SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Q & A
Answers to the most frequently asked
questions.
Copyright © 1996-2009 SynLube, Inc.
ISBN 1-56091-509-09/2009
All rights reserved.
Permission to copy for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by SynLube, Inc. only to SynLube™ Dealers and Distributors.
Foreword
Q & A was created in an attempt to answer the most often asked questions that SynLube, Inc. receives on a daily basis. Typically we receive about 100 to 150 e-mails daily with various questions about SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Lubricants. Most likely you were referred to this web page because the questions you have asked are already answered in great detail here.
Table of Contents & Hyperlinks
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® specific Questions:
What is SynLube™
Lube-4-Life®?
What SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® Does?
Why is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
black?
Why is SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® better than Oil?
Why is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® a
Superior Motor Oil?
What are the Benefits of SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® Lubricants?
What Oil Change Intervals
are recommended for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®?
Is SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® Compatible With Other Oils?
Can I mix SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
with other Oils?
When Should I Use SynLube™
UNIVERSAL
Motor Oil?
Can SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® be used in a Rebuilt Engine?
How does SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
bond to Engine Parts?
Should Over the Counter Oil
Additives Be Used With SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® ?
What Drain Interval is
recommended for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® ?
How often do I need to change OIL FILTER if I am EXTENDING OIL DRAIN INTERVALS?
How will SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® affect Engine Life?
How will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
affect Motor Oil CONSUMPTION?
How will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® affect
FUEL CONSUMPTION?
How will SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® affect OIL PRESSURE?
Why doesn't SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® come in several VISCOSITY Grades?
When can I start using SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® in a new vehicle?
Can SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
be run in ALL Gasoline Fueled ENGINES?
Can SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® be run in all Diesel Fueled Engines?
Will SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® change color with use?
Can SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
handle SOOT over EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS?
Is SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® FULLY SYNTHETIC?
Is SynLube™
Lube-4-Life®
TRI-SYNTHETIC?
How does SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® compare with SEMI-SYNTHETICS?
Can SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® be used as a replacement for all SAE 5W-20 Oils?
Since SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® is a SAE 5W-50, Will it void WARRANTIES if I use
it?
Can USED SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® be RECYCLED the same as other oils?
What is Colloid
Will the
Solid particles in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
settle out or clog Oil Filter?
When to change Oil Filter
Will the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
run out when I change Oil Filter?
Motor Oil (Synthetic)
What do ENGINE MANUFACTURERS say about SYNTHETICS?
Motor Oil Filters
Motor Oil (General)
Which SAE rating is the best?
What is PROPER Oil Level?
Truth to Oil Life Extension Claims?
How Often Should I Change My Motor Oil?
Can different SAE Grades of Motor Oil Be Mixed?
Can Different API Designations of Motor Oil Be Mixed?
What Are the Primary Functions of Motor Oil?
What Additives Are Used in Motor Oil?
Should Over the
Counter Oil Additives Be Used With SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® ?
Can I use an SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®, if my car requires API SG, API SL or API SH motor oil?
Will Overfilling with Any Oil Cause Damage to an Engine?
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® specific Questions:
Q:
What is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® ?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is 100% Synthetic Super Lubricant that Permanently replaces conventional Petroleum Motor Oil, Gear Oil or ATF in all motor vehicle applications.
SynLube™ ORIGINAL was the first product that replaced conventional Motor Oil in all internal combustion engine applications. It was the most popular version of SynLube™ Lubricants that were marketed since 1969 under the trademark name SynLube™.
The ORIGINAL formula was modified in 1985 and then again in 1996, to mach the demands of modern automotive engines.
Since its introduction in 1996, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the FIRST and still the ONLY Motor Oil capable of "for Life" service without oil changes.
Technically correct term for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is:
Synergy of Synthetic Lubric
Multi-Oleum Penta-Fluids and Tri-Solids in Lyophilic Sol.
Legend:
Synergy = Combined action of two or more components, where the end result is positive or beneficial.
Synthetic = Man made, not occurring naturally.
Lubric = Smooth, slippery or having the ability to lubricate = Lubricant
Multi = Many or composed of many component parts.
Oleum = Oil or oily substance.
Penta = Five (5)
Fluid = Liquid state of mater
Tri = Three (3)
Solid = Solid state of mater
Lyophilic = Colloidal state where the suspended particles have strong affinity for the suspending medium (liquid or gas), and therefore do not separate or settle out.
Sol = Colloidal state where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid.
Syn = German Code Name for development of synthetic lubricants for jet engines in military aircraft during World War II. The Code Name was a short form for term meaning:
"Synergy of
Synthetic Oils for Lubrication"
Petroleum = From Latin Petra (Rock) and Oleum (Oil) therefore meaning "Rock Oil" the term is commonly used to describe products made from "Crude Oil".
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a synergetic mixture of five liquid and three solid, synthetic, man made, chemically inert non-petroleum lubricants that are thermally stable at temperatures from -65°F (-54°C) to over 500°F (260°C). Sub-micronic* solid particles of Graphite, Moly (MoS2) and PTFE (Teflon® ) are colloidally suspended in a solution of liquid multi-viscosity lubricants.
Note:
* [25,400 microns or micro-meters is equal to one inch, the solid particles used in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® range in size from 0.3 micron to no more than 1 micron]
The sub-micronic colloids of Graphite, Moly and PTFE act as miniature ball bearings that not only greatly reduce friction but also prevent direct metal to metal contact and thus also greatly reduce mechanical wear.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is chemically inert and does not oxidize nor decompose like conventional Petroleum Motor Oil. In most applications SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® never needs to be changed during the useful life of most vehicles.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a super lubricant that contains Graphite, Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2 - Moly) and PTFE solid lubricants in sub micronic colloidal suspension as well as chemical detergent-dispersant additive package and PTFE resins, anti-corrosion and anti-foam additives, and also special boundary lubricant in a blend of liquid 100% synthetic hydrocarbons and selected esters. No Petroleum Carrier oils are used in SynLube™.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a fully formulated complete lubricant package, therefore no other additives or improvers are required nor should be added.
Q:
What SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Does?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® SAVES TIME & MONEY.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® installed into your engine eliminates the need for frequent oil changes, saving you time & money. Average car owner spends about one hour and $15 to $45 for each oil change.
During the useful life of the typical vehicle this ads up to SAVING of up to
50 hours and over $1,000.
More Details: http://www.synlube.com/money.htm
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® SAVES ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES.
Because no harmful "waste oil" is created possibility of environmental pollution is eliminated.
Consequently less crude oil is used which in turn saves petroleum resources.
Despite constant efforts to the contrary, currently only 41% of used oil from automobiles makes it to the oil collection centers and is disposed of in toxic dumps or re-cycled.
Therefore 59% of the potentially hazardous used oil is lost in the environment!
Typical vehicle generates one quart of used waste oil every month!
More Details: http://www.synlube.com/earth.htm
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® SAVES FUEL.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® exceeds current API rating for "ENERGY CONSERVING motor oil, and meets all ASTM and ILSAC GF-3 criteria for fuel economy motor oil.
In gasoline car engine tests the fuel savings ranged from 4.5% to 6% (when compared to HR-2 Petroleum Motor Oil) In diesel truck engine tests the fuel savings were from 5% to 8% (when compared to SAE 15W-40 Petroleum Heavy Duty Motor Oil).
Typical car owner saves over $400 on fuel during the useful life of the vehicle when using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®.
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® REDUCES OIL CONSUMPTION.
Because of low volatility and high viscosity at high operating temperatures oil burning and oil consumption are substantially reduced. Oil consumption is significantly reduced when compared to conventional Petroleum Motor Oil.
In most automotive applications, in a mechanically sound engine, the typical oil consumption will be about a third to one fifth of what is experienced with typical petroleum motor oil.
In mechanically sound modern engines (LEV and ULEV) in which SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® was used since new we have experienced oil consumption as low as one quart per 20,000 miles, while one quart per 6,000 miles is more typical for most older or high mileage engines.
In high mileage engines that were previously operated on petroleum oil the initial consumption of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® may be significantly higher when SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is first installed, but after about 10,000 miles of driving it will be usually reduced.
Typical oil consumption in older engines (pre-OBD) is about one quart of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® per 3,000 to 5,000 miles of normal use.
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® IS SAFE.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® has been proven safe and effective in critical military, space flight and industrial applications for over 30 years. It has been used by NASA since 1969.
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® MAKES ENGINES LAST.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® significantly reduces mechanical friction and wear. In actual use, fleet tests show that typical automotive engine can last from 3 to up to 10 times longer when using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® since new.
Number of automotive engines have accumulated 300,000 and even 500,000 miles without engine overhauls and any mechanical failures, while heavy duty truck engines have proven to be durable well in excess of 1,000,000 miles when operated exclusively on SynLube� since new.
More Details: http://www.synlube.com/saveyour.htm
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® ONE LUBRICANT FOR ALL
CLIMATES.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is super multigrade lubricant rated SAE 5W-50 with very high viscosity index
(VI = 200) and therefore can be continually used in all climates, from Arctic to Tropic, from winter to summer, without changing.
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® ONE LUBRICANT FOR ALL
APPLICATIONS.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® far exceeds all Warranty requirements of all car and truck manufacturers, for all gasoline, diesel and LPG engine applications.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® exceeds all performance requirements for gasoline, diesel and LPG, turbo and non-turbo, motor oils used in engines of passenger cars and trucks.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is suitable to be used universally in all automotive, truck, marine, aviation and racing applications.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® exceeds all following performance/test requirements:
ILSAC GF-1, GF-2, GF-3, GF-4 (International, Gasoline Engines)
API SM, SL, SJ, SH, SG (USA - Light Duty Gasoline)
API CE, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 (USA - Heavy Duty Diesel 4-stroke)
API CJ-4, CI-4 (USA - Heavy Duty Low Emission Diesels with EGR)
API CF-2 (USA - Heavy Duty Diesel 2-stroke)
DHD-1 (International Diesel Heavy Duty Specification)
CCMC G-5 (Europe - High Performance Gasoline)
CCMC PD-2 (Europe - High Performance Passenger Diesel Car)
CCMC D-5 (Europe - Heavy Duty Diesel Truck)
JASO (Japan)
MIL-L-46152E (U.S. Military - Gasoline)
MIL-L-2104F (U.S. Military - Diesel)
MIL-L-22851D (U.S. Military - Aviation)
MIL-L-46167C (U.S. Military - Arctic use)
MIL-L-21260B (U.S. Military - Preservative & Break-in)
MIL-L-2105D (U.S. Military - Manual Transmission)
NASA MFS-1275 (Space flight application)
Mack EO-M, EO-L PLUS Specifications
Detroit Diesel 7SE 270
Caterpillar 10 TBN requirements
Note:
If you don’t know what all the above ratings, letters and numbers mean don’t feel bad, the latest National Automotive Lubricant Research shows that 94% of consumers have no idea! But if you would like to become an instant expert on lubricant ratings, you can be one! Just order and read our publication:
"Understanding the Oil Alphabet Soup - or - What you don’t know about Oil will hurt your car!"
Q:
Why is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® black?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a synergy of five different chemically inert liquid lubricants all of which have different light absorption characteristics.
The separate pure components are:
1.) Clear color-less
2.) Translucent light yellow
3.) Hazy translucent white
4.) Clear medium brown
5.) Clear phosphorescent light amber
When they are all mixed together in the appropriate ratio to achieve the unique properties that are present in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® the final mixture is translucent and has a deep brownish-black color.
The theory of this phenomenon is not fully understood, but it is believed that the very strong adsorption of light is presumably connected with the transfer of an electron from one atom to another of the element that is present in two valence states.
Then the three solid lubricants are added:
1.) PTFE - reddish-pink or creamy white
2.) Graphite - dark gray
3.) Moly - dark green
And the finished SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® lubricant becomes opaque even in extremely thin film and the final color is dark greenish gray which sometimes changes depending on the operating conditions to more brownish tint.
This color is normal for the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® lubricants and makes them distinctly different from any other lubricant available.
The color of the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® will not change appreciably during the useful service life of the lubricant.
By contrast typical Motor Oil, both petroleum and synthetic, ranges in color from clear amber to dark yellow when fresh and in a very short time will turn dark brown when the various additives that are present in modern oil become thermally activated or partially degraded.
Further petroleum motor oils will form "black sludge" during operation, and this sludge is held in suspension by detergents and dispersants until the oil is drained.
Conventional motor oils will appear clear when fresh and will change to dark brown or even black when used, therefore the change of color of conventional lubricants is a good indication of their relative "freshness".
The dark opaque color of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is however normal property of this lubricant and is in no way an indication of adverse lubricant quality.
Therefore we strongly suggest that you install SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® information tag or label where it is visible in the engine compartment and/or attach another tag to the dipstick, so that uninformed mechanics would not accidentally add different lubricant or drain SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® altogether because it was black.
Q:
Why is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® better than Oil ?
A:
Conventional Petroleum Motor Oil is a chemically unstable lubricant, at elevated temperatures which are the normal operating temperatures in modern engines; petroleum motor oil decomposes, oxidizes and forms harmful deposits such as gum, varnish and sludge.
In fact pure petroleum motor oil (API SA) is quite unsuitable for modern engines, and no engine manufacturers have recommended it's use since 1970 and most automotive engine manufacturers actually prohibit use of it since 1964 when "Detergent Motor Oils" were introduced (API SC).
The currently used and recommended multigrade motor oils (API SJ and SH) contain as much as 15% to 20% of chemical additives that give to the finished lubricant performance and quality aspects that the pure petroleum base oil lacks. Such lubricants although made from petroleum contain important additives that help reduce sludge formation, provide anti-corrosion and/or anti-wear protection, allow the oil to flow better at freezing temperatures and prevent excessive thinning at high operating temperatures.
Unfortunately the by-products of combustion that are component of "blow-by" gasses chemically react with oil and create harmful acids which in turn deplete the additives that are present in all modern motor oils and are necessary for reliable engine operation.
Consumer grade synthetic motor oils are subject to the same chemical reaction, but because the synthetic base stock has inherently better performance characteristic than pure petroleum motor oil, the synthetic motor oils are without exception better for your engine.
However because in mass produced consumer products cost is a major concern, and because the synthetic base stocks are four to twelve times more expensive to produce than petroleum motor oil, the way lubricant producers compensate for this huge price difference is to use fewer or less expensive lower quality additives in synthetic motor oils.
As a result the commonly available synthetic motor oils, although superior in performance to petroleum motor oils, are not any more durable than the petroleum motor oils that they replace.
The depletion of additives and the deterioration of the oil base stock is the major reason why conventional motor oils, both petroleum and synthetic must be frequently changed.
One reason why SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is so much better than conventional motor oils is because its unique multi component 100% synthetic ultra high viscosity index (UHVI) base stock is chemically stable and therefore not a subject to the same chemical degradation that affects conventional motor oils.
Only very few additives are needed to satisfy the highest current lubricant performance requirements for all new 1999 model motor vehicles, both gasoline and diesel, domestic and imported.
(API SM, SL, SJ, SH/CG-4, CH-4+ and ILSAC GF-2 , GF-3, GF-4 as well as CCMC G-5, PD-2, D-5).
The additives that are used in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are the best available irrespective of cost.
They are used in excess amounts so that their gradual depletion does not adversely affect the lubricant performance even when no oil changes are performed and when oil consumption is less than one quart per 15,000 miles of operation.
Other reasons why SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is superior to all other lubricants that are available to public in USA are the colloidally suspended sub-micronic solid lubricants that are an integral component of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®.
These Colloids not only perform most of the conventional functions of the lubricant, but also prevent Stiction, Boundary Lubrication, Stick-Slip Effect, and eliminate Wear and Seizure.
Q:
Why is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
a Superior Motor Oil?
A:
The formulation of superior motor oil begins by establishing performance targets that provide a superior level of engine protection. SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oils are specifically designed to exceed the performance standards established by industry and engine manufacturers. This is accomplished through the careful selection and quality control of superior synthetic base oils and special high performance additives. The base oils and additives selected for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oil represent the forefront of lubricant technology and are chosen to produce the highest level of performance in the finished product. This results in motor oil, which is specifically engineered to provide optimal engine protection for your vehicle, no matter what, where or how you drive.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oil is formulated to provide maximum viscosity protection during engine operation. This improves the ability of the motor oil to provide the critical protective oil film between moving engine parts.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oils are engineered to exceed the highest API performance categories for passenger cars, vans, light trucks as well as heavy duty diesel trucks. This level of performance, in conjunction with more demanding European engine testing and a superior level of high temperature oxidation control, translates to maximum protection against thermal breakdown as well.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor oil maximizes two important types of protection - protection against Viscosity Breakdown and Thermal Breakdown.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® SAE 5W-50 has been formulated to offer maximum protection against Volatility Burn off, exceeding even the very strict European performance standards as well as proposed ILSAC GF-3 volatility limits.
Q:
What are the Benefits of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
Lubricants?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is specifically designed to exceed the performance standards established by the motor oil industry and engine manufacturers. The synthetic base oils, additives and colloids selected for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oil represent the forefront of lubrication technology and are chosen to produce the highest level of performance.
SynLube, Inc. blends the finest synthetic base oils with unique shear stable viscosity improvers.
As a result, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil exceeds demanding North American shear stability requirements for viscosity breakdown - maximizing viscosity protection. This improves the ability of the motor oil to provide the critical protective oil film between moving engine parts.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is engineered to exceed all highest API service categories for passenger cars and gasoline light trucks as well as diesel high-speed turbocharged engines and also heavy duty trucks with SINGLE formulation. By comparison one "major" Oil Company has 37 different formulations - all claiming to be superior in performance!
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is specially formulated with an exclusive technology that provides exceptional thermal stability while controlling engine deposits.
Even under the intense heat inside today's harder working engines, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® provides unsurpassed protection against thermal breakdown, friction and wear.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® also provides maximum protection against viscosity breakdown and bulk lubricant deterioration.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is specially formulated with superior synthetic base oils and advanced additive technology to provide better protection against volatility burn-off than other leading.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the only SAE 5W-50 motor oil that provides this superior protection.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is specially formulated to provide Added Protection for Severe Driving Conditions.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the only Totally Synthetic lubrication technology. With a full synthetic formula (no petroleum carrier oil is used) and exclusive colloidal chemistry SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® provides a protection and performance that far surpass all conventional oils (both Petroleum or Synthetic).
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® chemical esters and alkyl polycarboxylates bond to engine parts, forming a layer of protection that remains even when the engine is shut off. These chemicals are polar in nature and are attracted by and actually bond to engine parts -- providing a layer of protection far stronger than conventional oils.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® colloidal lubricant components (Graphite, Moly & PTFE) allow the engine to be protected throughout startup and during long-term storage or infrequent use.
By contrast, in conventional lubricants the anti-wear additives do not become fully effective, until the engine is fully warmed up. (175°F / 80°C)
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® synthetic colloidal formula provides added protection versus conventional oils for severe driving conditions. These conditions are defined in car and truck owner's manuals as stop and go traffic, towing & hauling, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, and even idling -- conditions that you face every day.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® SAE 5W-50 viscosity grade provides the widest range of protection available.
The SAE 5W rating provides rapid oil circulation at start-up even in sub-zero temperatures and the SAE 50 delivers a thicker oil film during high temperature and/or high load operation.
The result is ultimate wear protection in all engines under all operating conditions.
For more Details: http://www.synlube.com/whysyn.htm
Q:
What Oil Change Intervals are recommended for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®?
A:
Motor oil serves many purposes. Its primary function is to lubricate and protect, but it also keeps your engine cool and running clean.
The conventional wisdom tells you that: "By changing your oil frequently, you remove combustion by-products such as acid, soot, abrasives, water and unburned fuel." All of these substances can have damaging effects on both the performance and life of your engine. And all of these substances are formed and/or suspended in conventional motor oils, both petroleum and synthetics.
Because SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is unique lubricant, it does not deteriorate like conventional oils.
The high quality synthetic base stocks are chemically inert from -50°F to 500°F, therefore degradation of lubricant does not occur.
Sludge, gum and varnish are therefore not a problem in engines that are lubricated since new with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®.
The colloidal components in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® greatly reduce wear and formation of metallic abrasive particles. Further, TriMagnets that are installed on the outside of the Oil Filter housing, trap any magnetic wear particles.
The SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® MicroGlass Oil Filter removes 98% of 8 to 10 micron particles in single pass test, by comparison conventional cellulose media oil filters are only efficient in 20 to 40 micron range.
It is important to realize that SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a "system" consisting not only of the
INITIAL FILL and ADD OIL motor oils, but also the MicroGlass Oil Filter and the FilterMagnets.
Only if ALL the components of this "system" are utilized properly, then the maximum oil change recommendations can be used.
You should check your owners' manual for engine manufacturer's recommended oil change service.
The safe oil change interval for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is about 10 to 15 times the OEM recommendation for conventional petroleum motor oil.
However, we recommend for the best possible protection and maximum vehicle life, that you change your motor oil every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
If an oil change is delayed, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® provides an added level of assurance and protection that is not available in any conventional oils.
The service limit for current version of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil, if used in conventional private or commercial vehicles is:
150,000 miles
15 years
3,000 engine hours in Gasoline powered emission controlled engines
2,500 engine hours in Diesel powered engines
-- which ever occurs first.
The "which ever occurs
first" is the most important phrase of the specification !
Also all the above
maximum specifications are intended for vehicles where
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is used as recommended and in combination with
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® MicroGlass Oil Filter and FilterMagnets.
For example:
If your vehicle is mostly driven in slow city stop & go traffic and you average only about 20 MPH, then at 3,000 hours of engine operation your vehicle will have ONLY 60,000 miles.
If your vehicle is used mostly for high-speed highway driving at 70 MPH, your vehicle will have 150,000 miles on long before you reach 3,000 engine hours.
If you seldom drive your vehicle, maybe once a month, then the 10-year service specification will determine your oil change interval.
If your vehicle is used for racing or other non-conventional applications contact SynLube, Inc. for specific recommendations for you specific application.
Q:
Is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Compatible With Other Oils?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is compatible with all conventional and part synthetic oils and you may switch to SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® at any time. It is not necessary to flush your engine.
If you used an oil additive with your conventional oil you can use SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®, however we do not recommend that you continue to use oil additives because SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is specially formulated to provide your engine with superior protection.
Q:
Can I mix SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
with other Oils?
A:
Yes, but it is not recommended!
In order to satisfy U.S. Military specifications SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® must be totally compatible with all previously certified Military Lubricants.
Under Federal Test Method Standard No. 791C, Method 3470.1 Engine Oils are expected to be homogeneous and completely miscible with all other engine oils with which they might be mixed in service. When oils are mixed in any proportion, there should be no evidence of separation either of the additives or of the oils when the mixed oils are heated to a temperature as high as 232°C (450°F) and cooled to a temperature as low as the pour point of the mixture.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® satisfies the above Federal Test. Therefore any lubricant that confirms to U.S. Military MIL-L-46152E or MIL-L-2104F specifications is totally compatible with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® .
Because SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is chemically inert it will not adversely react with any commonly used lubricant or hydraulic fluid.
However, we do not recommend the mixing of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® with large quantities of other lubricants, because the effectiveness and performance of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® will be substantially reduced.
The common Petroleum and Synthetic oils now on the market will still deteriorate and decompose at normal rates, even if they are mixed with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®.
In other words, the long term permanent protection that SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® provides will be reduced or lost and the bulk oil will have to be eventually drained and replaced. This is due to the decomposition and sludge formation caused by the ordinary oil.
Therefore mixing of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® with other oils should be avoided.
If SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® absolutely must be mixed with another lubricant, synthetic oils are always preferable to any petroleum product.
NOTE:
Oils that lack API "C" rating are not suitable for use in Diesel Engines.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Some synthetic base stocks or additives are not compatible with other synthetics; therefore synthetic lubricants should not be indiscriminately mixed, even if they are individually compatible with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®.
Once you mix another synthetic oil with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® never mix it with another type or brand of synthetic or petroleum motor oil.
Drain the mixture as soon as practicable and replace with FRESH FILL of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL.
Q:
When Should I Use SynLube™ UNIVERSAL
Motor Oil?
A:
SynLube™ UNIVERSAL is the less expensive (on volume basis) product than the two component SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL and ADD OIL. This product is a proprietary blend of SynLube™ synthetic base oils and SynLube™ molecular components. Unlike some other products on the market that are made for specific vehicle types, we've developed SynLube™ UNIVERSAL to be suitable for all vehicles and engine types.
On-going research shows that most consumers operate their vehicles under what manufacturers describe as severe driving conditions such as stop and go traffic, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, or towing and hauling.
SynLube™ UNIVERSAL provides an added level of synthetic protection against the stress these conditions place on an engine.
Although SynLube™ UNIVERSAL eliminates the need for frequent oil changes, it does not provide the same level of wear protection that the two component SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL and ADD OIL does.
Therefore SynLube™ UNIVERSAL should be used only in applications where normal engine wear is acceptable and extended service life is not required, such as in short term lease vehicles or higher mileage (over 70,000 miles) vehicles which are not expected to be in service “forever”.
Q:
Can SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® be used in a Rebuilt Engine?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil provides layer of protection that is far stronger than conventional motor oils. In a newly built or rebuilt engine you want a certain amount of controlled wear to occur to allow piston rings to seat and the engine to "break-in."
Our recommendation is to utilize SynLube™ FLUSH OIL for new and rebuilt engines for first 600 to 1,800 miles of operation (1,000 to 2,000 km).
And only after initial break-in that you switch to SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL for superior engine protection.
To obtain maximum wear metal removal and specified lubricant life, we recommend that only SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Synthetic media or MicroGlass Oil Filter is used along with FilterMagnets.
Q:
How does SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
bond to Engine Parts?
A:
The ester component physically bonds to engine parts. To some extend also the PTFE and Moly colloidal components adhere to bearing surfaces as well.
On the surface of metal components exist thin oxide coating which can develop a positive charge due to electron localization. SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® unique polar ester is designed to take advantage of this effect.
The attraction between the positive charge of the engine surface and the polar ester, which has a negative charge, creates a layer of ester component that is attracted and held to the surface of the metal. In effect, a layer of lubricant becomes affixed to the engine surface creating a long-lasting protective film, superior in performance to conventional oils.
The Moly (MoS2) colloids also exhibit some negative surface charge and similarly get attracted to the surface, but because they are solids, they get embossed into the irregularities in the surface.
The PTFE (Teflon®) component is under extreme local load plasticized and is also pushed into fine "valleys" in machined surfaces.
The ester components as well as the colloids not only reduce friction and wear by adhering to the surface, but also increase lubricity by their ability to easily shear away from it under extreme load, thus eliminating metal-to-metal weld and surface damage.
In the rare situation when metal surface is damaged under extreme operation condition and all of the positively charged surface oxide is removed, the fresh metal surface has a negative charge.
Before oxidation of this surface can re-occur this would result in increased local wear.
To eliminate wear under these rare conditions the high graphite colloid loading of the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® instantaneously protects such surface. This is because the graphite colloids have positive surface charge and are easily attracted to the metallic surface, which if it is oxide free, has a negative charge.
Therefore, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® protects all bearing surfaces under normal as well as severe and extreme operation, in all combinations of load, temperature and speed.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the only lubricant that offers such extensive protection along with universality of use.
Q:
Should Over the Counter Oil Additives Be Used With SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® ?
A:
NO !
You may use SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® if an aftermarket oil additive was previously used and the lubricant was fully drained.
However, we do not recommend any additional over the counter additives to be used with our products.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® contains state-of-the-art additives and is specifically engineered to afford complete and superior protection.
In addition, car manufacturers do not recommend the use of supplemental oil additives.
We frequently test all available additives for compatibility with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® lubricants, after may million miles of testing in number of vehicles we have only found two products that do not degrade the performance of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oil, but also do not enhance it, therefore are not cost effective.
Q:
What Drain Interval is recommended for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® ?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is designed for greatly extended drain intervals.
Typical
recommendation for private cars, vans and light trucks with Gasoline fuel is:
150,000 miles (250,000 km) or 15 years or 3,000 engine hours (which ever occurs first).
Typical
recommendation for Diesel powered vehicles is:
100,000 miles (150,000 km) or 10 years or 2,000 engine hours (which ever occurs first).
However, oil drains should be determined based on your anticipated operating conditions, driving habits and other maintenance schedules in mind.
Large, over-the-road trucks (class 8) may extend drain intervals based on predominantly driving highway miles, which are relatively easy on an engine, and using an approved SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Oil Analysis Program.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® has provided excellent service at up to four times the normal drain interval under these conditions. We also have closely monitored and controlled fleets performing SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® oil drains at up to 100,000 miles.
Off-highway units may experience much more variable operating conditions (predominantly loads and dusty conditions). SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® has provided excellent service in extended drains for off-highway units, but we recommend that you monitor fuel consumption, in addition to operating hours, to keep watch on engine loads. Also, either have a comprehensive air filter maintenance program and/or use oil analysis more frequently to monitor for dust ingestion by the engine.
However, we recommend for the best possible protection and maximum vehicle life, that you change your motor oil every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
Q:
How often do I need to change OIL FILTER if I am EXTENDING OIL DRAIN INTERVALS?
A:
If you use a high quality extended service oil filter, you may be able to go 60,000 miles between filter changes. See the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Oil Filter Guide for more information.
We strongly recommend that if you are interested in maximum oil drains and maximum engine protection that you buy high-quality oil filters and discuss filter change recommendations with your filter supplier or retailer.
You can now find the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® MicroGlass Oil Filters on our website Oil Filters. These filters are is designed to last up to 60,000 miles (100,000 km).
If the engine was previously operated for a long time on conventional petroleum motor oil, we recommend that the oil filter is changed at: First at 10,000 miles (or one year) after conversion
Thereafter 15,000 miles later (25,000 miles after initial installation or two years)
And then every 25,000 to 60,000 miles (two to five years) depending on application
If conventional Cellulose Oil Filter is used, then it should be changed at least every 7,500 miles or annually (which ever occurs first).
Q:
How will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® affect Engine Life?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® will provide excellent engine life -- even at extended drain intervals -- when used with appropriate maintenance practices.
In commercial and fleet applications the performance capability of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® allows gain in productivity (fewer oil changes) and profitability (lower fuel consumption), while providing excellent engine protection (exceptional lubricating characteristics at both low and high temperatures).
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® will help to significantly extend engine life.
However, you must realize that although SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® eliminates frequent oil changes, that other routine maintenance still MUST be performed to maximize engine life.
In other words, just because you do not have to change motor oil, do not neglect your vehicle or engine as a result.
Especially important is regular periodic check of all fluid levels, including of Motor Oil, even the best lubricant will not protect your engine from damage if it is not there, because it leaked out or got consumed.
Our claims of longevity and performance are based on tests where Motor Oil level was maintained at the proper level (between MIN & MAX marks on the dipstick).
However you should not have unreasonable expectations about over all durability of modern engines, we suggest that you read our article “FOERVER”.
http://www.synlube.com/FOREVER2009.htm
Q:
How will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® affect Motor Oil CONSUMPTION?
A:
Our experience -- and that of many of the fleets and vehicle
owners currently using
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
-- is that oil consumption decreases in a mechanically sound engine.
The synthesized base stocks in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are much more stable and consistent versus conventional base stocks that have a broader mix of petroleum components. The combination of resistance to oxidation and reduced evaporation at high temperatures, as well as the consistency of the synthetic base stock, results in less oil being consumed.
If your engine burns oil today due to a mechanical condition, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® will also probably experience high oil consumption. There is no substitute for fixing mechanical problems.
Proper oil level should be maintained and frequently checked.
Q:
How will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® affect FUEL CONSUMPTION?
A:
The exceptional lubrication properties of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®, coupled with the superior flow characteristics at low temperatures can provide you with up to a 5 percent improvement in fuel economy or more.
Individual heavy duty diesel tractor units may see variation based on driving habits and driving conditions -- but fleets that measure fuel economy using a well designed test program have seen improvements of 3 to 8 percent.
Even higher fuel economy gains could be realized if (on vehicles so equipped) also the Differentials, Axles, Transfer Cases and/or Transmission (Manual or Automatic) are protected with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® products as well. Total net gains of 12% to 25% have been demonstrated on Heavy Duty Long Haul Trucks that were fully converted to all applicable SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® products.
Q:
How will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® affect OIL PRESSURE?
A:
The efficient lubrication properties and easy pumpability of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® may result in a slightly lower oil pressure versus your conventional oil.
Especially during cold starts when conventional oil is too thick to flow easily and hence causes high oil pressure.
As long as the oil pressure is stable, there is no reason to be concerned.
Q:
Why doesn't SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® come in several VISCOSITY Grades?
A:
The synthetic base stock used in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® naturally has better low-temperature flow characteristics than conventional engine oil. This results in the SAE 5W grade, which provides easier starting and faster oil flow characteristics than an SAE 10W or SAE 15W grades.
Therefore SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can be used in all Winter applications down to – 40°C (- 40°F).
With the excellent film strength of the synthetic-based stock, tuned additive package, and colloidal solids,
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® offers the advantages of better low-temperature performance and improved fuel economy -- while also providing better lubrication protection at extremely hot engine operating conditions than a conventional lubricant of other SAE viscosity grades.
Since SAE 5W-50 SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is superior in performance to all conventional petroleum and synthetic lubricants in all other SAE viscosity grades we offer only one grade - the best one.
Q:
When can I start using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
in a new vehicle?
A:
You can start using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® in new vehicles at any time.
Or you can start using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® in an engine with a number of miles already on it.
As long as the engine is in good mechanical condition, you can start to get the advantages of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® today.
You can also use SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® in an overhauled or rebuilt engine. However, a rebuilt engine may contain swarf or abrasive material inside the engine. In this situation, you would be best served by using a short drain interval on SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® FLUSH OIL initial oil fill.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL will still work in this situation, but it would be less expensive to use SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® FLUSH OIL for this first, short duration oil change of 600 to 1,800 miles.
If maximum vehicle life is the ultimate desire, then the OEM Factory Fill Oil should be drained as soon as practicable and the oil filter also replaced. In addition the use of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® FLUSH OIL is also recommended in all new vehicles, for the first 600 to 1,800 miles (1,000 to 3,000 km), however it is not required.
It is especially important that the FilterMagnets are installed as soon as practicable even on the
OEM Oil Filter before the factory fill oil is drained; this will remove the maximum amount of wear particles.
Q:
Can SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® be run in ALL Gasoline Fueled
ENGINES?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is excellent gasoline engine oil.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® meets the API SM, SL, SJ, SH & SG service classification, which covers most gasoline automobile engines. And is already designed to exceed future proposed specifications like ILSAC GF-5.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is not recommended for two-stroke-cycle engines where oil is mixed with fuel.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is not recommended for radial aviation engines or Mazda rotary engines.
Q:
Can SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® be run in all Diesel Fueled Engines?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is excellent diesel engine oil.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® meets the API CJ-4, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CE service classification, which covers most four-stroke diesel engines.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is not recommended for Detroit Diesel two-stroke-cycle engines
(Series 53, 71, 92, 149) which require an SAE 40 monograde engine oil.
Q:
Will SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® change color with use?
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL is opaque black and usually it will not change in color.
Under some conditions it may slightly change its color, depending on the engine. Over the past several years, diesel engines have been designed to minimize the generation of smoke from the engine -- with a considerable amount of this soot being handled by detergents and dispersants in the engine oil. High-quality diesel engine oil is formulated to handle high soot levels.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® may become blacker relatively quickly as it does its job, depending on how much soot your engine produces. In gasoline engines some fuel additives that are used in gasoline may also cause slight color change to a brownish tint, that is normal and not cause for concern.
The quality of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can not be judged by its color, only complete laboratory analysis can determine the condition of any lubricant.
Q:
Can SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® handle SOOT over EXTENDED DRAIN
INTERVALS?
A:
YES
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is formulated with high-quality detergents and dispersants, designed to handle the soot loading prevalent in some recent model-year, emission-controlled engines.
In fact, SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is unsurpassed in its ability to handle soot loading.
Q:
Is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® FULLY SYNTHETIC?
A:
YES
The base stocks for SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are fully synthetic oils.
The base stocks used in blending SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are all "chemically constructed" instead of being simply segregated out of crude oil-like conventional mineral oils.
There is no petroleum oil used in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® as a "carrier" for additives.
Other oil companies (ExxonMobil, CASTROL, AMSOIL, Royal Purple etc.) frequently use mineral carrier oils in the additive package before it is blended into the base oil(s).
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the only TOTALLY synthetic oil.
The base stocks used in blending SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are all pure synthetics that are "chemically constructed".
Actually there are FIVE different synthetic base oils used in the final formulation of the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® motor oils.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® therefore could be labeled as "Penta-Synthetic" or "Penta-Syn" since it uses FIVE base oils and not just two (most Synthetic Motor Oils) or three (Tri-Syn Mobil 1).
For more Detailed Information: http://www.synlube.com/synthetic.htm
Q:
Is SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® TRI-SYNTHETIC?
A:
The "Tri-Synthetic" term has been invented and promoted in 1990’s by Mobil on their ILSAC GF-3 ready
Mobil 1 formula for gasoline engines. Their claim is that the Motor Oil is produced from THREE different synthetic base oils:
Polyalphaolefin (PAO)
Synthetic Ester
Alkylated Aromatic
Most synthetic Motor Oils on the market are formulated from at least two base stocks (PAO & Esters) and sometimes also with more than one "grade" of PAO, and they all use Petroleum "carrier" oil for the additive package before they are blended into the Basestock.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® uses five (5) different fluids in the Basestock, thus is referred to as PentaSyn.
Q:
How does SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
compare with SEMI-SYNTHETICS?
A:
Semi-synthetic oils are conventional petroleum base stocks with some (10-25 percent) synthetic base stock added. SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® base stocks are fully synthetic.
The low-temperature performance of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is substantially better than semi-synthetic oil since the waxes found in the conventional base stocks are still present in the semi-synthetic oils.
The overall lubrication performance and engine protection of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is better than a semi-synthetic since the additive package of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® has been tuned to provide exceptional performance with the synthetic base stocks. You can't simply take the same additive package from conventional oil, blend it with a synthetic base stock and expect to get superior performance.
The addition of some synthetic base stocks in properly formulated oil should improve performance versus conventional base oils. The use of fully synthetic base oil in properly formulated oil provides maximum performance.
Q:
Can SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® be used as a replacement for all SAE 5W-20 Oils?
A:
"All SAE 5W-20 oils" is a very broad category. SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can be used in engines that call for a SAE 5W-20 multi-viscosity grade oil meeting API SM quality levels.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can also be used in all gasoline engines that call for an API SM, SL, SJ, SH, SG, or SF quality oil. That covers a lot of engines.
If you are not sure if SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is appropriate for your application, call SynLube, Inc. at 1-800-SYN-LUBE.
To familiarize yourself with the reason why SAE 5W-20 oils are recommended for some engines in USA, while the OEM of the engines recommend other SAE grades in other markets, please read our article
(SAE 5W-20).
http://www.synlube.com/sae5w-20.htm
Q:
My "Owner’s Manual" recommends SAE 5W-30 motor oil,
can I use
SynLube™
Lube-4-Life® which is SAE 5W-50 Oil?
A:
Yes, SAE 5W-50 is better than the recommended SAE 5W-30 !
You must realize that vehicle manufacturer’s specifications that are given in the "Owner’s Manual" for your vehicle are based on following three factors:
The lowest permissible quality specification for the product recommended, such as Motor Oil.
The availability of the recommended product.
The likelihood of the use of such product by the vehicle owner.
Now we will discus each of these points in detail:
No manufacturer ever objects to the use of a "better than recommended" product, if the "better" is based on industry accepted ratings. In case of the Motor Oil these are:
SAE Viscosity Ratings
API Performance Categories
API Energy Conserving Capacity
ILSAC GF-1, GF-2, GF-3 or GF-4 approval
If your "Owner’s Manual" recommends SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil, it is OK to use any Motor Oil whose "W" rating number is either the same or lower and whose "second" rating number in either the same or higher.
That is SAE 5W-30 or 10W40 or 5W-50 is OK.
However SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 or 15W-40 is NOT OK !
Manufacturers do not like to recommend products that are not easily available everywhere, in case of motor oil, only few companies make SAE 5W-50 Motor Oil and it is not easily available everywhere in the World. SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 by contrast can be bought at every gas station and everywhere where motor oil is sold (car parts stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.)
Majority of car owners use commonly available Petroleum Motor Oil, therefore, car companies do not even mention the use of Synthetic Motor Oil in their manuals.
The exception is FORD that devotes one paragraph to Synthetic Motor Oil in their 320 page "Owner Guide" for most 1994 and later vehicles. By contrast FORD devotes two full pages to "Washing Your Vehicle".
GM mentions Synthetic Motor Oil only in Corvette manuals because it is the only GM vehicle that requires the use of Synthetic Motor Oil.
DODGE Viper and PLYMOUTH Prowler are the only CHRYSLER vehicles that must use Synthetic Motor Oil exclusively.
NOTE:
If your "Owner’s Manual" recommends the use of SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil, then you should read our article (SAE 5W-20) so you can understand why.
http://www.synlube.com/sae5w-20.htm
Note:
If you don’t know what all the above ratings, letters and numbers mean don’t feel bad, the latest National Automotive Lubricant Research shows that 94% of consumers have no idea! But if you would like to become an instant expert on lubricant ratings, you can be one! Just order and read our publication:
"Understanding the Oil Alphabet Soup - or - What you don’t know about Oil will hurt your car!"
Q:
Since SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a SAE 5W-50, Will it void WARRANTIES if I use it?
A:
NO
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®, because of its high Viscosity Index (VI=200), provides a better protective film at higher temperatures than conventional oils, while remaining fluid at lower temperatures than a conventional SAE 5W weight oil.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® meets all engine manufacturers' requirements where API SM, SL, SJ, SH, SG or SF motor oil is recommended.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® meets all diesel engine manufacturers' requirements where API CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4 or CE motor oil is recommended.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® meets all gasoline engine manufacturers' requirements where
ILSAC GF-1, GF-2, GF-3 or GF-4 motor oil is recommended.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can be used in all engines where manufacturers' require any of the following SAE viscosity designations:
SAE 5W-30
SAE 10W-30
SAE 5W-40
SAE 10W-40
SAE 15W-40
SAE 30
SAE 40
SAE 50
SAE 10W-50
SAE 15W-50
SAE 20W-50
Q:
Can USED SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
be RECYCLED the same as other oils?
A:
YES
Used SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can and should be treated in the same manner as used conventional motor oil. Do not dispose of any used oil in the trash or pour it on the ground or down the sewer. Take your used oil to an oil-recycling center.
However, we strongly recommend that you return USED SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® lubricants to
SynLube, Inc. for reprocessing. Not only it is environmentally desirable, but you will also receive a cash credit for its return.
Q:
Where can I buy SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
A:
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is available through our nationwide network of SynLube™ Distributors.
Contact the SynLube, Inc. at 1-800-SYN-LUBE for information on your nearest distributor.
All SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® products can be also purchased directly through our web site and are shipped FREE by UPS Ground Service in the USA & Canada.
Q:
Who is using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® TODAY that I could contact to discuss their experience?
A:
There are many fleets as well as individuals currently using SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® in their vehicles.
Contact your SynLube™ representative or call 1-800-SYN-LUBE for specific contacts in your area.
You can also contact many SynLube™ customers that are listed on our website in the "SynLube Uses" section.
http://www.synlube.com/syn.htm
Q:
What is Colloid?
A:
Colloids are extremely small particles. They can be solid or liquid. If you do not know what they are don’t feel bad, the word "Colloid" was not even invented until 1860 and before 1849 nobody even speculated that Colloids existed.
The phenomenon of "Colloidal Suspension" was initially not understood, and was finally explained in 1925. However, even before Colloids and Colloidal Suspension were fully understood, they were used for lubrication purposes since 1908.
Colloidal particles are about 10-7 to 5x10-5 cm in diameter (From 0.01 to 5 microns). To "see" colloids you need at least 100x power microscope to notice them, 400x power microscope to get a better view and 1,000x power or better "ultramicroscope" to examine them individually.
Colloids are larger than most inorganic molecules and remain suspended indefinitely. They are large molecules, such as proteins, or groups of molecules. They have many properties, depending on their large specific surface. Although individual colloids are invisible to the eye, you have probably "seen" colloids when they are in a highly concentrated form and are familiar with them, you just did not know that they were colloids.
To give you some examples:
Smoke is a colloidal suspension of solid (usually carbon) molecules in the air.
Fog or Mist is an Aerosol, a colloidal suspension of liquid (water) molecules in the air.
Dust is a colloidal suspension of solids (usually silica or sand) in the air.
Milk is an Emulsion, a colloidal suspension of liquid (fats and oils) in another liquid (water).
Gold-Ruby Glass is a colloidal suspension of one solid (gold) in another solid (glass).
Blood is a colloidal suspension of blood cells in a liquid medium (plasma).
Colloidal State
This is a condition in which one substance is dispersed in another. Colloids are distinguished from suspensions essentially by the size of the dispersed particles. Colloidal particulate size is approximately 1 to 500 X (10 to the power of -7) cm. Colloidal particles do not settle and cannot be filtered by ordinary techniques (as is the case with suspensions). Colloidal state differs from solutions (in which the particles are of molecular size). The dispersed particles of colloids cannot pass through the fine pores of membranes, and cannot therefore be separated out by the technique known as Dialysis. Because of their size, colloid particles diffuse slowly.
Colloids may be classified according to the original phases of their constituents:
Solid dispersed in a liquid is called a Sol.
Solid or semisolid colloidal system is a Gel.
Emulsion consists of one liquid dispersed in another.
Aerosol, such as smoke or mist, consists of a solid or liquid dispersed in a gas.
Some Alloys are solid-in-solid colloids.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a Sol because solid lubricant particles are dispersed in liquid lubricants.
Sol (colloidal system)
A sol is a colloidal system consisting of a solid dispersed in a liquid (see COLLOIDAL STATE).
If the dispersing medium is water, it may be called a hydrosol. If the interaction between the solid and liquid components gives a stable system, the Sol is said to be Lyophilic; if the solid is more stable in bulk form and eventually aggregates to that state, the Sol is called lyophobic.
Lyophilic sols that contain large linear molecules, such as gelatin, have a much greater viscosity than the solvent and may on cooling form a semisolid colloid called a Gel. On the other hand, the viscosity of hydrophobic sols is typically about the same as that of the solvent.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a Lyophilic Sol, because the colloids do not coagulate and do not settle out.
For more Detailed Information: http://www.synlube.com/colloids.htm
Q:
Will the Solid particles in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® settle out or clog Oil Filter?
A:
NO !
Because SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is a Lyophilic Sol, the solid colloids contained in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® do not coagulate and therefore do not settle out.
Typical colloid particle contained in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is from 0.3 to 1 micron in diameter (see note below).
One Liter of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® contains more than 25 trillion (25 X 10 to the power of 12) colloids!
The solid colloids contained in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are actually much smaller than blood cells!
By comparison, red blood cells are tiny, round, biconcave disks, averaging about 7.5 microns
(0.003 in) in diameter.
(INSERT MICRON COMPARISON PICTURE)
Typical Oil Filter with Cellulose element will not filter out particles that are much smaller than about 20 microns. Most oil filters are most efficient in 24 to 40 micron range.
High quality Cellulose filter elements will filter down to about 15 microns.
The special MicroGlass filter element that is available in some SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Oil Filters will filter down to 5 to 10 micron range.
Typical metal wear particles that remain suspended in oil are in 15 to 45 micron range.
Hard wear and sand particles that are larger than about 65 microns will be either caught in the oil filter or will eventually settle out in the oil pan and therefore cause no harm.
The wear particles that are most damaging and that cause most wear in automotive engines are in 12 to 24 micron range. Therefore the use of high quality 10 micron oil filter such as SynLube™ MicroGlass is highly advisable. (see section on Oil Filters for more details)
Because colloids contained in SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® are 10 to 50 times smaller than what the best filters can filter out, the colloids just simply pass through the oil filter and do not accumulate in it.
Therefore SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® can not clog oil filters.
Micron
In the Metric System of measurements it is the measure of a distance and is equal to one millionth part of a meter. 24,500 microns are equal to one inch.
In Physical Chemistry it is a particle whose diameter is between 0.2 and 10 microns.
Symbol for micron is the Greek lower case letter mu = μ
Q:
When to change Oil Filter?
A:
When you first convert from the use of petroleum motor oil to the permanent SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® lubricant it is important that you also change the oil filter.
Only SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® MicroGlass or other premium quality Original Equipment Oil Filters should be used whenever possible.
MicroGlass or Synthetic Media are also available in various quality levels from AC/DELCO “ultra gold”, Fleetguard MicroGlass and Hard-Driver. Recently also Royal Purple branded MicroGlass oil filters made by Champion Labs are available nationally in USA at PepBoys.
Alternately Purolator PureOne and AC are filters of good quality.
The popular FRAM filters are not very good. As a rule Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) always use only the best quality oil filters as a standard equipment because they are well aware of their importance. Both the filtration (size of particles removed by the filter) and durability (for how long the filter element can be used) are generally superior to the low cost aftermarket oil filters.
Avoid the use of "NO BRAND" cheap discount store filters such as those sold by discounters or Quick Oil Change Outfits. These low cost filters are usually of inferior quality, and although they are OK if you change them every 3,000 miles, they are unsuitable for long term use. These bargain filters do not filter as well as OEM filters, because they allow larger size particles that cause most of the wear to pass through, and therefore in the long run they actually contribute to the mechanical wear of the engine.
When you first convert from use of petroleum motor oil to SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® the mechanical wear will be reduced to about one third of what it was with petroleum oil, therefore much fewer metal particles will accumulate in the oil filter.
However it is impossible to drain all of the petroleum oil out of the engine, small amounts of it will remain, and although SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is compatible with all commonly used lubricants, the petroleum and most synthetic oils will not chemically combine with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®. These small amounts of original oil will with time combine with oxygen and will be degraded by the "blow-by" gases into a sludge that will be trapped by the oil filter. Also the very active detergents in the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® will loosen the accumulated sludge deposits which were formed on internal engine surfaces when petroleum motor oil was in use. These loose deposits will be also trapped in a quality oil filter.
It is therefore recommended that the oil filter is changed after about 10,000 miles or one year of driving after the initial installation of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®.
For the same reasons oil filter should be changed again after another 15,000 miles of driving
(25,000 miles after initial installation of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®).
Generally after two oil filter changes the engine is internally clean and most of the accumulated sludge from previous petroleum motor oil use has been removed by filtration.
Thereafter oil filter should be changed every two years or 25,000 miles of driving if Cellulose filter elements are used, or every five years or 50,000 miles if SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® MicroGlass filter is used. This is because most filter materials and sealing elements will deteriorate with time and use, and presently there are no filters available that can be used permanently.
If you want to be extra careful and get the most possible miles from your vehicle you may consider changing oil filter once every year, regardless of mileage driven. However our experience shows that changing filters more often than once a year does not reduce wear any further nor increases the vehicle service life, this is because once the engine is fully treated with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® there is almost no wear and no sludge formation, therefore the filter needs to be changed only because the filter medium itself deteriorates with time and service, and not because there are any wear particles or sludge trapped in it.
* All SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Oil Filters are constructed with special design 15 micron cellulose or
10 micron “MicroGlass" filter element and are designed especially for long term filtration of
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® Lubricants.
Q:
Will the SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® run out when I change Oil Filter?
A:
NO !
This is because all modern engines are constructed so that Motor Oil is in the Oil Sump and is only pumped by the Oil Pump through the Oil Filter only when the engine is running. When the engine is switched off there is only small amount of oil left in the oil filter. In some designs even this small amount of oil will slowly drain back to the oil sump. However, if the oil filter is equipped with Anti-drain back Valve it will remain in the oil filter.
The amount of oil that is lost during oil filter change is very small, usually about 4 to 8 ounces. Only the oil trapped in the oil filter will be lost. The bulk of the oil is in the oil sump and will not drain out when the oil filter is removed.
The motor oil in the oil sump can be drained only if the Oil Drain Plug is removed.
What ever small quantity of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is lost during oil filter change, replenish it with an appropriate amount of " SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® INITIAL FILL" to restore the proper oil level.
Motor Oil (Synthetic)
Q:
What do ENGINE MANUFACTURERS say about SYNTHETICS ?
A:
The majority of engine manufacturers today specify in their owner's manuals an API quality rating oil, such as SM, SJ, SH or CG-4, CH-4 without specifying or restricting the use of synthetics. Detroit Diesel has recently endorsed Delvac™ 1 Synthetic, and has added it alongside Delvac™ 1300 Super on the valve cover decal for Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines.
Several engine manufacturers either sell, or will be selling synthetic oils as a maintenance option for equipment owners interested in extended drains and exceptional engine protection. Another major engine builder introduced synthetic engine oil to their dealer network in 1997. Cummins has marketed partial synthetic oil for some time.
Few high performance cars (Corvette, Viper, Prowler, Lotus, and Porsche) are currently equipped with Synthetic Motor Oil (Mobil 1™) as an INITIAL FILLS from factory.
Daimler Chrysler recently sent mailing to all 1998 and later model year Mercedes-Benz owners. It points out that ONLY Synthetic Motor Oil has to be used in all vehicles equipped with "Variable Maintenance Monitor".
In all cases, we recommend that you discuss your plans for extending oil drains for equipment under warranty with the dealer and your SynLube Representative.
In most vehicle applications the OEM Warranty will expire long before the first oil drain of SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®
However not all synthetic Oils are equal, and some are not even "synthetic" -- see Synthetic in our Publications
Motor Oil Filters
What you should know about Oil Filters
All modern engines are equipped with full flow oil filters. This means that all oil that is pumped by the oil pump from the oil sump passes through the oil filter prior it's distribution to the engine bearing surfaces.
A typical well designed engine will have oil flow of 20 to 35 liters (5 to 10 US gallons) per developed horsepower per hour of operation.
Typical car will flow about 2 to 3 gallons of oil per minute, this means that all the oil in the engine will pass through the oil filter about three to four times for every mile driven!
This is why installation of proper oil filter is so very important.
If the filter is not capable of handling the required oil flow, especially at low temperatures when the oil is thick, the paper filter element may rupture, this effectively means that there will be no filtration. The worse case scenario is that the pieces of filter element will get into the bearings or clog oil passages and cause mechanical engine failure.
To prevent this condition many, but not all, oil filters are equipped with spring loaded by pass valve, which is designed to open when the oil is too thick to pass through the filtering media or when the filter element is clogged with foreign matter.
Due to high volume of oil that flows through the filter element each minute and under pressure of up to 100 PSI, the sealing and proper installation is very important. Because all of the engine oil flows under pressure through the oil filter before it reaches the bearing surfaces, if the filter oil seal or the housing fails, all the lubricating oil will be lost in few minutes and no oil will reach the bearings. As a result the engine bearing surfaces will be severely damaged due to lack of lubricant.
Loss of lubricant is the
most common cause of serious engine failures.
Whatever oil you choose to use in your car and no matter how often you change it, oil filter will also seriously affect the engine life.
Low cost oil filters may be fine if you change oil every 2,000 miles or so, but you should use only the premium filters if you change oil less often.
When mineral base lubricating oil is used it will chemically deteriorate and it will be depleted of additives long before the filter is clogged or plugged up.
Oil filter should be changed every time you change oil for maximum engine protection.
When long life or permanent synthetic lubricants are used it may be however necessary to replace the oil filter even if the lubricant is not being changed.
In turbocharged or high performance engines avoid use of "cheap" filters even for short periods as filter element may fail and cause serious damage.
"MicroGlass" oil filters are preferred when permanent or long life synthetic lubricants are used.
The function of a high quality oil filter is to filter out large size metal chips, carbon, silicon and any other impurities that are larger than about 15 to 20 microns* in size.
Low cost oil filters use coarser filter material of 40 to 60 microns and therefore do not protect engine from micro-wear.
All hard particles larger than 25 microns have been proven to cause accelerated wear. In critical applications such as high-speed, high-performance and/or turbocharged engines a filtration down to 15 microns may be required to prevent excessive wear and assure acceptable engine and turbocharger life.
Although low cost filters may be adequate for 50,000 mile engine life if they are changed frequently, they may not be adequate if engine life in excess of 100,000 miles is required.
Ideally all particles larger than 2 micron should be removed from lubricating oil, however such filters would be enormously large and expensive plus would have to be changed frequently to prevent clogging.
Permanent lubricants are therefore removed about every 50,000 to 100,000 miles and filtered through 1 micron static (or gravity) filters to remove all impurities before they are used again.
Since all manufacturers are aware of the importance of good quality oil filters, the replacement filters with the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) markings are always preferred to after-market filters.
When selecting oil filters the more expensive brands are generally of far better quality and are always preferable to bargain brands. This is one instance where short term saving may not prove economical in the long run.
Poor quality oil filter can cause serious mechanical damage to your engine and result in hundreds or even thousands dollar worth of repairs. This is especially true of turbocharged engines, both gasoline and diesel, because turbocharger bearings are very sensitive and prone to damage.
Quality oil filter is therefore well worth its higher price.
Unfortunately U.S. Consumers do not have any information on Oil Filters or on Oil Filter packaging by which to decide which filter is better, that is because there is not any major
Oil Filter producer that actually specifies the filter micron range. Further there is not any industry wide test that is required to be performed on any automotive oil filter and therefore there is very little that you can do other than "blindly trust" in any particular oil filter brand.
SynLube, Inc. is the only company in USA that specifies and indicates on the filter label the micron filtration rating of all of its oil filters: (10, 15 or 24 micron).
Further all SynLube™ Oil Filters have a label that indicates the type of filter element
(Cellulose or Micro Glass) and the Thread, Gasket and Case specifications.
Why don’t other companies label their oil filters with specification labels?
Frankly we do not know, but we speculate that they do not want you to know how poor is the real quality of their products !
*(There are 1,000 microns per one millimeter or 25,400 per one inch).
More Details: http://www.synlube.com/oilfilters.htm
Motor Oil (General)
Q:
Which SAE rating is the best?
A:
SAE 0W-60 but it is not available, yet !
Theoretically the best possible SAE Viscosity rating is 0W-60, but only small experimental quantities of such lubricants were ever produced. The NASA SynLube™ is rated SAE 0W-60, but it sells for $90.00 per Liter, therefore it is not economical or practical for average automotive use.
Below is the list of SAE Viscosity Ratings in order of preference from Best to Worst.
The Best Possible SAE 0W-60 (Very Expensive)
The Best Available SAE 5W-50 (Possible only with Fully Synthetic Motor Oil)
2nd Best SAE 5W-40 for Colder Climates (Synthetic or Blend)
SAE 10W-50 for Warmer Climates (Synthetic or Blend)
3rd Best SAE 5W-30 for Colder Climates
SAE 10W-40 for Normal Climates
SAE 20W-50 for Hot Climates**
Average SAE 10W-30
SAE 15W-40 for Heavy Duty Diesel Applications
Acceptable SAE 30 for Normal Climates, but not in Winter
SAE 40 for Warmer Climates, but not in Winter
SAE 50 for Hot Climates, but not in Winter
SAE 5W-20 for sub-zero temperatures, Winter use only**
Legend: ** = unless use is prohibited by the engine manufacturer
To make sense of the above recommendations we must define what all those climatic conditions mean. The definitions can be found in the table below:
|
Climatic Condition |
Climatic |
Minimum Low Temp. °F |
Minimum Low Temp. °C |
Maximum High Temp. °F |
Maximum High Temp. °C |
Typical Coolant Temp. °F |
Typical Coolant Temp. °C |
Ideal SAE Viscosity |
|
Very Hot |
AA |
>80 |
>26 |
>110 |
>43 |
212 |
100 |
60 |
|
Hot |
A |
>60 |
>16 |
>110 |
>43 |
200 |
93 |
50 |
|
Warm |
B |
>50 |
>10 |
<110 |
<43 |
190 |
87 |
40 |
|
Normal |
C |
>40 |
> 4 |
<97 |
<36 |
170 |
77 |
30 |
|
Normal |
D |
>20 |
>-7 |
<85 |
<29 |
170 |
77 |
10W-30 |
|
Cold |
E |
<20 |
<-7 |
<69 |
<21 |
170 |
77 |
5W-30 |
|
Winter |
|
4 |
-20 |
32 |
0 |
160 |
71 |
10W |
|
Freezing |
|
-13 |
-25 |
32 |
0 |
160 |
71 |
5W |
|
Sub-Zero |
|
-22 |
-30 |
0 |
-18 |
160 |
71 |
0W |
|
All-Climate |
|
-13 |
-25 |
>110 |
>43 |
200 |
93 |
5W-50 |
Above temperatures in columns 3 to 6
refer to Ambient Air Temperature.
The Coolant temperatures in columns 7 and 8 reflect the typical coolant temperatures for fully warmed up engine under the indicated climatic conditions.
The actual motor oil temperatures are usually 15 to 25°F (8 to 14°C) higher on vehicles without oil cooler.
Legend:
> = Greater than
< = Lower than
Q:
What is NORMAL Oil Consumption?
A:
Oil consumption is a phenomenon unique to internal combustion engines and consists of many separate mechanisms.
Because internal combustion engines are fueled primarily by burning of hydrocarbons, and lubricants also are flammable hydrocarbons, it is only natural that some of the lubricating oil is also burned in the combustion process.
Engine design, quality of construction, materials used, types and frequency of use, maintenance, fuel and lubricant used all affect the lubricating oil consumption. Although each of these variables may have only very minor effect on oil consumption their cumulative effect determines the total oil consumption of particular engine.
Car owners often ask about what is "normal" oil consumption, however just as there is no answer to what is "normal" fuel consumption for all vehicles, there is no such thing as "normal" oil consumption for all engines. Just as different automobiles can vary widely in fuel consumption from but few miles per gallon to well over 50 MPG, similarly there is wide variance in how much oil does engine consume.
Highly stressed racing engine can consume quart of oil in less than 100 miles, while engine in small economy car which is driven on highway under ideal operating conditions can consume less than one quart in 20,000 miles.
Therefore the only aspect that is important is to determine what is typical and normal oil consumption for your particular engine. Any deviation from that norm is considered "abnormal" and merits investigation.
Car owners often boast about their car "not using any oil", however this is not true. Every internal engine consumes some lubricant, however if the car is properly maintained and the oil changed very frequently, the amount of oil used between the oil changes may be so small as to go unnoticed.
There are three methods for calculating the oil consumption:
The first method: Miles per Quart of Oil [MPQ] is the most frequently used or quoted by car owners and just as Miles per Gallon of Fuel it is relevant only if compared to identical car under identical operating conditions.
The second method: Percentage of Fuel used [OC%] is used by automotive engineers to compare engine designs, engine design quality as well as severity of service.
The third method: Grams of Oil per kilowatt-hour of Power Output [g/kW-h] is the only truly scientific method which is used in certification bench tests, but usually only for heavy duty Diesel engines.
For example:
The maximum allowable oil consumption for motor oil to qualify for API CG-4 service classification is:
0.304 g/kW-h.
(Or its equivalent in U.S. measuring system, i.e. 0.0005 lb./bhp-h = pounds of motor oil per brake horsepower hour).
However, this method is of little value to average motorist, since it is difficult to calculate.
Data such as Oil’s Specific Gravity, Engine Hours of Operation and Engine Power Output are required.
HOW TO CALCULATE OIL CONSUMPTION
(Miles per Quart of Oil):
Check oil level with engine OFF and car on LEVEL surface when engine is COLD and before any driving of the car.
The oil level should be between LOW or MIN and FULL or MAX marks.
Adjust oil level to MAX, but do not overfill !
Note the Odometer mileage. (Miles @ START of the Test)
Drive car 2,000 to 5,000 miles, checking oil about every 500 miles or once a week.
When Oil Level reaches LOW or MIN, add enough oil to reach the FULL or MAX mark, (about one quart for most cars).
Note the amount of oil used in ounces (quart is 32 oz.).
Note the Odometer mileage when oil is added. (Miles @ END of the Test)
SUBTRACT MILEAGE #2 (START) from MILEAGE #6 (END) and DIVIDE by OUNCES in #5 and MULTIPLY the result by 32.
The result is how many miles you drive before adding one quart of oil is required or your engine's oil consumption in MPQ (Miles per Quart of Oil).
Formula:
Motor Oil Consumption (Miles per Quart) MPQ = ([Odo End] - [Odo Start]) / [Oil]
HOW TO CALCULATE OIL CONSUMPTION
(Percentage of Fuel used):
Check oil level with engine OFF and car on LEVEL surface when engine is COLD and before any driving of the car.
The oil level should be between LOW or MIN and FULL or MAX marks.
Adjust oil level to MAX, but do not overfill !
Fill the fuel tank to full
Note the Odometer mileage.
Drive car 2,000 to 5,000 miles, checking oil about every 500 miles or once a week.
Each time you buy fuel note the amount of fuel (Gallons) purchased.
When Oil Level reaches LOW or MIN, add enough oil to reach the FULL or MAX mark,
(about one quart for most cars).
Note the amount of oil used in ounces (quart is 32 oz.).
Fill the fuel tank to full
Note the Mileage when oil is added.
SUBTRACT MILEAGE #3 from MILEAGE #9 and DIVIDE by OUNCES in #5 and MULTIPLY the result by 32.
The result is how many miles you drive before adding one quart of oil is required or your engines MPQ (Miles per Quart of Oil).
Add up all the fuel purchased (Item #5 and #8).
SUBTRACT MILEAGE #3 from MILEAGE #9 and DIVIDE by GALLONS in #11 the result is your fuel consumption in MPG (Miles per Gallon of Fuel)
Take the result from #10 and MULTIPLY by 4 this will give you oil consumption in Miles per Gallon of motor oil.
DIVIDE the result from #12 [ MPG Fuel] by [Mpg Oil] from #13 and multiply the result by 100, the final result will be your engine's oil consumption expressed as percentage of fuel used.
EXAMPLE:
Car uses one quart of oil every 3,275 miles, that is a gallon every 13,100 miles (3275*4) and has a fuel mileage of 26.4 MPG. This is equal to an oil consumption of .2% which is considered acceptable in some vehicles, but excessive in others.
FORMULAS:
Fuel Consumption (Miles per Gallon) MPG = ([Odo End] - [Odo Start]) / [Fuel]
Motor Oil Consumption (Miles per Quart) MPQ = ([Odo End] - [Odo Start]) / [Oil]
Motor Oil Consumption (Percentage of Fuel used) OC% = ([MPG] / ([MPQ]*4))*100
Legend:
Odo Start = Odometer mileage at Start of test in Miles
Odo End = Odometer mileage at End of test in Miles
Fuel = Fuel consumed during test in Gallons
Oil = Motor Oil Consumed during test in Quarts
HOW TO INTERPRET OIL USE.
Based on Miles per Quart of Oil.
Oil consumption depends on many factors and what may be normal for one car such as 500 miles per Quart of oil (MPQ), may be quite excessive for another car.
Typically brand new or rebuilt engine will consume up to five times more oil than "normal", and this oil consumption will gradually decrease (more MPQ), until engine has reached its mechanical "break-in".
Depending on use the break-in period may be from 500 to 30,000 miles.
The typical oil consumption after break in for older model engines is between 1,000 to 5,000 miles per quart. Good quality newer model engines with premium oils may consume as little as one quart per 6,000 or more miles.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® consumption as low as one quart per 10,000 miles is not uncommon and owners of some brand new automobiles that used SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® since new report oil consumption as low as 35,000 MPQ.
The lower the oil consumption the better the engine, the oil, and/or your driving habits and the longer will the car last.
After "break-in" the period of "optimum operation" is reached, during this period, length of which again depends on many factors, the oil and fuel consumption will be minimized and the engine performance maximized. This period may last from several thousand miles to several hundred thousand miles.
As the engine is used "normal wear" results in loss of internal tolerances, sealing, etc..
Oil consumption therefore gradually increases. When oil consumption is equal to or greater than the oil consumption of a new engine, the engine is said to be "worn out". "Worn out" engine can be still running relatively well.
Great increase in oil consumption combined with drop in fuel mileage and drop in performance is reason for serious concern. Serious mechanical problems are usually eminent.
Great increase in oil consumption without any loss in fuel mileage or performance is indication of serious mechanical oil leak, which may lead to total loss of oil. It needs to be located and fixed immediately.
Based on Percent of Fuel Consumed.
The second method of calculating motor oil consumption that is based on actual fuel consumption is more scientific and more accurate, plus it can be used as a meaningful comparison between different vehicles and different engine designs.
It can be also used to compare quality of the lubricants that are used, i.e. better lubricant will be consumed at lesser rate.
Excessive Oil Consumption or "Oil Burning"
More than 1% of Fuel Consumption.
Engine Related:
Any engine design that consumes more than 1% of lubricating oil and which is not suffering from mechanical leaks is "burning" quite a bit of the lubricant in the combustion process.
This will ultimately result in high exhaust emissions of unburned heavy hydrocarbons.
This however may not be necessarily an indication of a mechanical fault. For a large diesel engine of pre-1970 design, Wankel rotary (which injects oil to lubricate rotor seals), or any racing design that is known for lube oil appetite (Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, etc.) such a high oil consumption may be quite normal.
Lubricant Related:
In modern engines that require API SJ or API SH multi grade lubricants high oil consumption will result if API SA single grade lubricants are used.
Use Related:
Any engine subjected to sudden and frequent WOT (Wide-Open-Throttle) accelerations and
FCT (Fully-Closed-Throttle) decelerations such as those encountered in some types of Racing (Auto Slalom, Autocross, Rally Racing, etc.) or in High Performance driving under severe conditions.
High Oil Consumption
Between .5% and .3% of Fuel Consumption.
Engine Related:
Any engine whose oil consumption is between .5% and .3% is considered normal and of good modern design. Most engines will fall into this category.
Lubricant Related:
This oil consumption is typical of most modern multigrade petroleum motor oils.
Use Related:
Typical oil consumption for most older model passenger vehicles in normal use.
Normal Oil Consumption
Between .3% and .2% of Fuel Consumption
Engine Related:
Any engine whose oil consumption is between .3% and .2% is considered an excellent modern (usually low-emission) engine.
Lubricant Related:
If oil consumption this low is achieved in conventional engine the lubricant is superior (high flash point and low volatility) usually a synthetic.
Use Related:
The service is extremely favorable and mild (long distance, steady speed, moderate velocity and low load operation).
Low Consumption
Between .2% and .15% of Fuel Consumption
Engine Related:
Very efficient low emission engine of very recent design.
Lubricant Related:
High quality and low volatility synthetic multi grade lubricants such as SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-50 lubricants of API SJ/CH-4 quality.
Use Related:
Oil consumption this low is generally accomplished only in engines that are operated at steady speeds and steady loads such as in stationary industrial applications (power generation, pumping, etc.).
In automotive applications it is not unusual to see engines with Oil Consumption in .25% range if the vehicles are used in very light applications, such as light loads, level roads, moderate acceleration, and driving at moderate speeds (45 to 60 MPH) and if a high quality synthetic lubricants are also used.
Ultra Low Oil Consumption
Less than .1% of Fuel Consumption
Engine Related:
Engines that consume less than .1% of lubricating oil. Few current production engines are this good.
Lubricant Related:
Very high quality and extremely low volatility synthetic multi grade lubricant sols such as
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® SAE 5W-50 or SAE 5W-60. Lubricants with performance quality that exceeds the current performance standards of API SM/CJ-4; CCMC G-5, D-5, and ILSAC GF-4.
Use Related:
In automotive applications it is not unusual to see engines with Oil Consumption in .1% range if the vehicles are modern low mileage vehicles used in very light applications, such as light loads, level roads, moderate acceleration, and driving at moderate speeds (45 to 60 MPH) and in which SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® has been used exclusively since the vehicle was new.
Q:
What is PROPER Oil Level?
A:
Proper Oil Level is perhaps the most important but also the most often overlooked aspect of engine maintenance.
Many self proclaimed automotive experts and maintenance fanatics incorrectly promote the idea that more is better than less.
This is only partially true.
The maintenance of proper oil level is very important for minimizing of "Oil Consumption", minimizing the engine mechanical wear and avoiding serious mechanical problems.
Excess oil level causes excessive oil consumption and oil burning during combustion process. Oil burning causes fouled plugs, and greatly increases emission of exhaust pollutants. Too much oil in the exhaust can lead to plugging or damage of catalytic converters. Serious excess of oil in engine (two quarts or more) can cause engine fires for various reasons. Serious mechanical damage such as cracked piston rings can result from excess oil level.
Oil level therefore must never be above the FULL or MAX mark on you dipstick. If you accidentally add too much oil, drain the excess at once. This is one instance where more is not better !
Proper oil level is between the MIN (LOW or ADD) and MAX (FULL) marks on your dipstick.
The area or distance between MIN and MAX marks usually represents one quart or one liter in most cars (one (quart is slightly less than one liter, 1 quart = .946 liter;
or conversely one liter is 1.8 ounces more than one quart).
When adding oil never add full quart, if the oil level is at or above the MIN mark.
Add about 8 ounces or 16 ounces, wait few minutes check the oil level, and add more only if necessary.
The ideal oil level is just slightly above the MIN mark and well below the MAX mark, this will minimize oil consumption and minimize engine wear.
Oil level too low, that is one quart less than minimum will in some engines cause damage, but most engines can operate on as little as two quarts or less without any damage.
Oil capacity of 4 to 6 quarts is typical for most engines, although some small foreign cars use only 3 quarts, some large engines and trucks may use 8 quarts or more.
If you can not determine your engine's oil capacity from your Owner’s Manual, install three quarts after oil drain, start engine for few minutes, stop engine wait 5 minutes, check oil level and add about half quart, check oil level again and add more oil until you reach the MIN mark. Then note how many quarts are required for your car. Do not add more than about half quart at a time and allow time for oil to drain to the oil pan, to prevent over filling.
Oil filters despite their apparent size only hold 4 to 8 ounces of oil, but the really large ones used in commercial trucks and busses can hold up to a quart.
Once engine is started as much as two quarts may be in circulation, when engine is stopped it takes about five minutes for oil to drain back to the oil pan and if oil level is checked immediately after engine is shut down, low reading on a dipstick will result even if oil quantity is adequate. Therefore be sure that enough time has been allowed for oil to drain down to the pan.
Best habit is to check oil when engine is cold and before driving in the morning, this is not only the most accurate technique to verify the oil level, but also avoids any possible burns from contact with hot engine parts.
However you must be sure that the car is level when parked, otherwise inaccurate reading of oil level may result.
Contrary to popular belief it is not necessary to maintain the oil level at the FULL (MAX) mark.
Experience and on road performance tests show that oil consumption can be as much as four times higher if oil level is maintained at the FULL (MAX) mark, as compared to an operation when the oil level is maintained at the LOW (MIN or ADD) mark on the dipstick.
Another popular argument is that engine with more oil will run cooler, but this is not true.
However, it will take longer for the oil to reach its normal operating temperature.
It is an error to assume that with the use of more oil, that the oil temperature will be reduced.
If the amount of oil increases, the quantity of heat transferred to it also increases, but the operating temperature is not affected.
Further disadvantage of using more oil than the necessary minimum for safe engine operation is that the cold running period will be prolonged, this contributes to less efficiency, cold sludge formation and greater engine wear.
Therefore for minimum oil consumption, maximum engine efficiency and maximum engine life, maintain your oil level just slightly above the MIN (ADD or LOW) mark and well below the MAX (FULL) mark.
Also remember that just because most motor oils are sold in one quart or one liter containers, there is no law that said that you must add a full quart. Add only what is necessary, be it 4 ounces or whatever.
In the past this was quite difficult advice to follow because most oil was supplied in solid paper/metal cans that had to be punctured in order to pour the oil out. Once the can was punctured there was little choice, the oil had to be poured out, be it into the engine or somewhere else.
Today the trend is to supply the lubricating oil in plastic containers with screw on/off cap, and some even have "see-through" calibrated gauge that indicates how much oil is left in the container, therefore adding only as much oil as is needed is much more practical. The plastic container can be re-sealed with the screw cap and there is no danger of spilling the remaining oil.
Truth to Oil Life Extension Claims?
Q:
"I've heard that a lubricant's life is cut in half for every 10 degrees C (18 degrees F) increase in operating temperature. Is there any truth to this?"
A:
Yes, this is generally true.
The concept is based on the Arrhenius Rate Rule, named for 19th-century Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius.
Heat increases both the collision rate of molecules and the activation energy of the reaction. The higher activation energy helps overcome the barrier (or natural resistance) molecules have to chemical reactions.
With petroleum oils, the chemical reaction that typically causes base oil degradation and additive depletion is oxidation. The activation energy required to induce oxidation in oil is high compared to other chemical reactions. The presence of contaminants such as water and certain metal particles in the oil can considerably speed up the process, i.e., increasing the activation rate.
For most in-service mineral oils with typical contaminants, the activation energy for oxidation corresponds to a doubling for every 10°C ( 18°F ) temperature increment.
Why does a refrigerator keep food from spoiling? Spoiling is a chemical reaction like oil oxidation but proceeds at a much higher rate constant. Compared to a refrigerator (4°F), food will spoil at a rate 142 times faster at room temperature (77° F). In other words, the speed of reaction in a freezer is much slower than at room temperature.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the only space age motor oil on the market that is not just capable, but proven to provide excellent engine protection as well as engine longevity with oil changes only every 10 years / 150,000 miles (240,000 Km).
The reason for much longer than normal service intervals with SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is because the activation rate is much slower than that of petroleum oil. The "doubling" incremental temperature is 25°F. And due to the Syn-Sol chemistry many mechanisms run as much as 75°F cooler under identical load and speed conditions.
Q:
How Often Should I Change My Motor Oil?
A:
Your "Vehicle Owner's Manual" should be consulted for frequency of oil change intervals. Manufacturers will typically recommend a choice of two drain intervals depending upon how you drive. If you drive in stop and go traffic, dusty road conditions, excessive short trip driving, extreme heat or cold weather, or pull a trailer, a shorter drain interval is recommended (Typically 2,000 to 3,750 miles).
If you do not drive under these circumstances, a longer drain interval for ideal driving conditions will be recommended (Typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles).
In general, changing conventional (Petroleum or Synthetic) motor oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or three months (whichever comes first) will afford superior engine protection and long engine life. Most oil companies recommend and promote this oil change interval, not only because it sells more oil, but also because they know how durable their lubricants really are.
SynLube™ Lube-4-Life® is the only space age motor oil on the market that is not just capable, but proven to provide excellent engine protection as well as engine longevity with oil changes only every 15 years / 150,000 miles (240,000 Km).
Q:
Can different SAE Grades of Motor Oil Be Mixed?
A:
Each viscosity grade of motor oil is formulated to meet specific performance characteristics. Individual grades are usually compatible with one another as well as with other high quality API motor oils; it is our recommendation that different grades are not mixed with each other or with competitor's products. This will ensure that the viscosity/temperature performance and API ratings built into each grade are completely maintained. It is difficult to determine what viscosity grade the oil becomes after mixing two or more grades together without full laboratory testing; therefore, we do not recommend this practice.
Q:
Can Different API Designations of Motor Oil Be Mixed?
A:
Each API designation of motor oil is formulated to meet specific performance characteristics. Although oils of the same API designation are usually compatible with one another as well as with other high quality API motor oils of the same designation, it is our recommendation that different API designations not be mixed with each other or with competitor's products. This will ensure that the performance and API ratings built into each API designation are completely maintained. It is impossible to determine what performance level the oil becomes after mixing two or more API designations together without extensive laboratory testing; therefore, we advise against this practice.
Q:
What Are the Primary Functions of Motor Oil?
A:
Primary functions include:
Lubricate the moving engine parts to prevent wear
Reduce friction
Maintain engine cleanliness
Protect against engine rust and corrosion
Cool engine parts
Seal combustion gases
Permit easy starting
Extend engine life
Q:
What Additives Are Used in Motor Oil?
A:
All fully formulated Motor Oils use some additives that afford protection for your engine, which pure petroleum or synthetic basestocks can not alone provide:
Viscosity Improver Additive - Improve viscosity temperature characteristics
Pour Point Depressant - Improve low temperature flow properties
Anti-Oxidant - Reduces bulk oil oxidation which helps to prevent engine deposits, sludge, and high temperature thickening
Detergents/Dispersants - Help maintain engine cleanliness by suspending sludge and wear particles in the oil, so that they can be rained out during oil change.
Rust inhibitors - Help prevent engine corrosion
Anti-wear agents - Help prevent wear
Anti-foam agents - Reduce foaming and air in oil entrapment
Friction Modifiers - Reduce the friction of moving engine parts
Q:
Should Over the Counter Oil Additives Be Used?
A:
Most quality Motor Oils contain all the necessary additives, specifically balanced to afford complete and superior engine protection. The use of over the counter oil additives is not necessary to obtain the protection required by vehicle manufacturers. In fact, supplemental oil additives and engine treatments are not recommended by many car manufacturers - and are specifically recommended against by some (GM, Ford, Honda, etc.)
Q:
Can I use an SynLube™ Lube-4-Life®, if my car requires API SG, API SL or API SH motor oil?
A:
YES
API SM is the latest API designation, which became effective in 2000 meeting new 2001 and later model vehicle requirements. The American Petroleum Institute (API) created specifications for motor oils to meet starting with SA for vehicles made prior to 1930.
With each performance improvement, the second letter is changed thus becoming:
SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM.
However, the latest designation can be used in older vehicles whose car manual advises to use performance requirements that were current at that time.
All motor oil manufacturers must meet the latest API designation, if they want to use API licensed "donut" or ILSAC "starburst" on their labels, therefore, you will find API SM on the label of most motor oils for passenger cars and trucks.
However, you should be aware that API SA and SB quality non-detergent motor oils are still widely available and sold by many "small" oil companies. Not only that NO engine manufacturer recommends use of these motor oils since 1930, but also they can and do cause damage to modern engines.
See ARTICLE (API SA OIL) for more information.
Q:
Will Overfilling with Any Oil Cause Damage to an Engine?
A:
YES
Too much oil can lead to oil aeration (air in oil) caused by moving parts.
Aerated oil can not support high loads and leads to failure of the lubricating film, which increases wear.
Way too much oil, than the maximum recommended oil level, can cause oil leaks by forcing the oil through oil seals and gaskets. In extreme cases this can lead to engine fire if the leaking oil comes in contact with hot exhaust manifold.
Therefore excess oil should be removed as soon as possible.