I was taking advantage of a recent rebate and I bought Valvoline Maxlife because it had the biggest rebate on it. I mistakenly thought the name "Maxlife" meant that it was the most durable oil in the product line. Unnfortunately when I got it home, I read that instead, it was designed for engines with over 75,000 miles on them. My car has only 15,000 miles on it. Is this an appropriate oil for a 2012 Ford Fiesta with 15,000 miles on it? Or should I try to exchange it for something else?
OK to use Valvoline Maxlife in a newer car?
- Thread starter k1rod
- Start date
- Status
I used it once in my s2000 when it had 12k miles some years ago without problems.
Originally Posted By: bpracer
Use it WITH CONFIDENCE and sleep well. No problems.
Did you buy the 5w-20?
Use it WITH CONFIDENCE and sleep well. No problems.
Did you buy the 5w-20?
JHZR2
Staff member
Does it meet the specifications that Ford calls for? That would be my main concern. I wouldnt personally care for the seal swellers on a new car, but I dont think it would do much - seal swell is adjusted from any syn oil you use for example.
The adds cant be bad, but if the zddp is too high then you may have a spec issue.
The adds cant be bad, but if the zddp is too high then you may have a spec issue.
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Does it meet the specifications that Ford calls for? That would be my main concern. I wouldnt personally care for the seal swellers on a new car, but I dont think it would do much - seal swell is adjusted from any syn oil you use for example.
The adds cant be bad, but if the zddp is too high then you may have a spec issue.
It's API SN so I imagine the ZDDP must conform. Although in all honesty, I really am not worried about that. I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
Does it meet the specifications that Ford calls for? That would be my main concern. I wouldnt personally care for the seal swellers on a new car, but I dont think it would do much - seal swell is adjusted from any syn oil you use for example.
The adds cant be bad, but if the zddp is too high then you may have a spec issue.
It's API SN so I imagine the ZDDP must conform. Although in all honesty, I really am not worried about that. I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
Originally Posted By: k1rod
I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
I'd be careful about what you say. In some cars, a catalytic converter will cost you more than an engine.
I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
I'd be careful about what you say. In some cars, a catalytic converter will cost you more than an engine.
Originally Posted By: Danh
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
This is an interesting subject all on it's own. I have never been one to worry a whole lot about whether an oil meets a particular automobile manufactures spec or not (VW 505 is the one major exception). DEXOS is a primary example of this and also the main reason I switched fron being a GM guy to a Ford Guy. Personally, I don't think any auto dealer has much of any ability to determine what particular motor oil you have in your crankcase at any given moment. Sure they can send it out for analysis but I don't think their analysis will tell them much more that the analysis I send my oil out for.
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
This is an interesting subject all on it's own. I have never been one to worry a whole lot about whether an oil meets a particular automobile manufactures spec or not (VW 505 is the one major exception). DEXOS is a primary example of this and also the main reason I switched fron being a GM guy to a Ford Guy. Personally, I don't think any auto dealer has much of any ability to determine what particular motor oil you have in your crankcase at any given moment. Sure they can send it out for analysis but I don't think their analysis will tell them much more that the analysis I send my oil out for.
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Originally Posted By: k1rod
I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
I'd be careful about what you say. In some cars, a catalytic converter will cost you more than an engine.
They will if you buy them from the dealer. (ie $800 a piece) but not if you buy them from Meineke for $149 each.
Originally Posted By: k1rod
I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
I'd be careful about what you say. In some cars, a catalytic converter will cost you more than an engine.
They will if you buy them from the dealer. (ie $800 a piece) but not if you buy them from Meineke for $149 each.
Originally Posted By: k1rod
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Originally Posted By: k1rod
I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
I'd be careful about what you say. In some cars, a catalytic converter will cost you more than an engine.
They will if you buy them from the dealer. (ie $800 a piece) but not if you buy them from Meineke for $149 each.
If you live in CA, things are a bit different.
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Originally Posted By: k1rod
I would be happy to replace a few catyletic converters if it meant longer engine life.
I'd be careful about what you say. In some cars, a catalytic converter will cost you more than an engine.
They will if you buy them from the dealer. (ie $800 a piece) but not if you buy them from Meineke for $149 each.
If you live in CA, things are a bit different.
From the Valvoline website: http://www.valvoline.com/faqs/motor-oil/high-mileage-motor-oil/63
Do I have to wait until my car reaches 75,000 miles before I can use MaxLife?
Valvoline MaxLife motor oil is designed for high mileage vehicles of 75,000 miles or more. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use the high mileage motor oil in new or used vehicles with less than 75,000 miles.
Do I have to wait until my car reaches 75,000 miles before I can use MaxLife?
Valvoline MaxLife motor oil is designed for high mileage vehicles of 75,000 miles or more. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use the high mileage motor oil in new or used vehicles with less than 75,000 miles.
Originally Posted By: k1rod
Originally Posted By: Danh
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
This is an interesting subject all on it's own. I have never been one to worry a whole lot about whether an oil meets a particular automobile manufactures spec or not (VW 505 is the one major exception). DEXOS is a primary example of this and also the main reason I switched fron being a GM guy to a Ford Guy. Personally, I don't think any auto dealer has much of any ability to determine what particular motor oil you have in your crankcase at any given moment. Sure they can send it out for analysis but I don't think their analysis will tell them much more that the analysis I send my oil out for.
Honestly I wouldn't worry about it too much. As long as you are using an SN/GF5 oil there shouldn't be any problem even if you did need warranty work. Even GM doesn't actually require a dexos1 oil to be used, they aay right in the owners manual that any API certified oil can be used.
Originally Posted By: Danh
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
This is an interesting subject all on it's own. I have never been one to worry a whole lot about whether an oil meets a particular automobile manufactures spec or not (VW 505 is the one major exception). DEXOS is a primary example of this and also the main reason I switched fron being a GM guy to a Ford Guy. Personally, I don't think any auto dealer has much of any ability to determine what particular motor oil you have in your crankcase at any given moment. Sure they can send it out for analysis but I don't think their analysis will tell them much more that the analysis I send my oil out for.
Honestly I wouldn't worry about it too much. As long as you are using an SN/GF5 oil there shouldn't be any problem even if you did need warranty work. Even GM doesn't actually require a dexos1 oil to be used, they aay right in the owners manual that any API certified oil can be used.
Originally Posted By: k1rod
Originally Posted By: Danh
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
This is an interesting subject all on it's own. I have never been one to worry a whole lot about whether an oil meets a particular automobile manufactures spec or not (VW 505 is the one major exception). DEXOS is a primary example of this and also the main reason I switched fron being a GM guy to a Ford Guy. Personally, I don't think any auto dealer has much of any ability to determine what particular motor oil you have in your crankcase at any given moment. Sure they can send it out for analysis but I don't think their analysis will tell them much more that the analysis I send my oil out for.
If the dealer asks you to provide proof of oil changes you will present cash register receipts. Which will say that you bought MaxLife 5w/xx along with a product number. If they decide to be aggressive, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out this oil didn't meet Ford specs. Of course this whole scenario is unlikely, but why take a chance? And it isn't just the oil currently in the crankcase, it's any oil that ever been in the crankcase.
Originally Posted By: Danh
I think it depends on which MaxLife you bought. The brand new versions meet Ford spec WSS----945a (see your owners manual) and say so on the bottle, but most of what you find on the store shelf now does not. The older version shouldn't harm your car, but as it doesn't meet Ford's specs it could create a warranty issue if the dealer decided to be difficult.
Unopened oil is easy to exchange, if you have the "old" MaxLife I'd suggest doing just that.
This is an interesting subject all on it's own. I have never been one to worry a whole lot about whether an oil meets a particular automobile manufactures spec or not (VW 505 is the one major exception). DEXOS is a primary example of this and also the main reason I switched fron being a GM guy to a Ford Guy. Personally, I don't think any auto dealer has much of any ability to determine what particular motor oil you have in your crankcase at any given moment. Sure they can send it out for analysis but I don't think their analysis will tell them much more that the analysis I send my oil out for.
If the dealer asks you to provide proof of oil changes you will present cash register receipts. Which will say that you bought MaxLife 5w/xx along with a product number. If they decide to be aggressive, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out this oil didn't meet Ford specs. Of course this whole scenario is unlikely, but why take a chance? And it isn't just the oil currently in the crankcase, it's any oil that ever been in the crankcase.
Last edited:
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
If Maxlife could negatively affect new seals, how would it be API certified and/or be approved for the various OEM specifications?
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
If Maxlife could negatively affect new seals, how would it be API certified and/or be approved for the various OEM specifications?
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
If Maxlife could negatively affect new seals, how would it be API certified and/or be approved for the various OEM specifications?
Good post here.
Originally Posted By: Gokhan
Actually, I just looked at the SN/GF-5 specs and it looks like SN without GF-5 and SN with GF-5 both have the elastomer-compatibility requirements, which restrict swelling to a certain amount, such as 40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber. Therefore, it looks like you don't have to worry about too much swelling with high-mileage oils, as long as they have the SN certification. Note that this wasn't the case with SM and earlier certifications (no elastomer-compatibility requirements for them) and you are only safe with an SN oil.
Here is the full table:
Code:
API SN Elastomer compatibility ASTM D7216, Annex A2
Polyacrylate Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,9
ACM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -40,40
Hydrogenated Nitrile ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,10
HNBR-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,5
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -20,15
Silicone Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,40
VMQ-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -30,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -50,5
Fluorocarbon Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -2,3
FKM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -6,6
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -65,10
Ethylene Acrylic Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,30
AEM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -20,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -30,30
Note that some ACEA as well as API CJ-4 certifications also have elastomer-compatibility requirements of their own.
Your question raises more questions that can't be answered easily. If a HM oil meets SN it must be no greater than "40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber." Do all oils perform close to the top end of this spec? Is the engine in question very tight to begin with? What type of seals are used on this engine, what is the composition? Do API certs consider engine design for every manufacturer? Who made the approval claims you mention, the manufacturer of the car or the manufacturer of the oil? And for what purpose, new or high miles?
Or... Maybe this means HM oils meeting the SN spec are useless for leaks, no better than a thick conventional SN. If thats the case fine use it, but there are plenty of other cheaper SN oils to use in the future that will perform the same. We just don't know. I think Maxlife is a great HM oil. Use it for its intended purpose is my advice.
I go off and on M1 HM on a leaker. Nobody can tell me its not swelling the seals. M1 admits so in the FAQ even though the official word is conditioners. Use the word sweller. And the 10w40 M1 HM meets SN. The product's intended use is high mileage engines and/or already damaged seals so who knows what using products for other than the intended purpose will result in. Take it back and not use it is what I would do.
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
If Maxlife could negatively affect new seals, how would it be API certified and/or be approved for the various OEM specifications?
Good post here.
Originally Posted By: Gokhan
Actually, I just looked at the SN/GF-5 specs and it looks like SN without GF-5 and SN with GF-5 both have the elastomer-compatibility requirements, which restrict swelling to a certain amount, such as 40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber. Therefore, it looks like you don't have to worry about too much swelling with high-mileage oils, as long as they have the SN certification. Note that this wasn't the case with SM and earlier certifications (no elastomer-compatibility requirements for them) and you are only safe with an SN oil.
Here is the full table:
Code:
API SN Elastomer compatibility ASTM D7216, Annex A2
Polyacrylate Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,9
ACM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -40,40
Hydrogenated Nitrile ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,10
HNBR-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,5
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -20,15
Silicone Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,40
VMQ-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -30,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -50,5
Fluorocarbon Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -2,3
FKM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -6,6
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -65,10
Ethylene Acrylic Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,30
AEM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -20,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -30,30
Note that some ACEA as well as API CJ-4 certifications also have elastomer-compatibility requirements of their own.
Your question raises more questions that can't be answered easily. If a HM oil meets SN it must be no greater than "40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber." Do all oils perform close to the top end of this spec? Is the engine in question very tight to begin with? What type of seals are used on this engine, what is the composition? Do API certs consider engine design for every manufacturer? Who made the approval claims you mention, the manufacturer of the car or the manufacturer of the oil? And for what purpose, new or high miles?
Or... Maybe this means HM oils meeting the SN spec are useless for leaks, no better than a thick conventional SN. If thats the case fine use it, but there are plenty of other cheaper SN oils to use in the future that will perform the same. We just don't know. I think Maxlife is a great HM oil. Use it for its intended purpose is my advice.
I go off and on M1 HM on a leaker. Nobody can tell me its not swelling the seals. M1 admits so in the FAQ even though the official word is conditioners. Use the word sweller. And the 10w40 M1 HM meets SN. The product's intended use is high mileage engines and/or already damaged seals so who knows what using products for other than the intended purpose will result in. Take it back and not use it is what I would do.
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
If Maxlife could negatively affect new seals, how would it be API certified and/or be approved for the various OEM specifications?
Good post here.
Originally Posted By: Gokhan
Actually, I just looked at the SN/GF-5 specs and it looks like SN without GF-5 and SN with GF-5 both have the elastomer-compatibility requirements, which restrict swelling to a certain amount, such as 40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber. Therefore, it looks like you don't have to worry about too much swelling with high-mileage oils, as long as they have the SN certification. Note that this wasn't the case with SM and earlier certifications (no elastomer-compatibility requirements for them) and you are only safe with an SN oil.
Here is the full table:
Code:
API SN Elastomer compatibility ASTM D7216, Annex A2
Polyacrylate Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,9
ACM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -40,40
Hydrogenated Nitrile ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,10
HNBR-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,5
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -20,15
Silicone Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,40
VMQ-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -30,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -50,5
Fluorocarbon Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -2,3
FKM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -6,6
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -65,10
Ethylene Acrylic Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,30
AEM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -20,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -30,30
Note that some ACEA as well as API CJ-4 certifications also have elastomer-compatibility requirements of their own.
Your question raises more questions that can't be answered easily. If a HM oil meets SN it must be no greater than "40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber." Do all oils perform close to the top end of this spec? Is the engine in question very tight to begin with? What type of seals are used on this engine, what is the composition? Do API certs consider engine design for every manufacturer? Who made the approval claims you mention, the manufacturer of the car or the manufacturer of the oil? And for what purpose, new or high miles?
Or... Maybe this means HM oils meeting the SN spec are useless for leaks, no better than a thick conventional SN. If thats the case fine use it, but there are plenty of other cheaper SN oils to use in the future that will perform the same. We just don't know. I think Maxlife is a great HM oil. Use it for its intended purpose is my advice.
I go off and on M1 HM on a leaker. Nobody can tell me its not swelling the seals. M1 admits so in the FAQ even though the official word is conditioners. Use the word sweller. And the 10w40 M1 HM meets SN. The product's intended use is high mileage engines and/or already damaged seals so who knows what using products for other than the intended purpose will result in. Take it back and not use it is what I would do.
Thanks for the table. While my comment is badly off-topic, it's really interesting to see that seal conditioners or swellers actually can have an effect on silicone rubber, which I think is the result of RTV sealants used liberally in manufacturing modern engines. I had assumed RTV was immune to the charms of seal conditioners, but maybe not...
Oh, and on the topic of using MaxLife in a new Ford, I looked at my 2012 Focus owner's manual and it said (paraphrasing): "To maintain your car's engine AND ITS WARRANTY, use Motorcraft 5w20 motor oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification WSS....945a." This statement doesn't seem too ambiguous to me.
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
As a long time HM oil user, no, I would not. Conditioners is a nice word for a lot of things including swellers. Can anyone prove whats in the ML HM add pack? No, nobody can. You want to swell your already tight valve seals on the stem at 15k? Unless you can prove ML HM has no swellers thats the risk. Think about what you are doing. Brand new car with 15k on it. Barely broken in. Looking for deals on $15 oil. Slapping HM oil in your new baby. Sleep well? No, you will always wonder. Your wondering right now. Take it back. Use it when a problem occurs 10 years from now at 150k.
If Maxlife could negatively affect new seals, how would it be API certified and/or be approved for the various OEM specifications?
Good post here.
Originally Posted By: Gokhan
Actually, I just looked at the SN/GF-5 specs and it looks like SN without GF-5 and SN with GF-5 both have the elastomer-compatibility requirements, which restrict swelling to a certain amount, such as 40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber. Therefore, it looks like you don't have to worry about too much swelling with high-mileage oils, as long as they have the SN certification. Note that this wasn't the case with SM and earlier certifications (no elastomer-compatibility requirements for them) and you are only safe with an SN oil.
Here is the full table:
Code:
API SN Elastomer compatibility ASTM D7216, Annex A2
Polyacrylate Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,9
ACM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -40,40
Hydrogenated Nitrile ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,10
HNBR-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -10,5
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -20,15
Silicone Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,40
VMQ-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -30,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -50,5
Fluorocarbon Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -2,3
FKM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -6,6
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -65,10
Ethylene Acrylic Rubber ASTM D471 Volume % change -5,30
AEM-1 (SAE J2643) ASTM D2240 Hardness pts -20,10
ASTM D412 Tensile strength % change -30,30
Note that some ACEA as well as API CJ-4 certifications also have elastomer-compatibility requirements of their own.
Your question raises more questions that can't be answered easily. If a HM oil meets SN it must be no greater than "40% in volume (12% in linear dimension) for silicone rubber." Do all oils perform close to the top end of this spec? Is the engine in question very tight to begin with? What type of seals are used on this engine, what is the composition? Do API certs consider engine design for every manufacturer? Who made the approval claims you mention, the manufacturer of the car or the manufacturer of the oil? And for what purpose, new or high miles?
Or... Maybe this means HM oils meeting the SN spec are useless for leaks, no better than a thick conventional SN. If thats the case fine use it, but there are plenty of other cheaper SN oils to use in the future that will perform the same. We just don't know. I think Maxlife is a great HM oil. Use it for its intended purpose is my advice.
I go off and on M1 HM on a leaker. Nobody can tell me its not swelling the seals. M1 admits so in the FAQ even though the official word is conditioners. Use the word sweller. And the 10w40 M1 HM meets SN. The product's intended use is high mileage engines and/or already damaged seals so who knows what using products for other than the intended purpose will result in. Take it back and not use it is what I would do.
Thanks for the table. While my comment is badly off-topic, it's really interesting to see that seal conditioners or swellers actually can have an effect on silicone rubber, which I think is the result of RTV sealants used liberally in manufacturing modern engines. I had assumed RTV was immune to the charms of seal conditioners, but maybe not...
Oh, and on the topic of using MaxLife in a new Ford, I looked at my 2012 Focus owner's manual and it said (paraphrasing): "To maintain your car's engine AND ITS WARRANTY, use Motorcraft 5w20 motor oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification WSS....945a." This statement doesn't seem too ambiguous to me.
Simple answer - YES it's fine to use whenever you want.
- Status
Similar threads
