The Original Synthetic Motor Oil

Lubrication News January-March 2004

Reprinted from The Direct Line & The Action News

January-March 2004

Past issues of Auto Technology & Lubrication News

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Answers For the High Mileage Market

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils Offer Superior Protection for Old and New Vehicles

When you consider that at least two-thirds of passenger cars in the United States have accumulated more than 75,000 miles, and the conventional lubricant market has been generally stagnant the last few years, Valvoline's introduction of MaxLife motor oil in 1999 was marketing at its best. By targeting the owners of higher mileage vehicles and telling them the new product was specially formulated to protect higher mileage engines, Valvoline suddenly found itself with a very successful new product. The company has been steadily increasing its profits the past few years and repeatedly credits MaxLife for the growth.

"We're all wrestling with that [lack of growth in overall demand] and saying that our ticket out of this is that we need to innovate," says Blair Boggs, director of branding for Valvoline.

Not wanting to get left behind, other lubricant manufacturers quickly began marketing their own high mileage motor oils. Nearly every major American lubricant manufacturer now offers a product specifically for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles, including Valvoline, Quaker State, Castrol, Mobil, Pennzoil, Kendall, Exxon, Havoline and Chevron, and high mileage motor oils now account for between 5 and 7 percent of passenger car motor oil sales value.

"At this point, approximately 14 percent of vehicles with more than 75,000 miles are using high mileage motor oils, so the potential upside is terrific," says Ray Sparling, director of programs for Kendall Motor Oil. "Moreover, we think the timing for entering the segment is very good because a significant portion of consumers have already gone through the learning curve on this type of product."

Quarts of high mileage motor oils are typically priced a dollar or more higher than standard conventional oils, allowing lubricant manufacturers to significantly increase profits. Are consumers who use high mileage motor oil getting their money's worth or are they just falling for marketing hype? Is the extra cost justified?

High mileage engines often lose compression, the gaskets become brittle, the rings wear and valves do not seal as tightly. Formulated with varying degrees of anti-wear additives, seal conditioners, extra cleaning agents and friction modifiers, high mileage motor oils supposedly protect old seals and combat deposit build up, viscosity change, increased oil consumption, reduced fuel economy and decreased performance.

The question then becomes, if the problems associated with higher mileage engines can be treated with special high mileage motor oils, is it reasonable to assume they can be prevented entirely by running a higher quality oil from the beginning? Yes. AMSOIL motor oils are proprietary formulations of the world's best synthetic base stocks and most advanced additive systems. From the start, they protect seals, prevent deposit formation, maintain viscosity, reduce oil consumption and improve fuel economy.

AMSOIL has a superior performing motor oil for most high mileage customers. The following are the types of customers encountered by AMSOIL Dealers and the answers to their "what type of oil should I use" questions.

1 The "smart" customer: I have been using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil from the start. I have been following AMSOIL oil and filter change recommendations. Now, with over 75,000 miles accumulated, my engine is clean, efficient and mechanically sound. "What oil should I use?"
Your Answer: Continue using any of the AMSOIL synthetic motor oils.

2 The "finally getting smart" customer: I have been using conventional petroleum oil for up to 75,000 miles, but have performed regular maintenance. My vehicle is mechanically sound. "What oil should I use?"
Your Answer: Begin using any of the AMSOIL synthetic motor oils.

3 The "got smart just in time" customer: I have been using conventional petroleum oil for 75,000 miles or more, but have been inconsistent in terms of maintenance. My engine still runs well, but may have developed some deposits, worn seals and slight increases in fuel and oil consumption. "What oil should I use?"
Your Answer: Change over to AMSOIL XL-7500 motor oil. The AMSOIL XL-7500 motor oils contain less detergency than the other AMSOIL motor oils. They are less aggressive in terms of solvency and are less likely to break away the petroleum oil deposits that have formed false seals and threaten to block passageways and plug oil filters. AMSOIL XL-7500 motor oils minimize concerns over leaking seals, excessive oil consumption and sludge clean-up problems.

4 The "not smart enough" customer: I have been running conventional petroleum oil for over 75,000 miles and have totally neglected proper maintenance. My engine is worn, thick with sludge and leaks oil. "What oil should I use?"
Your Answer: Continue using the cheapest conventional petroleum oil you can find. As an AMSOIL Dealer, I don't need the problem.

AMSOIL Engine Flush AMSOIL Engine Flush is an excellent option for customers wishing to restore the efficiency of both their high and low mileage mechanically sound engines. It is also recommended as a maintenance tool for preserving peak performance. AMSOIL Fast Acting Engine Flush is a carefully selected blend of solvents and special cleaning agents that dissolve and disperse harmful deposits formed on the crankcase, cylinder walls, pistons and rings of an internal combustion engine. It also aids in draining the contaminants and releases as much dirty oil as possible from the crankcase. When used as directed, it cleans and helps restore operating efficiency to valve lifters and piston rings for improved performance.

Helps free stuck lifters Loosens sticky deposits Increases oil flow Helps reduce oil consumption Dissolves antifreeze-induced deposits Accelerates drain process and maximizes contaminant removal

Briefly

AOCA Accuses VW of Magnuson Moss Violation

In a complaint filed with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) has accused Volkswagen of violating the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which prohibits automakers from conditioning warranty coverage on use of a specific aftermarket product. According to the AOCA, Volkswagen issued a technical service bulletin requiring use of VW motor oil (VW Part No. G 052 167 A2) with 2004 vehicles equipped with 1.9 liter TDI engines. The VW motor oil sells for $12.25 a quart and is only available at authorized Volkswagen and Audi dealerships. "Obviously this situation has an impact on Volkswagen owners, but we're also concerned about the possibility of practices like this being repeated by other manufacturers," said AOCA Policy Advisor Joanna Johnson. "If they have proof that their oil is the only oil that will allow these vehicles to function properly, they can go to the FTC and apply for a waiver, but they haven't done that."

Grease Tip

According to Geoffrey Bidlack, Engineering Supervisor, NTN Bearing Corporation of America, "When adding grease to bearings through grease fittings or other ports, it is usually best to add grease while machinery is in operation if safety permits." This practice permits excessive grease to move out of the bearing track and to an adjacent cavity, vent port or other exit pathway.

AMSOIL Introduces New European Motor Oil

New 5W-40 European Motor Oil (AFL) offers maximum protection and extended drain intervals for European vehicles.

European vehicle manufacturers generally have more stringent motor oil standards than American vehicle manufacturers, recommending specific high quality lubricants capable of extended drain intervals. Most motor oils offered in America do not meet these demanding specifications, and problems such as engine sludge and premature wear develop when motorists use conventional American oils to take advantage of the extended drain intervals recommended by the European manufacturers.

In the U.S., the American Petroleum Institute (API) adopts a one-size-fits-all standard for engine oils, but in Europe the Automotive Manufacturers Association (ACEA) sets multi-tier motor oil standards, taking into consideration the wide variety of engines on the market. Most European automakers also create their own specific standards, using ACEA standards as a starting point.

European automakers generally recommend 5W-40 viscosity oils in their vehicles, ensuring maximum protection in all operating conditions. New AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-40 European Motor Oil (AFL) is specially formulated for the lubrication needs of European gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks. It is blended with advanced polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic base stocks, premium additives and a broad 5W-40 viscosity rating, allowing motorists to take advantage of the maximum extended drain intervals recommended by European automakers while providing second-to-none protection and performance.

AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-40 European Motor Oil surpasses the most demanding European oil specifications. It is recommended for European gasoline and diesel vehicles, including but not limited to, Saab, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Land Rover, Opel, Mini Cooper, BMW, Peugeot and Porsche.

Technical Service Bulletin

Product Description: Air Filters

Subject: Mass Airflow Sensors

DESCRIPTION

The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is a common engine component of nearly all electronically fuel injected engines. It is an electronic unit that measures the volume of air being drawn into the engine and allows the engine computer to calculate how long the fuel injectors need to be open to maintain the correct fuel to air ratio under all operating conditions. MAF sensors have no moving parts. Instead, they use a heated sensing element to measure air flow.

There are tow types of MAF sensors: hot-film and hot-wire. In a hot-film MAF, a foil grid is heated about 170 F above ambient air temperature. In a hot-wire MAF, a platinum wire is heated approximately 212 degrees F above the incoming air temperature. As air flows past the sensor element, it cools the wire and increases the current needed to keep the element at its operating temperature.

The wire element is very sensitive to any form of contamination, including oil vapor from PVC systems, dirt, silicon, moisture, etc. To eliminate any deposits on the wire, it undergoes a burn off cycle every time the engine is switched off. Approximately four to five seconds after the engine is stopped, the wire is heated to 1.000 degrees C for about one second through the use of a relay switch. Due to the high temperature and the presence of oxygen in the air, a reaction called wire erosion occurs. Eventually, the erosion causes the MAF output voltage to be skewed and will not allow the engine to run correctly. As with the filament in a light bulb, the sensor wire within a MAF will eventually fail and require it replacement.

In some instances contamination becomes substantial enough to produce skewed information, causing the sensor to over-estimate air flow at idle and under-estimate air flow at higher air flow volumes. The symptoms of an improperly functioning MAF include hard starting, engine stall, pinging, lack of power, jerking, hesitation/surge on acceleration and high emissions.

Besides contamination, there are other factors that cause the MAF to fail, including the burn off relay not functioning, shorting of the MAF harness, overheating of the hot wire assembly due to grounding, engine backfire, cracking of MAF housing, dead spot in the throttle position sensor, vibration or shock, sensor wire fatigue and physical damage due to poor handling or physically attempting to clean the wire element.

Because of the many possible reasons for a MAF failure, the exact cause is often incorrectly diagnosed. Available diagnostic tools can only indicate that a MAF in not functioning and provide virtually no information as to why it failed. All too often, the engine's air filter is blamed for the MAF failure, whether it be a conventional pleated paper filter or an oil wetted foam filter such as the AMSOIL Air Filter. However, the likelihood of an air filter causing MAF failure is minimal.

AMSOIL Air Filters will not cause MAF failures for the following reasons:

• Filter oil is tackified, preventing oil migration.
• MAF sensors are designed to function in the presence of contaminates.
• Filters are centrifuged to insure the proper amount of oil is in the filter upon installation.

A rare exception could be if, during field servicing, the AMSOIL Air Filter was grossly over-oiled or re-oiled using the wrong (non-tackified) oil.

AMSOIL Air Filters can be used with confidence in applications utilizing MAF sensors.

Briefly

Snowmobile Ban Overturned

U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer recently issued a temporary restraining order against snowmobile restrictions in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, declaring the restrictions would cause local companies to lose significant business. Brimmer has ordered the National Park Service to develop temporary rules for the rest of this snowmobiling season, including rules for cleaner, quieter snowmobiles. The rules for the 2005 season are undecided. The previous ban, issued in December, reinstated a Clinton administration plan to ban snowmobiles and use mass-transit snow coaches in their place. It allowed limited numbers of snowmobiles this winter, with a complete ban coming next winter.

Oil Analysis Tip

According to Jarrod Potteiger, technical consultant with Noria Corporation, the properties of an oil sample and the oil left in the machine begin to deviate as soon as the sample is taken. The longer one waits to test the sample, the greater the deviation. "Once taken, samples should be tested as soon as reasonably possible," says Potteiger. "To determine a time limit for shipping samples, consider the scope of the oil analysis program as it applies to the particular component. In particular, the sampling frequency should be considered."If oil analysis is performed on a monthly basis, samples should be tested within a few days. If it's performed less frequently, immediate testing isn't as critical. Oil samples should not be allowed to sit for over a week as they will no longer be representative of the oil in the machine.

Superiority of Synthetic Lubricants Recognized

Benefits of synthetic drivetrain lubricants praised in Light & Medium Truck magazine.

AMSOIL introduced the first synthetic motor oil for internal combustion engines in 1972. Although synthetic lubricants were a tough sell in the beginning, their acceptance has slowly, but steadily grown through the years. Today, the extraordinary benefits of synthetic lubricants are widely accepted. A February 2004 article in Light & Medium Truck magazine, a publication geared toward commercial fleet operators, touts the valuable benefits of running synthetic lubricants in drivetrain components.

According to author Seth Skydel, "In light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, in fact, non-petroleum-based products are now widely accepted for their ability to help ensure optimal performance and long component service life."

"The oil temperature found in a synthetic-lubricated axle is frequently lower," says Bruce McGlone, ArvinMeritor senior chemist, materials engineering. "Synthetics will not oxidize or degrade as rapidly as classic petroleum-based oils because they handle heat better. The temperature benefits of synthetic lubricants are well proven."

Although synthetic lubricants have a higher initial cost than conventional lubricants, they save fleet managers money in the long run. "Compared with petroleum-based oils, synthetic-based oils last longer in a vehicle's drivetrain," explains McGlone. "A lower temperature causes a synthetic lubricant's heat-activated EP additives to last longer before they are depleted."

Of course, synthetic lubricants exhibit superior performance benefits in cold temperatures as well, easing cold temperature starting and significantly reducing wear. "It all adds up to better wear [protection} on components and longer drain intervals for synthetic lubricants compared to petroleum-based oils," says McGlone.

Because synthetic lubricants effectively extend equipment life and allow extended drain intervals, fleet managers who use synthetics can often be found singing their praises. "Factory-filled synthetic lubricants have allowed manufacturers to eliminate initial drain requirements and extend change intervals significantly," says Dan Pesce, Roadranger fleet service manager. "In medium-duty applications, a synthetic gear lubricant could conceivably last the service life of the vehicle. For example, we've seen a significant reduction in transmission synchronizer wear with synthetics.

"Perhaps as important," continues Pesce, "synthetics handle heat much better than petroleum-based oils that break down with higher temperatures. Heat was not as much of a factor on medium-duty vehicles in the past, but with improved aerodynamics there's less air flow past drivetrain components causing an increase in heat, especially on rear axles."

Illustrating the increased acceptance of synthetic lubricants, Eaton and Dana now recommend their use, and synthetics are required to take advantage of some extended warranty plans for medium- and heavy-duty components.

"Synthetics are more expensive, in some cases double the cost of petroleum-based oils," says Pesce. "But with much longer drain intervals the higher price is offset by eliminating oil, labor and disposal costs. The equation is different for each operation and application, but reduced maintenance costs and longer component life can easily justify the higher expense. The benefit is clearly there."

Allison Transmission has also recognized the performance and cost benefits of synthetic drivetrain lubricants, offering TranSynd synthetic automatic transmission fluid that extends drain intervals up to 400 percent. According to Allison, "The oil's viscosity stability and resistance to thermal breakdown protect the transmission far better and far longer, and the lubricant is highly resistant to oxidation, minimizing chances for sludge and varnish deposits."

AMSOIL synthetic drivetrain lubricants are formulated with superior synthetic base oils and robust additive packages, offering unmatched protection and performance for extended drain intervals and helping equipment run smoother and longer.

Briefly

Tate Takes Silver Medal Winter X Games

An accident in a hillcross qualifying race at the ESPN Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., gave Team AMSOIL racer Justin Tate a sizeable gash under his right eye, but 15 stitches later, Tate was back in action and determined to earn his first X Games medal. In the semi-final round, he finished third while teammate D.J. Eckstrom took first. In the final, both AMSOIL racers ran strong and hard, with Tate earning a well deserved silver medal, the team's first in hillcross competition. Eckstrom finished fourth, missing the bronze medal by only a couple feet. The team's hillcross success was especially satisfying after disappointing finishes in the snocross competition. "I'll take this after what the team has been through this year a Winter X," said team owner Steve Scheuring.

American Automakers Lose Market Share in 2003

General Motors had its sights set on increasing U.S. market share in 2003, and although they set an industry sales record for trucks, overall sales were down 2.4 percent. Ford and DaimlerChrysler also saw sales decline in 2003, while foreign automakers, including Toyota, Honda and BMW, enjoyed record sales in the U.S. A 2004 product offensive by GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler is expected to help American automakers regain market share in 2004. GM, again intent on increasing market share, has announced plans to introduce 13 new models.

Technical Service Bulletin

Product Description: All Motor Oils/Oil Analysis

Subject: EGR Valves

DESCRIPTION

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves are vital emission control components in modern internal combustion engines. Their task is to minimize the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a byproduct of the combustion process.

EGR valves function by recycling a small amount of spent exhaust gas back onto the combustion chamber, diluting the air/fuel mixture and resulting in a lowering of the combustion chamber temperature to below 2,500°F. This is important as NOx production is greatest at temperatures above 2,500°F.

Operated by either electronic (computer/servo) or mechanical (vacuum) means, EGR valves are designed to be closed at lower engine speeds. At low speeds, combustion temperatures are relatively low and NOx production is at a minimum. As speed and loads increase, so does the combustion chamber temperature. The EGR valve then opens to minimize the temperature and resulting increase in NOx production.

EGR Malfunction

If the EGR valve malfunctions, engine performance is dramatically reduced. An EGR valve remaining in the open position will result in the engine stumbling or stalling at idle speeds. When the EGR fails to open, combustion temperatures cannot be limited, causing higher cylinder temperatures and an increase in NOx emissions. Engine ping or knock may occur, especially when the engine is under load.

In either case, drivability problems arise and NOx control is lost. The loss of NOx control results in rapid degradation of the engine's motor oil. NOx shortens oil life by increasing oil nitration and decreasing the oil's ability to neutralize acids (TBN) and maintain internal cleanliness, resulting in oil thickening and/or the formation of sludge within the engine.

Problem Detection

A malfunctioning EGR valve can be detected through engine diagnostics. The primary means of diagnosing a problem with the EGR valve are by checking vacuum lines, wire connections, engine computer diagnostics, emissions testing and checking for leaking gaskets.

Oil analysis can also be helpful in determining if the EGR valve is malfunctioning. Normally, the oxidation and nitration levels will be about equal. However, if the nitration level approaches double the oxidation level, a faulty EGR valve may be to blame. Note: A faulty MAF (mass air flow) sensor may also result in elevated levels of nitration.

To insure optimum engine performance and the integrity and longevity of the motor oil, it is important to insure the EGR valve is working properly.

Grease Tips

Noria Corporation offers valuable tips for getting the most out of greases.

1) Keep grease away from airborne debris. Grease should be stored indoors in a cool, dry area. It may also be necessary to bring the grease to a satisfactory dispensing temperature before putting it into service.

2) Bearing life is shortened when, in humid conditions, condensate forms in rolling element bearings and causes corrosion. A high quality grease reduces the condensed moisture's effect. Greases with sodium soap thickeners effectively emulsify water, but often soften and flow out of the bearing. Formulated with proper additives, lithium soap greases and greases with synthetic thickeners provide valuable protection against corrosion and prolong bearing life.

3) Grease consistency is an important factor, especially if the grease is pumped through a centralized system. Most automatic lubricating systems call for an NLGI 1 or 0 grade grease.

4) Wipe down the fitting and the pressure line to avoid contamination when repacking grease guns from a pressure line. If repacking with tubes, move to an environmentally controlled area before replacing the tube.

5) If a facility is using multiple greases, it is important they be compatible. Running a shear stability test on each grease individually, as well as another test on a mixture of the products, will confirm compatibility. If they are compatible, there will be little to no change in grease consistency either separately or after mixing.

AMSOIL synthetic greases offer the superior protection and performance properties of synthetic oil, premium quality lithium complex thickeners and top-quality performance additives.

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi Purpose Grease is recommended for high-speed/high temperature applications, AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease is recommended for high performance and racing applications, AMSOIL Synthetic Heavy Duty Grease is recommended for extreme-load/low-speed applications, AMSOIL X-Treme Synthetic Food Grade Grease is recommended for applications in which incidental food contact may occur and AMSOIL Synthetic Water Resistant Grease is recommended for components subject of frequent or prolonged water contact.

Briefly

Coastal Oil Recalled

Because it failed cold crank tests, an unknown quantity of 5W-30 motor oil marketed by Coastal Unilube Inc. has been recalled by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The affected product includes 5W-30 oil sold under both the Coastal and Advance Auto brand names. Coastal officials say they accidentally packaged 10W-30 motor oil in 5W-30 containers. According to Motor Fuel Inspection Program director Steven Benjamin, Coastal motor oil samples failed the cold crank tests by at least 10 percent, but the samples met cold crank requirements for 10W-30 oils. Although they are cooperating fully with the recall, Coastal claims the recalled oil does not pose a threat to vehicles. "Any vehicle that use 5W-30 oil can also use 10W-30," said Coastal president R. Kent Farmer. "The cold crank test for 10W-30 oils is run at minus 25 degree [F]. I don't think it gets that cold in North Carolina very often, so it shouldn't be a problem."

Drain Plug Tip

A mis-threaded drain plug or a drain plug washer not seating properly can be a pain, especially after just installing fresh oil. How can you fix it without losing the oil? According to Steve Weinberg, director of training of Oil Can Henry's, "For many small-sump machines (gearboxes, etc.) you can apply suction via a shop vac with a clean rag over the fill hole that will create a vacuum allowing you to momentarily remove the drain plug and reinsert a new one with hardly a drop lost."

Muscle Cars for a New Generation

The steadily growing tuner market fuels demand for high performance products.

The interiors of tuner vehicles are often modified as extensively as the exteriors.

Tuner enthusiasts typically spend thousands of dollars modifying their engines to increase power output.

When most people think of muscle cars, they generally think of American automakers like Chevrolet, Ford and Pontiac. Classic cars such as the Pontiac GTO, the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Chevelle come to mind. However, the hot rods of the new generation are not GTOs, Mustangs or Chevelles. They are modified, mid-sized imports like Honda Civics, Toyota Celicas and Nissan Maximas.

Actually, these modern-day hot rods are usually combinations of different makes and models. The body could be manufactured by Nissan, but a more powerful Toyota engine could be under the hood. They're called "tuners," and the scene has been steadily growing since its underground beginnings in southern California more than a decade ago. The blockbuster 2001 movie The Fast and the Furious, centering on highly modified import cars and street racing, helped launch the tuner lifestyle into mainstream public consciousness.

Typically a youth dominated market, it features moderately priced mid-size import vehicles juiced up with expensive performance modifications, flashy body work, custom paint jobs and expensive sound systems. "Tuner car enthusiasts express themselves using their vehicles," says Dick Messer, museum director of Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. "The car is the focus of their lifestyle, and it's a lifestyle that transcends ethnic, gender and socio-economic barriers. Tuner cars bring together a group of enthusiasts that is not defined by a specific make of model, a geographic boundary of niche market."

According to Motor Trend magazine, "'Tuner' cars are traditionally sport compact models equipped with high-revving, small bore engines, race-inspired suspensions and bodywork. They represent a modern-day approach to performance-based motoring and they have many parallels to the early days of hot rodding." The tuner scene has no set rules, and creativity is encouraged. Some tuner enthusiasts focus almost exclusively on exterior appearance, others are more concerned with performance and others strive for a balance between the two.

An April 2003 article by Don Fernandez in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution profiled some of Atlanta's local tuners. James Park of Lilburn, Ga., owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer that boasts two-tone seats, custom exhaust and "suicide spoiler," and he's looking at adding a turbocharger. "Any import lovers...once you start, you can't stop," he says.

When Edgar Moreno of Alpharetta, Ga., bought his new 2003 Infinity, he wasted no time with the modifications. He removed the wood grain interior, installed a PlayStation 2 in the glove compartment and a DVD player and monitor in the air conditioner space and added fifteen-inch rims and a lowered profile for aesthetics.

Performance is extremely important in the ever growing tuner market, making it ideal for AMSOIL Dealers. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants offer second-to-none protection and performance for all makes and models of vehicles, keeping equipment running in top condition while reducing friction for increased horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.

Auto Dealers Enter Quick Lube Market

An increasing number of automobile manufacturers have developed programs to help their dealers become quick lube operators, allowing them to compete for their customers' oil change dollars and attract additional business. With Chrysler recently introducing a program to help its U.S. dealers develop oil change centers, each of the Big Three carmakers is now officially in the quick lube business.

Building a quick lube facility is a major expense for car dealers. According to Broegh Building Systems LLC, a Salisbury, N.C. company that builds quick lube centers, the cost of modular buildings, furniture, equipment, computer software, tools and training can cost somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000. Of course, those willing to make the investment foresee increased business in areas other than oil changes.

"For dealers, it's more than just oil changes," says Broegh Manager Jim Rydel. "They see the quick lube business as a way to draw customers and to generate traffic for the rest of their service business, as well as sales. The ones that have them are seeing increases in parts sales, their service business, even referrals for new car sales. That's what's driving the interest."

Briefly

Canada Seeks Class Action Lawsuit Against Mercedes-Benz

A class action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz for failing to specify the use of synthetic motor oil with its "flexible service system" resulted in extended vehicle warranties and free oil changes for American owners. Now, Michael Malc, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is seeking a class action lawsuit for Canadian customers. His lawsuit claims vehicles using conventional oils in conjunction with the system have suffered extensive wear and damage. Although his lawsuit seeks $500 million (U.S. $385 million) in damages, Malc and his lawyer have indicated they would be satisfied with a settlement similar to the one reached in America. The U.S. settlement, covering more than 350,000 vehicles, cost the company $32 million. About 40,000 Canadian vehicles are affected. "The conditions here in Canada are different and we intend to fight this suit in court," remarked JoAnne Caza, Mercedes-Benz Canada Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Gearbox Piping Tip

Jeffery May, Machine Lubrication Tech. with Harmony Corp.\Tate & Lyle, advises using stainless steel piping rather than black iron piping when retrofitting gearboxes for service and filtering. A problem associated with black iron piping is that the inside begins crusting and flaking off into the gearboxes, generating false test results. The problem is especially prevalent in high humidity and frequent wash-down areas.