The Original Synthetic Motor Oil

Latest News and Information in the World of Lubrication

Reprinted from The Direct Line & The Action News

July through September 2008

Past issues of Auto Technology & Lubrication News

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Briefly

Transportation Spending

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor, transportation is second only to housing when it comes to annual consumer spending. The most recent BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey indicates that average annual spending on transportation increased 7 percent from 2004 to 2005, and 2 percent from 2005 to 2006. Transportation spending includes vehicle purchases, finance charges, gasoline and motor oil, maintenance and repairs, insurance, public transportation and vehicle rental, leases, licenses and other charges. According to AAA, the cost of owning and operating a new vehicle is 54.1 cents per mile, an increase of 1.9 cents per mile over last year. "While the cost of some driving expenses declined since the start of 2007, higher gasoline prices have more than offset these savings and pushed the overall cost of vehicle ownership and operation higher this year," said AAA director of public affairs Gail Weinholzer.

High Temperature Tip

Rohit Sharma, Manager Reliability Eng., BOC India Limited, recommends checking the water supply to the cooler if the temperature in a machine persists at a higher level and for a longer time period than expected. "Don't overly depend on the accuracy of the water flow," says Sharma. "To check for water flow, close the return line and open the drain on the return line to see how much water flows out in a set time, say a minute. Compensate this flow by 5 to 10 percent for the back pressure offered by the return line. Compare this measured flow to the required flow rate."

Rinker Takes Over ChampBoat Points Lead

A victory in St. Louis and a second place podium finish in Algonac vault Team AMSOIL powerboat racer Terry Rinker to the top of the ChampBoat points standings.

Following strong podium finishes in both Bay City and Pittsburgh, Team AMSOIL powerboat racer Terry Rinker moved up to second in the ChampBoat Series overall points standings and was determined to further close in on first place at the St. Louis Grand Prix on the weekend of August 2-3. He did just that, getting off to a perfect start and holding off competitors Shaun Torrente and Tim Seebold to gain a lead he held for 43 laps. Although briefly passed by Torrente on the 44th lap, Rinker skillfully used traffic to his advantage to regain the lead and earn his first victory of the season. Teammate Randy Rinker finished fifth.

"We did a great job on the setup since the moment we rolled into the paddock," said Rinker. "Thanks to the fine AMSOIL products, we set the fastest lap in qualifying, won our heat race and then the Grand Prix race. So we went three-for-three with the sweep, and you can't do anything better than that."

Rinker's victory in St. Louis left him poised to take over first place at the Chris Craft Cup in Algonac, Mich. on August 9-10. Racers on the St. Clair River were greeted with extremely challenging conditions as winds reached 28 knots and served up two-foot swells, but Rinker was able to stay out of trouble by running a conservative race, earning a second place podium finish in the shortened 30-lap feature that vaulted him up to first place in the overall standings. Robert Dinicolantonio filled in for regular driver Randy Rinker in the #41 AMSOIL/Rinker Racing boat, finishing ninth.

"It's been a long time since we've raced in conditions that crazy," said Rinker. "The AMSOIL crew had a good set up today, but the weather was the biggest obstacle. We are excited about regaining the points lead and look forward to a great battle for the championship between Seebold and Torrente."

Rinker celebrates his victory in St. Louis.	St. Louis Final Results	Algonac Final Results
	1) Terry Rinker	1) Tim Seebold
	2) Shaun Torrente	2) Terry Rinker
	3) Tim Seebold	3) Chris Fairchild
	4) Todd Beckman	4) Nithat Kunjeng
	5) Randy Rinker	5) Brian Venton
	6) Matt Sadl	6) Jose Mendana
	7) Brian Venton	7) Lynn Simburger
	8) Nithat Kunjeng	8) Mark Webber
	9) Brian Normand	9) Robert Dinicolantonio
	10)Mike Schubert	10)Brian Normand

Superior Protection, Superior Performance, Superior Cost Effectiveness

The superior quality of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide customers with the ultimate in protection and performance, while their extended drain capabilities provide another significant benefit: cost effectiveness. As customers struggle with rapidly increasing vehicle expenses, including high gasoline prices, they can be confident they're saving money through the use of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils. While a 3,000-mile oil change is initially less expensive than an AMSOIL oil change, the extended drain capabilities of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils save customers money in the long run. The following examples illustrate how both do-it-yourself and quick lube customers save money by using AMSOIL products:

Do-It-Yourself Example 1
A do-it-yourself customer who drives 25,000 miles per year and uses conventional motor oil and filters for 3,000-mile drain intervals must change his or her oil eight times per year:

Conventional 5W-30 or 10W-30 Motor Oil
40 quarts needed for 25,000 miles* @ $3.00/qt. x 40 = $120.00
8 Standard Oil Filters                @ $6.00 per filter x 8 = $48.00
                                                                 TOTAL     $168.00

The do-it-yourself customer pays $21 per 3,000 miles.

A do-it-yourself customer who drives 25,000 miles per year and uses AMSOIL synthetic motor oil and high-performance Ea Oil Filters for 25,000-mile drain intervals must only change his or her oil once per year (Note: AMSOIL synthetic motor oils may be used for 25,000 miles with conventional oil filters, but filters must be changed at filter manufacturer's recommended change interval):

AMSOIL 5W-30 or 10W-30 Motor Oil
5 quarts needed for 25,000 miles* @ $8.70/qt. x 5 = $43.50
1 AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter                                       @ $16.00
                                                             TOTAL     $59.50

The do-it-yourself customer pays $7.14 per 3,000 miles and saves $108.50 per year using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil and Ea Filters, while also saving the time and work associated with changing oil an additional seven times per year.

* Comparison based on a 5-quart oil capacity. AMSOIL prices are based on August 1 retail pricing.

Do-It-Yourself Example 2
Even if a do-it-yourself customer drives only 15,000 miles per year, he or she will still save money by using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil:

Conventional 5W-30 or 10W-30 Motor Oil
25 quarts needed for 15,000 miles* @ $3.00/qt. x 25 = $75.00
5 Standard Oil Filters              @ $6.00 per filter x 5 = $30.00
                                                              TOTAL    $105.00

The do-it-yourself customer pays $21 per 3,000 miles.

AMSOIL 5W-30 or 10W-30 Motor Oil
5 quarts needed for 15,000 miles* @ $8.70/qt. x 5 = $43.50
1 AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter                                      @ $16.00
                                                              TOTAL   $59.50

The do-it-yourself customer pays $11.90 per 3,000 miles and saves $45.50 per year using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil and Ea Filters, while also saving the time and work associated with changing oil an additional four times per year.

* Comparison based on a 5-quart oil capacity. AMSOIL prices are based on August 1 retail pricing.

Quick Lube Example
A quick lube customer who drives 15,000 miles per year and purchases 3,000-mile oil changes must visit the quick lube five times per year:

Conventional Oil Change Price: $27.75 x 5 = $138.75

The quick lube customer pays $27.75 per 3,000 miles.

A quick lube customer who drives 15,000 miles per year and purchases 7,500-mile AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oil changes must visit the quick lube twice per year:

AMSOIL XL Oil Change Price: $54.95 x 2 = $109.90

The quick lube customer pays $21.98 per 3,000 miles and saves $28.85 per year by purchasing AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oil changes, while also saving the time associated with visiting the quick lube an additional three times per year.

Briefly

Collecting Oil Samples in Dirty Environments

Collecting an oil sample can be a challenge in an especially dirty environment. "After numerous attempts to eliminate variables (procedure, type of bottles used, and filtering), we came up with a solution: sealing the vacuum pump and both the line flush and final sample bottles in a 2 mil-thick Ziploc bag leaving only the sample tubing with the sample port quick-connect exposed," says David Peraza, maintenance lubrication technician at Cargill Salt. "It is a little bit tricky removing the lid and bottle from the pump, but after a few tries it becomes easier."

Contamination Control Tip

Noria Corporation offers the following tips to prevent contamination of large stationary tanks and their lubricants:
1. Install high-quality tank breathers on each tank.
2. Install continuous operation, lowvolume filters on each tank.
3. Install filters on the supply and discharge pumps.
4. Install covers to prevent direct impingement of water from storms.
5. Periodically drain, clean and recoat the internal surfaces.
6. Dedicate pumps and piping to each tank, from supply to discharge, to prevent cross-contamination of lubricants during handling.
7. Install product-specific fittings on the discharge side of each piping system to prevent accidental cross-contamination between products.
8. Exercise additional caution to assure that products sensitive to cross-contamination (for example, turbine and motor oil) cannot in any way have intersecting flow streams or have common piping and pumping systems.

AMSOIL Expands Dominator® Line

New Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils offer superior protection and performance in high-performance and racing applications.

AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 2-Cycle Racing Oil has earned a solid reputation for providing maximum power output and protection in two-cycle racing and high-performance applications. The name recognition, reputation and superior performance of Dominator Synthetic 2-Cycle Racing Oil is so widespread that AMSOIL adopted the Dominator name for its new line of racing oils. New Dominator Synthetic 5W-20, 10W-30 and 15W-50 Racing Oils are specially formulated to provide superior performance and maximum protection in high-performance and racing applications.

Three Viscosities, One Additive Package
Racing and high-performance engines subject motor oil to elevated RPM, high temperatures and shock-loading. AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils were developed to address these extreme conditions and provide high-quality AMSOIL performance and protection for a variety of racing and high-performance applications. All three Dominator Racing Oils feature the same additive package, providing maximum durability in multiple viscosities. Their shear-stable formulation was engineered to provide maximum horsepower without sacrificing engine protection. Dominator Racing Oils provide straight-grade protection in a multi-grade formulation.

Maximum Durability, Maximum Wear Protection
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils feature an additive package heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus for superior long-term wear protection. Designed for maximum durability, the shear-stable formulation ensures critical engine components are protected from the start of the race to the checkered flag. The superior additive technology of Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils provides unmatched durability in extreme conditions.

Superior Performance
The proprietary friction modifier of Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils provides reduced friction for maximum power and cooler engine temperatures, resulting in improved lap times and longer-lasting equipment.

Protection from Startup to the Checkered Flag
The multi-viscosity designs of Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils deliver maximum protection in temperature extremes. Dominator Racing Oils offer excellent cold-start protection and maintain superior film strength during high-temperature operation on the track.

Superior-Quality Oils, No Discrimination
Many oil companies produce specialty racing oils for elite groups and do not offer them to the general public. For instance, several popular oil manufacturers produce racing oils offered only to NASCAR racers. AMSOIL receives inquiries as to why the company does not offer "special," higher-quality or NASCAR oils. The answer is all AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are already formulated to a higher level than competitors' oils, and AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils are no exception. They provide maximum performance and superior protection for all high-performance racing and street applications. The same AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oils that are used in the engines of AMSOIL corporately-sponsored racers, including Scott Douglas and Mike Oberg, are available to everyone.

Dominator 5W-20 Racing Oil (RD20)
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 5W-20 Racing Oil is recommended for high-rpm, high-horsepower, turbo/supercharged, gasoline- or alcohol- burning and nitrous oxide gas-injected engines operated under severe conditions. Applications include the following: • Modified Small Block • Asphalt Late Model • GM Crate Late Model • NHRA Stock Eliminator • Bracket • Midget • Legend • Kart • Junior Dragster • Other domestic and import high-performance racing and street applications requiring 20-weight oil. The low-viscosity formulation and robust additive package of Dominator 5W-20 make it ideal for use as a high-strength qualifying oil.

Dominator 10W-30 Racing Oil (RD30)
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 10W-30 Racing Oil is recommended for high-rpm, high-horsepower, turbo/supercharged, gasoline- or alcohol- burning and nitrous oxide gas-injected applications operated under severe conditions. Applications include the following: • Asphalt Late Model • Dirt Late Model • Modified Big Block • Modified Small Block • GM Crate Late Model • Marine • Sprint • Midget • Legend • Kart • Other domestic and import high-performance racing and street applications requiring 30-weight oil.

Dominator 15W-50 Racing Oil (RD50)
AMSOIL Dominator 15W-50 Racing Oil is recommended for high-rpm, high-horsepower, turbo/supercharged, gasoline- or alcohol-burning, nitro-fueled or nitrous oxide gas-injected applications operated under severe conditions. Applications include the following: • Big Bore • Asphalt Late Model • Dirt Late Model • Modified Big Block • Ford Crate Late Model • Dodge Crate Late Model • Endurance • Rally • Truck-Pull • Aluminum Block • Marine • Other high-performance racing and street applications requiring 50-weight oil.

Availability
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 5W-20, 10W-30 and 15W-50 Racing Oils are now available. AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 20W-50 Racing Oil (TRO) is discontinued and available while supplies last. The price of Dominator Synthetic 15W-50 Racing Oil is slightly higher than the price of Series 2000 Synthetic 20W- 50 was and reflects a general price adjustment effective August 1.

Briefly

Sources of Silicon

High silicon (Si) levels in motor oil usually indicate the presence of dirt. However, according to Noria Corporation, high silicon readings can also be attributed to defoamant additives that are based on polymeric methyl silicone, silicone-based sealants, casting sand or coolant contamination. "Without other evidence, it is difficult to differentiate between additives, silicone and casting material as the source of silicon. However, dirt ingression can be determined by tracking both silicon and aluminum. For most common dirt which contains the minerals silica and alumina, tracking Si and Al, which should show up in lock step trend in the ratio 3.4:1, can be used to confirm dirt ingression."

Procedure-Based Lubrication

According to the paper "Executing Procedure-Based Lubrication," basic lubrication tasks may be codified to insure they are carried out in a consistent manner. "Imagine ten different people being presented with the task 'inspect the machine.' Presented as such with no other information, it is highly likely that ten different results will ensue. 'Inspect the machine' is not part of a series of quantifiable decisions such as:
Oil clean and clear? (yes/no) Oil level correct? (high/low/normal) Armed with such detail, each of the same ten people should now perform the task 'inspect the machine' the same, each and every time, according to predefined best practice, no matter who performs the task. This is the essence and expectation for procedure-based lubrication."

Improve Fuel Economy

Use of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants, Ea Air Filters and fuel additives help customers stretch their fuel dollars.

With gasoline and diesel prices continually climbing and setting record highs, improved fuel economy has become a top priority for people and businesses that rely on vehicles and heavy equipment in their daily operations. In addition to providing superior protection and performance, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils, gear lubes, transmission fluids, air filters and fuel additives can have a profound impact on fuel economy, presenting Dealers with another solid marketing angle when presenting AMSOIL products to customers.

Synthetic Lubricants

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils, gear lubes and transmission fluids effectively improve fuel efficiency through reduced friction (fluid friction and friction between moving parts), superior thermal and oxidative stability and resistance to volatility.

Fluid Friction
Refined petroleum-based lubricants are composed of irregular molecules of various sizes. As they slip across each other, excess friction is created. The vehicle's engine must burn extra fuel to overcome this friction, decreasing fuel economy. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants, on the other hand, contain only smooth, uniform molecules that easily slip across each other, reducing internal friction within the lubricant, allowing fuel to be diverted from the task of overcoming friction to reaching the drivetrain, decreasing overall fuel consumption.

In addition, AMSOIL offers lower cold temperature viscosity synthetic motor oils that further reduce fluid friction and increase fuel economy in below-normal operating temperatures without sacrificing protection and performance. Synthetic 5W-40 Premium API CJ-4 Diesel Oil (DEO), for example, is recommended for diesel applications requiring heavier cold temperature viscosity 15W-40 diesel oils, while Synthetic 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (ASM) is recommended for gasoline applications requiring 5W-20 motor oils, and Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (SSO) is recommended for gasoline applications requiring 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oils.

Friction Between Moving Parts
Oil viscosity plays a critical role in reducing friction. If viscosity is too high, it contributes to fluid friction, while an oil with a viscosity that is too low cannot adequately maintain a complete, unbroken oil film between engine surfaces. Without this film, excess friction is created between moving parts, increasing wear and fuel consumption. The synthetic construction of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants ensures viscosity remains consistent due to excellent high temperature/high shear properties, maintaining an unbroken oil film between engine parts, reducing friction and decreasing fuel consumption.

Thermal and Oxidative Stability
Some of the chemicals in conventional lubricants break down at temperatures within the normal operating range of many vehicle and equipment components, coating components with varnish, deposits and sludge and leaving the oil thick and difficult to pump. This higher viscosity oil reduces engine and fuel efficiency because components must expend extra energy, and extra fuel, to do their jobs. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants contain no volatile contaminants, making them much more resistant to thermal and oxidative breakdown. Components stay clean, oil viscosity remains constant and fuel efficiency remains high.

Volatilization
Conventional lubricants are also very susceptible to volatility. When the oil's lighter molecules volatilize during hot operating conditions, it contributes to further viscosity increase and reductions in fuel economy. Because AMSOIL synthetic lubricants contain uniformly sized molecules, they resist volatilization much better than conventional lubricants, maintain their viscosities and allow more fuel to be used for vehicle propulsion, improving fuel economy.

Calculate the Savings
Industry tests demonstrate an average conservative two to five percent increase in fuel economy by switching to synthetic lubricants, while many AMSOIL customers report even larger gains. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average passenger vehicle uses 554 gallons of gasoline per year. At a price of $4 a gallon, 554 gallons of gas costs $2,216. A five percent fuel economy improvement would save 27.7 gallons of gasoline and yield $110.80 a year in fuel savings. That's enough to cover the price of a year's supply of AMSOIL synthetic motor oil and Ea Oil Filters, with money left over.

Imagine a fleet of 100 class 8 diesel trucks running an average 120,000 miles per year at an average 6.5 mpg with diesel fuel at $4.70 a gallon. Using those numbers, the fleet spends $8,676,923.08 on fuel annually. A five percent fuel economy improvement would increase the fleet's fuel mileage to 6.825 mpg and reduce fuel costs to $8,263,736.26. That's a savings of $413,186.82, enough for 87,912 gallons of fuel.

More Fuel Savings
In addition to the fuel savings provided by AMSOIL synthetic lubricants, AMSOIL Ea Air Filters and fuel additives contribute to further fuel efficiency gains.

Ea Air Filters (EaA)
Incorporating revolutionary nanofiber technology, AMSOIL Ea Air Filters excel in all three areas critical to filtration performance: efficiency, capacity and air flow. The increased air flow contributes to more efficient engine operation, increasing fuel efficiency by allowing the engine to burn less fuel. Ea Air Filters allow more air flow than filters that use cellulose media alone. Cellulose fibers are larger than nanofibers, and have larger spaces between the fibers, causing contaminants to load in the depth of the media and plug the air flow path, resulting in higher restriction and less capacity. The synthetic nanofibers in Ea Filter media have submicron diameters and small interfiber spaces, which result in more contaminants being captured on the surface of the media and lower restriction. This all leads to improved fuel efficiency.

Fuel Additives
P.i. Performance Improver (API)
As a vehicle's engine accumulates miles, its performance suffers from gasoline fuel-generated deposits that form on the fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chamber. One of the negative effects caused by these deposits is decreased fuel efficiency. AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is the most potent gasoline additive available today. As a concentrated detergent, it is unsurpassed in cleaning combustion chamber, intake valve and fuel injector deposits, restoring peak engine efficiency, fuel economy, power and drivability. Tests show P.i. improves vehicle fuel efficiency by an average of 2.3 percent and up to 5.7 percent.

Diesel Concentrate (ADF)
Like gasoline engines, diesel engines also become less efficient over time. Fuel injector deposits interrupt spray patterns, causing poor fuel atomization, incomplete combustion, excessive emissions and smoke. Tests prove that AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate cleans dirty injectors, improving fuel economy by up to five percent and restoring horsepower to like new.

Cetane Boost (ACB)
By raising cetane up to seven points, AMSOIL Cetane Boost effectively improves combustion efficiency for increased power and performance in all diesel engines, increasing fuel efficiency up to 2 percent.

Briefly

Online Sales Continue Climbing

According to survey results obtained by the Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, online sales growth outpaced total retail sales growth by close to a five-to-one margin in the first quarter of the year, with online sales up 13.6 percent and total retail sales up 2.8 percent. The Census Bureau also indicated that online sales account for 3.4 percent of all retail sales.

Auto Talk

Automobiles are a hot topic of conversation in the U.S. In fact, according to DM News, 44 percent of people talk about topics related to automobiles every day.

Extend Fifth-Wheel Hitch Life Proper lubrication is essential to receiving optimum performance from a fifth-wheel hitch. By placing the pin weight above the rear axle, a fifth-wheel hitch allows heavy loads to be supported by the vehicle's primary load-carrying components, while this attachment point also allows for improved forward stability over a conventional trailer set-up. Modern fifth-wheel hitch designs offer customers more choices and weight capability than in years past, but proper maintenance of both the moving and non-moving parts is essential to keeping the hitch in proper working order. Protecting the hitch against corrosion is a particularly important maintenance procedure. If possible, the head assembly should be stored indoors during off-season storage. Otherwise, a light film of oil or grease should be placed on exposed metal parts and the hitch should be covered with something like a plastic bag or truck-bed cover to protect it from dirt and contaminants. Most fifth-wheel hitch systems include base rails that bolt through the bed to the frame, mounting brackets that are attached with pins or another locking mechanism, a cross member and yoke, a head attached to the yoke and a handle assembly. Proper lubrication of the yoke pivot pin, jaw assembly, pivot points on the head and latch handle is important, but often ignored because the parts are not in plain view. Although recommended service schedules sometimes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, cleaning and lubricating the hitch at the beginning and end of the season is a good general recommendation for normal service conditions. Hitches operated under excessively dusty and dirty conditions may require more frequent maintenance, while sliding hitches may also require more frequent maintenance due to design differences. To avoid dirt and dust collection, it is important to avoid using too much lubricant, while periodically removing old grease and replacing it with a fresh coat will ensure optimum performance. Synthetic Fifth Wheel & Open Gear Compound AMSOIL Synthetic Fifth Wheel & Open Gear Compound (GFW) provides superior protection for fifth-wheel applications in a convenient aerosol spray, providing a tough grease film designed to handle heavy loads and provide maximum protection against wear. It effectively stays in place and protects over a broad temperature range without flaking in low temperatures or softening in high temperatures. Formulated to repel water, GFW effectively protects metal parts from rust and corrosion.