Yes, they are on the API cert list, but are not ILSAC certified. You can be API certified without being ILSAC certified. Thus the reason for using two symbols - API (donut) on the back of the container, and the ILSAC (starburst) on the front of the container.
They didn't meet the new GF-4 standards to get ILSAC.
Very disapointing because I really wanted to use RP in my Lexus, but I'm not willing to risk voiding my warranty coverage. RP does offer it's own warranty, but that's not good enough for me.
I emailed RP, and got a couple replies back stating the they didn't agree with the new GF-4 standards. Below is the last email I received:
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Email from RP -
Thanks for the feedback.
That's a choice open to you if you choose to go with the SM rated oils with the reduced ZDDP of 800 ppm developed to theoretically prolong the life of the exhaust system catalyst. There are plenty of options for you in the market place for the 'me too' SM level of performance.
If you desire the increase in performance that Royal Purple's product provide - hopefully you'll reconsider your position - at Royal Purple we have not had any issues with damaged catalysts in street driven vehicles even using our XPR series of oils over 150,000 miles of street use being checked annually on IMI 240 emissions machines. These XPR oils contain 225-250% greater amounts of ZDDP additive than the 800 ppm maximum cap of the SM oils.
The RP additive technology Synerlec helps increase the seal of the piston rings to cylinder bore reducing oil additive carryover in the exhaust.
It's important to note that the SM rated oils still contain the phosphorus component which is thought to plate out on the catalyst surface defeating the conversion of combustion byproducts to less harmful gases. The government did not perform extensive testing - it was just a mandate / compromise with the automaker's when the EPA demanded longer warranty coverage for the functionality of the system and the big three claimed it would drive them into bankruptcy. Recent research indicates that it's not the amount of additive in the oils but the amount of the additive package that volatizes off. Not all ZDDP packages are created equal.
We've offered a corporate warranty for the use of our API SL - GF-3 rated oils if used in a vehicle where an SM - GF-4 rated oils is recommended for three years now. I have yet to receive the first inquiry or claim of any voided warranty repair due to the use of the RP oil in the three years this has been in effect The RP API SL rated oils exceed the energy fuel savings required of GF-4 rated products.
Royal Purple is at least up front and straight forward with this. I can point out several lubricants that claim ratings and warranty approvals that do not - although that would not be apparent by reading the literature specifications....
Many of our long time users will even run the XPR series of oils in street cars with warranty for even more performance and have not had a plugged catalyst in a stock 300C, Camaro's, Suburban's, etc.
Unfortunately, if dotting i's and t's for warranty is more important than increased wear protection and improved performance - we may not be able to dot and cross all those letters. We also do not offer a 'me too' atf for the GM Dexron VI, Ford Mercon V or Chrysler ATF+4 but that has not slowed down the use of our RP MaxATF in warranty applications.
Thanks fro the feedback and hope that you reconsider.
Sincerely,
Name Removed
Tech Services Manager
BSME
Royal Purple Inc
