Diesel Oil change kits available.

[Black02Silverado]

3 hours ago, Atlas said:

 

I think you all do the job for him, maybe he's sitting on a beach somewhere enjoying life?

Not at all.  I believe those that want oils to be on a manufactures list because they feel it’s the only way to keep their warranty are not worth trying to convince otherwise. 
 

Like I said before, just do what makes you happy. Motor on!

[Grumpy Bear]

Is this well understood? When GM license an oil they set the bar. That is, the license CAN tell the blender which bases it can use, which additives and how much. API ditto. ILSAC ditto and so on and so forth. Point is that ANY oil that receives the license will be very much like any other oil with that same license. Granted, this is not an absolute as some specifications have OPEN guardrails. For example the API gives a minimum HTHS value but there is no maximum hence an opportunity to 'be different' in a positive way. There is a maximum Ca value to hinder LSPI. Some chose to do just that and others do that and then add back some Mg to boost the TBN and still comply with the LPSI standard. When an oil is attempting to meet several standards this get more interesting. 

 

Knowing which standard or even auto manufactures requirements the oil is licensed for gives you an idea of the guardrails in play. In example a *W30 needs a 2.9 cP HTHS value to meet the API's minimum. If it holds an ACEA C3/C4 license that minimum is 3.5 cP and the oil can be both if that later spec it met. One of the Dexos standards is a lower deposit threshold than the API and a lower NOACK than the API. But some boutiques are HALF that of Dexos. 

 

When Shell boast use of GTL, a Group III fluid, the difference that has on oxidation and solvency is a hairbreadth above a Group III/III+. That is the change is so slight as to be imperceptible in practice. However, that GTL by nature of it's process is a lighter (lower viscosity) by and large which could mean more VM materials (depending on the formulators choices). Could mean a lower CCS. Point is the Devil is in the details and knowing those is more important than brand recognition.

 

You don't always need to know the formula specifics if you can read the licensing and OEM approvals and what those mean to the formulator.  THOSE are published.   

Edited June 21, 2025 by Grumpy Bear

[OnTheReel]

8 hours ago, Black02Silverado said:

Not at all.  I believe those that want oils to be on a manufactures list because they feel it’s the only way to keep their warranty are not worth trying to convince otherwise. 
 

I probably used to be in that camp. At least to some degree. I was always diligent with maintenance but the materials I used weren’t always top shelf, unless you mean the top shelf at Walmart where the cheap jugs of SuperTech sit.

 

My thinking these days is that the warranty will be gone eventually (or immediately if I modded the truck) and I’m on the hook for all the mess left behind using their “warranty safe” oils. Ditto with the boiling hot factory thermostats and TBVs to appease the EPA. I honestly sleep better with no warranty, excellent quality lubricants (typically not API), and reasonable temps. 

[Z45]

Watch this take on GM and planned obsolescence 

They don't want it to last, want to sell new vehicles.....so if you are using GM recommended products and believing their hype, you are furthering their goals..

 

Gets interesting about 13 min in....

 

 

Edited June 21, 2025 by Z45

[Atlas]

18 minutes ago, Z45 said:

Watch this take on GM and planned obsolescence 

They don't want it to last, want to sell new vehicles.....so if you are using GM recommended products and believing their hype, you are furthering their goals..

 

Gets interesting about 13 min in....

 

 

 

I often get my absolute truths from youtube, especially when it's presented in sensationalist manner and the goal is to farm clicks/views.

 

These trucks won't last forever. Period. Vehicles are ultimately disposable goods.

 

If you're saying a decent quality oil like a Mobil 1 or Castrol or Pennzoil synthetic won't get the engine to outlive the truck around it generally, THEN we have something to talk about. Are those oils inadequate?

[Atlas]

What I have a problem with is not that there are believers in Amsoil (use whatever you want? Nobody cares, it's your truck), but that if everyone else don't use Amsoil, they are stupid/ taking bait from manufacturers/ being duped, and their truck will fall apart.

 

 

[Grumpy Bear]

1 hour ago, Z45 said:

Watch this take on GM and planned obsolescence 

They don't want it to last, want to sell new vehicles.....so if you are using GM recommended products and believing their hype, you are furthering their goals..

 

Gets interesting about 13 min in....

 

 

 

I am now going to become INSUFFERABLE. 

 

How many have laughed at me for my use of top shelf fluids and changing them like I own the company? Told me I'm nuts and how great GM Engineers are. "Are you smarter than the GM Engineers?" Smarter? No, but it isn't the engineer is it? 

 

Start listening around 50 minutes and you will hear him give ideal fluid temps and equipment and you will hear every move I've made since I bought Pepper. Keep laughing......

 

Sad the state of it all. Sadder still people continue to drink the Kool-Aid. 

 

That has got to be the best hour and a quarter I've spent the internet. Thank you @Z45

 

Edited June 21, 2025 by Grumpy Bear

[Grumpy Bear]

1 hour ago, Atlas said:

What I have a problem with is not that there are believers in Amsoil (use whatever you want? Nobody cares, it's your truck), but that if everyone else don't use Amsoil, they are stupid/ taking bait from manufacturers/ being duped, and their truck will fall apart.

 

 

 

I agree with you. No need for name  calling. Stated many times....you can get a decent service life using almost any fluid if you act in accordance with that fluids capability. That is, bend to its limitations. 

 

Look, fluid is just one piece of a total strategy. You have to give it an environment it can survive in and there is a right or wrong to it. Stack the deck in the favor of success. Keep it cool. Keep it clean. Keep it changed and keep it stress free. Plan for the unexpected. Adapt to to the unexpected. Keep the mind open. 

 

 

[diyer2]

All I know Atlas is I have known about Amsoil for many years and was skeptical until recently. Everything I have used their OE line of motor oil in and OE fluids has made a noticeable difference. Quieter motors, smother shifting transmissions and quieter differentials.

Amsoil's UTV motor oil, trans and differential oil made my UTV quieter, smoother also.

My snow blower motor is quieter using Amsoil's small engine oil.

 

If you haven't tried Amsoil or any other boutique fluids you'll never know.

 

[txab]

On 6/20/2025 at 2:27 PM, OnTheReel said:

Only if she installs it for me.

Maybe it will soak in somewhere,