I keep running across Amsoil related threads, and every so often the old "4-ball test results" Amsoil uses in their advertising resurfaces. I've been curious as to the validity of that test method, in regards to *engine* oils, and did an Internet search - found out others, including Mobil co. had related comments and opinions:
Quote:
Question:
Oil Film Strength of Mobil 1 Compared with Royal Purple
Does Mobil 1 have less oil film strength than Royal Purple? I have seen many times the friction test of oils using the machine that test the oil film, test result shows that Royal Purple has more friction protection that Mobil 1 does, seeing these results makes me think that Mobil 1 is lacking some benefits, therefore Royal Purple has the better protection of all.
-- Guillermo Tristani, Miami, OR
Answer:
There are certain oils in the market today that use EP (extreme pressure) additives in their engine oil that are really designed for gear oils and not engine oils. Extreme pressure additives are typically not used in engine oils for a number of reasons but the most important is because they can cause engine corrosion over time. The rigs being used in these demonstrations are primarily designed for industrial applications like gear oils where extreme pressure is an important performance feature you need. These demonstration rigs have very little to do with modern engines and that is the reason that market leading oils in the industry perform poorly in these tests
I guess a more direct approach/question where the "4-ball" test is concerned - especially since Mobil stated that particular test was primarily for gear lubes and similar where characteristics differ significantly from that of purely ENGINE lubes - is, do ANY major oil refiners use that particular test to evaluate and advertise their engine oils? (*I* sure haven't seen any!) OR, is it as Mobil claims, primarily for test and evaluation of gear lubes and similar where different operating characteristics and lube requirements exist?
If it IS primarily for gear lubes - and use pretty much restricted to those type tests by most lube producers, WHY does Amsoil - and apparently Royal Purple use that test on their *engine oils* - and then rely upon the results as a major advertising tool?
Should buyers be looking for, and satisfied with an engine lube largely because it provides substantial gear lube characteristics? Not a trick question, there ARE gear trains in many engine types - as well as various direct sliding metal-to-metal contacts - such as in the camshaft/valvetrain - just not sure I'd necessarily be satisfied with an engine lube that placed greater emphasis upon the gear-type characteristics, than what the rest of the engine required - as the Amsoil focus upon gear train test methods and advertising might imply...
Are there no BETTER and more pertinent oil industry tests available SPECIFICALLY designed and accepted specifically for engine lubes? IF so, where can THOSE test results by major dino and synthetic producers be seen?
How about it - is the "4-ball test" really a valid test of *engine* lube quality and performance - or just a smoke-and-mirrors advertising gimmick used by Amsoil that is rather meaningless outside gear lube testing?
Quote:
Question:
Oil Film Strength of Mobil 1 Compared with Royal Purple
Does Mobil 1 have less oil film strength than Royal Purple? I have seen many times the friction test of oils using the machine that test the oil film, test result shows that Royal Purple has more friction protection that Mobil 1 does, seeing these results makes me think that Mobil 1 is lacking some benefits, therefore Royal Purple has the better protection of all.
-- Guillermo Tristani, Miami, OR
Answer:
There are certain oils in the market today that use EP (extreme pressure) additives in their engine oil that are really designed for gear oils and not engine oils. Extreme pressure additives are typically not used in engine oils for a number of reasons but the most important is because they can cause engine corrosion over time. The rigs being used in these demonstrations are primarily designed for industrial applications like gear oils where extreme pressure is an important performance feature you need. These demonstration rigs have very little to do with modern engines and that is the reason that market leading oils in the industry perform poorly in these tests
I guess a more direct approach/question where the "4-ball" test is concerned - especially since Mobil stated that particular test was primarily for gear lubes and similar where characteristics differ significantly from that of purely ENGINE lubes - is, do ANY major oil refiners use that particular test to evaluate and advertise their engine oils? (*I* sure haven't seen any!) OR, is it as Mobil claims, primarily for test and evaluation of gear lubes and similar where different operating characteristics and lube requirements exist?
If it IS primarily for gear lubes - and use pretty much restricted to those type tests by most lube producers, WHY does Amsoil - and apparently Royal Purple use that test on their *engine oils* - and then rely upon the results as a major advertising tool?
Should buyers be looking for, and satisfied with an engine lube largely because it provides substantial gear lube characteristics? Not a trick question, there ARE gear trains in many engine types - as well as various direct sliding metal-to-metal contacts - such as in the camshaft/valvetrain - just not sure I'd necessarily be satisfied with an engine lube that placed greater emphasis upon the gear-type characteristics, than what the rest of the engine required - as the Amsoil focus upon gear train test methods and advertising might imply...
Are there no BETTER and more pertinent oil industry tests available SPECIFICALLY designed and accepted specifically for engine lubes? IF so, where can THOSE test results by major dino and synthetic producers be seen?
How about it - is the "4-ball test" really a valid test of *engine* lube quality and performance - or just a smoke-and-mirrors advertising gimmick used by Amsoil that is rather meaningless outside gear lube testing?