phillips umbrella, but no Hydroclear and no 5w20 grades in the aforementioned brands. I guess I could visit a Conoco jobber / distributor but there are none in my town.

Anyone know where I can find it? Or should I just acquiesce and fill the shrine with orange Motorcraft bottles? While on the subject, how much difference is there between Motorcraft and Hydroclear anyway....if any?

 

[Whimsey]

The Ford dealer in NJ, that services our vehicles, is proud to point out that Conoco supplies their engine oils under the Motorcraft name. The only Conoco gas station I've seen on the East Coast was in South Carolina, I believe, when were on vacation recently. Didn't get a chance to stop there since we already gassed up a few exists before. Also, the wife is getting wise to me since I'm a known addict to BITOG

, so stopping so soon was not "feasible" to say the least

. I'd go for the Motorcraft 5W-20 if you want the same oil as the Conoco Hydroclear 5W-20. It appears that the relationship Conoco and Motorcraft have works for both of them from a marketing and sales point. I'm sure Ford could get a cheaper oil but it seems they would rather have a quality oil. A rare trait these days in Detroit.

Whimsey

 

[MNgopher]

I managed to find Hydroclear at exactly one parts store and a few Conoco gas stations/truck stops (though none of the gas stations had 5w20). The parts store I bought it at happpens to be owned by a distributor for Conoco and Phillips, among other brands. At the time, nobody ever carried decent stock of Motorcraft 5w20. Now Wal-Mart and every other parts place around here carries the motorcraft 5w20...

If you are dead set on running the Conoco Brand, find the distributor and give them a call!

I would just go ahead and use the Motorcraft stuff. I agree with Whimsey that in this case, it seems to be a nice marjeting arrangement for Conoco, which in some circles isn't very well known, and Ford, which gets a high quality oil!

 

[cheeks]

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen.

MNgopher, you are directly responsible for the 6 quarts of Havoline 5w20 sitting on my shelf at the moment, which I purchased about 2 months ago. It will go into my crakcase probably around October, based on my mileage calculations.

Am I impressionable? No way!

 

[Neil Womack]

cheeks

I've notices several Phillips 66 truck stops in the Houston area. You might give them a try.

Did you know Chevron and Pennzoil use the same process for their Cat II+ oils.

 

[cheeks]

Thanks for the advice, Neil.

I believe Chevron invented the process and Conoco, Pennzoil and others licensed it. I could be wrong though.

Here's an interesting article on the lube oil hydrocracker in Lake Charles that both Conoco and Pennzoil use to produce their base stocks. http://www.hydrocarbons-technology.com/projects/westlake/

 

[MNgopher]

Glad I could help someone else in making a decision! I've been more than happy using the Havoline 5w20. Just don't be surprised how dark the stuff is when you pour it!

Also, if I remember right, Pennzoil (now Shell/Pennzoil/Quaker State) was required to sell its stake in Excel Paralubes, its joint venture with Conoco, as part of the merger that brought those brands together. The Pennzoil stake was sold to Flint Hills Resources (who happens to run the major refinery in these parts). Pennzoil went from being part owner to now a very good customer... And yes, the whole process was under license from Chevron