Motor Oil Info

The most commonly used anti-wear additive in motor oil is zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). ZDDP contains both zinc and phosphorus components working together to provide anti-wear protection, and is most important during cam “break-in” procedures. Proper break-in lubes should be used during the break-in phase for all new or rebuilt engines with flat tappets. These lubricants provide the extra protection required to reduce wear at the point of contact during break-in and help the flat tappet face properly mate with the cam lobe. Once the break-in phase is completed, AMSOIL motor oils, which are formulated with high levels of zinc and phosphorus, will provide premium protection to flat tappet cams.

All engines, especially high-performance modified engines, benefit from oils with superior film strength and anti-wear properties. The flat tappet/camshaft lobe interface is the one area in an engine that has extreme contact load. Since this load increases significantly when non-stock, high-pressure valve springs are employed, the use of properly formulated motor oils is extremely important to reduce wear and extend flat tappet/camshaft life.

A way to classify the motor oil is to add the letter “W” behind the number. The “W” stands for winter and indicates that an oil is suitable for use in colder temperatures. The lower the number in front of the “W”, the better the cold temperature protection. This service classification mainly looks at the low temperature viscosity of the oil.

SAE20 and SAE20w are two totally separate monograde classifications. SAE20 describes the high temperature viscosity of the oil and SAE20w describes the low temperature cranking capability of the oil.

In order to allow engines to start at low temperatures while providing sufficient viscosity at high temperatures to protect engines against wear, multigrade oils were developed. An oil can be classified as a multigrade SAE 20w-20 if the can meet both the low temperature cranking viscosity of 4500 cP at -15C and the 100C high temperature kinematic viscosity requirement between 5.6 and 9.3 cSt.

You know those little red warning lights on your car’s console that flash on every once-in-a-while? They say things like “check engine”, “check oil”, “tire pressure”, or “ALT”. Those little lights aren’t coming on just for your viewing pleasure-they’re coming on to let you know some kind of maintenance is needed on your vehicle. And, if you’ve avoided that 30,000-mile check or ignored that motor oil change every three months it’s likely pretty important that you get the lights checked out by an automotive professional.

If your “ALT” light comes on for example, it may mean that the alternator output voltage is lower than the battery voltage. It could also imply that the battery voltage is lower than the alternator output voltage. And, if the “ALT” light dims as you rev up the car’s engine, then your alternator might need work. If the light grows brighter, then the car’s battery could be bad.

There are many synthetic motor oils out there for every type of vehicle. The AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (SSO) is the industry benchmark in lubrication technology. Engineered with the world’s finest synthetic base oils and high performance additives, AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 is designed for those who demand the absolute best in motor oil performance. It exceeds the requirements of modern, high-performance engines and older engines. It replaces other 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oils and consistently outperforms competitive conventional and synthetic motor oils.

Here are some of the benefits of using the AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil:

~ extends drain intervals

~ maximizes fuel efficiency

~ reduces wear

~ resists heat

~ reduces oil consumption and emissions

~ provides outstanding cold flow properties

Amsoil, which began development of its synthetic motor oil in 1963, is now more in demand than ever. A.J. Amatuzio, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force and someone who spent several years researching formulations from jet engine oil, developed Amsoil. While Amsoil motor oil was available in the 1970s, it was slow to catch on because it was more expensive when compared to conventional mineral oil. However, now that mineral oil has become so expensive, synthetic oil is a much more viable option for use in various engines. In addition to Amsoil motor oil, the company also manufactures a wide variety of synthetic lubricants and fluids for the engine including hydraulic fluids, gear lube, and Amsoil compressor oil.

Without a doubt, Amsoil is the leading manufacturer of synthetic oil, lubricants, and fluids because of their experience. There are several newer companies springing up here and there that have begun to develop their own synthetic oil because of increased demand, but Amsoil is the name to trust.

The advanced lubricity (slipperiness) of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils has also been proven to increase fuel economy. This reduces dependency on foreign oil and overall fuel consumption. AMSOIL also manufactures gasoline and diesel fuel additives that improve performance and fuel efficiency. AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive maximizes fuel efficiency by dissolving and removing fuel system deposits and other contaminants for improved power and overall performance. It also reduces hydrocarbons up to 15%, carbon monoxide up to 26% and nitrous oxides up to 17%.

AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Performance Fuel Additive improves performance, fuel efficiency and longevity of diesel engines while reducing deposits, black smoke and emissions. It improves fuel economy by cleaning dirty injectors and restores horsepower.

AMSOIL INC. has been dedicated to helping reduce negative impacts on the environment. AMSOIL was the first to recommend 25,000-mile/one-year drain intervals. By safely extending drain intervals, AMSOIL synthetic lubricants dramatically cut the amount of oil consumed and emissions produced. This is not a new fad that AMSOIL is jumping on board with; it is the way AMSOIL has always operated.

In addition to the extended drain intervals, AMSOIL Synthetic Motor oils are specially designed to provide superior protection for engine components, extending the life of the engine and reducing the need for replacing engine parts. They are also thermally stable with a strong resistance to high temperature volatility (burn-off), preventing sludge deposits and keeping engines clean. Low volatility and clean operation reduce oil consumption and emissions.

3,000 mile oil changes are a thing of the past, and using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils will protect your engine, increase performance and reduce the amount of waste oil produced. Be sure, also, that the oil change facility you use recycles used oil regularly and legally.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended for your vehicle (this information can either be found inside the door frame or in the owner’s manual). For every 3 pounds tires are below recommended pressure, fuel economy goes down by about 1 percent. Tires can lose about 1 pound of pressure in a month, so be sure to check the air pressure regularly, especially before carrying heavy loads or taking long trips. Underinflated tires can also detract from handling and safety, and can shorten the life of the tires.

Brix is referred to as the ” sugar” or sucrose content of a plant or the produce from it, but this is a very incomplete view of Brix. Brix refers to the total soluble solids (TSS) in the juice of the produce or sap of the plant. Total soluble solids refers not only to sucrose (sugar) but also to fructose, hormones, proteins,amino acids, minerals and other solid found in plants, vegetable and fruits.

This means that the higher the Brix value, the more nutritious, healthier and rich in minerals the plant or produce is. Further, the nutritional value of the plants or produce is higher and healthier to those consuming them; or the beef is tastier because of the increased Brix value of the grass the cattle consumed.

Brix plant values can be increased by the use of the AGGRAND Natural Fertilizers

Indoor herbs stay tastiest if they receive at least five hours of direct sunlight everyday. Turn the pots regularly to prevent the plants from leaning too much toward the light, and don’t let the leaves touch the cold windows. Fluorescent lights (warm or cool) hung 6 inches above the tops of the plants and left on for 14 hours per day will provide a more ideal growing environment. It helps if the lamps are adjustable to keep up with the plants growth.

Most indoor herbs do best at tempertures between 65 and 75 degrees F, but are adaptable to the somewhat lower temps near the windows at night. If you want to provide them with extra humidity, place the pots on a tray with moistened gravel up to, but not over, the bases of the pots. Protect them from drafts from open doors, but give them good air circulation by allowing some space between plants. Overwatering ruins a potted herb, so let the soil surface dry out before each thorough watering ( until water exits the bottom of the pot ). If you see the beginnings of an insect infestation, a good shower in the sink or tub and a foliar spray 1/2 ounce AGGRAND 0-0-8 Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 1 ounce of AGGRAND 4-3-3 Natural Fertilizer mixed together in a gallon of water will give plants a boost. This also works well as a monthly soil treatment combined with 4 ounces per gallon of AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime.