Valvoline Synpower 5W-40
- Thread starter Big Dave
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Right now I "believe" SynPower 5W40 is all GrpIV, like the 20W50 but I can't prove it (see below).
The LL-04 relates to "aftertreatment devices" in exhaust as I understand.
What I like and you should like is the SynP 5W40 is VW 503.01 rated very few oil can make.
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Here's what I read, but valid ??
1) BMW has its own oil specs. They are BMW Long Life (LL). There have been three standards LL-98, LL-01, and LL-04. BMW LL-98 allows for Group III hydrocracked oils, but LL-01 is stricter and only allows for Group IV or Group V based oils. LL-04 is very new, designed for primarly diesels in Europe...
http://bimmer.tribe.net/thread/cf7e78ff-0840-46cd-af6a-d7c8ab637182
The LL-04 relates to "aftertreatment devices" in exhaust as I understand.
What I like and you should like is the SynP 5W40 is VW 503.01 rated very few oil can make.
----------------
Here's what I read, but valid ??
1) BMW has its own oil specs. They are BMW Long Life (LL). There have been three standards LL-98, LL-01, and LL-04. BMW LL-98 allows for Group III hydrocracked oils, but LL-01 is stricter and only allows for Group IV or Group V based oils. LL-04 is very new, designed for primarly diesels in Europe...
http://bimmer.tribe.net/thread/cf7e78ff-0840-46cd-af6a-d7c8ab637182
I cannot accept the comment that any of BMW LL specs specify NOT to use Group 3 basestocks. I've never seen it said from a first source and also that's just an asinine (sp?) way of making a spec. You write it so you get the performance/properties you want, not tell what to use to meet those performances/properties.
I have seen limits on sulfur and chlorine in Euro specs (can come from both basestocks and additives) and those will limit or rule out use of low base # oils but that's different than saying "you have to use Group 4 and/or 5 only". The chlorine and sulfur affects emissions equipment so that's why they are limited.
I have seen limits on sulfur and chlorine in Euro specs (can come from both basestocks and additives) and those will limit or rule out use of low base # oils but that's different than saying "you have to use Group 4 and/or 5 only". The chlorine and sulfur affects emissions equipment so that's why they are limited.
503.01 is a high horsepower turbo Audi spec. If it meets that, it's probably group 4 and/or 5. The only other oils readily available in the US that meet it are M1 0w-40 and GC 0w-30. I may have to give this oil a try!
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I've been using Valvoline 5W-40 for the past 10k miles in my Audi. My engine's oil consumption with Group IV and up oils is higher than with Group III oils. Therefore I'm pretty sure it's a mostly Group III oil (possibly with a bit tit and tat added). Also look at the price, which is about a dollar less than Mobil's offerings.
Also, Valvoline 5W-40 meets VW 505.01, and from what I have seen, all oils that meet that spec are without any exceptions Group III oils.
Also, Valvoline 5W-40 meets VW 505.01, and from what I have seen, all oils that meet that spec are without any exceptions Group III oils.
Mori, which engine do you have and how does the Valvoline feel compared to other oils you've tried? I'm currently running M1 TDT 5w-40 in my 2.8 30v and it's very smooth, but I think it bogs it down a little.
Were did you find it? I have not seen it anyplace.
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I have the older and much simpler 2.8 12v engine. Between M1 5W-40 and Vavoline 5W-40 I notice no difference at all. No oil seems to bog down the 12v.
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I guess you were asking me. Every NAPA here seems to carry Valvoline 5W-40.
Thanks Mori! I've heard that Audi changed from low tension rings to a higher version, maybe that would explain why I'm feeling a difference. Several years ago I tried Delvac 1300s which is thicker than TDT and it didn't bog, so I'm guessing it may have been the moly helping it out. I'm also consuming the TDT faster than other oils so I thinking about a group 3 40w with some moly. Maybe Maxlife...
I've been using it as a 1 quart additive to my 5 quarts of Maxlife 10w30. So far I've been VERY impressed with it.
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Well, the one you show is still rated API SL/CF. The last few times that I bought Synpower 5W-40 it was not only API SM, but it also listed the here elusive VW 505.01 spec.:
The current bottle looks like this:
The current bottle looks like this:
Porsche Approval, cool.
But ours has no LL-01 spec so probably Grp III?
Just to be a little difficult, I wonder what exactly the phrase "Meets Performance of" the various European specs means ????
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