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Originally Posted by csimo
First off both part numbers are correct. The one I posted is Honda's part number, and the other this the accessory number. Both work.
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Thanks, Joe, for the clarification.
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Originally Posted by csimo
As for Amsoil oil. I don't keep up with Amsoil much anymore, but the last I checked they had only one product line that was API Certified, and that was the XL-7500 line. That product is a synthetic blend and not the one they claim is for extended drain intervals. All of the fully synthetic Amsoil products are not API Certified
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I checked their website again and their XLF 5w-20, 5w-30 syn. shows the following certifications: API SM/CF, SL, SJ ..., ILSAC GF-4, 3 ..., ACEA A1/B1, JASO VTW, GM 6094M, Ford WSS-M2C930-A, Daimler Chrysler MS-6395N.
Their ASL 5w-30 is the only one, however, that they specifically claim as 100% synthetic and cost around a buck more a quart. It has basically the same certifications as the 1st two with the addition of Volkswagon. So it appears the 1st two are blends as you mentioned even though they don't make this distinction.
I understand there are the so called full synthetics such as the above mentioned Amsoil, Mobil1, etc., and then there are truly full synthetics which from my understanding are not generally available to Joe Public and are rather pricey. The synthetics we generally think of and talk about have some syn. polymer structure in the base oil, but also incorporates natural, mineral (petroleum) oil additives in their structure. While the truly synthetics are just that, completely and totally man-made in the lab -- no natural components at all. While the blends are just a blend of the partial "full" synthetic (i.e., Mobil1 type syns) blended with a petroleum stock. Well, I'm no oil expert whatsoever, and definitely no chemist, but I think I'm close to understanding some basics as far as what distinguishes one from the other -- at least I hope so. From what I gather, Mobil1, AMSOIL, Redline, etc. can claim full synthetic due to some technicality in the definition, but for the life of me, I can't recall the exact reason without doing some research. These company's marketing and sales departments work overtime in exploiting this loophole.
The long and short of all of this is that I'll just stick with what I've been using and has worked well for me.
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Originally Posted by csimo
For example a four ball test from an anonymous independent lab is a joke. The four ball test has little or nothing to do with an internal combustion engine (if I was testing gear lube I might give it some weight)
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Yes, I think I remember and understand a little about this trying to equate the 4 ball test to engines when it really demonstrates the base stock oils ability to maintain its viscous nature (polymer structure) under the shearing stress and pressures found beween the gears of a gearbox (i.e., manual trans.). Am I half way on the right track?
As far as oil analysis goes, I can see it with diesel generators, flleet vehicles, or any situation where time and money is a consideration. Long drain intervals and heavy duty applications are well suited for oil analyses, but the traditional family auto if taken care of properly and maintained to at least manufacturer standards just doesn't really require this sort of thing, unless one is just curious I guess. With the many vehicles and machines ( motorcycles, autos, lawnmowers, etc.) I've owned, maintained, and been involved with (an '87 Mazda 626 with 293,000 miles on it for example, original engine, no oil consumption to speak of at least not the burning kind) my experience just shows me that diligence in maintenance, not abusing the machine, and good record keeping to spot trends, etc. is all that is really required to keep most any machine happy and trotting along for years and/or 100's of thousands of miles. There's definitely no problem with having your oil analyzed, I just don't see that it is of any paramount necessity to the everyday guy/gal and his or her favorite ride. Just my thoughts -- no biggy!
Thanks again!
Ciao (not "chow" as is in food -- I was hungry I guess when I signed off last time)
Mal