When I started dealing with engines and oil many years ago, they, as well as life, were much simpler. I try hard to keep up on current technology and trends and have a large file on oil and engine lubrication.
I do also need to mention that this is a turbo Buick forum where we are discussing a 25+ year old performance engine, be it used street or strip.
Recently I came across a technical paper about current history of engine oil and data from API [American Petroleum Industry], as well as comments from the author.
Here is a small sample of some applicable information which I think is appropriate in this thread.
"If there is a CJ-4 in front of the SL or SM, it is limited to 1200 ppm of phosphorous."
"The anecdotal comments and reviews of using diesel oil on various websites where consumers rate products show the famous “I’ve used it and have no problems” and similar comments. Without an oil analysis to see the wear metals, you can use any oil on the market, including an SA or hydraulic oil and “not have any problems” for a couple of years – as long as you change it every 3000 miles or so. But at 30,000 miles or so you will be repairing your engine, blaming whatever you want. I’ve seen dozens of engines rebuilt between 30,000 and 50,000 miles where this level of protection is used."
"This is not meant as a criticism of Mobil. They make some good products, but the engine does not care who makes it, only that it lubricates, cools, cleans, and seals.
Be careful of marketing statements made to sell obsolete products."
"Reading the label
Unfortunately it is not easy to read the label and make a decision. Marketing people make the big decisions and determine what the label will say in most cases. As an example of the power of marketing, I know of one brand that packaged oils in black bottles. They switched to red bottles and multiplied their bottled oil sales 5 times! The engine won’t run any better when the oil has been stored in a red bottle, but the engine does not make the purchase decision."
I REALLY like the last paragraph! :biggrin:
Just because it may cost more, that does not make it better for a specific use.
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Nick Micale
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Phoenix, AZ 85053
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