Cold-Temperature Protection
Motor oil must begin to circulate as soon as the engine is started. If oil gets cold enough and
begins to solidify, it fails to flow through the oil screen to the pump at engine start and causes
bearings and other critical parts to fail almost immediately. Pour point is an indicator of the
ability of an oil to flow at cold operating temperatures. It is the lowest temperature at which the
fluid will flow. Modern refining techniques remove most of the wax from petroleum oil, but some
wax-like molecules remain. These wax-like molecules are soluble at ambient temperatures
above freezing, but crystallize into a honeycomb like structure at lower temperatures and cause
oil circulation problems. Pour point depressants keep wax crystals in the oil microscopically
small and prevent them from joining together to form the honeycomb-like structure. They lower
the temperature at which oil will pour or flow and are found in most motor oils designed for cold-
weather use. As synthetic motor oils do not contain those wax crystals, they do not require
pour point depressant additives.
Wear Protection
Since one of an oil’s main functions is to prevent friction and wear, anti-wear additives are part
of the chemical composition of an oil. These additives protect engines by bonding to metal
surfaces and forming a protective film layer between moving parts that are vulnerable to friction
and wear when an engine is first started and before the oil begins to circulate completely. While
this protective film doesn’t entirely eliminate metal-to-metal contact of moving parts at start-up,
it minimizes the effects of contact.
Oxidation
Because excessive engine heat causes chemical breakdown of oil, which in turn results in
permanent thickening of the oil, oxidation inhibitors work to limit the impact of oxidation. Oil
oxidation produces acidic gases and sludge in the crankcase. These gases combine with
water in the crankcase to corrode and rust the engine. Corrosion prevention is especially
critical in diesel engines.
TBN
An oil’s ability to neutralize acids is expressed by its Total Base Number (TBN). The greater the
number, the greater the amount of acidic by-products the oil can neutralize. A high TBN is
particularly important in extended drain interval oils, such as AMSOIL motor oils, because they
neutralize acids, and more of them, for a longer period of time. Most oils for diesel engines in
North America have a TBN between 8 and 12. AMSOIL manufactures several diesel oils with a
TBN of 12.
Detergents
In the same way that some chemical compounds are used to prevent engine rust and
corrosion, other chemicals are added to motor oil to help prevent combustion by-products from
forming harmful sludge or varnish deposits. Detergents are added to motor oil because
combustion causes carbon build-up and deposit formation on the pistons, rings, valves and
cylinder walls. Carbon and deposits affect engine temperature, oil circulation, engine
performance and fuel efficiency. Detergent additives clean these by-products from the oil.
Some combustion by-products slip past the piston rings and end up in the motor oil, which
can clog the engine’s oil channels.
Dispersants
While detergents help minimize the amount of combustion by-products, dispersant additives
keep those byproducts suspended in a form so fine they minimize deposits. They keep the oil in
the engine clean while they prevent the build-up of carbon or deposits from burned and
unburned fuel and even from the oil itself. Eventually, these suspended particles are removed
by the oil filter.
Anti-Foam
The addition of silicone or other compounds in very small amounts makes most oils adequately
foam-resistant. It’s important to minimize foaming in motor oil because tiny air bubbles are
whipped into motor oil by the action of many rapidly moving parts, resulting in a mass of oily
froth that has very little ability to lubricate or aid in the cooling of the engine. These compounds
weaken the air bubbles, causing them to collapse almost immediately upon forming, allowing
the oil to continue to protect the engine.
Seal Swell
All motor oils must be compatible with the various seal materials used in engines. Oil must not
cause seals to shrink, crack, degrade or dissolve. Ideally, oils should cause seals to expand or
“swell” slightly to ensure continued proper sealing.
Heat Dispersal
Another function of motor oil is to cool the engine. The radiator/antifreeze system is responsible
for about 60 percent of the engine cooling that takes place. This cools only the upper portion of
the engine, including the cylinder heads, cylinder walls and valves. The other 40 percent is
cooled by the oil. The oil is directed onto hot surfaces, such as the crankshaft, main and
connecting rod bearings, the camshaft and its bearings, the timing gears, the pistons and many
other components in the lower portion of the engine that directly depend on the motor oil for
cooling. Engine heat is created from friction of moving parts and the ignition of fuel inside the
cylinder. Oil carries heat away from these hot surfaces as it flows downward and dissipates
heat to the surrounding air when it reaches the crankcase. Lubricating an engine actually
requires a very small amount of motor oil compared to the amount needed to ensure proper
cooling of these internal parts. The oil pump constantly circulates the oil to all vital areas of the
engine.
Classification Systems
Oil is classified by two systems. One system determines the oil’s viscosity (the SAE grade), and
one determines its performance level, which oil to use in what type of engine (the API class).
SAE Grade
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Viscosity Grade is a system based on viscosity
measures taken from a variety of tests. It developed 11 distinct motor oil viscosity classifications
or grades: SAE 0W, SAE 5W, SAE 10W, SAE 15W, SAE 20W, SAE 25W, SAE 20, SAE 30, SAE
40, SAE 50 and SAE 60. These are single-grade or single-viscosity oils. These grades
designate the specific ranges that the particular oil falls into. The “W” indicates the grade is
suitable for use in cold temperatures. (Think of the “W” as meaning “Winter”.) The
classifications increase numerically, readily indicating the difference between them and what
the difference means. Simply put, the lower the number, the lower the temperature at
which the oil can be used for safe and effective protection. The higher numbers reflect better
protection for high-heat and high-load situations.
Single-grade oils have a limited range of protection and, therefore, a limited number of uses.
With today’s well-refined, high viscosity index oils, however, an SAE 20 oil usually will meet the
viscosity requirements of SAE 20W and vice versa. Those that do are classified SAE 20W-20.
This multi-grade or multi-viscosity ability increases an oil’s usefulness, because it meets the
requirements of two or more classifications. Examples of multi-viscosity oils are SAE 5W-30,
SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-40 and SAE 20W-50. The number with the “W” designates the
oil’s properties at low temperatures. The other number characterizes properties at high
temperatures. For instance, a multi-viscosity or multigrade oil such as 10W-30 meets the
10W criteria when cold and the 30 criteria once hot. SAE 10W-30 and SAE 5W-30 are widely
used because under all but extremely hot or cold conditions, they are light enough for easy
engine cranking at low temperatures and heavy enough to protect at high temperatures.
API Class
The American Petroleum Institute (API) developed a classification system to identify oils
formulated to meet the operating requirements of various engines. The API system has
two general categories: S-series and C-series. The S-series service classification emphasizes
oil properties critical to gasoline- or propane-fueled engines. If an oil passes a series of
tests in specific engines (API Sequence tests), the oil can be sold bearing the applicable API
service classification. The classifications progress alphabetically as the level of lubricant
performance increases. Each classification replaces those before it. SL oil may be used in any
engine, unless the engine manufacturer specifies a “non-detergent” oil. SA and SB are non-
detergent oils and are not recommended for use unless specified. New cars from 1980 to 1989
require SF oils, while new cars from 1990 to 1993 require SG oils. New cars beginning with the
1994 model year require oils with an API SH performance rating. Beginning with 1997, new cars
require an API SJ oil. The year 2001 brought the introduction of SL oils. SM category is the
most recent classification. It was introduced Nov. 30, 2004. SM oils are designed to provide
improved oxidation resistance, improved deposit protection, better wear protection and better
low-temperature performance over the life of the oil. SJ, SL and SM are the current API
classes. SJ, SL and SM oils are widely available and ensure the best engine protection
available. C-series classifications pertain to diesel engines. They are: CA, CB, CC, CD, CD-II,
CE, CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 Plus and CJ-4. All are obsolete except CF, CF-2,
CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 Plus and CJ-4 performance rated oils. Not all C-series classifications
supersede one another. The current classifications, CF and CF-2 are specified for different
applications.
CF for Indirect-Injected Diesel Engine Service. Service category CF denotes service
typical of indirect-injected diesel engines and other diesel engines that use a broad
range of diesel fuels in off-road applications, including diesel fuel with greater than 0.5 percent
sulfur by weight. CF oils may be used in place of CD oils.
CF-2 for Two-Stroke Diesel Engine Service. This service category is typical of two-stroke
engines requiring highly effective control over cylinder and ring-face scuffing and deposits. CF-
2 oils may be used in engines for which CD-II oils are recommended.
CI-4 Plus for Severe-Duty Diesel Engine Service. CI-4 Plus typically is required in high-
speed four-stroke diesel engines used in heavy-duty on- and off-highway applications. CI-4
Plus oils are especially effective in engines designed to meet 2002 exhaust emission
standards. CI-4 Plus oils may be used in place of CD, CE, CF, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 and CI-4 oils.
CJ-4 for 2007 and newer diesel Engines. CJ-4 was developed to address special concerns
about emission control engines and their operation on ultra-low sulfer diesel fuel (ULSD).
These classification systems aim to help motorists choose the right oil for their needs. The
choice depends on the engine, the outdoor temperature and the type of driving the engine
must withstand.
How Motor Oil Becomes Contaminated
Motor oil becomes unfit for service after a period of use. Two main reasons for this are the
accumulation of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes (additive depletion and
oxidation) in the oil itself. These factors cause deterioration of the oil and prevent it from doing
the job of lubricating and cooling engine parts.
Abrasives
Road Dust and Dirt
Design limitations of air cleaners, some oil fill caps, and crankcase ventilation systems allow
some dust and dirt to enter the engine. Leaks in the intake system also permit unfiltered air to
enter the engine. However, proper maintenance of the engine and its accessories can minimize
the amount of contaminants entering the lubrication system and extend engine life.
Metal Particles
Normal wear of parts in an engine produces very small metal particles that are picked up and
circulated by the oil. Particles of road dust and dirt increase the rate of wear and generate
larger metal particles, that in turn are quite abrasive. These, too, are circulated through the
engine by the oil. While oil filters help keep these particles at a minimum, they can’t
remove them entirely.
Combustion By-Products
Water
Combustion produces water vapor, or steam. When engine temperatures are high, most of the
water remains in vapor form and goes out through the exhaust. However, when engine
temperatures are low, such as at start-up, warm-up and short-trip operation in low ambient
temperatures, the water vapor condenses (turns into a liquid) on cylinder walls and is picked up
in the crankcase oil. Here it leads to the formation of sludge, rust and corrosion.
Acids
The combustion process produces acidic gases which, like water vapor, condense on cylinder
walls at cold engine temperatures and also find their way into the crankcase oil. These
combine with water to cause rust and corrosion.
Soot and Carbon
Incomplete combustion produces soot, carbon and other deposit-forming materials. An
engine running too “rich,” or with too much fuel, increases the amount of contaminants.
In gasoline engines, light-load and low-speed operations increase these combustion
by-products more than highload, high-speed operations. Diesel engines produce more
of these by-products with lowspeed, high-load operations.
Dilution
When an engine is started or running abnormally, some unburned fuel in liquid form
is deposited on cylinder walls. That means raw fuel leaks past the rings into the
crankcase, where it reduces the viscosity of the oil. Dilution lowers the film strength
of the oil and increases oil consumption. Usually this is a minor problem when
engine operation is at high-speed or high-temperatures, but it can be a problem in
vehicles consistently used for short-trip driving. While all of the processes by
which a motor oil is contaminated are not fully defined, the use of high-quality motor oils
such as AMSOIL synthetic motor oils allows motorists continued protection of their engines
along with extended drain intervals, all while limiting the contaminants in the oil and prolonging
engine life.
Engine Wear
Automotive experts agree dirt is the number-one cause of engine wear. Analysis by Federal-
Mogul Corporation reports that 43.4 percent of all engine bearing distress is caused by dirt.
Engine dirt particles are so small – mere dust specks – and an engine is a highly sophisticated
piece of machinery, crafted from the most durable metal alloys. How, then, can these minute
particles bring down such a high-tech giant? The answer lies in the fact that dirt particles are
extremely abrasive. They consist of razor-like flakes of road dust and airborne grit drawn
into the engine through the intake manifold, as well as manufacturing scarf and wear-metal
particles generated inside the engine. These particles are carried by the oil into the
precision clearances between bearings and other moving parts. Once they work in between
these parts, they grind and gouge surfaces, altering clearances and generating more abrasive
debris. This wear cycle continues, making precision components sloppy and fatigued until they
fail altogether. Filtration is the key to preventing costly engine repairs caused by dirt.
Filtration removes contaminants by trapping and holding them outside the system of oil
circulation. In order for a filter to be truly effective, it must be able to capture contaminants of
all types and sizes. AMSOIL has developed a complete line of sophisticated filtration products
designed to offer the best protection available against virtually all harmful engine contaminants.
Air Filtration
An engine “breathes” air to mix with fuel for combustion – about 9,000 gallons of air for every
gallon of gas. All that air contains more than 400 tons of suspended dirt in one cubic mile over
a typical city, and the concentration is much higher in rural areas where travel frequently is over
unpaved roads. The air filter is the first line of defense against the abrasive airborne grit that
gets into an engine. In order to do the job right, the air filter must effectively filter the dangerous
particles without obstructing the vital flow of air that sustains the engine. Conventional air filters
quickly become obstructed with dirt, reducing vital engine air intake, leading to poor engine
performance and low fuel efficiency. They require frequent replacement.
AMSOIL Filters
Last Longer
When properly cleaned at 25,000-mile intervals, AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are guaranteed for
100,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first. The use of exclusive nanofiber synthetic
media allows AMSOIL Ea Air Filters to provide unsurpassed filtration protection for 25,000 miles
or one year between cleanings. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are the most efficient filters available to
the auto/light truck market. Ea Air Filters’ synthetic nanofiber media removes five times more
dust than traditional cellulose filter media alone and 50 times more dust than wet gauze filter
media. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters have a much higher capacity and lower restriction than competing
filters.
Oil Filtration
Full-flow oil filters install directly into the line of oil circulation. The “fullflow” of oil passes
through the filter as the oil journeys between the oil pump and the engine. A full-flow filter must
be able to remove and hold contaminants without obstructing oil flow to the engine. Most filters
on the market compromise the filtration of finer particles by using a thin layer of porous filter
paper. These filters have almost no extended cleaning ability since they have a low capacity for
storing dirt. These “surface-type” paper filters quickly become restricted as debris builds up on
the paper surface. When this happens, the filter by-pass valve opens and allows unfiltered oil
into the engine. AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters are made with premium-grade full-synthetic media. The
strictly controlled processing of this media ensures accurate filter construction, and is what
allows Ea Oil Filters to deliver higher capacity and efficiency along with better durability.
AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters have significantly lower restriction than conventional cellulose media
filters. Their small synthetic nanofibers trap smaller particles and hold more contaminants,
resulting in lower restriction. During the engine warm-up period, an Ea Oil Filter allows the
oil to flow through the filter at a colder temperature than a typical cellulose filter. The additional
filtering time decreases engine wear.
By-Pass Oil Filtration
An average full-flow filter traps particles as small as 20 microns. The filter can’t remove finer
particles because the oil must be filtered quickly while removing most of the particles in the oil.
By-pass oil filtration uses a secondary filter with the purpose of eliminating nearly all
contaminants in engine oil. By-pass filters have high capacities and eliminate much smaller
particles than full-flow filters, including those in the two to 20 micron range, soot and sludge.
By-pass filters operate by filtering oil on a “partial-flow” basis. They draw approximately 10
percent of the oil pump’s capacity at any one time and trap the extremely small, wear-causing
contaminants that full-flow filters can’t remove. By-pass filters have a high pressure differential,
causing the oil to flow through them very slowly and allowing for the removal of smaller
contaminants. It is called by-pass filtration because the oil flows from the by-pass filter
back to the sump and by-passes the engine. This continual process will eventually make all of
the oil analytically clean, reducing long-term wear and can extend drain intervals. AMSOIL Ea
By-Pass Filters use a two-stage pleated and layered cellulose/full-synthetic media to provide an
efficiency rating of 98.7 percent at two microns.
Reduces Oil Changes
By cleaning the oil so completely, the AMSOIL Ea By-Pass Filter not only prolongs engine life
but also the life of the oil itself. With the AMSOIL Ea By-Pass Filter, oil changes can be
extended well beyond normal, in many cases virtually indefinitely, depending upon the
conditions and severity of use.
Dual Remote:
Patented Protection
Available only from AMSOIL, the Dual Remote Oil Filtration System replaces conventional full-
flow filters, mounting in any convenient location in the engine, and gives full-flow and by-pass
oil filtration protection. With Dual Remote, filter changes are quick, clean and easy. It also
increases an engine’s oil capacity, helping oil work better, not harder.
Oil Analysis
By analyzing used engine oil, a qualified lab can determine the degree of protection the oil is
delivering and make certain the oil has not been contaminated. Oil analysis also can detect
impending engine failure. OIL ANALYZERS INC. provides state-of-the-art oil analysis testing
and is a perfect complement to AMSOIL synthetic motor oils. The combination of superior
lubrication and reliable oil analysis provides peace of mind over extended drain intervals.
OIL ANALYZERS testing kits (OAI01, OAI02, OAI03) are available from AMSOIL. Oil analysis
helps motorists derive the longest life from AMSOIL synthetic motor oil and from their engines.
Motor oil must begin to circulate as soon as the engine is started. If oil gets cold enough and
begins to solidify, it fails to flow through the oil screen to the pump at engine start and causes
bearings and other critical parts to fail almost immediately. Pour point is an indicator of the
ability of an oil to flow at cold operating temperatures. It is the lowest temperature at which the
fluid will flow. Modern refining techniques remove most of the wax from petroleum oil, but some
wax-like molecules remain. These wax-like molecules are soluble at ambient temperatures
above freezing, but crystallize into a honeycomb like structure at lower temperatures and cause
oil circulation problems. Pour point depressants keep wax crystals in the oil microscopically
small and prevent them from joining together to form the honeycomb-like structure. They lower
the temperature at which oil will pour or flow and are found in most motor oils designed for cold-
weather use. As synthetic motor oils do not contain those wax crystals, they do not require
pour point depressant additives.
Wear Protection
Since one of an oil’s main functions is to prevent friction and wear, anti-wear additives are part
of the chemical composition of an oil. These additives protect engines by bonding to metal
surfaces and forming a protective film layer between moving parts that are vulnerable to friction
and wear when an engine is first started and before the oil begins to circulate completely. While
this protective film doesn’t entirely eliminate metal-to-metal contact of moving parts at start-up,
it minimizes the effects of contact.
Oxidation
Because excessive engine heat causes chemical breakdown of oil, which in turn results in
permanent thickening of the oil, oxidation inhibitors work to limit the impact of oxidation. Oil
oxidation produces acidic gases and sludge in the crankcase. These gases combine with
water in the crankcase to corrode and rust the engine. Corrosion prevention is especially
critical in diesel engines.
TBN
An oil’s ability to neutralize acids is expressed by its Total Base Number (TBN). The greater the
number, the greater the amount of acidic by-products the oil can neutralize. A high TBN is
particularly important in extended drain interval oils, such as AMSOIL motor oils, because they
neutralize acids, and more of them, for a longer period of time. Most oils for diesel engines in
North America have a TBN between 8 and 12. AMSOIL manufactures several diesel oils with a
TBN of 12.
Detergents
In the same way that some chemical compounds are used to prevent engine rust and
corrosion, other chemicals are added to motor oil to help prevent combustion by-products from
forming harmful sludge or varnish deposits. Detergents are added to motor oil because
combustion causes carbon build-up and deposit formation on the pistons, rings, valves and
cylinder walls. Carbon and deposits affect engine temperature, oil circulation, engine
performance and fuel efficiency. Detergent additives clean these by-products from the oil.
Some combustion by-products slip past the piston rings and end up in the motor oil, which
can clog the engine’s oil channels.
Dispersants
While detergents help minimize the amount of combustion by-products, dispersant additives
keep those byproducts suspended in a form so fine they minimize deposits. They keep the oil in
the engine clean while they prevent the build-up of carbon or deposits from burned and
unburned fuel and even from the oil itself. Eventually, these suspended particles are removed
by the oil filter.
Anti-Foam
The addition of silicone or other compounds in very small amounts makes most oils adequately
foam-resistant. It’s important to minimize foaming in motor oil because tiny air bubbles are
whipped into motor oil by the action of many rapidly moving parts, resulting in a mass of oily
froth that has very little ability to lubricate or aid in the cooling of the engine. These compounds
weaken the air bubbles, causing them to collapse almost immediately upon forming, allowing
the oil to continue to protect the engine.
Seal Swell
All motor oils must be compatible with the various seal materials used in engines. Oil must not
cause seals to shrink, crack, degrade or dissolve. Ideally, oils should cause seals to expand or
“swell” slightly to ensure continued proper sealing.
Heat Dispersal
Another function of motor oil is to cool the engine. The radiator/antifreeze system is responsible
for about 60 percent of the engine cooling that takes place. This cools only the upper portion of
the engine, including the cylinder heads, cylinder walls and valves. The other 40 percent is
cooled by the oil. The oil is directed onto hot surfaces, such as the crankshaft, main and
connecting rod bearings, the camshaft and its bearings, the timing gears, the pistons and many
other components in the lower portion of the engine that directly depend on the motor oil for
cooling. Engine heat is created from friction of moving parts and the ignition of fuel inside the
cylinder. Oil carries heat away from these hot surfaces as it flows downward and dissipates
heat to the surrounding air when it reaches the crankcase. Lubricating an engine actually
requires a very small amount of motor oil compared to the amount needed to ensure proper
cooling of these internal parts. The oil pump constantly circulates the oil to all vital areas of the
engine.
Classification Systems
Oil is classified by two systems. One system determines the oil’s viscosity (the SAE grade), and
one determines its performance level, which oil to use in what type of engine (the API class).
SAE Grade
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Viscosity Grade is a system based on viscosity
measures taken from a variety of tests. It developed 11 distinct motor oil viscosity classifications
or grades: SAE 0W, SAE 5W, SAE 10W, SAE 15W, SAE 20W, SAE 25W, SAE 20, SAE 30, SAE
40, SAE 50 and SAE 60. These are single-grade or single-viscosity oils. These grades
designate the specific ranges that the particular oil falls into. The “W” indicates the grade is
suitable for use in cold temperatures. (Think of the “W” as meaning “Winter”.) The
classifications increase numerically, readily indicating the difference between them and what
the difference means. Simply put, the lower the number, the lower the temperature at
which the oil can be used for safe and effective protection. The higher numbers reflect better
protection for high-heat and high-load situations.
Single-grade oils have a limited range of protection and, therefore, a limited number of uses.
With today’s well-refined, high viscosity index oils, however, an SAE 20 oil usually will meet the
viscosity requirements of SAE 20W and vice versa. Those that do are classified SAE 20W-20.
This multi-grade or multi-viscosity ability increases an oil’s usefulness, because it meets the
requirements of two or more classifications. Examples of multi-viscosity oils are SAE 5W-30,
SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-40 and SAE 20W-50. The number with the “W” designates the
oil’s properties at low temperatures. The other number characterizes properties at high
temperatures. For instance, a multi-viscosity or multigrade oil such as 10W-30 meets the
10W criteria when cold and the 30 criteria once hot. SAE 10W-30 and SAE 5W-30 are widely
used because under all but extremely hot or cold conditions, they are light enough for easy
engine cranking at low temperatures and heavy enough to protect at high temperatures.
API Class
The American Petroleum Institute (API) developed a classification system to identify oils
formulated to meet the operating requirements of various engines. The API system has
two general categories: S-series and C-series. The S-series service classification emphasizes
oil properties critical to gasoline- or propane-fueled engines. If an oil passes a series of
tests in specific engines (API Sequence tests), the oil can be sold bearing the applicable API
service classification. The classifications progress alphabetically as the level of lubricant
performance increases. Each classification replaces those before it. SL oil may be used in any
engine, unless the engine manufacturer specifies a “non-detergent” oil. SA and SB are non-
detergent oils and are not recommended for use unless specified. New cars from 1980 to 1989
require SF oils, while new cars from 1990 to 1993 require SG oils. New cars beginning with the
1994 model year require oils with an API SH performance rating. Beginning with 1997, new cars
require an API SJ oil. The year 2001 brought the introduction of SL oils. SM category is the
most recent classification. It was introduced Nov. 30, 2004. SM oils are designed to provide
improved oxidation resistance, improved deposit protection, better wear protection and better
low-temperature performance over the life of the oil. SJ, SL and SM are the current API
classes. SJ, SL and SM oils are widely available and ensure the best engine protection
available. C-series classifications pertain to diesel engines. They are: CA, CB, CC, CD, CD-II,
CE, CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 Plus and CJ-4. All are obsolete except CF, CF-2,
CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 Plus and CJ-4 performance rated oils. Not all C-series classifications
supersede one another. The current classifications, CF and CF-2 are specified for different
applications.
CF for Indirect-Injected Diesel Engine Service. Service category CF denotes service
typical of indirect-injected diesel engines and other diesel engines that use a broad
range of diesel fuels in off-road applications, including diesel fuel with greater than 0.5 percent
sulfur by weight. CF oils may be used in place of CD oils.
CF-2 for Two-Stroke Diesel Engine Service. This service category is typical of two-stroke
engines requiring highly effective control over cylinder and ring-face scuffing and deposits. CF-
2 oils may be used in engines for which CD-II oils are recommended.
CI-4 Plus for Severe-Duty Diesel Engine Service. CI-4 Plus typically is required in high-
speed four-stroke diesel engines used in heavy-duty on- and off-highway applications. CI-4
Plus oils are especially effective in engines designed to meet 2002 exhaust emission
standards. CI-4 Plus oils may be used in place of CD, CE, CF, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 and CI-4 oils.
CJ-4 for 2007 and newer diesel Engines. CJ-4 was developed to address special concerns
about emission control engines and their operation on ultra-low sulfer diesel fuel (ULSD).
These classification systems aim to help motorists choose the right oil for their needs. The
choice depends on the engine, the outdoor temperature and the type of driving the engine
must withstand.
How Motor Oil Becomes Contaminated
Motor oil becomes unfit for service after a period of use. Two main reasons for this are the
accumulation of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes (additive depletion and
oxidation) in the oil itself. These factors cause deterioration of the oil and prevent it from doing
the job of lubricating and cooling engine parts.
Abrasives
Road Dust and Dirt
Design limitations of air cleaners, some oil fill caps, and crankcase ventilation systems allow
some dust and dirt to enter the engine. Leaks in the intake system also permit unfiltered air to
enter the engine. However, proper maintenance of the engine and its accessories can minimize
the amount of contaminants entering the lubrication system and extend engine life.
Metal Particles
Normal wear of parts in an engine produces very small metal particles that are picked up and
circulated by the oil. Particles of road dust and dirt increase the rate of wear and generate
larger metal particles, that in turn are quite abrasive. These, too, are circulated through the
engine by the oil. While oil filters help keep these particles at a minimum, they can’t
remove them entirely.
Combustion By-Products
Water
Combustion produces water vapor, or steam. When engine temperatures are high, most of the
water remains in vapor form and goes out through the exhaust. However, when engine
temperatures are low, such as at start-up, warm-up and short-trip operation in low ambient
temperatures, the water vapor condenses (turns into a liquid) on cylinder walls and is picked up
in the crankcase oil. Here it leads to the formation of sludge, rust and corrosion.
Acids
The combustion process produces acidic gases which, like water vapor, condense on cylinder
walls at cold engine temperatures and also find their way into the crankcase oil. These
combine with water to cause rust and corrosion.
Soot and Carbon
Incomplete combustion produces soot, carbon and other deposit-forming materials. An
engine running too “rich,” or with too much fuel, increases the amount of contaminants.
In gasoline engines, light-load and low-speed operations increase these combustion
by-products more than highload, high-speed operations. Diesel engines produce more
of these by-products with lowspeed, high-load operations.
Dilution
When an engine is started or running abnormally, some unburned fuel in liquid form
is deposited on cylinder walls. That means raw fuel leaks past the rings into the
crankcase, where it reduces the viscosity of the oil. Dilution lowers the film strength
of the oil and increases oil consumption. Usually this is a minor problem when
engine operation is at high-speed or high-temperatures, but it can be a problem in
vehicles consistently used for short-trip driving. While all of the processes by
which a motor oil is contaminated are not fully defined, the use of high-quality motor oils
such as AMSOIL synthetic motor oils allows motorists continued protection of their engines
along with extended drain intervals, all while limiting the contaminants in the oil and prolonging
engine life.
Engine Wear
Automotive experts agree dirt is the number-one cause of engine wear. Analysis by Federal-
Mogul Corporation reports that 43.4 percent of all engine bearing distress is caused by dirt.
Engine dirt particles are so small – mere dust specks – and an engine is a highly sophisticated
piece of machinery, crafted from the most durable metal alloys. How, then, can these minute
particles bring down such a high-tech giant? The answer lies in the fact that dirt particles are
extremely abrasive. They consist of razor-like flakes of road dust and airborne grit drawn
into the engine through the intake manifold, as well as manufacturing scarf and wear-metal
particles generated inside the engine. These particles are carried by the oil into the
precision clearances between bearings and other moving parts. Once they work in between
these parts, they grind and gouge surfaces, altering clearances and generating more abrasive
debris. This wear cycle continues, making precision components sloppy and fatigued until they
fail altogether. Filtration is the key to preventing costly engine repairs caused by dirt.
Filtration removes contaminants by trapping and holding them outside the system of oil
circulation. In order for a filter to be truly effective, it must be able to capture contaminants of
all types and sizes. AMSOIL has developed a complete line of sophisticated filtration products
designed to offer the best protection available against virtually all harmful engine contaminants.
Air Filtration
An engine “breathes” air to mix with fuel for combustion – about 9,000 gallons of air for every
gallon of gas. All that air contains more than 400 tons of suspended dirt in one cubic mile over
a typical city, and the concentration is much higher in rural areas where travel frequently is over
unpaved roads. The air filter is the first line of defense against the abrasive airborne grit that
gets into an engine. In order to do the job right, the air filter must effectively filter the dangerous
particles without obstructing the vital flow of air that sustains the engine. Conventional air filters
quickly become obstructed with dirt, reducing vital engine air intake, leading to poor engine
performance and low fuel efficiency. They require frequent replacement.
AMSOIL Filters
Last Longer
When properly cleaned at 25,000-mile intervals, AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are guaranteed for
100,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first. The use of exclusive nanofiber synthetic
media allows AMSOIL Ea Air Filters to provide unsurpassed filtration protection for 25,000 miles
or one year between cleanings. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are the most efficient filters available to
the auto/light truck market. Ea Air Filters’ synthetic nanofiber media removes five times more
dust than traditional cellulose filter media alone and 50 times more dust than wet gauze filter
media. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters have a much higher capacity and lower restriction than competing
filters.
Oil Filtration
Full-flow oil filters install directly into the line of oil circulation. The “fullflow” of oil passes
through the filter as the oil journeys between the oil pump and the engine. A full-flow filter must
be able to remove and hold contaminants without obstructing oil flow to the engine. Most filters
on the market compromise the filtration of finer particles by using a thin layer of porous filter
paper. These filters have almost no extended cleaning ability since they have a low capacity for
storing dirt. These “surface-type” paper filters quickly become restricted as debris builds up on
the paper surface. When this happens, the filter by-pass valve opens and allows unfiltered oil
into the engine. AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters are made with premium-grade full-synthetic media. The
strictly controlled processing of this media ensures accurate filter construction, and is what
allows Ea Oil Filters to deliver higher capacity and efficiency along with better durability.
AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters have significantly lower restriction than conventional cellulose media
filters. Their small synthetic nanofibers trap smaller particles and hold more contaminants,
resulting in lower restriction. During the engine warm-up period, an Ea Oil Filter allows the
oil to flow through the filter at a colder temperature than a typical cellulose filter. The additional
filtering time decreases engine wear.
By-Pass Oil Filtration
An average full-flow filter traps particles as small as 20 microns. The filter can’t remove finer
particles because the oil must be filtered quickly while removing most of the particles in the oil.
By-pass oil filtration uses a secondary filter with the purpose of eliminating nearly all
contaminants in engine oil. By-pass filters have high capacities and eliminate much smaller
particles than full-flow filters, including those in the two to 20 micron range, soot and sludge.
By-pass filters operate by filtering oil on a “partial-flow” basis. They draw approximately 10
percent of the oil pump’s capacity at any one time and trap the extremely small, wear-causing
contaminants that full-flow filters can’t remove. By-pass filters have a high pressure differential,
causing the oil to flow through them very slowly and allowing for the removal of smaller
contaminants. It is called by-pass filtration because the oil flows from the by-pass filter
back to the sump and by-passes the engine. This continual process will eventually make all of
the oil analytically clean, reducing long-term wear and can extend drain intervals. AMSOIL Ea
By-Pass Filters use a two-stage pleated and layered cellulose/full-synthetic media to provide an
efficiency rating of 98.7 percent at two microns.
Reduces Oil Changes
By cleaning the oil so completely, the AMSOIL Ea By-Pass Filter not only prolongs engine life
but also the life of the oil itself. With the AMSOIL Ea By-Pass Filter, oil changes can be
extended well beyond normal, in many cases virtually indefinitely, depending upon the
conditions and severity of use.
Dual Remote:
Patented Protection
Available only from AMSOIL, the Dual Remote Oil Filtration System replaces conventional full-
flow filters, mounting in any convenient location in the engine, and gives full-flow and by-pass
oil filtration protection. With Dual Remote, filter changes are quick, clean and easy. It also
increases an engine’s oil capacity, helping oil work better, not harder.
Oil Analysis
By analyzing used engine oil, a qualified lab can determine the degree of protection the oil is
delivering and make certain the oil has not been contaminated. Oil analysis also can detect
impending engine failure. OIL ANALYZERS INC. provides state-of-the-art oil analysis testing
and is a perfect complement to AMSOIL synthetic motor oils. The combination of superior
lubrication and reliable oil analysis provides peace of mind over extended drain intervals.
OIL ANALYZERS testing kits (OAI01, OAI02, OAI03) are available from AMSOIL. Oil analysis
helps motorists derive the longest life from AMSOIL synthetic motor oil and from their engines.
| The Original Synthetic Oil |
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| Copyright 2008 All Service Oil All Rights Reserved |
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Motor oil is the primary determinant in the durability of an engine. It contains two basic
components: base stocks and additives.
Base Stocks
The base stock is the bulk of the oil. The base stock lubricates internal moving parts, removes
heat and seals piston rings. Motor oil base stocks can be made from: 1) petroleum, 2) chemically
synthesized materials, 3) a combination of synthetics and petroleum (called para-synthetic,
semisynthetic or synthetic blend.) A petroleum base stock consists of many different oil fractions
that form the final product. Generally, molecules of a petroleum base stock are long carbon
chains that can be sensitive to the stress of heat and “boil off” at relatively low temperatures.
Engine temperatures break down these molecular chains, changing the physical properties
(such as viscosity) of the motor oil. The difference with synthetic base stocks is that molecules
are uniformly shaped, which makes them more resistant to the stress of heat. Because AMSOIL
synthetic motor oils possess these uniformly-shaped molecules, they have a low “boil off”
rate. Thus, their physical properties (such as viscosity) do not change.
Additives
The various chemicals that comprise the additive system in motor oils function to provide anti-
wear, antifoam, corrosion protection, acid neutralization, maintenance of viscosity, detergency
and dispersancy. These are the chemicals that help modern motor oils meet the increasing
demands of today’s high-tech engines. Their quality varies widely throughout the lubrication
industry, ranging from a bare minimum in some oils (to comply with certain requirements) to
exceptionally high quality, as in all AMSOIL motor oils.
What a Motor Oil Must Do
Modern motor oil is a highly specialized product carefully developed by engineers and chemists to
perform many essential functions.
A motor oil must:
Improvements in Oil
The quality of motor oil has changed dramatically in the past 30 years, and new demands on
lubricants in modern engine design call for oils that meet stringent requirements. Variations in an
oil’s ability to meet the requirements determine which service classification rating and viscosity
grade it receives. Service classifications are determined by the American Petroleum Institute.
Viscosity grades of oils are determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. These two
organizations have set industry standards for motor oils for more than 75 years.
components: base stocks and additives.
Base Stocks
The base stock is the bulk of the oil. The base stock lubricates internal moving parts, removes
heat and seals piston rings. Motor oil base stocks can be made from: 1) petroleum, 2) chemically
synthesized materials, 3) a combination of synthetics and petroleum (called para-synthetic,
semisynthetic or synthetic blend.) A petroleum base stock consists of many different oil fractions
that form the final product. Generally, molecules of a petroleum base stock are long carbon
chains that can be sensitive to the stress of heat and “boil off” at relatively low temperatures.
Engine temperatures break down these molecular chains, changing the physical properties
(such as viscosity) of the motor oil. The difference with synthetic base stocks is that molecules
are uniformly shaped, which makes them more resistant to the stress of heat. Because AMSOIL
synthetic motor oils possess these uniformly-shaped molecules, they have a low “boil off”
rate. Thus, their physical properties (such as viscosity) do not change.
Additives
The various chemicals that comprise the additive system in motor oils function to provide anti-
wear, antifoam, corrosion protection, acid neutralization, maintenance of viscosity, detergency
and dispersancy. These are the chemicals that help modern motor oils meet the increasing
demands of today’s high-tech engines. Their quality varies widely throughout the lubrication
industry, ranging from a bare minimum in some oils (to comply with certain requirements) to
exceptionally high quality, as in all AMSOIL motor oils.
What a Motor Oil Must Do
Modern motor oil is a highly specialized product carefully developed by engineers and chemists to
perform many essential functions.
A motor oil must:
- Permit easy starting
- Lubricate engine parts and prevent wear
- Reduce friction
- Protect against rust and corrosion
- Keep engine parts clean
- Minimize combustion chamber deposits
- Cool engine parts
- Seal combustion pressures
- Be nonfoaming
- Aid fuel economy.
Improvements in Oil
The quality of motor oil has changed dramatically in the past 30 years, and new demands on
lubricants in modern engine design call for oils that meet stringent requirements. Variations in an
oil’s ability to meet the requirements determine which service classification rating and viscosity
grade it receives. Service classifications are determined by the American Petroleum Institute.
Viscosity grades of oils are determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. These two
organizations have set industry standards for motor oils for more than 75 years.
Viscosity
Viscosity, the most important property of an oil, refers to the
oil’s resistance to flow. The viscosity of oil varies with
changes in temperature – thinner when hot, thicker when
cold. An oil must be able to flow at cold temperatures to
lubricate internal moving parts upon starting the engine. It
must also remain viscous or “thick” enough to protect an
engine at high operating temperatures. When an oil is used
at a variety of temperatures, as it is in most engines, the
change of viscosity with temperature variation should be as
small as possible. The measure of an oil’s viscosity
change is called the Viscosity Index number (VI); the higher
the number, the smaller the viscosity change which means
the better the oil protects the engine. The number does not
indicate the actual viscosity in high and low temperature
extremes of the oil. It represents the rate of viscosity
change with temperature change.
Viscosity, the most important property of an oil, refers to the
oil’s resistance to flow. The viscosity of oil varies with
changes in temperature – thinner when hot, thicker when
cold. An oil must be able to flow at cold temperatures to
lubricate internal moving parts upon starting the engine. It
must also remain viscous or “thick” enough to protect an
engine at high operating temperatures. When an oil is used
at a variety of temperatures, as it is in most engines, the
change of viscosity with temperature variation should be as
small as possible. The measure of an oil’s viscosity
change is called the Viscosity Index number (VI); the higher
the number, the smaller the viscosity change which means
the better the oil protects the engine. The number does not
indicate the actual viscosity in high and low temperature
extremes of the oil. It represents the rate of viscosity
change with temperature change.
The viscosity modifiers extend a motor oil’s operating temperature range and make multi-grade
or all-season oils possible. However, low quality viscosity improvers lend themselves to
shearing. The VI is Viscosity improvers are viscous chemical compounds called polymers or
polymeric compounds that decrease the rate at which oils change viscosity with temperature.
These viscosity modifiers extend a motor oil’s operating temperature range and make multi-
grade or all-season oils possible. However, low quality viscosity improvers lend themselves to
shearing. The VI is measured by comparing the viscosity of the oil at 40°C (104°F) with its
viscosity at 100°C (212°F). VI can provide insight into an oil’s ability to perform at high and low
temperatures. Petroleum-based motor oils require the use of viscosity improvers to meet the low-
temperature requirements of SAE 0W, 5W or 10W and the high-temperature requirements of
SAE 30 or heavier oil. Synthetic-based motor oils have a naturally-high viscosity index and
require less viscosity improver additive than petroleum oils.
or all-season oils possible. However, low quality viscosity improvers lend themselves to
shearing. The VI is Viscosity improvers are viscous chemical compounds called polymers or
polymeric compounds that decrease the rate at which oils change viscosity with temperature.
These viscosity modifiers extend a motor oil’s operating temperature range and make multi-
grade or all-season oils possible. However, low quality viscosity improvers lend themselves to
shearing. The VI is measured by comparing the viscosity of the oil at 40°C (104°F) with its
viscosity at 100°C (212°F). VI can provide insight into an oil’s ability to perform at high and low
temperatures. Petroleum-based motor oils require the use of viscosity improvers to meet the low-
temperature requirements of SAE 0W, 5W or 10W and the high-temperature requirements of
SAE 30 or heavier oil. Synthetic-based motor oils have a naturally-high viscosity index and
require less viscosity improver additive than petroleum oils.
Synthetic Motor Oils Outperform Conventional Lubricants
1. Superior Wear Protection . . .Engines Last Longer
In the Four-Ball Wear Test (ASTM D 4172) AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
(ATM) outperforms the leading synthetic and petroleum motor oils.
2. Improves Fuel Economy
AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have been credited with significant fuel economy improvement.
In a fuel economy test with Class 8 trucks, AMSOIL synthetic diesel oil and drivetrain fluids
combined to produce up to an 8.2 percent improvement.*
*SAE J1321 Joint TMC/SAE Fuel Consumption Test Procedure - Type II.
3. Easier Cold Starts
AMSOIL synthetic motor oils stay fluid at remarkably low temperatures.
4. Superior High-Temperature Performance
Reduced friction means cooler operating temperatures. Excessive oil temperatures can be
reduced by 20 to 50 degrees when using AMSOIL motor oils.
5. Reduces Deposits on Critical Engine Parts
Engines run cleaner, perform better.
6. Reduces Oil Consumption
Tests show the superior thermal stability of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 (ATM) Motor Oil
withstands the higher operating temperatures of today’s engines better than conventional
products. With AMSOIL, only 4.86% vaporizes, compared to much higher percentages with
competing motor oils. The result: better fuel economy and wear protection with AMSOIL 10W-
30 Motor Oil.
7. Lower Cost, More Convenience
Motorists value savings. With AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, 25,000-mile/one-year oil
changes save time and money. With all the added performance benefits of AMSOIL
synthetics, fuel economy, reduced oil consumption and better wear protection, your savings
add up every mile you are on the road.
8. Jet-Age Technology
Only synthetics can stand up to the extreme performance demands of a jet engine. Every jet
engine in the world uses synthetic engine oil.
9. The First in Synthetics
In 1972, AMSOIL formulated the world’s first American Petroleum Institute certified synthetic
motor oil. With more than 36 years’ experience manufacturing and marketing synthetic motor
oils, AMSOIL has been a consistent leader on the forefront of lubricant technology.
10. Environmental Benefits, Too!
Fewer oil changes means less waste oil, fewer filters, less packaging to dispose of, and a
better future for our children.
1. Superior Wear Protection . . .Engines Last Longer
In the Four-Ball Wear Test (ASTM D 4172) AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
(ATM) outperforms the leading synthetic and petroleum motor oils.
2. Improves Fuel Economy
AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have been credited with significant fuel economy improvement.
In a fuel economy test with Class 8 trucks, AMSOIL synthetic diesel oil and drivetrain fluids
combined to produce up to an 8.2 percent improvement.*
*SAE J1321 Joint TMC/SAE Fuel Consumption Test Procedure - Type II.
3. Easier Cold Starts
AMSOIL synthetic motor oils stay fluid at remarkably low temperatures.
4. Superior High-Temperature Performance
Reduced friction means cooler operating temperatures. Excessive oil temperatures can be
reduced by 20 to 50 degrees when using AMSOIL motor oils.
5. Reduces Deposits on Critical Engine Parts
Engines run cleaner, perform better.
6. Reduces Oil Consumption
Tests show the superior thermal stability of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 (ATM) Motor Oil
withstands the higher operating temperatures of today’s engines better than conventional
products. With AMSOIL, only 4.86% vaporizes, compared to much higher percentages with
competing motor oils. The result: better fuel economy and wear protection with AMSOIL 10W-
30 Motor Oil.
7. Lower Cost, More Convenience
Motorists value savings. With AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, 25,000-mile/one-year oil
changes save time and money. With all the added performance benefits of AMSOIL
synthetics, fuel economy, reduced oil consumption and better wear protection, your savings
add up every mile you are on the road.
8. Jet-Age Technology
Only synthetics can stand up to the extreme performance demands of a jet engine. Every jet
engine in the world uses synthetic engine oil.
9. The First in Synthetics
In 1972, AMSOIL formulated the world’s first American Petroleum Institute certified synthetic
motor oil. With more than 36 years’ experience manufacturing and marketing synthetic motor
oils, AMSOIL has been a consistent leader on the forefront of lubricant technology.
10. Environmental Benefits, Too!
Fewer oil changes means less waste oil, fewer filters, less packaging to dispose of, and a
better future for our children.
What Is a Motor Oil?
Click here to download pdf version (1.22mb)
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