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I was reading the archives and it seems that a lot of people here are using Amsoil, since it's the only "synthetic" 5w-20.

However, their "XL-7500" series isn't a real synthetic.

http://www.amsoil.com/articlespr/article_xl7500.htm

to quote:

"Q: Are Group III basestocks synthetic?

A: Yes, they are synthetic. Group III base oils are highly processed oils and were classified as synthetic in 1999.That year, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus ruled in a complaint by Mobil Oil Corp. against Castrol North America Inc. Castrol claimed its product, Syntec, was a synthetic oil even though it had used Group III base oils since 1997. The ruling by NAD said Castrol presented evidence that constitutes a reasonable basis for the claim that Syntec, a Group III based formulation, is synthetic motor oil."


This is why they recommend 7500 mile oil changes with here, rather than the 25,000 mile changes with their other synthetics. (Anything over 5K is rediculous if you ask me, even with synthetic).


From the 10W-30 synthetic: http://www.amsoil.com/products/asl.html


"SERVICE LIFE

In personal cars and light-duty trucks with non-turbocharged gasoline engines: drain oil at 25,000 miles or one-year intervals, whichever comes first."


From the XL-7500: http://www.amsoil.com/products/xl7500.html

"SERVICE LIFE

In gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles in normal or severe service, change AMSOIL XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oils at 7,500-mile or six-month intervals, whichever comes first."


What a bunch of crap. Looks like it's just a blend of synthetic. On the 10W-30 they say "100% synthetic" also, which isn't on the 5W-20.






Granted, Amsoil is probably much better than whatever else is out there, but for $5.20/quart plus shipping? There's a 5W-20 blend on the market, in a red bottle (forgot the brand, but it was cheap - found it at wal-mart) - and it's only ~$1.80/quart. Remember though, that a blend could mean 50% synthetic, or 2 drops synthetic.

Let's just hope Mobil 1's working on a 5W-20 for our cars. I always use Castrol GTX, but would rather use a full synthetic.




Cheers,
Joey

 
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You do realize you don't *have to* use 5W-20. You can use 30 weight oil with no trouble what so ever. I did read somewhere that Mobil was working on a synthetic 20 weight, but I think it was 0W-20.

 
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Correct, but from a mechanical engineer standpoint (senior at georgia tech, btw), an engine made to run with 5w-20 should be run with 5w-20. There are such tight clearances on these new engines, and I believe this is why 5w-20 is recommended.

However, Mobil 1 5W-30 is on the thin side for a 30 weight oil. I'm going to try that next oil change.

 
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wow we must be runnig out of things to talk about [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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oil whats that?

 
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Until someone PROVES the supposedly vast superiority of syn oil, I'll stick with convential stuff.

 
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that made me laugh [IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG]

 
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Try reading this. You might have another view on 5w20.[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/IMG]

 
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Gee, a manufacturer's website telling you that you need to use their oil and anything else is bad. [IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG]

Our engines are not exactly the same as the prior gens to my knowledge either...

Oh, and you know how honda is struggling to meet CAFE standards with all their gas guzzlers...sheesh

 
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I wasn't talking about the manufacturer suggesting their oil. I was referring to the reasoning behind why 5w20 oil is recommended. They manufacture 5w20, but don't recommend it.

Also, it seems that most dealerships use 5w30. Why would they do this if 5w20 should be used? Because they know 5w30 protects the engine better.

 
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Most likely the reason is that they don't want to carry 5w-20 because our car is the only one that uses it. Cheaper for them to use what is already there than to add a new weight to the inventory and order sheet. You really think the dealer cares that much about your oil? They know your honda motor is going last forever regardless....Lastly, it's not really smart for a dealer to go aganst its own manufacturer's recommendations. I think it's all mental imo. anyhow, just my thoughts on the matter.

 
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Yeah, I can agree with your reasoning for why the dealerships use 5w30. I just think it also makes more sense to use an oil that would provide more long-term protection.

Just out of curiosity, what oil do you use?

 
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I just tell em to put the oil in that came with the car. Honda's brand that comes in quarts. It says 5w-20 on my receipt and the writer says mobil is the manufacturer. However, who knows what really goes in the engine as I am in the waiting room and wouldn't know the difference...lol

 
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<font color=white style="background-color: 3E3E3E;">OMG! You mean amsoil sellls several different blends of oil, and one of them is group III? OMG! They MUST be lying to us then!!!!!!!!</font ft>

Sereously though, just because amsoil sells the 7500 which is a group III, doesn't mean their series 2000 or whatever isin't a group IV.