Your Next Oil Change

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Introducing: Amsoil OE

AMSOIL is introducing its latest line of synthetic motor oils. AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oils are specially formulated for the longer oil change intervals recommended by vehicle manufacturers today. Available in three viscosities, this advanced synthetic technology resists chemical breakdown for maximum wear protection (and peace of mind) well beyond the traditional 3,000-mile oil change interval.

Amsoil OE, a premium performing full synthetic motor oil without the premium price. Move up to Amsoil!

Amsoil OE is available in three viscosities, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30

Click here for more information

Business Owners

Business owners, do you operate a quick lube, tire store, or service shop? Click HERE and register today to carry Amsoil at your business.

Consider, Amsoil OE:

Competitive pricing when compared to other commonly available fully synthetic motor oils.
Oil change recommendation based on the recommendations of the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Fully licensed by the American Petroleum Institute as API SN/GF-5
OE is compatible with petroleum and synthetic motor oils.
The 5W-30 version is compliant with the GM dexos1 specification.
Available in quarts, 30-gallon drums, 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon totes.

AMSOIL INC. has been the recognized leader in synthetic lubricant and filtration products since 1972 producing the first 100% synthetic motor oil to be recognized by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Amsoil Dealer info:

For more information about AMSOIL synthetic lubricants and performance filtration products contact Anthony Garner at Competition Synthetics. Anthony is an Amsoil T-1 Certified Independent Dealer. E-mail Anthony at compsyn@live.com, or visit http://competitionsynthetics.com

Monday, October 25, 2010

Muscle Car Tech

Objective:

Provide facts outlining lubrication requirements of flat tappet camshaft engines and the importance of higher levels of zinc and phosphorus.

Issues:

Flat tappet camshafts undergo extreme pressure and loads, thus requiring an engine oil that is fortified with anti-wear additives to provide premium protection. The severity of higher spring pressure in racing engines also creates the need for additional wear protection.

Click on image to enlarge

Technical Discussion:

The most commonly used anti-wear additive in motor oils is zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). ZDDP contains both zinc and phosphorus components working together to provide anti-wear protection, and is most important during cam “break-in” procedures. Proper break-in lubes should be used during the break-in phase for all new or rebuilt engines with flat tappets. These lubricants provide the extra protection required to reduce wear at the point of contact during break-in and help the flat tappet face properly mate with the cam lobe. Once the break-in phase is completed, AMSOIL motor oils, which are formulated with high levels of zinc and phosphorus, will provide premium protection to flat tappet cams.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and International Lubricants Standards Approval Committee (ILSAC) have mandated the reduction of phosphorus to extend catalytic converter life. However, reducing the level of ZDDP can compromise protection to engine components, most notably in flat tappet camshafts. Current API SM and ILSAC GF-4 specifications for gasoline engines have maximum and minimum phosphorus levels of 800 ppm and 600 ppm, respectively, for SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30 motor oils. All other gasoline SAE grades do not have a mandated phosphorus limit.

All engines, especially high-performance modified engines, benefit from oils with superior film strength and anti-wear properties. The flat tappet/camshaft lobe interface is the one area in an engine that has extreme contact load. Since this load increases significantly when non-stock, high-pressure valve springs are employed, the use of properly formulated motor oils is extremely important to reduce wear and extend flat tappet/ camshaft life.

Recommendation:

AMSOIL recommends motor oils containing high levels of zinc/phosphorus for superior protection. The table below lists many of the AMSOIL synthetic motor oils that are formulated with high levels of anti-wear additives:

Click on image to enlarge

AMSOIL AMO, ARO, HDD, AME, RD20, RD30, RD50 and AHR all contain high levels of zinc/phosphorus, maximizing flat tappet/camshaft life in stock modified and high-performance applications.

AMSOIL 10W-40 (AMO) is a premium synthetic formulation which is recommended for API SL (gasoline)/CI-4 Plus (heavy-duty, on-road diesel) specified applications. It is an outstanding choice where high zinc containing protection is required in late model hot rods requiring extra camshaft protection.

*AMSOIL 10W-40 (AMO) is the offical motor oil used in the Amsoil/Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge*

Tech Article: Choosing The Best Oils For Your Mopar Engine - Lifeblood Picking The Right Oil For Your Mopar Muscle Car

AMSOIL 20W-50 (ARO) is a premium synthetic formulation which is recommended for API SL (gasoline)/CI-4 Plus (heavy-duty, on-road diesel) specified applications. It is an outstanding choice where high zinc containing protection is required in late model hot rods requiring extra camshaft protection.

AMSOIL (HDD) is a 5W-30 weight combination diesel/gasoline oil with a higher starting TBN to handle the significant stresses from high soot loading and acid generation in modern diesel engines. HDD contains the high phosphorus and zinc required for long life.

AMSOIL 15W-40 Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine Motor Oil (AME) is engineered for use in a wide variety of light and heavy-duty applications. AME is formulated with high levels of zinc and phosphorus to ensure protection of flat tappet camshaft lobes in high performance diesel engines.

AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 5W-20, 10W-30 and 15W-50 Racing Oils (RD20, RD30, RD50) are all formulated with the same robust additive package. These oils are heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus to protect flat tappet cams in the most extreme racing conditions.

AMSOIL (AHR) is a super heavy SAE 60 weight racing oil de-signed for alcohol and nitro burning race engines where viscosity loss associated with fuel dilution is a concern. AHR includes a high dose of zinc containing anti-wear chemistry that race engines require.

Buying high zinc motor oil? Pick up an oil or air filter for your vintage vehicle and save yourself a trip to the parts store.

Click on image for look-up guide

At the Performance Racing Industry trade show in Orlando, Fla. in December 2006 AMSOIL announced its new affiliation with Mopar Muscle magazine to become “Official Oil” of the MOPAR Muscle Engine Challenge.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ford Debunks 3,000-Mile Myth

Ford Motor Company issued an “automotive maintenance myths” statement last month that both debunked the traditional 3,000-mile oil change and promoted the use of synthetic motor oil.

MYTH: Cars need oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles.

False: That used to be true, but not with newer cars. Because of synthetic oils that don’t break down as quickly, consumers actually don’t need oil changes as often – more like every 5,000 to 7,500 miles – or even 10,000 on the new 2011 Mustang depending on your driving habits. (There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. Check your maintenance guide to be sure.)

SAVE: Either way, there’s a considerable savings here: Let’s say you’re an average consumer who drives 12,000 miles a year, which means you would need about four oil changes a year under the old formula. With the new extended mileage, consumers need only about two oil changes a year, cutting their bill for oil changes in half – you could pocket upward of $50 a year or $650 in the lifetime of your car and do something to help the environment by saving oil.

Quote Cited: Don’t Waste Money On Outdated Advice; Ford Takes A Look At Longstanding Maintenance Myths, Media.Ford.com - link

General Motors has previously stated that traditional 3,000-mile oil change recommendations are outdated. In June 2008, the company teamed with the California Environmental Protection Agency and its Integrated Waste Management board to promote the state’s “3,000 Mile Myth” campaign encouraging drivers to follow auto manufacturers’ recommended drain intervals.

AMSOIL developed the first extended drain motor oil and is the leader in extended drain technology. As an increasing number of automotive manufacturers follow that lead, drain interval recommendations will continue to climb.

Source Cited:

Ford Debunks 3,000-Mile Myth, Amsoil: The Hotwire, Thursday, April 1, 2010 - link

Lube Report - Ford Knocks 3,000-mile Intervals, Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - link

Related Articles:

3,000-Mile Oil Change Comes Under Fire -link

Amsoil Dealer info:

Monday, March 8, 2010

Your Next Diesel Engine Oil

Provided below is information provided by Amsoil, Inc., regarding inherent late model Ford, GM and Dodge diesel engine issues.

Issues:

AMSOIL has documented increasing levels of fuel contamination (fuel dilution) in the engine oil of 2007-2008 light-duty Ford, GM and Dodge diesel pickups, and indications are that 2009-2010 models are also affected. Research indicates fuel dilution is intensifying due to the use of in-cylinder post-fuel injection during the engine’s exhaust stroke to regenerate the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Fuel in the oil reduces the oil’s life expectancy and effectiveness. Because diesel fuel is a natural solvent, fuel dilution in motor oil causes a decrease in viscosity which may lead to an increase in engine wear rates.

Solution:

Click here to view full field study

Hard-working diesel engines present a serious challenge to the lubricants that protect them. Tight clearances and intense pressures can generate enough force to tear apart the molecular structure of the oil, causing permanent viscosity loss. Permanent viscosity loss is termed “shear” and leads to accelerated equipment wear, oil consumption and deposit formation.

Shear stability measures a lubricant’s ability to withstand shearing forces without degrading to a lower viscosity. To meet CJ-4 requirements for shear stability, the American Petroleum Institute (API) requires diesel oils to pass the Kurt Orbahn 90-Cycle Shear Stability Test. Resisting shear and maintaining protective viscosity in the harsh operating conditions of diesel engines is challenge enough for many diesel oils, but maintaining viscosity in the face of fuel dilution is another challenge altogether. Factors such as frequent starts, excessive engine idling, short trips and cold weather have contributed to moderate levels of fuel dilution in diesel applications for years, while recent issues with emission systems have brought the fuel dilution problem to a whole new level.

For example, AMSOIL has documented increasing fuel dilution levels in 2007-2009 Caterpillar C13 and C15 on-highway engines. There are many possible causes, including problems with a unit injector or leaking seals. Another cause of fuel dilution is new emission systems using in-cylinder post-fuel injection, a process most 2007-2010 light-duty GM, Ford and Dodge diesel pickups use to regenerate the diesel particulate filter.

Because diesel fuel is a natural solvent, it causes a multitude of problems when it contaminates the oil, including reduced oil viscosity, reduced oil fi lm strength, increased engine wear (particularly in the cylinder/ring area), increased volatility, weakened lubricant detergency, accelerated lubricant oxidation, varnish formation, acid formation/corrosion and low oil pressure.

The most notable problem associated with increased fuel contamination is reduced viscosity and the corresponding effect it has on oil performance. When combined with shearing conditions, as little as 4 percent fuel dilution is generally enough to reduce an oil’s viscosity to less than the specified viscosity grade.

AMSOIL sent five competitive synthetic CJ-4 5W-40 diesel oils to an independent laboratory for shear stability testing. Knowing the tough environment that diesels present to lubricating oils, AMSOIL doubled the standard Kurt Orbahn 90-cycle test and had the oils tested for 180 cycles. Samples were then contaminated with 2 and 4 percent ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel. As the graph shows, even after being shear tested for twice the industry standard and contaminated with 4 percent fuel dilution, AMSOIL maintained viscosity and was the only oil to stay within an SAE 40 viscosity rating. As other oils lost viscosity due to shearing forces and fuel dilution, their ability to protect against wear was jeopardized.

Click on image to enlarge

AMSOIL Premium Diesel Oils are formulated with an ultra shear stable polymer system that maintains viscosity better than inferior products. Testing proves that AMSOIL provides unsurpassed shear stability, offering better viscosity control than competitive oils.

Recommendations:

Although AMSOIL Premium Diesel Oils have shown the ability to maintain integrity under fuel dilution conditions, the abnormally high rate and unknown long-term effects have forced AMSOIL to adjust its drain interval recommendations as a precautionary measure in 2007-2010 Dodge 6.7L, Ford 6.4L and GM 6.6L LMM light-duty turbo-diesel pickups. In these applications, AMSOIL recommends changing AMSOIL Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic Diesel Oils (DEO, DME) at the manufacturer-recommended drain interval. Drain intervals may be extended further with oil analysis.

Amsoil DEO - link / Amsoil DME - link

AMSOIL previously announced a fuel dilution issue in 2007-2009 on-highway Caterpillar C13 and C15 engines that forced the company to adjust its drain interval recommendation in those applications to the manufacturer-recommended drain interval.

In all other applications, AMSOIL full synthetic diesel oils are recommended for three times (3X) the OEM recommendation, not to exceed 50,000 miles/600 hours or one year, whichever comes first, while Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Gasoline Motor Oil (PCO) is recommended for the longest OEM recommended drain interval. Drain intervals may be extended further with oil analysis.

Amsoil PCO - link

Related article: Does Syn Oil Lead to Salvation? - link

Manufacture & Dealer Information

AMSOIL INC., headquartered in Superior, Wisconsin., is a recognized leader in synthetic lubricant and filtration products since 1972 producing the first 100% synthetic motor oil to be recognized by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Fuel Economy and Synthetics

By Tom Schaefer

"The largest effect motor oils have on fuel economy is through viscosity, followed by friction modification. Lower viscosity oils can save a few percent in fuel consumption when measured by industry standard engine tests, regardless of whether the base oil is synthetic or mineral. Friction modifiers will kick in a little more, but the combined effect is rarely more than 3% compared to 10W-30s or 40s.

Synthetics can play a role in fuel economy in three ways:

1. Synthetics are generally less volatile and have higher VIs than mineral oils, so you can make thinner oils without sacrificing oil consumption, catalyst damage, and HTHS viscosity. In other words, you can make better low viscosity motor oils from synthetic base oils than from mineral base oils.

2. Synthetics are generally more oxidatively stable than mineral oils, so the oil can retain its lower viscosity longer. This means the favorable effect from lower viscosity may last longer and therefore save more fuel over time.

3. Some synthetics utilize polar base oils that can lower friction and improve lubricity. This makes them behave like a friction modifier, although they may compete to some extent with friction modifier additives and therefore not add much.

As for measuring the fuel efficiency, only carefully controlled engines tests such as those used for GF-4 certification are sensitive and repeatable enough to see the small contribution oils provide. The average consumer has far too many variables to reliably measure or even see oil related fuel savings, such as city/highway mix, road conditions, tire pressure, driving style, engine condition, fuel brand and dispensing accuracy, sensor condition, temperature, wind, humidity, etc. I plotted my MPG for 13 years on the same car and same gas, and the results varied from 16 to 29 MPG, with 95% of the data being +-15% from the mean. Imagine trying to see a 2% improvement in a plot that swings that wildly. I have to giggle when I hear people report a 5 or 10% improvement after one tank of gas. Such testimonials are worthless.

Bottom line, you will never know exactly how much gas you are saving from your motor oil, nonetheless the contribution from synthetics, but you can be sure that lower viscosity oils will save some fuel and a good synthetic a little more." - Work Cited: Tom Schaefer

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Your Next Air Filter?

With many choices of automotive air filters on the market today it can sometimes become daunting for the consumer to select a filter that represents the best protection and flow characteristics for their dollar.

But why do we really need to be concerned about air filtration in the first place? The answer is quite simple. It's been said that many of the contaminates found in a vehicles motor oil gets there through the air filtration system. It's also been commonly held by lubricant experts that dirt is the number one cause of premature engine failure. With this in mind, it should be of high importance to research air filters and determine what the differences are and if anything can be gained by using one type of air filter over another.

In this thread, we will mainly focus on three popular types of air filters available today; paper - otherwise known as cellulose, wet gauze, and nanofiber.

Air Filter Construction

Paper: Cellulose media

Wet Gauze: Cotton media with wire screen reinforcement

Nanofiber: Glass media and wire screen reinforcement depending on application

The Paper Filter

The paper air filter is the most universally used air filter available on the market today and has been standard issue on cars and trucks since the early 1960s . A paper filter filters and flows relatively well, are cost effective, and are found at every auto parts store. The down side to paper is that they have to be replaced as much as every 3-months or 12,000-miles whichever comes first.

The Wet Gauze Filter

The wet gauze filter has been available for over 35-years and has become a popular choice among automotive and power sport enthusiasts. This style of air filter is marketed as a better flowing alternative to paper air filters and are commonly thought to increase a vehicles horsepower. Some manufactures back these filters with a million mile limited warranty and recommend filter cleaning every 30,000-to-50,000-miles. These filters are serviceable with a recommended cleaning and oil tackifier reapplication kit which are purchased additionally to the filter. Some find that a downside to these filters are the additional cost of a cleaning and re-oiling kit.

The Nanofiber Filter

While products containing microfibers have been available since the 1950s, the ultra-fine nanofiber technology didn't become available to the commercial market until 1981 by the Donaldson Company, Inc. Nano or Nano-technology refers to extremely small technology at the nano-meter scale. A nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter. Donalson Company, Inc,. produces both stock replacement paper type air filters and their patented Ultra-Web and Synteq air and oil filters which utilize the nanofiber technology the company perfected. These top grade nanofiber filtration products have benefited such industries as transportation, construction, agriculture, mining, military and gas turbine. Up until recently, nanofiber technology was not widely available to the automotive market until Amsoil, Inc. gained exclusive licensing rights in 2004 to utilize Donaldson's proprietary nanofiber technology marketing both motor oil and air filtration products under their Ea filter line.

Watch Your Next Air Filter In Action

Click on image to enlarge - Cited: Donaldson Company, Inc.

M1 Abrams tank with pulse-jet air cleaner and Donaldson Nanofiber filter system for filtration of the turbine combustion air.

Article: Donaldson Company Selected to Develop Filtration System for U.S. Army Abrams-Crusader Common Engine Program - link

Paper and Wet Gauze now have a tough new competitor to contend with after the introduction new Amsoil/Donaldson agreement. Availability of nanofiber air filters to the automotive market is now a reality.

AMSOIL Ea Air Filter media removes 5 times more dust than traditional cellulose filters and 50 times more dust than wet gauze. Cited: Amsoil, Inc.

Amsoil, Inc., produce air filters utilizing Donaldson Nanofiber media for a wide verity of domestic and foreign cars and light trucks.

AMSOIL Ea Stock Replacment Air Filters

AMSOIL Ea Universal Air Induction Filters

Amsoil Ea Induction Filter/K&N Cross Referance - Click on image to enlarge

AMSOIL Carbureted Racing Filters

Amsoil Racing Filter specifications and photos - pdf. link

AMSOIL/Injen Cold Air Intake Kits

Image: Injen/Acura Cold Air Intake (CAI)

"During the 2007 SEMA show an official announcement was made launching the Co/Branded Injen/AMSOIL Power-Flow Diesel air intake systems.

Injen Technology and AMSOIL Inc. officially signed an agreement to cooperatively brand an all new diesel air intake system. Both Injen Technology and AMSOIL are established leaders within the performance industry and are known for innovation, quality and high performance products. These two highly acclaimed and successful companies came together and Co/Branded an advanced line of performance air intake systems called Diesel Power-Flow.

Representatives from both Injen and AMSOIL announced during the SEMA show, that the Power-Flow system is the only air intake system that incorporates an all new patent pending Injen Variable Induction Technology and an AMSOIL dry media Ea Nano-Fiber absolute efficiency air filter

Some of the top features and benefits will include:

Vi Technology (variable induction) will provide additional airflow and power on demand based upon the draw of the engine. There are four internal and totally independent valves designed to open and allow more air for those crucial moments when that extra power is required; passing, towing, climbing hills or track and off road racing.

AMSOIL Ea Nano-Fiber absolute efficiency custom designed air filter will filter out the finer dirt and dust particles up to 99.53% efficiency. For Diesel engines the Ea –filter removes 5 times more dust then traditional (paper) filter media and 50 times more dust then a wet gauze air filter. Injen Dyno tests show equivalent gains in horse power and torque. Incorporating the dry media allows for a simple cleaning by using a standard shop Vac.

Stainless steel pre-filters which will deflect the larger dirt particles commonly associated with immediate loss of air flow and power.

For added styling, proper air flow and that macho look, an all cast aluminum tube is included

You can anticipate seeing significant Co/Branding efforts to launch this powerful partnership in a wide variety of media and marketing materials along with a significant amount of race events, trade and consumer shows. The Injen/AMSOIL Diesel Power-Flow air intake systems will be available through all AMSOIL Dealers, most major automotive aftermarket retailers and wholesale distributors.

Injen/AMSOIL; The beginning of a New Era!" - Cited: Injen Technology

To select the correct Amsoil Ea Air Filter product for your vehicle, contact Anthony Garner via e-mail: compsyn@live.com

Below, the comments of Certified Lubrication Specialist, George Morrison regarding air filtration.

Introduction: The late George Morrison, was a Certified Lubrication Specialist by the Society of Trobologists and Lubrication Engineers as well as the founder and CEO of AV Lubricants, one of the largest Exxon/Mobil distributors in the United States. During his 35 years in the lubricant industry, He worked with such industries as Aviation and Coal Mining assisting with their specific lubricant needs in which hundreds of Used Oil Analysis reports went through his hands a week. As a result, Mr. Morrison was an expert in lubricant and lubricant filtration.

Quotes by Mr. Morrison:

"From a lube engineer's perspective that looks at a hundred or so oil analysis results a day, I would highly recommend you or anyone running a K&N or other aftermarket air filter do an engine oil analysis to determine that the filter is indeed doing its job. I can easily spot a K&N equipped vehicle oil analysis results as in 90% of cases the filter keeps out bricks and birds very effectively but little else. The #1 cause of reduced engine life is dirt. The #1 engine oil alert I look at is dirt. One teaspoon of dirt will destroy a large V-16 CAT engine.. i.e. we need to make sure we have the best filter media, tightest induction system possible to ensure maximum engine life. If you look at a K&N filter you can see through the medium very easily. Supposedly the 'tackifier' grabs the incoming dirt particles. Visualize a dirt particle approaching the filter medium at 100+ MPH: there is NO oil, no tackifier that is going to reach out and capture that particle. Filter face impact velocity is just too great." Cited: George Morrison - link

"Regarding the "easy 10 hp increase", I would be wary of the claim. A recent VW TDI dyno day revealed that the highest horsepower developed at the rear wheels was for a TDI equipped a paper, OEM equipped VW vs. the foam/paper/K&N, snorkled VW's." Cited: George Morrison - link

"If you have single digit silicon and low wear metals with your oil analysis results, you are about as good as it gets! That is a general target for dirt: i.e. single digits. If you have this with spectro, you have excellent air filtration with no induction leaks. As for recommendations, I suggest name brand/OEM paper. If a person wants to try another, do an oil analysis with quality paper, then another oil analysis, with particle count, for the aftermarket. This will give a complete picture of exactly how the aftermarket is doing." Cited: George Morrison - link

Summary: As stated above, Used Oil Analysis is the real world test which proves OR disproves the as advertised filter efficiency claims.

Below, a picture of a K&N brand wet gauze type air filter. If you click on the image to enlarge, look closely and notice the small pin holes of light in the cotton gauze filter media:

Click on the image to enlarge

Below, a picture of an Amsoil Ea Air filter, a optional replacement of the K&N wet gauze filter as shown above. Note the solid construction of the nanofiber media.

Click on the image to enlarge

Additional Reading

Technical Paper: CUMMINS - DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH DUST CAPACITY, HIGH EFFICIENCY ENGINE AIR FILTER WITH NANOFIBERS

Technical Paper: Donaldson Company Selected to Develop Filtration System for U.S. Army Abrams-Crusader Common Engine Program - link

Blog Post: Air and Oil Filters With Nanofiber Technology - link

Manufacturer & Dealer Information

Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota., is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Our 10,000 employees contribute to the company's success at over 30 manufacturing locations around the world. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Really! How Good Are Amsoil Oil Filters?

As we have seen previously in this blog, the charts, graphs and marketing data supplied by Amsoil, Inc., the Amsoil Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter is compelling, but how does it really perform in a real world environment? And is there any data or tests independent of Amsoil that support their claims? Read on and be the judge!

Introduction: The late George Morrison, was a Certified Lubrication Specialist by the Society of Trobologists and Lubrication Engineers as well as the founder and CEO of AV Lubricants, one of the largest Exxon/Mobil distributors in the United States. During his 35 years in the lubricant industry, He worked with such industries as Aviation and Coal Mining assisting with their specific lubricant needs in which hundreds of Used Oil Analysis reports went through his hands a week. As a result, Mr. Morrison was an expert in lubricant and lubricant filtration.

While the accomplishments of his career are highly notable, his enthusiasm and devotion to the lubricants industry was further demonstrated through his regular posts at a popular motor oil forum, Bob Is The Oil Guy. There, Mr. Morrison supplied valuable motor oil and filter information most of which were based off of his personal experience and testing.

Provided below are Mr. Morrison’s findings regarding the filtering efficiency of the Amsoil Absoilute Effecentcy oil filter. Again, Mr. Morrison was in the business of selling Exxon/Mobil products, so he had no financial gain by reporting his findings of the Amsoil filter.

The Summary: Amsoil Nanofiber oil filters versus traditional paper oil filters:

1) Removes up to 93% more contaminates
2) Lower pressure drop across filter surface
3) Lasts 2 to 4 times longer
4) Filter media does not freeze in cold weather
5) Proven to increase equipment life

Seem to good to be true? Below, the in depth analysis of Mr. Morrison’s oil filter test.

1) The Test Vehicle: 2001 Toyota Sequoia 4.7L V8
2) The Motor Oil: Mobil 1 Racing 0W-30
3) Oil Filter Test (1): Toyota #90915-YZZB5
4) Oil Filter Test (2): Amsoil #EaO57

Laboratory tests were conducted on the used oil samples taken from Mr. Morrison's Sequoia via spectrographic as well as particle count through both laser and pore blockage methods.

Spectrographic Analysis

(Image provided by Polaris Laboratories)

Spectrographic Analysis ASTM D5185 Description:

Elemental Analysis by ICP (inductively-coupled plasma) detects up to 24 metals, measuring less than 5μ in size, that can be present in used oil due to wear, contamination or additives. Wear Metals include iron, chromium, nickel, aluminum, copper, lead, tin, cadmium, silver, titanium and vanadium. Contaminant Metals include silicon, sodium, and potassium. Multi-Source Metals include molybdenum, antimony, manganese, and lithium. Additive Metals include boron magnesium, calcium, barium, phosphorous and zinc. Elemental Analysis is instrumental in determining the type and severity of wear occurring within a unit. (Cited: Polaris Laboratories)

Pore Blockage Particle Counting

Pore Blockage (Image provided by Machinery Lubrication)

Pore Blockage Particle Counting (BS3406) Description:

The pore blockage method is a widely used method of obtaining an automatic particle count. In this method, a volume of fluid is passed through a mesh screen with a clearly defined pore size, commonly 10 microns. There are two instrument-types that use this method. One instrument measures the flow decay across the membrane as it becomes plugged while pressure is held constant, first with particles greater than 10 microns, and later by smaller particles as the larger particles plug the screen. The second measures the rise in differential pressure across the screen while the flow rate is held constant as it becomes plugged with particles. Both instruments are tied to a software algorithm, which turns the time-dependent flow decay or pressure rise into an ISO cleanliness rating according to ISO 4406:99.

While pore block particle counters do not suffer the same problems as optical particle counters with respect to false positive caused by air, water, dark fluid, etc., they do not have the same dynamic range as an optical particle counter, and because the particle size distribution is roughly estimated, are dependent on the accuracy of the algorithm to accurately report ISO fluid cleanliness codes according to ISO 4406:99. Nevertheless, they accurately report the aggregate concentration of particulates in the oil, and in certain situations, particularly dark fluids such as diesel engine oils and other heavily contaminated oils, pore block particle counting does offer advantages. (Cited: George Morrison)

Laser Light Particle Counting

(Image provided by Noria)

Laser Light Particle Counting Description:

Automated light blockage particle counting technology was first introduced in the 1960s. The basic function of a light blockage APC is simple; a beam of light is projected through the sample fluid, if a particle blocks the light, it results in a measurable energy drop that is roughly the proportional to the size of the particle.
A more modern type of particle counter is the light scattering APC. As with the light blockage method, particles produce a measurable interference in the transmission of light through the sample in the light scattering cell. However, instead of simple white light, this method employs a laser. The highly focused light emitted is interrupted by a particle, producing a scattering effect. The increase in energy across the sampling area is measured with this type of particle counter, just the opposite of the light blockage method. (Cited: Noria)

Oil Filter Test Sequence

1) 1/17/07: At 155,876 total vehicle miles (10,000-miles on oil/filter), got spectrographic and Pore Blockage base line of Toyota Oil filter and Mobil 1 oil. Then changed oil and oil filter. The ISO cleanliness for this base line reading was 20/19/17 , a level consistent with previous ISO readings for the oil and filter at the 10k Oil Change interval as noted by Mr. Morrison.

2) 2/5/07: At 157,550 total vehicle miles (1,574-miles on oil/filter), got second spectrographic and Pore Blockage result of Toyota Oil filter and Mobil 1 oil. Then changed the oil filter only from the Toyota to the Amsoil. The ISO cleanliness level for the second reading with OEM filter was 18/17/15.

3) 2/27/07: At 159,000 total vehicle miles (3,124-miles on oil/ 1,550-miles on filter), got third spectrographic and Pore Blockage result of Amsoil Oil filter and Mobil 1 oil. The ISO cleanliness level for the third reading with Amsoil filter was 14/13/11. Keep in mind the Amsoil filter was exposed to 3,124-miles of oil service while the the Toyota filter was exposed to 1,574-miles of oil service; a ratio of 2-to-1.

4) 2/28/07: The third spectrographic and Pore Blockage results were so good that the sample was retested with a Laser Particle Count to verify the initial test results. After test results were verified and both pore blockage and laser particle counts were found to be consistent with each other, the real world Amsoil EaO Oil Filter Test Results were posted on Bob Is The Oil Guy as follows:

OEM oil filter PC vs. Amsoil EaO57 Oil filter PC
>4 Microns = 1,817 particles, 128 particles
>6 microns = 990 particles, 70 particles
>14 microns = 168 particles, 12 particles
>25 microns = 34 particles, 2 particles
>50 microns = 3 particles, 0 particles
>100 microns = 0 particles, 0 particles

George Morrison; a few of his comments regarding Amsoil EaO Oil Filter:

"The ISO cleanliness is reduced from 18/17/15 to 14/13/11 with the Amsoil EaO oil filter." Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy(2/28/07)

"This level of cleanliness *will* provide meaningful, long term wear reduction and attendant increase in component life" Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy(2/28/07)

"My used engine oil is cleaner than the oil which came out of the quart bottle" Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy(2/28/07)

"The EaO is simply the highest quality automotive filter on the market today, from my testing and experience" Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy(3/1/07)

"I had seen Amsoils graphs, etc. but there is nothing quite like real world testing, especially when it comes to filtration. A lab test of constant flow, perfect conditions is far removed from our vibrating, pulsing, real world engines.. Again, to achieve robotic level ISO cleanliness in an engine with 160,000 miles on it... Wow......" Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy (3/4/07)

"The last AC Gold I cut open had a cellulose/glass blend, same as the Mobil 1 medium...... That is the only medium I have seen produced for mass sale: no full synthetics, as in the Amsoil EaO, to the best of my knowledge and cut filters too numerous to mention! :-) And yes, had run particle counts on AC Gold and they were not in the same world as the EaO oil filter....."Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy (3/6/07)

"Yes, I did test the EaO oil filter under varying pressure conditions: on my Toyota Sequoia used oil analysis/particle count which I published the results on this thread some months ago. The EaO turned in "real world" filtration performance (not laboratory constant flow) to a level of cleanliness cleaner than the Mobil 1 coming out of the bottle!!

And I would also agree that the Amsoil EaO, Mobil 1 and Pure One are superb filters with the EaO superior in every performance aspect simply due to its 100% microglass medium construction vs. the glass/cellulose blend used in the Mobil 1 and Pure 1 filters." Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy (2/28/08)

"The major component was the extraordinary filtering capabilities of the Amsoil EaO filter vs. "the rest".. For those of us who indeed understand the long term life extension of incredibly clean engine oil, the use of the EaO is of great value.. When I can use an oil filter which provides cleaner used engine oil than the oil coming out of the bottle AND understand the premise that the #1 cause of mechanical wear are dirt/particulates carried in the oil, it is your essential "no brainer".. That coupled with significant engine oil drain interval extension is a win/win..

And then, to each his own.. The information was presented was for someone to make the informed decision of whether to go orange or utilize the highest level of filtration.."Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy(4/28/08)

"(NOT an Amsoil dealer ever, nor now: no affiliation)"Cited: Bob Is The Oil Guy(3/4/07)

In Memory: George Edward Morrison 1944 - 2008
He is missed

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