Could you post the link to that test? I was watching it a while back but I lost the link.

 

Doesn't Amsoil use their own testing methods and not those used by all the other oil comapanies? From what I've heard, their methodology isn't "approved" for testing.

 

Thanks! You guys have really cleared up alot of questions that I had about this oil. I really appreciate all your replies.

 

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/s.../oil-life.html

 

For one thing, to get valid results one need a reasonable sample size, and the conditions need to be equal, or at the very least, reasonably close. Having a car or two tested and compared is not enough to produce scientifically valid results. The results you get is valid for that *specific* car, but one need to be very careful when trying to generalize it.

Having said this:
a) I wouldn't keep an oilfilter on a usual engine for over 10,000 miles, oil analysis or not
b) unless the engine can hold a huge amount of oil, it's cheaper to change it than doing oil analysis all the time

 

aurgathor, very good points. Even in a diesel, which obviously holds a lot more oil, I would never recommend an extended oil drain period anyway. The oil filters do not remove contaminants such as diesel fuel that makes its way into the oil during the normal operation of a diesel engine. I have contemplated putting an oil bypass filter on my truck, but if I did so I would not extend the oil drain intervals, I would use it strictly to have less engine wear.

 

This is the most civil … I have ever read, about oil.....very cool guys...we all knew it could happen

 

The only reason I have followed the Spacebears test is because it is independent of any oil company. They are too many variables to even get absolute data from several vehicles, driving conditions, style of driving, load on engine, enviromental conditions. I think it does show that synthetics have a the ability to go extended drain intervals.

 

I'd run Mobil 1 10,000 miles and not even think twice about it. Do run it 7k in the wifes DOHC 4 banger without a second thought...under warranty. Being a group IV oil, it will carry far.
Amsoil, being often uncertified, and made too appear too good by its marketers makes me nervous.
I dont think its a bad oil, I just dont feel confident enough to run it 10's of thousands of miles without worry, as so many believe its able.

 

Nobody has mentioned that a lot of Amsoil products ARE NOT API certified. API ceritification is a requirement for most vehicle manufacturer's warranty to stay valid. If you want to use synthetic, there are many synthetic oils on the market that are cheaper than Amsoil, and are API certified. The reason the product cost is so high with Amsoil products, is due due the multi-level marketing scheme Amsoil uses.

Here is more information on MLM companies:

http://www.falseprofits.com/MLM%20Lies.html

http://www.shop-money-time.com/main/id45.html


Bottom line, stay as far away from Amsoil products as you can!!!!

 

Thanks for the links Bob! Where do I sign up? LOL!

 

I have had amsoil in my Tioga Motorhome for 15000 mile still clean and very quiet and smooth shifting. use Wix filters, help keep the oil clean. pleased with the product, first time user and will continue.

 

I agree with Bob, I don't care for Amsoil's marketing approach. Once, about 10 years ago, I wrote to Amsoil in Wisconsin, simply requesting a brochure and information concerning their product line which i knew they had their own oil filters, gasoline additives etc. About three weeks later, I receive a letter stating to call my neighborhood "dealer" to place my order for Amsoil products. The person's name, address and phone #. I thought, where is my product info pack, and a letter saying Amsoil products are available at my nearby "Acme Auto Parts" store (" " made up name). Then a week later, this guy calls me at dinnertime saying he is so and so, MY Amsoil dealer, and he would like to make an appointment to come over to my house, to show me how Amsoil, it's by-pass system, could save me $. That whole scenerio turned me off completely. It was worse than Amway dealers. At least when I told an Amway dealer "no thanks" I didn't hear from them again. Not "MY" Amsoil dealer. He called me at least once a month for three months before it ended. That is why I never used Amsoil. Their oil may last 25,000 miles, change the filter, add a quart. i know how it works. However, I don't want ANY oil in my vehicle for 25,000 miles, even under perfect driving conditions. Any oil, over that mileage bracket, must hold moisture, combustion by-products, airbourne polluntants (no air filter filters 100% of all debris) into suspension until it is changed. That may be fine for some, but my engines will always have complete oil and filter changes at 4,000-5000 intervals. Just my opinion...

 

This has been about the most civil Amsoil discussion I have seen here in 5 years!! WOW!
My opinion: Amsoil does not merit all the hype (and extra $$).
It's almost like some folks can't see the forest for the trees. If we stop and examine data, real hard data, it is difficult for ME to conclude Amsoil (or Mobil1, or other "premium synthetic" oil) offers a better cost/benefit ratio than today's mainstream motor oils.
There is abundant data, in the form of UOA's, showing the quality preformance and protection offered by conventional motor oils. I just can't see anything more (i.e. Amsoil) being needed by the vast majority of us.
I'll use myself as an example:
I have 151,000 miles on my 4.2 V6. It is a 2000 model that has received Formula Shell, then Chevron Supreme, now Havoline - all 10W30.
I got tired of doing UOA's that came back with outstanding numbers, so I just quit wondering and now KNOW these oils, any of them, offer superb performance (at least they do in my truck).
The UOA's came from drain samples with 4500-5000 miles on them. My standard drain interval is approx 5K miles.
My truck engine burns no oil, or so little I can't really tell it; I never have to add make-up oil before 5K drain interval. It doesn't leak, knock, rattle , bang, or anything bad. It runs just the same as it did when new. I can remove the oil fill extension pipe and look into the valve cover. All of the valve train I can see looks brand new. Honestly - no crud or build-up at all.
I have no doubt this engine will blow past 200,000 miles, and more, on Havoline 10W30, 5000 mile drain intervals and Motorcraft FL400S filters. I am want to ask: "How could I be better off if I had use Amsoil in my truck since it was new?"
It cost me about $11-$12 to do an oil change.
When reading other posts, it seems many who use Amsoil (or Mobil1, etc) don't go much beyond 5000 mile drain intervals. That makes it more of a waste money (IMO).
Well, those are my thoughts and experiences.
Thanks.

 

I was given a brochure for Amsoil today, it tells me I could go 35,000 miles between oil changes in my truck changing just the filter every 12,500. I'm a little skeptical. I've got 98,000 rough miles on my truck(daily driver) and I don't know that I want to run this test on my baby. My other trucks don't drive enough to make the 35,000 in a year, so I wouldn't be getting the full affect of the oil. What do ya'll think about the stuff? It ain't cheap, but would probably be cost efficient in the long run. I'm sure there is someone out there that's used it. I wanna hear some experiences everybody!
Scott