Finally, an unequivocal answer from Castrol

[doyall]

As has been noted here before, Castrol’s Product Data Sheets contain sparse information concerning the physical and chemical properties of its oils. So I decided to ask them what most other blenders freely disclose. Thought I would get back the standard non-answer but low and behold they sent me the information. It did take several requests and three or four weeks but ….

In case anyone is interested:

code:

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GTX 5W-20 (SM/GF-4)

Flash Point: 400 F

Pour Point: -30 F

Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) @ 40°C: 50.5

ViscosityIndex: 156

HT/HS Viscosity, cP: 2.7

Noack volatility, % 14.5% max

TBN: 8



GTX 10W-30 (SM/GF-4)

Flash Point 400 F

Pour Point: -30 F

Kinematic Viscosity (cSt) @ 40°C: 66.3

Viscosity Index: 136

HT/HS Viscosity, cP: 2.9

Noack volatility, %: 11.2% max

TBN: 8

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[TallPaul]

A 10w30 with an HTHS of only 2.9?

I sure hope the Castrol GTX Start Up I just bought is better than that.

 

[Mr Nice]

A 10w30 with an HTHS of only 2.9?


Do you know the HTHS of other dino oils ?

 

[Curious Kid]

Thanks for your efforts doyall.

I wonder if I might be seeing why they don't just put this information out there. I must review other dinos though to get a better sense of this.

 

[Zaedock]

According to some older data I have, Havoline, Chevron Supreme, QS, and a few others are at 2.9cP for HT/HS viscosity. 2.9cP is the minimum.

If you get on the Amsoil website, the HT/HS test they did with other brands netted Castrol GTX at 3.35cP (the test is older though, maybe SJ or SL formula?).

 

[TallPaul]

quote:

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Do you know the HTHS of other dino oils ?

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A couple from the Oil Tech Data sticky thread above:

Pennzoil coventional 10w30 = 3.2
Pennzoil HM 10w30 = 3.4

Valvoline told me that both Durablend and AllClimate 10w30 were 3.0, whereas Maxlife 10w30 is 3.3

Redline 5w20 has an HTHS of 3.3! That's why I have it in the '92 3.0 Aerostar right now.

 

[Mr Nice]

Castrol GTX is a decent oil, but many feel it is overpriced. I did manage to get some at Target for 48 cents last week.

 

[G-MAN]

I think some of the numbers they sent you are bogus. A 5w20 and 10w30 with identical pour points? Nah...

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

G-Man, I agree. The FP's are listed as the same. At least the other data is more meaningful.

 

[doyall]

That's just what they told me.

As pleased as I was that I even got an answer, an accurate answer would have been preferred.

Could the high viscosity index somehow affect the pour point? If the 5W-20 is loaded with viscosity index improvers would it make a difference?

 

[Jay]

2.9cP is the SAE minumum HTHS for a 30-weight. I suspect this is the value Castrol offered you.

 

[boxcartommie22]

cheap!!!

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

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Could the high viscosity index somehow affect the pour point? If the 5W-20 is loaded with viscosity index improvers would it make a difference?

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All things being equal, a 5w20 oil should have less VI improver than even a 10w30. And it should always have a lower pour point.

 

[Idoxash]

Not knowing to much about OIL stats something tells me thoe that they just told you the "normal/avg/base" stats of wut a 5w-20 and or 10w-30 is ... not the real stats of their oil!

I'd say Castrol sed wut it took to make you leave them along, lol.

... OL well that sucksness

--Idoxash--

 

[steveh]

I was looking at the oil technical data chart and the Pennzoil and the Mobil had better pour points with 10w30 then 5w20.

 

[Ray H]

So, are you suggesting pour point directly relates to cold crank numbers?

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

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I was looking at the oil technical data chart and the Pennzoil and the Mobil had better pour points with 10w30 then 5w20.

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That makes no sense to me. Especially when you look at the cold cranking numbers.

 

[TallPaul]

I was shocked!

Castrol called me back today and told me the HT/HS on Castrol GTX and GTX Start UP 10w40 is ........... 2.9!

I know the category minimum is 2.9 for 10w30 and 10w40, so maybe that is all they care about.