The Original Synthetic Motor Oil

Lubrication News April-July 2004

Reprinted from The Direct Line & The Action News

April-July 2004

Past issues of Auto Technology & Lubrication News

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Briefly

Wear and Deposits Affect Fuel Economy

According to the book "How to Select a Motor Oil for Your Car or Truck," wear and deposits eventually affect engine combustion and fuel economy. Valve train wear can affect timing and valve movement, while wear on rings, pistons and cylinder walls impacts volumetric compression efficiency and combustion blow-by, leading to power loss. Greatest wear is caused by particle sizes that are in the same range as the oil film thickness. According to a study by General Motors, "controlling particles in the 3 micron to 10 micron range had the greatest impact on wear rates and engine wear rates correlated directly to the dust concentration levels in the sump." AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide superior film thickness, and along with AMSOIL filtration products, effectively keep wear and deposits to a minimum and fuel efficiency at a maximum.

Honda Recall

Due to a potential transmission problem, American Honda has voluntarily recalled certain Honda and Acura light trucks equipped with V-6 engines and five-speed automatic transmissions. Certain driving conditions can lead to an inadequate lubrication supply to the transmission's secondary shaft second gear, increasing operating temperatures and possibly causing chipped or broken teeth and gear breakage. The repair involves a simple inspection of the gears, which does not require removing or disassembling the transmission. A modification that allows more transmission fluid to reach the affected gear effectively corrects the problem.

Proper Hydraulic System Maintenance

Noria Corporation offers the following tips for keeping hydraulic systems running at peak efficiency.

1) Installing a diffuser to the tank's return line can effectively reduce foaming, thereby reducing oxidation, aeration and risk of cavitation. A diffuser can also reduce problems such as varnishing, erratic fluid flow, spongy hydraulics and overheating.

2) Hydraulic system contaminants can be built into components, caused by external ingression and introduced during assembly, break-in, operation and maintenance.

3) When performing a flush on a new hydraulic system, use a light rust and oxidation inhibited lubricant, run the system at the maximum flow-rate, inspect the filters, refill with operating charge, reach normal operating temperature, exercise activators and drain and flush non-circulating zones.

4) Baffles in the reservoir give the lubricant adequate time to cool and deaerate, while also allowing water and dirt time to settle. Under normal operation, residence time in the reservoir should be three to five times the pump output. In a highly contaminated system, residence time may be 10 times the gallons per minute (GPM) of the pump.

5) An effective way to test the inside cleanliness of a new hydraulic reservoir is to use a small strip of transparent adhesive tape. Stick the tape on the surface (roof, side wall or bottom plate) of the reservoir, press it firmly, peel it off and placed it on a clean sheet of white paper. An observer will be able to see any larger particulate contaminants of 50 microns and larger.

AMSOIL Synthetic AW Series Antiwear Hydraulic Oils are recommended for high and low pressure gear, vane and piston stationary and mobile hydraulic systems. Their premium quality synthetic base stocks and additive systems effectively inhibit oxidation, rust and foam, while dramatically reducing wear and maintenance expense for extended drain intervals.

AMSOIL Synthetic Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil (TBI) is a multi-viscosity 5W-20 lubricant recommended for gear, vane and piston stationary and mobile hydraulic systems. In addition to being biodegradable, TBI provides superior thermal stability, outstanding wear protection, quick foam inhibition and extended drain intervals.

EPA Advises Motorists to Avoid Topping Off at Gas Pump

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the common practice of topping off a vehicle's gas tank can be harmful to both the vehicle and the environment. When the gas station pump automatically clicks off, it means the tank is full. Any extra gasoline pumped at this point usually ends up either evaporating into the air, flowing into the gas station's vapor recovery system of evaporating into the vehicle's vapor collection system.

"EPA and our partners - the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), the Delaware Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control (DNREC), the City of Philadelphia and the Air Quality Partnership - are encouraging all drivers to stop topping off their gas tanks," says Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region.

Gasoline Vapors

Gasoline vapors released into the air are a source for toxic emissions such as benzine and increase the risk for cancer and respiratory disease.

"Being exposed to gasoline fumes can increase health risks," says Welsh. "And the chemicals in gasoline vapor contribute to the formation of ozone air pollution."

Gas Station Vapor Recovery Systems

Gas station vapor recovery systems prevent millions of gallons of gasoline from being emitted into the air. Vapor recovery systems collect 90 percent of all gasoline vapors produced during vehicle fueling and return them to the underground tank, where they're collected by gasoline delivery trucks. Any gasoline pumped after the tank is full may be drawn into the vapor line and sent to the storage tank, at the motorist's expense.

Vehicle Vapor Collection Systems

Extra room is required in a vehicle's gas tank to allow the gas to expand. Overfilling may cause the extra gas to evaporate into the vehicle's vapor collection system and contribute to poor running and high gas emissions.

Briefly

Average Fuel Economy Remains Consistent

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), average fuel economy for 2004 automobiles is 20.8 mpg, unchanged from 2003. Fleet-wide averages for American light-duty vehicles has been consistent since 1997, ranging from 20.6 mpg to 20.9 mpg. Average fuel economy hit its peak in 1987 at 22.1 mpg. EPA officials predict new technology, including hybrid-electric vehicles, clean diesel technology and variable displacement engines, will raise fuel economy averages in the coming years.

Gasoline Prices in Perspective

Although rising gasoline prices have stressed out motorists this summer, prices have not been as volatile as many other commodities over the past 20 years. According to Pertotec, gasoline prices have increased 44.5 percent over the past 20 years, while prices for most of the following commodities have increased more:

Turbochargers Add Power to Four-Stroke Recreational Equipment

Turbocharged equipment requires top-of-the-line lubrication to keep wear in check and increase engine life.

Four-stroke recreational equipment has steadily grown in popularity over the last few years, and the search for increased power and speed is in full swing. With Honda introducing the first turbocharged personal watercraft in 2002, and Polaris responding with its own model shortly thereafter, the race to develop the most powerful four-stroke jet ski is on.

According to Watercraft World, a turbocharger boosts power by increasing the levels of air and fuel allowed into the engine. It includes two turbines, in separate housing but on the same shaft. Hot exhaust gases travel through one side of the turbine, spinning it. The vanes on the other side draw and compress air before sending it to the engine intake. Adjusting housing and vane size allows boost to be controlled.

Turbochargers can be designed to produce extra boost, utilizing a waste gate to limit boost to the desired level throughout the motor's rpm range. The waste gate bleeds off excessive pressure, with the engines's management management system controlling it electronically. More power is then available at lower engine speeds.

Air density decreases at high elevations. In fact, for every 1000-foot increase in elevation, air density is reduced 4.5 percent, translating into a 4.5 horsepower decrease in a 100-hp engine. Turbochargers allow maximum power and efficiency at high elevations. The turbocharger's waste gate allows full pressure in areas of low air density, allowing full power to be unleashed.

Turbochargers are relatively simple units that provide mounting flexibility. Ideally, the exhaust turbine is mounted close to the engine's exhaust outlet and the gases are kept as hot as possible in order to achieve maximum pressure drop across the turbine vanes on the exhaust side. Cooling the exhaust decreases pressure.

Because a turbocharger's vanes can spin at speeds exceeding 50,000 rpm, bearings take quite a beating and temperatures can become extreme. Pressurizing engines often reduces their life expectancy, so premium quality, clean oil is essential for extending equipment life.

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic Motor Oil is ideal for all four-stroke recreational equipment. Its broad 0W-40 viscosity rating provides superior protection in both hot and cold temperature extremes, while its superior shear stability and resistance to vaporization keep engine wear, oil consumption, friction, heat and emissions to an absolute minimum.

Contamination Control

Noria Corporation offers the following tips for controlling industrial and hydraulic oil contamination:

1) It is essential to limit clearance-sized particles in lubricants. While large particles cannot get between moving surfaces and small ones pass right through, clearance-sized particles inflict the most damage.

2) Reservoirs should be tightly sealed to prevent contamination from air, dust, falling debris and liquid sprays. Devices such as inspection hatches, filter covers, vertical-entry float switches, flanged return ports and breather/blower attachments should be tightly sealed and designed with elevated connections. It is recommended inspection hatches have elevated lips around the openings, compression clamps and gasketing.

3) In circulating systems, aeration of reservoirs can be reduced by using diffusers to "ooze" oil back to the tank. Select a diffuser design that allows flow velocities to be reduced to three feet per second (fps), and place it well below the oil level.

4) Refit gearbox vents with breathers that stop airborne dirt and debris. The reduced contamination minimizes strain on gearbox bearings and reduces wear by about 50 percent.

5) Reduce contamination through off-line filtration. Many portable transfer/filter carts are used primarily to transfer lubricants, but they can also be used as off-line filter carts. Connection both hoses to new oils, hydraulic reservoirs, turbines and gear boxes allows the transfer units to draw out the oil, filter and return it.

6) Protection filter are intended to protect components like servo valves. Because they are not equipped with a by-pass option, be sure they have a relief valve with a return to tank, protecting the pump and filter.

Briefly

Women Design Concept Car

Designed to be powerful, stylish, spacious and virtually maintenance free, Volvo recently unveiled "Your Concept Car," a concept vehicle designed entirely by women. The front end is designed to be accessible only to mechanics, and when it comes time for an engine inspection, the car sends a wireless message to a local service center. Oil change intervals are 31,000 miles, and because it's equipped with a gasoline-electric hybrid engine, the car receives excellent fuel economy and produces low emissions. The car also features gullwing doors, folding rear seats, dirt-repellent paint and glass, exchangeable seat covers, body scanned seat adjustments and computerized parallel parking. Volvo does not plan to produce the prototype, but will likely incorporate some of the features into new vehicle models.

Gearbox Tip

Many small gearboxes are equipped with a fill hole and drain plug, and the only way to check the oil level is to unscrew the fill plug and stick a finger in. In order to improve on the procedure and maintain proper oil levels. Bill Jacobyansky, maintenance manager at Guardian Industries, suggest replacing the drain plug with a sight glass. "At the same time," says Jacobyansky, "because you no longer need to open the fill cap regularly, replace it with an appropriate breather or quick connects (on both the fill port and drain) to add oil or deploy offline filtration."

Proper Transmission Maintenance

Proper maintenance keeps automatic transmissions on the road and out of the shop.

Transmission problems present tremendous headaches to fleet owners. Not only do breakdowns create costly downtime, but new transmissions are expensive and unchecked problems can cause other components to fail. Proper transmission maintenance is important in order to stop problems before they start.

"The lifeblood of the automatic transmission is the fluid," says Keith Duner, Allison Transmission Service Technology Support Group supervisor. Transmission fluid gives valuable clues to the transmission's condition, so monitoring fluid levels and condition is critical. Discolored and odorous fluid are indications of transmission problems. Dark or granular material in the fluid could likely be bearings or shavings of aluminum, and the transmission should be inspected as soon as possible.

In order to easier detect problems, drain transmission fluid into an empty, clear container rather than an opaque drum or container containing fluid from another transmission. It's also advisable to check transmission fluid when the engine is cold to avoid draining out a mixture of motor oil, antifreeze or fuel with the transmission fluid.

Drain plugs should also be inspected for ferrous materials. Magnetic drain plugs catch particles and make it easier to detect problems.

Coolant sometimes finds its way into transmission fluid, especially as the cooling system ages. "This is one of the things that is identified on a return oil analysis report from an analysis lab," says Duner. "It would indicate the presence of engine coolant or glycol or one of the trace elements that would show the presence of coolant in the transmission fluid." When the coolant is converted to steam, it affects bonding of the fiber clutch to the steel backing plate attached to the clutch pads, leading to clutch failure.

According to Warren Anderson, regional service manager with ZF Industries Inc., it is a good idea to have the cooler rebuilt, flushed or replaced each time the transmission is out of the vehicle for servicing. "Generally, when a lock up clutch lining fails, your will have debris stuck in the cooler, which will significantly reduce its effectiveness or send debris into the newly-serviced transmission, causing shift problems and possible failure," he says.

Electronic shifters have become more common in recent years. Problems are most commonly caused by wiring and connector faults, including wiring harness problems, rub-through on the wires and rock hits. When electronic controls fail, sometimes more than the transmission requires replacement. "In Allison's newer transmissions for example, you can't put them with the old harnesses and ECUs of, say, five or six years ago because they are not compatible," says Allison manager of sales and marketing Mitch Murray.

Connectors are fragile, and manufacturers typically discourage customers from attempting to service them. "Typically, computers and sensors aren't wear items," says Duner. "We look more towards the health of the vehicle's wiring that connects all those components together as a first step in a diagnostic activity as opposed to looking at the actual components themselves."

Transmissions are connected to various rotating and vibrating components in the driveshaft and out to the wheels. If vibrations are allowed to travel to the transmission, it can lead to failing transmission parts.

Vibration or damage can cause output shaft seals to leak. Duner recommends inspecting the driveline to find the source of the vibration. "Check to see if the U-joints are worn, or if the slip joints are frozen," he says. "Typically, they have greased fittings and the fittings can be overlooked. They can freeze up and not move, which in turn will create a vibration. Some road debris or aging can cause the balancing weights in the driveline to fall off, in which case the driveshaft itself can go out of balance and create vibration that can impact the life of the transmission."

According to Duner, a common mistake made in shops is assuming problems are automatically electronically related. "Like a lot of component suppliers, we find a lot of 'no trouble found' components being returned from service outlets or consumers," he says. "In other words, they will replace an expensive controller for no reason."

AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides unsurpassed protection and performance in today's hot running transmissions. It reduces transmission operating temperatures by 15 to 30 percent, translating into 75 to 150 percent increases in transmission service life. AMSOIL ATF protects clutches, planetary gears, valves, pumps and seals from damaging sludge and varnish deposits and ensures cool, smooth transmission operation for intervals up to three times longer than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Food Grade Grease Tips

Noria Corporation offers the following tips for working with food grade greases:

1) Store the grease gun separately from other grease guns and clearly mark it "food grade only" to avoid cross contamination. Never use other lubricants in a grease gun designated for food grade greases. Store food grade greases and oils away from other lubricants and toxic materials like cleaning supplies, parts washer fluid, antifreeze, etc.

2) Aluminum complex is a common thickener used in food grade greases, producing a very shear stable product. Greases formulated with aluminum complex thickeners maintain their protection qualities in elevated temperature conditions, and they are highly water resistant. Water resistance is important for food and beverage processing equipment because of post shift equipment wash downs.

3) Food grade lubricants are usually colored by the manufacturer. The danger with adding aftermarket colors of dyes is the possibility of a chemical reaction that produces toxic by-products. If a dye is added, retest the lubricant of have it qualified for food safety.

AMSOIL X-Treme Synthetic Food Grade Grease is an ultra-premium aluminum complex grease designed for USDA H1 service. It provides superior protection and performance over a vast operating temperature range of -35° F to 350° F and has excellent extreme pressure capabilities that reduce friction and heat generation and help eliminate metal-to-metal contact in processing equipment. The pure white color of AMSOIL X-Treme Food Grade Grease complements the hygienic environment of food production facilities.

Briefly

AMSOIL Used for HP Gain

An article in the June issue of Chevy High Performance entitled "Mission 305, Part I" took aim at "getting some decent power from GM's weak-kneed 305." Involved in the process was Joe Jill of Superior Automotive Engineering of Anaheim, Calif., who advised using AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 0W-30 Motor Oil. "We tried out Amsoil's 0W-30 Severe Duty synthetic motor oil, along with one of the company's Super Duty oil filters," writes Associate Editor John Nelson. "Designed for LT1 and LS1 powerplants, Superior's Joe Jill says he's seen up to 10 hp gains simply by switching to this oil, and the intervals between oil changes are greatly increased."

Deadly Component Wear

According to the book "Total Contamination Control," studies on plant failures across the U.S. and Europe reveal component wear as the reason for 70 or 80 percent of machinery failure. Physical wear accounted for the majority of the figure, while corrosion accounted for 20 percent. Wear in some cases was attributed to incorrect lubrication at the interface between moving surfaces, caused by using the incorrect oil grade, oxidation, contaminant abrasion and component overloading. Studies showed the most common causes of wear and failure were related to fatigue mechanisms, partly associated with bearing and shaft misalignment and imbalance. The majority of failures were attributed to microstresses caused by contaminants bridging the oil film and producing high stress concentrations on component surfaces, resulting in sub-surface cracking and spalling.

Proper Lubrication Cuts Maintenance Costs

Plant managers are discovering increased equipment reliability and lower costs by following proper lubricant practices.

Interested in the latest lubrication technology trends, Plant Services magazine conducted interviews at industrial plants across the country. Rather than being excited about a specific new product or additive, plant managers are increasingly discovering the benefits of following proper lubricant practices and using high quality lubricants.

"Lubrication is the lifeblood of rotating components," says Ralph Whitley, director of engineering at Boston Gear, "but it is one of the most overlooked and typically misunderstood failure modes."

Proper lubrication practices are often neglected during tough economic times. Equipment service lives are extended, while less money is spent on maintenance resources and lubrication. "Supply-chain optimization has resulted in many plants being forced to use the cheapest lubricants accompanied by severely limited services," says Eric Bevevino, business unit manager, industrial and integrated solutions, ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants.

Many plants don't have employees with extensive lubrication knowledge, and even many who do neglect proper practices in the interest of saving money. "They need to get from straight preventive and predictive practices to reliability-centered maintenance [RCM]," says Bevevino. "Now that supply chain has run its course, that's where the next big savings will come from."

Some plants are discovering savings, increased reliability and a competitive edge by paying careful attention to lubrication. "The focus is on reliability," says Al Kastonek, predictive maintenance manager at Keewatin Taconite in Keewatin, Minn. "If you're not doing that, then what are you doing? What's the alternative?"

Improving practices can be done by either keeping hand written records or utilizing the latest digital technology, but the key is actually doing it. Some plants are making reliability a specific job or department, complete with training and software.

Dave Como, U.S. lubricants expertise group, Dow Corning Molykote, believes it is essential to implement a comprehensive oil analysis program. "Progress will come when they actually take that data - take that software - and put it to use," says Como. "Perhaps 30% are doing that. A lot of them are taking the samples, then changing the oil every six weeks."

Noyan Ercan, reliability engineer at Shell Co. of Australia, stresses the importance of keeping lubricants clean through proper storage and dispensing. He relates an experience he had with a devastating failure of a forced-draft fan. The bearing housing was topped off with oil from a metal container stored by the blower. It was later discovered the oil contained about 50 percent water, leading to loss of lubrication, metal-to-metal contact and a destroyed motor, bearing shaft and seal.

According to Ercan, temperature changes cause conventional drums and top-up cans to breathe and collect condensed steam, rainwater and contaminants. "Even sealed drums breathe through the bung threads and collect water over time," he says. "You can have a brand-new drum and if it's been sitting around, when you open it and shine a flashlight in, you can see water at the bottom."

Humidity, rain, temperature changes, steam and washdown can cause water to enter equipment through seals, vents and breather. "Humidity sensors can measure the amount of water vapor present in the lubricating oil," says Rojean Thomas, manager of engineering at Trico Mfg.

According to Bevevino, proper filtration is an excellent way to extend lubricant life. "Attention to system cleanliness through the use of desiccant breathers and new fill-containers designed to prevent contamination are also emerging trends," he says.

An investment in high quality oil changing equipment has helped Clopay Plastic Products of Augusta, Ky. minimize downtime and keep lubricants clean. "Changing oil on our largest gearboxes used to take about 2 1/2 hours and make a mess," says planned maintenance technician Scotty Lippert. "With oil-changing equipment, it takes 10 to 12 minutes and we never expose the oil to the atmosphere."

Taconite dust presents Keewatin Taconite with a big contamination problem. "We have a lot of slow-moving equipment and a lot of taconite dust, which is a form of silica," says Kastonek. "It's everywhere and it's very abrasive. Contamination is a big, big deal." By switching to synthetic lubricants, Keewatin Taconite has extended its drain intervals, minimizing the opening and closing of gearboxes and keeping contaminants out. "There's no substitute for oil cleanliness," says Kastonek.

In addition to contamination, plant managers must also address the following:

Lubrication Process

Large plants have thousands of moving parts with their own specific lubrication requirements and schedules, so it's easy to make expensive mistakes and oversights without a proper system in place. "If it is difficult to find, it will be even more difficult to repair," says Como.

Use of Proper Lubricants

Using the wrong lubricant can lead to equipment damage and downtime. "Suppliers offering only a limited line of lubricants sometimes try to force-fit their products regardless of specific application requirements," says Como. "As a result, lubricants over- or under-engineered for a given application can cost machine life and maintenance dollars."

Leaks

"Fix the seals so you don't have the off shifts adding oil," says Kastonek. "That's when things burn up."

Lubricant Identification

"We have reduced our requirements to mainly three of four different types of lubricants," says Ercan, "and now we have color-coded charts posted throughout the plant for quick reference."

AMSOIL synthetic industrial lubricants offer unsurpassed protection and performance in industrial equipment, effectively extending equipment life and reducing downtime and money spent on repairs and lubricant changes.

Briefly

Reducing Air Pollution

As light truck sales continue to climb, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UOCS) is aiming to reduce air pollution associated with the vehicles. According to UOCS data, light trucks produce more pollution and are less fuel efficient than cars, with the average light truck emitting 129 pounds of smog-producing exhaust each year, compared with 88 pounds for the average car. Average annual fuel consumption is 702 gallons for light trucks and 492 gallons for cars. The UOCS believes engine technology changes can be both effective and affordable, pointing toward a California test program in which they were able to reduce exhaust pollution by 90 percent in a Ford Expedition by reprogramming the air/fuel system and adding a more durable catalyst. "The total added costs of these improvements were estimated to be about $200 per vehicle on a full-size SUV," said the UOCS. "This is one of the cheapest air pollution mitigation investments that can be made."

Keep Grease Surface Level

According to engineer C. Muralidharan of Mak Controls and Systems P. Ltd., grease surface should be kept level after scooping grease from a bulk container. "Do not leave the grease surface with pockets or cavities," says Muralidharan. "This will cause bleeding of base oil from grease thickener into these zones. In order to use the grease in such case,k the separated oil would have to be worked back by agitation. This should only be attempted if there is absolutely no risk of dirt entering the bulk grease during agitation (from the container, tools or grease surface)."

Technical Service Bulletin

Product Description: AMSOIL full flow oil filter SDF-20

Subject: Application Notice

DESCRIPTION

The engine oil systems of certain Mitsubishi applications may produce abnormally high oil pressure, exceeding the structural capacity of standard spin-on filters, including the AMSOIL SDF-20. Improper operation of the pressure-regulating valve in the engine causes the high oil pressure, resulting in over-pressurization of the lubricating system and damage to the oil filter.

AMSOIL has decided to withdraw recommendation of the SDF-20 in place of the Mitsubishi part number MZ690116 oil filter. The AMSOIL SDF-20 continues to be the recommended filter for many other applications not associated with this problem.

Briefly

Lube Companies See Costs Rise

Both ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips recently announced lubricant price increases effective May 3, and experts expect other lubricant companies to soon follow suit. Increasing base oil and additive prices are to blame, with paraffinic base oil prices undergoing two rounds of increases in 2004 and major additive suppliers Lubrizol and Infineum also hiking prices. "Base oil prices have been rising significantly," says Castrol Syntec marketing manager Mike DeBiasi. "Additive prices also went up, and of course, energy costs did, too. All of that is contributing." The upcoming introduction of the GF-4 motor oil specification has experts predicting further price increases by the end of the year. "Prices have been a lot more volatile since last year," says PPC Lubricants supervisor Don Noll.

Urban Quick Lubes Enjoy Higher Profit Margins

According to a National Oil and Lube News survey, profit margins are 45 percent higher at urban quick lubes than in rural locations due to increased customer traffic and higher ticket prices. While 64 percent of rural quick lubes reported yearly revenues of less than $400,000, 53 percent of urban quick lubes reported making more than that amount. The urban centers, however, face 32 percent higher construction expenses. "Quick lubes in small markets are never going to be as profitable as those in bigger markets," says NOLN editor Garrett McKinnon. "But they can return respectable profits, and I think that is why your see more of them being built in smaller markets."

Ushering in the Summer Boating Season

Powerboat Magazine advocates use of AMSOIL Synthetic 80W-90 Gear Lube in performance applications.

According to the March 2004 issue of Powerboat Magazine, "If you hold your throttle at cruising speed, say 3,500 rpm, for a half-hour, which is easy to imagine, your crankshaft will have rotated 105,000 times in that time period. It also means you will have spun the gear sets and shafts in a 1.5:1 Bravo One drive 70,000 times."

The above scenario represents only a fraction of one day on the lake, and all the rotation creates heat and lubricant shear and breakdown. In order to avoid problems, Powerboat Magazine recommends changing drive oil at the same time as the engine oil.

According to Powerboat Magazine, "Our technical editor Bob Teague has had enough success with Amsoil 80W-90 to recommend it for performance applications, so it only seemed appropriate for the Bravo One XR drive in our 2002 Formula 271 FAS³Tech."

AMSOIL 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (AGL) and 80W-90 Synthetic Lower Unit Gear Lube (ALU) provide superior protection for marine outboard and stern drive lower unit gears and bearings, even when faced with extreme heat conditions. Unlike conventional lubricants, AMSOIL Synthetic Gear Lubes resist the damaging effects of heat and oxidation and prevent the formation of deposits, varnish and sludge for outstanding protection and performance.

2-Cycle and 4-Cycle Oils for Outboard Motors

AMSOIL HP Injector Synthetic 2-Cycle Oil (HPI) provides superior protection in today's hotter running two-cycle outboard motors. Formulated with premium AMSOIL synthetic base oils and MAXDOSE advanced additives, HP Injector provides "super clean" operation, outstanding wear protection and low smoke and odor in direct fuel injected (DFI), electronic fuel injected (EFI) and carbureted outboard motors, as well as other recreational equipment.

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic Motor Oil (AFF) provides superior protection and performance in four-stroke recreational equipment. Its premium synthetic formulation keeps engine wear, oil consumption, friction, heat and emissions to an absolute minimum.

Briefly

The Cars America Loves

Global brand research and development organization NameQuest recently published its "America's Top 20 Most-Loved Automobile Brands" list. According to NameQuest president John P. Hoeppner, "General Motors has 40% of brands in the top ten with #1 Chevrolet rated highest among contenders for value and trust. Robert Lutz is obviously making an impact at GM, especially with the formerly stodgy Cadillac brand ranked #4." Mercedes-Benz rated highest in perceived quality, while Kia rated lowest. NameQuest also compared brand preference scores with automaker advertising spending and found no correlation. Trust, quality and value were found to be more potent factors than advertising in shaping consumers' brand preferences.

NameQuest Brand Preference Ranking:

1. Chevrolet; 2. Mercedes-Benz; 3. Jaguar; 4. Cadillac; 5. Jeep; 6. Volkswagen; 7. Oldsmobile; 8. Lexus; 9. Toyota; 10. GMC; 11. Chrysler; 12. Land Rover; 13. Volvo; 14. Pontiac; 15. Honda; 16. Dodge; 17. Ford; 18. Audi; 19. Buick; 20. Saturn

Ford to Offer More Hybrids

Ford Motor Company plans to begin marketing its Escape HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) this summer, the first high volume hybrid vehicle from the Big 3 automakers. The company hopes to sell 20,000 hybrid Escapes annually, and plans are also underway to introduce a 2007 model year hybrid version of the Mercury Mariner, as well as a third to-be-named hybrid in 2006.

AMSOIL Introduces New Power Sports Air Filters

New filters provide superior protection and performance in dirt bikes and ATVs.

AMSOIL offers a premium line of two-cycle and four-cycle synthetic lubricants that offer superior protection and performance in dirt bikes and ATVs. Now, AMSOIL is introducing a line of premium power sports air filters. Utilizing the same advanced two-stage foam technology as the automotive air filters, AMSOIL Power Sports Sir Filters offer second-to-none protection and performance in hard driven dirt bikes and ATVs.

Proper air filtration is essential to keeping equipment running in top condition. It is especially important in power sports applications operating in dusty environments. Without proper air filtration, airborne dirt and dust greatly accelerate engine wear, shorten equipment life and increase fuel consumption.

AMSOIL Power Sports Sir Filters provide superior performance in all three critical areas of filtration: efficiency (dirt stopping), capacity (dirt holding) and resistance (air flow). Constructed of two distinct layers of oil-wetted polyurethane foam, Power Sports Air Filters offer expanded filtering area and increased capacity, effectively trapping and holding more dirt over a longer period of time and allowing a constant flow of clean intake air. AMSOIL Foam Filter Oil (AFO) is an advanced tacking agent designed to allow further contaminant removal, while maintaining maximum air flow.

AMSOIL Power Sports Air Filters are packaged dry and must be properly oiled with AMSOIL Foam Filter Oil before installation, and they may be cleaned, re-oiled and reused for hours of trouble-free use. Frequent cleaning and oiling is necessary to achieve peak performance and maximum protection against engine wear. Local conditions and intended use dictate how frequently filters should be serviced. Many power sports enthusiasts maintain two or more filters for each piece of equipment they run.

Briefly

Television Ads Overrated

Vehicle manufacturers are the nation's largest advertising buyers, overwhelmingly favoring television advertising. However, a recent survey of 700 U.S. consumers performed by management consultants Cap Gemini Ernst & Young found word of mouth to be the most influential form of marketing, with 71 percent of consumers saying it influenced their buying decisions. Only 17 percent indicated televised ads influenced their decisions. Advertisements on Internet search engines (26 percent) and direct mail (48 percent) also hold more influence than television ads. Mike Wujciak, Cap Gemini vice president who oversees auto practice, advises marketers to incorporate direct mail and Internet into their marketing plans. "We think manufacturers and their dealers are wasting money on broad-based TV advertising instead of a direct-marketing approach," he says. According to Wujciak, not only is Internet advertising more effective, it can also be created and analyzed for results quicker than other mediums.

Oil change Tip

Elias Shewchuk, MLT 1, Lubrication Initiatives, Tolko Manitoba Kraft Papers, offers a valuable tip for avoiding messes when changing oil. "Horizontally cut a recycled two-liter plastic pop bottle in two pieces, about halfway up. Slide either half over the loosened filter and spin the filter until it is unthreaded and drops off. Hold the cupped filter in position for a minute of two in order to catch any leakage from the filter housing before removing. I have found that it has eliminated most of the mess even on a nearly horizontally mounted filter.

Gasoline Prices Continue Upward Climb

As gasoline prices escalate, achieving maximum fuel efficiency becomes extra important.

The price for a barrel of crude oil recently closed at above $38 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest level in 14 years. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline stocks have dwindled to almost 10 million barrels below the five-year average, while diesel and heating oil supplies have also fallen. Short gasoline supplies, combined with ever-increasing demand, do not bode well for summer gasoline prices, and analysts predict already steep prices will continue to climb.

Although gasoline prices traditionally level off during the winter season, they steadily increased this year, averaging $1.72 a gallon nationwide. According to EIA, refiners have kicked up production to 8.6 million barrels a day, but motorists have used an average of 8.9 million barrels of gasoline a day the past month, and increase of 4.5 percent from last year.

"We have very low crude inventory stocks, low gasoline inventory right now and we're supposed to be building crude oil inventory at a rapid pace at this time," said Ed Silliere, vice president of risk management at Energy Merchant Corp. "We're not seeing the buildup [of stocks] in the rate we normally see. It's a viewpoint that the market will have better supply down the road."

Analysts predict average gasoline prices will likely eclipse $2 a gallon this summer, with higher prices in certain regions of the country. California gasoline prices have already topped $2 a gallon.

Through efficient driving, proper maintenance and good planning, motorists can get the most out of their fuel dollars. The following tips will help ease the burden of escalating fuel prices over the summer driving season:

Efficient Driving

1) Avoid aggressive driving habits like speeding, rapid acceleration and braking. It lowers gas mileage by up to 33 percent at highway speeds. Gas mileage steadily decreases at speeds above 60 mph.

2) Avoid unnecessary idling. Vehicles get 0 mpg while idling.

3) Use the cruise control. Setting cruise control while highway driving maintains consistent speed and saves gas.

4) Use overdrive gears to slow down engine speed, saving gas and reducing engine wear.

5) Use the ventilator instead of the air conditioner and keep windows rolled up. It reduces engine workload and wind resistance, improving fuel economy up to 15 percent.

Proper Maintenance

1) Fixing out of tune vehicles improves fuel economy by an average of 4.1 percent. Replacing a malfunctioning oxygen sensor improves fuel economy by as much as 40 percent.

2) Regularly check the vehicle's air filter. Replacing a clogged filter not only improves fuel economy by up to 10 percent, it protects the engine.

3) Check tires for proper air pressure every two to four weeks. Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy by about 3.3 percent.

4) Use the manufacturer's recommended motor oil viscosity. Using a higher viscosity oil than recommended decreases fuel economy by one to two percent.

Good Planning

1) Combine errands into one trip. Engines are most efficient when warmed up. Multiple short trips taken from cold start use up to twice the gas as one longer trip covering the same distance.

2) Avoid peak rush hours whenever possible to spend less time sitting in traffic and consuming gas. Taking advantage of carpools, ride share programs and public transit not only save fuel, but vehicle wear and tear as well.

3) Reducing aerodynamic drag by carrying cargo in the trunk rather than a roof rack can improve fuel economy by five percent. Avoid carrying unnecessary heavy items. One hundred extra pounds in the trunk reduce fuel economy by one to two percent.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils

The use of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and drivetrain lubricants produce significant fuel efficiency benefits. Industry tests show an average passenger car can conservatively decrease fuel consumption by two to five percent through the use of synthetic lubricants, while independent testing and customer testimonials indicate even larger gains with use of AMSOIL products.