Synthetic Blend Oil? Gimmick?

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Danny Boy

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My pessimism got the best of me...

I've recently saw a brand name "Juice Cocktail" which had a label stating that it had less than 10% real juice - this means that it could contain almost NO real juice and be correct (less than 10% real juice).

You know where I'm going - it is quite possible that synthetic blend oil could be 99% regular or conventional (dino) oil....

Are there any specs for synthetic blend oil or is this a marketing gimmick?

Comments??
 
I run Motorcraft synthetic blend 5/20 in our 04 Escape. It has a tic over 180K on it now and burns no amount of measurable oil between changes, so it seems to work for me. Plus, that's what Ford recommends.
 
There are ASTM performance standards that dictate how the oil performs when labeled a Synthetic Blend. Back in the '90s Mobile did a spin test on the competition just to see what they were up to. They found Castrol Syntex to contain 0% synthetic oils; 100% "dino" base oils. There was a law suit. Mobile showed their test data and made their claim. Castrol countered with ASTM Performance Standards, and their test data showing their Syntex met or exceeded every ASTM Standard. Castrol used Conoco's Hydracracked base oil, which removed 99.9% of the sulphur. Sulphur mixes with water in the blow-by gasses in the heat of an engine to form sulphuric acid. This of course attacks seals, gaskets, bearings... In short the judge sided with Castrol.

Next day oil companies were changing their chemistries and labels. Mobile1 replaced some of the more expensive full synthetics with the Conoco Hydracracked base oil. Motorcraft's label changed from "Premium Petroleum Engine Oil" to "Synthetic Blend" (as they were already using Conoco's base oils).

There is a performance standards rating on oils. The current standard is SN (devoid of zinc oxide). If it is labeled a "Synthetic Blend", all it means is that it performs up to ASTM standards. I did a write-up here.
 
RustyRatRod said:
I run Motorcraft synthetic blend 5/20 in our 04 Escape. It has a tic over 180K on it now and burns no amount of measurable oil between changes, so it seems to work for me. Plus, that's what Ford recommends.
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5/20 ?

5 % synthetic, 20 % dino oil, and the other 75 % ?


:poke:
 
RustyRatRod said:
I run Motorcraft synthetic blend 5/20 in our 04 Escape. It has a tic over 180K on it now and burns no amount of measurable oil between changes, so it seems to work for me. Plus, that's what Ford recommends.
Click to expand...
That's consistently been a good product for many years.
 
mpgmike said:
There are ASTM performance standards that dictate how the oil performs when labeled a Synthetic Blend. Back in the '90s Mobile did a spin test on the competition just to see what they were up to. They found Castrol Syntex to contain 0% synthetic oils; 100% "dino" base oils. There was a law suit. Mobile showed their test data and made their claim. Castrol countered with ASTM Performance Standards, and their test data showing their Syntex met or exceeded every ASTM Standard. Castrol used Conoco's Hydracracked base oil, which removed 99.9% of the sulphur. Sulphur mixes with water in the blow-by gasses in the heat of an engine to form sulphuric acid. This of course attacks seals, gaskets, bearings... In short the judge sided with Castrol.

Next day oil companies were changing their chemistries and labels. Mobile1 replaced some of the more expensive full synthetics with the Conoco Hydracracked base oil. Motorcraft's label changed from "Premium Petroleum Engine Oil" to "Synthetic Blend" (as they were already using Conoco's base oils).

There is a performance standards rating on oils. The current standard is SN (devoid of zinc oxide). If it is labeled a "Synthetic Blend", all it means is that it performs up to ASTM standards. I did a write-up here.
Click to expand...
There was only a complaint made to the Better Business Bureau which sided with Castrol in an issue concerning truth in advertising. No lawsuit or judge, but the result was the same.
SP is the current API standard and has been for about two years. Also ILSAC GF-6A&B.
Blending Group I or II base stocks with Group III or IV may yield base oils that allow finished lubes to meet API and ILSAC standards for less cost than "full synthetic" oils, hence the synthetic blend designations.
 
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Great information....
Given that I'm not a petroleum engineer or good at reading ASTM standards would it be fair to say that technically a synthetic blend can be made of 100% conventional oil and be called "synthetic blend" as long as "PERFORMS" like a synthetic blend, even thought there is nothing synthetic in the blend?
How this makes sense.. just trying to understand what is synthetic in the blend.
Appreciate the comments.
 
Being a "gearhead" I'm curious and just want to educate myself on lubricant types and what they're made of... I'm ok if my vehicle is ok with the lubricant(s)

I use both synthetics(whatever that means) on my newer cars conventional on my older, pre catalytic cars
 
I generally run Valvoline syn blend in everything except my 1.4l turbo Renegade which calls for Ferrari spec euro syn.

I have run that Motorcraft syn blend as well.

None of mine use any oil between 5,000 mile changes.
The Renegade goes nearly 10,000.
 
I recall the Ford oil was synthetic blend because, initially (late 90s, IIRC), it was the only way to get a 5W20 to meet the specs.

Now...for 99% of engines, oil is oil.
 
A blend uses dino base oil and a synthetic additive package.

I have been using a blend for years for my dailies made my Amalie and sold by Federated Auto Parts.
 
oldkimmer said:
I thought so but it seems not. Bob has lots of great info. Kim
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Good idea.

Danny Boy said:
Being a "gearhead" I'm curious and just want to educate myself on lubricant types and what they're made of... I'm ok if my vehicle is ok with the lubricant(s)

I use both synthetics(whatever that means) on my newer cars conventional on my older, pre catalytic cars
Click to expand...
This breaks it down in great detail. If you want the Cliff's Notes version, just read the first couple of paragraphs of each section, mineral and synthetic.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/
 
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