Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Depends on what you class as informative. It sounds impressive, but he seriously lacks the knowledge and is known for copying and pasting other peoples work/research.

Bob

pslewis

Its a Cut'n'Paste job .............

YOU too can read that stuff if you google for it!

He is an OIL SALESMAN!!!

Would you get an Estate Agent to advise your Architect about the materials for your extension??

No, thought not!!

Pete

pslewis

He's a paying member Bob .....................

It BUYS certain posting priveledges .... it shouldn't - but it does!

Pete

BVM

Taken from:

http://www.synthetic-oil-tech.com/d....ubrication.htm


Myth #1: Synthetic motor oils damage seals.

Untrue. It would be foolhardy for lubricant manufacturers to build a product that is incompatible with seals. The composition of seals presents problems that both petroleum oils and synthetics must overcome. Made from elastomers, seals are inherently difficult to standardize.

Ultimately it is the additive mix in the oil that counts. Additives to control seal swell, shrinkage and hardening are required, whether it be a synthetic or petroleum product that is being produced.

Myth #2: Synthetics are too thin to stay in the engine.

Untrue. In order for a lubricant to be classified in any SAE grade (10W-30, 10W-40, etc) it has to meet certain guidelines with regard to viscosity ("thickness").

For example, it makes no difference whether it is 10W-40 petroleum or 10W-40 synthetic, at -25 degrees centigrade (-13F) and 100 degrees centigrade (212 degrees F) that oil has to maintain a standardized viscosity or it can't be rated a 10W-40.

Myth #3: Synthetics cause cars to use more oil.

Untrue. Synthetic motor oils are intended to use in mechanically sound engines, that is, engines that don't leak. In such engines oil consumption will actually be reduced. First, because of the lower volatility of synlubes. Second, because of the better sealing characteristics between piston rings and cylinder walls. And finally, because of the superior oxidation stability (i.e. resistance of synthetics against reacting with oxygen at high temperatures.)

Myth #4: Synthetic lubricants are not compatible with petroleum.

Untrue. The synthesized hydrocarbons, polyalphaolefins, diesters and other materials that form the base stocks of high quality name brand synthetics are fully compatible with petroleum oils. In the old days, some companies used untested ingredients that were not compatible, causing quality synlubes to suffer a bum rap. Fortunately, those days are long gone.

Compatibility is something to keep in mind, however, whether using petroleum oils or synthetics. It is usually best to use the same oil for topping off that you have been running in the engine. That is, it is preferable to not mix your oils, even if it is Valvoline or Quaker State you are using. The reason is this: the functions of additives blended for specific characteristics can be offset when oils with different additive packages are put together. For optimal performance, it is better to use the same oil throughout.

Myth#5: Synthetic lubricants are not readily available.

Untrue. This may have been the case two decades ago when AMSOIL and Mobil1 were the only real choices, but today nearly every major oil company has added a synthetic product to their lines. This in itself is a testament to the value synthetics offer. But, beware, many of the other "syntheitcs" are not true PAO (Polyalphaolefin) syntheitcs (ie: Castrol Syntec, Penzoil, etc...) they are hydroisomerized petroleum oil or an ester based synthetic blend.

Myth #6: Synthetic lubricants produce sludge.

Untrue. In point of fact, synthetic motor oils are more sludge resistant than their petroleum counterparts, resisting the effects of high temperatures and oxidation. In the presence of high temperatures, two things happen. First, an oil's lighter ingredients boil off, making the oil thicker. Second, many of the complex chemicals found naturally in petroleum basestocks begin to react with each other, forming sludges, gums and varnishes. One result is a loss of fluidity at low temperatures, slowing the timely flow of oil to the engine for vital engine protection. Further negative effects of thickened oil include the restriction of oil flow to critical areas, greater wear and loss of fuel economy.

Because of their higher flash points, and their ability to withstand evaporation loss and oxidation, synthetics are much more resistant to sludge development.

Two other causes of sludge - ingested dirt and water dilution - can be a problem in any kind of oil, whether petroleum or synthetic. These are problems with the air filtration system and the cooling system resoectively, not the oil.

Myth #7: Synthetics can't be used with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors.

Untrue. There is no difference between synthetic and petroleum oils in regards to these components. Both synthetic and petroleum oils are similar compounds and neither si damaging to catalytic converters or oxygen sensors.

Myth #8: Synthetics void warranties.

Untrue. No major manufacturer of automobiles specifically bans the use of synthetic lubricants. In point of fact, increasing numbers of high performance cars are arriving on the showroom floors with synthetic motor oils as factory fill.

New vehicle warranties are based upon the use of oils meeting specific API Service Classifications (for example SG/CE). Synthetic lubricants which meet current API Service requirements are perfectly suited for use in any vehicle without affecting the validity of the new car warranty. In point of fact, in the over 25 years that AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants have been used in extended service situations, over billions of miles of actual driving, these oils have not been faulted once for voiding an automaker's warranty.

Myth #9: Synthetics last forever.

Untrue. Although some experts feel that synthetic basestocks themselves can be used forever, it is well known that eventually the additives will falter and cause the oil to require changing. Moisture, fuel dilution and acids (the by-products of combustion) tend to use up additives in an oil, allowing degradation to occur.

However , by "topping off", additives can be replenished. Through good filtration and periodic oil analysis, synthetic motor oils protect an engine for lengths of time far beyond the capability of non-synthetics.

Myth #10: Synthetics are too expensive.

Untrue. Tests and experience have proven that synthetics can greatly extend drain intervals, provide better fuel economy, reduce engine wear and enable vehicles to operate with greater reliability. All these elements combine to make synthetic engine oils more economical that conventional non-synthetics.

In Europe, synthetics have enjoyed increasing acceptance as car buyers look first to performance and long term value rather than initial price. As more sophisticated technology places greater demands on today's motor oils, we will no doubt see an increasing re-evaluation of oil buying habits in this country as well.

I love cut n paste as much as the next guy, but c'mon give credit where credit is due.

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Pete,

(Not that I expect you'll read, absorb and understand this post any more than you do anyone else's, but for the benefit of others who may be reading

Has it occurred to you that some people might actually understand the business in which they're engaged? Do you not feel that it might be of some benefit to a person engaged in selling a product, to actually understand that product in the first place?

If Simon were that desperate to sell a particular type of product, why exactly would he suggest that one of its benefits is long life - ie. you don't need to change it nearly as often as a cheaper, lower quality product?

By your own admission, you drive your car exceptionally gently, rarely making use of the full ability of the engine. Therefore you subject your oil to much less stress than many owners, and a cheap oil probably won't do you any harm at all. You can add it to the list of other things you don't wear out, like your clutch, brakes and tyres. The irony is, of course, that you would have saved even more money by buying a non-turbo Impreza in the first place - it's not like you'd notice much difference.

For the rest of us, engine oil is a relatively minor expense compared to the Impreza's other running costs. Having suffered one big-end failure already (yes Pete, on a UK car with Subaru approved, warranted PPP), I'm not prepared to take the chance again.

Simon, the can of Pro-S 10W50 I ordered yesterday afternoon just arrived. Top service

sgcooby

Not sure what all the fuss is about?? He sells good quality oil at low prices. Whether the statements are his own or not, cut and paste or not, as long as the statements are correct and he offers good service why bitch, moan and whine like kids because hes advertising?? He paid to advertise here and I bet a lot of people value his service. Spamming is not an issue, no-one forced you to read his thread you chose to so dont complain. Would you rather there were no advertisers offering their services here potentially giving you a better deal. You dont have to buy their products. It says who's thread it is so why bother opening it if he annoys you??

BVM

Nothing wrong with his prices or oils. I dont think that was in question. The problem is, he should not be taking credit for articles he didnt write or publish. He is a salesman not an engineer.
Remember this is the same guy thats telling you all that Castrol RS and Mobil 1 are pure synthetics.. they are not. A pure synthetic oil isnt created or 'hydrocracked' from mineral oil. PAG oils are 100% pure synthetic.

wacky.banana

Interesting thread. Quite a diverse range of opinions on this ranging from Pete's view to others.

I don't know what Oilman's motives were for posting; however I get my car serviced by a trusted dealership and they use oil as recommended by Subaru, ie semi synthetic. I don't have a problem with that because if that's what the manufacturer recommends, based on millions of pounds worth of R&D then I'm not going to quibble with that.

I respect the fact that we all have a choice in these matters so its down to each of us to make that choice. My vote, for my car, is to follow the manufaturer's recommendations.

WB

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Another interesting observation is that many independent Subaru tuners and specialists prefer to use a fully synthetic oil, and dismiss the recommended semi-synthetic oil as inadequate. I guess there is a particular case for using a better quality of oil in a tuned engine, which of course goes beyond the scope of any manufacturer's recommendation.

I specifically ordered Pro-S 10W50 because it's what Powerstation put in my STI engine at its last service.

BVM

I run Royal Purple PAG synthetic 15w40 in mine but plain old dyno oil 75w90 in the trans per SOA.

pslewis

Lets get some points straight:-

1. The Oils sold by Oilman are not being discussed

2. The prices he charges are not in question

3. The service could very well be top notch

4. Oilman cuts and pastes others work and passes them off as his own - to indicate that he is more than a salesman

5. Then he belittles others who have a different view, saying that they are talking out their ***** ............ when, in fact, he is talking out of others *****!!

He is no more a Chemical expert than I am ................ and is CERTAINLY not in the same league as Subarus Designers and Oil Experts!!

Pete

BVM

AMEN! I was begining to think on one else understood what I was getting at.

tim's wrx

how come ps has all the time in the world to give us the benefit of his spin on oilman's posts - maybe he'll turn into a synthetic myth himself if he keeps it going for much longer

JJC

Simon

It's a standard 2002 WRX but it's going in for it's 30 K service tomorrow morning at 8.30 at Subaru dealer and I didn't get round to buying my own oil so I will have to put up with there oil and get ripped off !! what do you recommend for future reference ?


John

pmarch

I'm not going to get personal but - as far as I'm concerned - for one oil change a year (10,000 miles), it's simply not worth worrying about the small difference in price between the quality Synthetic Oils that Opie sell and the semi-synthetic oils obtainable in Halfords. Unless you go really bargain basement and use some old comma stuff, it's probably just a fiver or so. Also, as others have said, many Subaru specialists recommend fully synthetic and use it as standard. My local Subaru dealer admitted that whilst they currently use semi-synthetic, they apparently used to stock Silkolene ProS 5/40 fully synthetic as standard for oil changes (I suspect they changed to specifying semi so they could increase their profit margin).

pslewis

I suspect they changed to give the customer what they actually NEEDED and not some fluid that exceeds the requirements.

In normal road cars (like the Impreza!) Fully Synthetic Oils is like taking a Sledgehammer to crack a nut ................. the nut is the one paying for something he/she doesn't need!

But this is just my opinion ............... oh, yes, and SUBARUs opinion too!!

Pete

JJC

Last time I had my car serviced by Subaru dealer they used fully synthetic and it was only £54 !!! still why stop at taking the **** with the labour rate

Dream Weaver

Isn't Subaru's recommendation just the minimum oil requirement though, its not a "use semi synth only or you will explode" statement, they are advising to use at least semi.

There will be no problems using fully synth.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Supply your own oil at the next service and/or use a VAT registered independant specialist with genuine Subaru parts.
e.g. Extreme Scoobies 30k service was £95 cheaper than my local dealership!

JohnD

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Yes. My owners manual clearly states that synthetic oils may be used as an alternative.

Dark Blue Mark

Spot on Pete, spot on. Oil man initially came on here and all other BBS's giving advice about oil, and has picked up a bit from cut and paste, and some from being involved with vendors etc. I work with lubes on a daily basis, and do trials on turbine oils with major manufacturers but I do not considder myself knowledgeble enough to give firm advice on the topic.

I am a believer that semi synth is fine on a standardish car, as Pete has proven. But if modded or driven hard, then why not pay the few £ extra for Full synth. I questioned a guy I know in Castrol's testing department on this and he agreed on my comment above, but did state on <MY00 cars subaru dont specify a FS.

I use Motul 300V 5W 40 fully synth from Alyn at AS performance for what its worth

MB

pslewis

I agree fully, your engine will NOT explode because you use Fully Sythetic.

In the SAME way that using Semi-Synthetic will NOT destroy your engine either!

And therein lies my point ............... use Fully Synthetic if you want (it will do no damage)

BUT, don't use it because you have been told that it is better for a well serviced standard Impreza - IT ISN'T!!!

EVERYONE who I respect have said that Semi is absolutely fine on a correctly serviced Impreza and that the Comma Oil I use at £15 for 5 Litres is absolutely fine ....... and thats what I will continue to do.

Each owner must decide for themselves what to use ........ personally, I have better things to do with the extra £50 a year it would cost me to go Fully Sythetic.

Pete

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

'Oilman' has gone quiet...


"Last Activity: Today 13:30"

What if ?

I run Fully synthetic and wouldn't change from it ever. However I'm not happy with what Subaru used at the last service, Castrol 20/60 - What sould I be using Oilman ? I have a MY05 STI PPP.

oilman

iTrader: (9)

I've not gone quiet, just lurking

Talk amongst yourselves please it's much more fun

Oh just one point here before I go to talk to people who are appreciative of the service that I offer.

Read my post and the other posted, same conclusion maybe but that's inevitable, they are both factual however they are not the same as I wrote the one I posted. A touch more detail and readable I feel.

How could I have written it if I didn't understand the business that I'm in?

It's so sad that a perfectly informative post that took a lot of work to write is poo poo'd by certain people here and the thread is spoilt by people who seem to have nothing better to do.

Still, I've come to expect that of Scoobynet sadly.

My post is far more informative than 90% of the stuff I read on this forum.

It's a free world and everyone is entitled to their opinion, I respect that. Unlike most of you I pay to be here............Sometimes I truly wonder why I bother.
Oh yes of course I just remembered, I sell oil

No more replies on this thread from me, If you want advice just PM me please.

Cheers
Simon

tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

The first time I had my car (MY00 Impreza) serviced at the dealership, I raised te subject of oils with the service manager. He gave me the specs and prices and they could offer Semi-synthetic or Fully synthetic oil at respective prices. He also told me that if I wanted to supply my own oil - provided it was to their spec they would use it - So I probably could have had my own supplied fully synthetic oil in there for the same price or less than their semi-synth.

He did ask about the spec of the car and if it had been modified - his comments were that unless the car was being pushed to the edge of the envelope for most of its time on the road or was being used in competition - semi-synthetic was adequate.

It would be nice to have the opportunity to drive 2 high mileage imprezas. One being fed Semi-synthetic oil all its life and the other having covered its miles on fully synthetic oil. Both haveing been regularly maintained and services - I wonder how noticable the performance difference would be.

I guess its the same with fuel its your preference - my motor will run on 95RON juice I choose to keep it on 97Ron fuel as I feel it performs better - others will also choose to dump a dose of octane booster in just for good measure or a bit more throttle response.

TT

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

I think you'll find your comments about Simons views regarding CRS and Mobil1 are incorrect..!

I for one have used his services several times and price and speed of delivery are excellent. The fact that the informative content of his posts are not his own work are irrelevent (sp?) to me as long as the information is correct, which from my understanding it is..!

His advice on oil choice is exactly the same as, most if not all of the independant subaru specialist.

Dark Blue Mark

Posts not his own are relevant, I would have more time if he admitted it

MB

BVM

Really. Funny how he never responded to the information I gave him in the following thread starting at post #35

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthrea...ht=oil+dealers

pslewis

I am still waiting for the qualifications that Oilman has .... you don't need even an O Level to cut'n'paste.

You DO need a Degree in Chemical Engineering to speak with authority on Oils!!

Pete