20W50 Cold (12F) Flow Video, Mineral vs. Synthetic

[donstevens]

I took a couple video clips of cold flow characteristics of 20W50 motor oil for those who are interested. Those of you running mineral 20W50 in cold climates will want to see this.

I need help posting the Vid clips though. Can anyone help / host the clips for me?

Don

[donstevens]

There have been a few oil discussions lately with one newcomer, Sobodave asking about what oil to choose. The overwhelming majority of you responded that you use mineral 20W50. There is nothing wrong with that but for those of you who live in cold climates you really need to see this.

The following clips provide a very unscientific demonstration of the cold flow properties of two different brands and types of 20W50 at 12 degrees F. I simply put both in my freezer at home for a few days and let the temperatures stabilize. Actually the Kendall indicated 10F but the Amsoil only got to 12F. I have no explanation for that.

First the Kendall 20W50.

http://muvvachicken.com/video/20w50Flow.AVI

Notice the way the oil clings to the thermometer and flows like honey at best.

Next the Amsoil 20W50.

http://muvvachicken.com/video/Amsoil12FFlow.AVI

I have two other video clips of both oils at room temperature and both flow dramatically better than in these videos. There is no perceptible flow difference between the two oils at room temperature.

Cold Flow capability is one THE basic difference between mineral and synthetic oils and the primary reason that I’ll tolerate the extra cost and a few more drips on the floor of my garage. Stability at the other temperature extreme, “too damn HOT”, is the other main reason that synthetics out perform mineral oil. The brand of the product really does not matter. I am sure the same results can be found between Mobil-1 and Castrol and I would encourage any of you who have such brands lying around to try the same experiment to see for yourselves.

Thanks to Craig Martin for hosting the clips for us.

Don

[livi]

Very interesting post, Don!

The oil theme is a main stay on this forum and most information come from more indirect sources. This is hands on Noble Prize material - I will let my pals in the committee see your clips.

I guess my choice of M1 0w40 in cold Sweden is not that wrong after all.

Disclaimer: I do believe anything LubeMaster has to say on the subject, however.

[Bill Verburg]

High temp stability is another. I have always used synthetics in my turbo cars and winter use cars
M1 5/30, 5/40 or 0/40 depending on manufacturers rec.

It gets used on my summer cars mostly to keep the oil inventory down.

M1 15/50 race
M1 5/40 street though I have also used synthetic Shell 5/40

[mjshira]

nice post!!!!

I am running 10w60 in my M5 and 15w50 both syn in my 911.

very cool to actually see the difference