Originally Posted By: Gokhan
If it's an all-PAO oil, it's great because it would be the only all-PAO Mobil 1 oil out there. It's surprising that they would only make an all-PAO oil for 18-wheelers and nothing else. Its pour point is very low; so, maybe it is, but I think it's more of a wishful thinking. It's very expensive and very hard to get in US. I also don't like that it doesn't have moly.
I didn't say all PAO. I said primarily. There are some esters in there, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were a splash of something else for solubility. And there is no wishful thinking involved. There is actual evidence pointing to it, such as I already mentioned. Believe it, or don't believe it. However, I have seen no evidence that Delvac 1 ESP 5w-40 is Group III. That is wishful thinking. As for moly, I couldn't care less. There's a reason it's not there, and I don't second guess fully formulated motor oils in that regard. It meets the specifications it claims, and has certain approvals, and that is satisfactory.
With respect to your Shell graph, which test are they using? I assume they are using ASTM D6278, but I'm not sure why they're not saying what they're using. It's a pass/fail test for E7, E9, and Delvac 1 passes, because it remains in grade. Note that it required for the ACEA sequences, and not necessarily for API stuff. Also, check some UOAs. Delvac 1 ESP 5w-40 is not known for shearing in service, as per UOAs, whereas some have complained about Rotella 5w-40. Go figure. That has been discussed here before, including by someone who has actually analyzed more UOAs than you or I will ever see.
Of course, I can't speak for U.S. pricing. But, you'll never see me buy a jug of TDT. It's +/- $50 a jug here, and is never on sale. I get Delvac 1 for half that from the distributor. In Canada, pricing has little to do with additive packages or base stocks. It has to do with having as much markup as the Canadian public will withstand, when it comes to normal retail outlets. I buy Delvac 1 ESP 5w-40 for about $25 a jug from Imperial Oil. I go to Walmart or Canadian Tire, I pay more than that for PYB or QSGB or GTX or VWB or Mobil Super conventional.
Note that the fuel economy benefits, even in the trucks, are predicated upon a cold start and subsequent warm up, and not just a lower HTHS. And, note, that much of the fuel saving marketing is about being able to shut your truck off in the cold, when a 15w-40 wouldn't allow for that.
As an aside, to those mentioning additives, go ask Doug what he thinks about putting additives in Delvac 1. I dare you.