AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants

The Problem With Conventional Petroleum Oil - Resisting Foaming

As oil is splashed around the engine by the rapidly moving engine parts, foaming can occur. Unfortunately, foam is a poor lubricant and a poorer heat exchanger. Therefore, foaming must be kept to a minimum.

Because of the rapidly moving parts in an engine, oil is constantly being mixed with air. This produces foam which is a lot of air bubbles which may or may not readily collapse. These air bubbles normally rise to the surface and break, but water and other contaminants slow this process.

Foam is not a good conductor of heat, and will impair the cooling of the engine parts. Also, foam does not have the ability to carry much of a load, this results in excessive engine wear.

Foam or entrained air bubbles in the oil will under some conditions implode and cause severe pitting of the affected surfaces.

Foam depressant additives are used in the manufacture of automotive lubricants, to reduce the amount of foaming.

The Issues with Petroleum Oils:

Conventional Petroleum Oils do foam fairly easily and especially if they are contaminated. Unfortunately most people never see the amount of foam that sometimes is formed in the crankcase.

Very few Conventional Petroleum oil formulations actually contain the proper amount of anti-foam additives and many do not have any at all.

Vehicle owners with SUV’s on which the front differential is seldom used have many times experienced such severe foaming that the oil leaks out of the breather tubes. This usually happens on vehicles that are seldom operated in the 4x4 mode, and the front differential oil is both oxidized and has absorbed some water.

Foaming can occur at speeds that are too low or too high, as well as when the oil viscosity is either too high or too low. This is also one reason why multi-grade Petroleum oils are used in modern engines.

The Problem With Conventional Petroleum Oil - Sealing the Combustion Chamber

The piston rings and cylinder walls may look smooth to the naked eye, but they are microscopically rough.

The surfaces of the piston rings, ring grooves, and cylinder walls are not completely smooth. This would become evident under a microscope as small hills and valleys. For this reason, the rings can never prevent high combustion and compression pressures from escaping into the low pressure area of the crankcase. This would result in a reduction of engine power and efficiency

In order to better seal the combustion chamber during the compression and power strokes, a thin film of motor oil must fill in all the little discontinuities. Obviously, it does this in addition to lubricating the contact points between the rings and the cylinder walls.

Motor oil fills in the hills and valleys and greatly improves the seal. Because the oil film is only about 0.001 inches or 0.025 mm thick, it cannot compensate for excessive wear of the rings, ring grooves, or cylinder walls. In a new or rebuilt engine, oil consumption will be relatively high until these surfaces have been smoothed out enough to allow the oil to form a good seal.

The Problem with Petroleum Oil:

Conventional Petroleum Oils do a fairly good job of properly sealing both the pre-ignition compressed gases as well as the high temperature and high-pressure gases burning power stroke burn. The correct viscosity at the operating temperature is however extremely important. The quality of the "seal" is adversely affected both at speeds that are too low or too high, as well as when the oil viscosity is either tool high or too low. This is also one reason why multi-grade Petroleum oils are used in modern engines.

What do you know about Gasoline? - the "A Primer on Gasoline Prices"

Need some help trying to make sense out of today's soaring fuel prices?

Here's some help for you.  It won't reduce the price you pay at the pump, but it will make you a smarter consumer, and better able to comprehend why the prices are continuing to rise.

A publication by the U.S. Energy Information Administration entitled "A Primer on Gasoline Prices" is packed full of helpful information for vehicle owners.

Did you know that gasoline, one of the main products refined from crude oil, accounts for just about 17 percent of the energy consumed in the United States. The primary use for gasoline is in automobiles and light trucks. Gasoline also fuels boats, recreational vehicles, and various farm and other equipment.

While gasoline is produced year-round, extra volumes are made in time for the summer driving season. Gasoline is delivered from oil refineries mainly through pipelines to a massive distribution chain serving 168,987 retail gasoline stations throughout the United States.

There are three main grades of gasoline: regular, mid-grade, and premium. Each grade has a different octane level. Price levels vary by grade, but the price differential between grades is generally constant.

This publication also explains what we are paying for in a gallon of regular grade gas, factors Behind the Increase in gasoline prices, why gasoline prices fluctuate and why gasoline prices differ according to region.

Readers of this blog already know that wpecial synthetic base stock blends and advanced additive packages found only in AMSOIL Series 2000 synthetic motor oils provide up to two times the wear protection of other motor oils.AMSOIL Series 2000 synthetic motor oils reduce friction for quicker engine response, increased horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.  In today's environment where soaring fuel prices are a fact of life, I cannot imagine why anyone would NOT be running quality synthetics in their equipment.

But it's not just about improved mileage either.  The molecular uniformity and purity of synthetic oils allows them to protect and lubricate engines better and more efficiently than conventional oils in all operating conditions. Synthetics lubricate and protect quickly in cold temperatures, maintain a dependable lubricating film in normal operating temperatures and shield moving parts from damage and wear during high-stress, high-temperature operations. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils exceed the most demanding world-wide performance standards and meet warranty requirements for all domestic and imported motor vehicle engines.

An Age Old Problem - How to Keep the Engine Cool?

Because only about 60 percent of the engine cooling is handled by the radiator and coolant, the other 40 percent (more in an air-cooled engine) must be taken care of by the engine oil. The combustion process takes place at about 2000°F to 3000°F, which can heat pistons and valves to 1000°F in extreme cases. In pistons, much of this heat travels down the connecting rods and affects the bearings. Since tin and lead, two common bearing materials, soften drastically around 350°F and melt at 450°F and 620°F (respectively), it is important for the oil to transfer excess heat away from the bearings as quickly as possible. In valves, the long, thin valve stem is more easily stretched when hot as the valve spring pulls the valve tight against the seat. Too much stretch, and valve clearances disappear and valves and seats burn.

There are ways of helping the oil keep its cool without resorting to chemistry. Increasing sump capacity increases the length of time the oil gets to cool off before being thrust into the breech again, and the more oil there is the more BTUs it takes to heat it up and keep it hot. Adding an oil cooler allows the oil to more readily lose heat, and can add to the volume of oil in the engine.

Incidentally, installing a high-volume oil pump to cure high oil temperatures actually exacerbates the problem in most engines. A high-volume pump takes more horsepower to run (creating heat), and it over-pressurizes oil passages, which can lead to greater oil consumption as the oil is squirted or flung onto the cylinder walls or past seals.

The Issue with Petroleum Oils:

Conventional Petroleum Oils do not conduct heat too well, and actually most of the increase in oil temperature can be attributed to internal friction in the oil itself as the bulk oil temperature will rise rapidly with engine speed much faster than with engine load.

Typical Motor Oil running temperature is about 20°F higher than the coolant temperature. It is however possible to have oil sump temperature in excess of 300°F even when the coolant is in 220°F to 240°F range. In many Air-cooled engines and especially the very small ones used in generators and lawn equipment it is not unusual to see oil temperatures approaching 400°F.

Conventional Petroleum oil deteriorates rapidly at temperatures over 260°F and at 320°F its useful life is only about two hours !

How AMSOIL Products Improved Efficiency and Reduce Operating Costs for Gerlach Trucking

AMSOIL INC., in conjunction with Gerlach Trucking of Erskine, Minnesota, conducted a field demonstration of its Series 3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, Super Duty Oil Filters and Dual-Gard filtration system equipped with BE-110 by-pass filtration elements.

The test vehicle was a 1995 Freightliner FLD-120 powered by a Detroit 60 Series diesel engine and utilized mainly in long-haul transports. The testing covered a two-year period and the vehicle accumulated 212,326 total miles.

Evaluation Proposal
The goals for this demonstration included showing that the use of AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, in conjunction with theAMSOIL Dual-Gard filtration setup and SDF Oil Filters, would result in improved efficiency, reduced operating costs and environmental benefits when compared to conventional petroleum lubricants and filtration methods.

As mentioned, the evaluation was conducted using a 1995 Freightliner FD-120 equipped with a Detroit 60 Series diesel engine. The AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil was sampled at the manufacturer’s suggested oil drain intervals and monitored through the use of oil analysis to ensure its continued serviceability.

The full-flow filtration units were also monitored and replaced at 12,000- to 15,000-mile intervals, while the By-Pass units were monitored and replaced at 24,000- to 30,000-mile intervals.            

Summary

Overall, the demonstration was a success. After switching to AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil (and later AMSOIL 75W-90 Gear Lube in the differentials and Power-Shift Transmission Fluid in the Transmission), the truck experienced significant declines in wear rates and an eight percent increase in fuel economy.

The pictured charts show individual rates of wear throughout the two-year demonstration. As the engine wear rates were reduced, operating efficiency rose, leading to an increase in the life of the engine and decreasing operating costs. Even with 212,326 miles on the oil, there was no indication it needed changing.

Because of the extended drain capabilities of AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, the negative effects of used oil on the environment were also significantly reduced.

If it had been using conventional petroleum diesel oil, which usually requires replacement approximately every 18,000 miles, this application would have required up to 12 oil changes and 480 quarts of oil over the demonstration running time of 212,326 miles, compared to just one oil change and 40 quarts of oil using AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil and Dual-Gard filtration system.

Overall, the data demonstrates that AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil is capable of providing extended drain service for a period well beyond recommended drain intervals, while also significantly decreasing wear rates, operating costs and environmental waste.

         

                                                               
                                                                 
                                                                          

Rate of Wear Charts	Click on Graphs For Larger Image

                 

       

Are there different types of biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from fats and oils such as soybeans and animal fats.

Biodiesel can be used in any concentration with petroleum-based diesel fuel in existing diesel engines with little or no modification. 

Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil! Biodiesel must be produced by a chemical process that removes glycerin from the oil.

Biodiesel blend, nn. are a blend of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 with petroleum-based diesel fuel designated BXX, where XX is the volume percent of biodiesel. Common blends are b2, b5, b10, b20 and b100.

Why biodiesel and why now?

To begin with, we currently import over 50% of our petroleum needs  - this is expected to grow to 70% by 2025.  Once roughly half the oil has been extracted, it becomes harder – and more expensive – to get at the remainder.  The key date is not when the oil runs out, but when production peaks, meaning supplies decline.  The peak may come by about 2020.

Thus, we should be looking at biofuels seriously as an alternative to petroleum fuels. 
For example:

• B100 biodiesel has the Energy content of #1, 8% less than #2
• High Cetane (avg. over 50)
• Its Sulfur free
• Cold flow - B2 biodiesel has the same low temperature flow characteristics as #2 petroleum diesel
• It also has an Energy Balance (3.24 to 1)
• Finally, it's Biodegradable and Non-Toxic

Like synthetic lubricants, biofuels are an important part of our energy future.  There is no question that conventional energy reserves will peak, and this reality guarantees that the era of "cheap" petroleum products is over...  From here on, we better get used to higher prices for these products.

AMSOIL Motor Oil extended drain interval recommendations do not apply to vehicles using biodiesel fuels at any mix ratios with petroleum diesel. When using biodiesel fuels at any mix ratio, follow the OEM recommended oil drain interval.

That's why any place you can save money, by use of synthetic products (and their unique advantages), is just plain smart, don't you think?

What can you protect with a Nanofiber?

Fast Fact: A nanofiber is less than one micron in diameter. ...
The dirt and contaminants drawn into an engine are the leading cause of engine wear

AMSOIL INC. of Superior, WI has announced the introduction of a new premium, high efficiency air filter utilizing nanofiber technology with a four year/100,000 mile service life guarantee and superior air flow. Positioning itself to be a world class leader in filtration, the AMSOIL Ea Filter is incomparable in both design and performance.

In lab testing Ea media with nanofibers removed 5 times more dust than the average cellulose filter and 50 times more dust than the average wet gauze media.  Ea media also has 3 times the airflow of cellulose filters and is equal to wet gauze filters at the very low 0.5 inches of restriction.  The proprietary Ea media held 15 times more dust than the average wet gauze type filter.  In short, AMSOIL Ea Filters offer superior performance in the three critical performance benchmarks of efficiency, flow and capacity.

Remember, over 60% of engine wear is caused by
particles that are between 6-15 microns in size.

Nanofiber Filter Media

• Traps sub-micron size particles on the nanofiber surface
• Prevents particles from lodging in the filter media depth

1000 x Scanning Electron Microscope Images Red circles represent the diameter of a 2 micron and a 5 micron particle

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Above: AMSOIL Ea Air Filters                                       hold 15 times more dust than a wet gauze                                       type filter.

Above: AMSOIL Ea Air Filter                                       media removes 5 times more dust than traditional                                       cellulose filters and 50 times more dus

What are the Benefits?

• Extends service intervals through increased Capacity
• Better Capacity than wet cotton gauze or cellulose
• Offers a high level of engine protection though Efficiency
• Better Efficiency than wet cotton gauze or cellulose
• Highest Efficiency rating in the industry
• Maintains high permeability or Flow through it life cycle
• Advanced “Cleanable”  properties and attributes (reusable)
• Priced competitive with great income potential
• 100,000 mile AMSOIL guarantee / Extended Service Intervals
• Cost effective / Reduced operation costs
• OEM Certified Fitment
• Elimination of potential OEM warranty issues

For Serious Protection You Need filters that Cover the Entire Filtration Spectrum

The Introduction of AMSOIL Ea filter line has placed AMSOIL at the forefront of the filtration world. The nanofiber technology used in Ea Filters is new to the auto/light truck market, and available only from AMSOIL. These revolutionary new filters were the beginning of a filtration overhaul at AMSOIL. Along with the introduction of Ea Filters, AMSOIL added filtration products from Donaldson, WIX and Twin Air PowerSports Filters, offering a wider variety of products to cover nearly every filtration application from heavy-duty off-road, to racing and transmissions and much more.

                  

"The Absolute Facts About Air Filtration" video effectively illustrates and explains the harm airborne contaminants cause vehicle engines, the shortcomings of traditional air filters and the advantages offered by AMSOIL Ea Air Filters.

                  

NEW!

What's the Confusion over biodiesel?

Ever wonder, with all of the talk about bio-diesel, if there is any "standard"?  Seems not a week goes by when i don't hear about someone who claims they are simply adding vegetable oil to their fuel tank in order to save a few bucks.  (I'll discuss this unwise practice and why in a subsequent post)

But for the inquiring minds out there, I'd like to clarify that there IS a well accepted standard.

The standard Biodiesel Fuel Specification is ASTM D 6751 –  and was developed in part because
fuel quality is of the utmost concern and importance to the biodiesel industry.  ASTM D 6751 is the specification for biodiesel fuels irrespective of the feedstock source and/or processing method.

The standard ensures safe operation in a compression ignition engine.  Generally, Biodiesel is a clean burning and biodegradable fuel that

• is produced domestically from renewable materials,
• can be used in existing engines with no major modifications,
• is blended in any percentage (B20 – most common),
• Substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

What oil should you use with biodiesel?

My recommendation is the premium synthetic diesel oils formulated by AMSOIL.  AMSOIL Motor Oil extended drain interval recommendations do not apply to vehicles using biodiesel fuels at any mix ratios with petroleum diesel. When using biodiesel fuels at any mix ratio, follow the OEM recommended oil drain interval.

I've been using the Heavy Duty 15W-40 Diesel oil, and swear by this product.  Besides offering superior protection, the reasons for cost sensitive operators to run AMSOIL synthetics include:

• Time is Money - The mechanic can significantly reduce the time spent on changing oil.
• Since much less product is used, costs will be reduced over the course of a year when compared to regular oil.

Because it makes sense across the board, right?

Up, Up and Away - Diesel Prices Soaring

If you think there's no end in sight, you may be correct.

According to the latest from the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, we're going to see some bumpy road ahead, from a perspective of prices.

For example, here's an illustration from this weeks published price trends tables for on-road diesel.  At the risk of telling you something you already know - OUCH!

Everyone is looking for solutions, in order to keep their equipment on the road.

Check out the 8.2% fuel savings article, for information on ways that you can too.

I posted an earlier article which provided a fuel cost savings calculator, so you can figure out what an 8.2% savings could mean to you.

Good Luck !