Oil Analysis question...5w-40

[mbacfp]

Here is a link to one study I found:

https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/motor-oil-wear-test-ranking/

One of his conclusions is:

“It was also quite clear by looking at these results, that high zinc levels, high detergent levels, and heavy viscosities did NOT play any particular roll in how well a motor oil does or does not provide wear protection. The only thing that matters is the base oil and its additive package “as a whole”, with the primary emphasis being on the additive package, since the additive package is what contains the extreme pressure anti-wear components.

Curious what DNewton and Garak think about his study?

Interesting stuff for sure.

 

[Garak]

Well, there were emissions equipment reasons for phosphorus being lowered. That depends on the specification required by the vehicle of course.

As for that study, it's been discussed ad nauseum here. There is a thread in the PCMO section, here. The testing has its point, but its usefulness is greatly exaggerated. There are standardized tests listed by the API, ACEA, and manufacturers for a reason. As for viscosity, it is crucial in preventing wear; that doesn't mean you need an SAE 50 of course. You just need adequate viscosity, whatever that might be for the application. Check a Stribeck curve to see why. For that time when parts are separated by an oil film, there isn't a lot of need for anti-wear or extreme pressure additives. But yes, the complete oil package is what's important. Worrying about one additive is common, and I do it, too, but it really doesn't help.

 

[mbacfp]

Thanks Garak.