I wish you all received Lubes 'N' Greases Magazine. They just did a multi page article about the subject of oil additives. (you can order the magazine fro free) If any wants copies, I can send you one with a Amsoil catalog. My customers get the same results is their engines just by using Amsoil synthetics. Depending on the engine design of course, some people notice the improvements more than others.
In the short term, these additives just like AMSOIL 10W40 for example provide excellent elastohydrodynamic Lubercation (I have a illustration on my site) where the lubricant viscosity is able to provide higher sheer strength than the metal surface it supports. When you use these higher quality lubercants, the metal surfaces actually deform elasticallty in preference to the highly pressurized lubricant, thus increasing the contact area and the effectiveness of the lubricant.. Very few motor oils (withouty the aid of expensive additives) can withstand this sheer strength over long periods of time. This is what makes that engine seem to smooth out.
I felt these effects most in my Miata and also in a flat 6 (my Corvair 110HP Van). It was like driving another car.
The whole point is why use a additive, especially one with a solid lubricant such as molybdenum. Clogs filters lowers viscosity and is more likely to corrode metals. Do some searches on the additive and you will find data like:
Most conventional additives contain anti-friction-agents as its main materials, and as a result, their long life efficiency cannot be expected from the standpoint of ingredients. Typical anti-friction-agents are molybdenum disulfides, teflon, and chloro-compounds.
Molybdenum disulfides, when exposed to temperatures higher than 300│▌, resolve into a corrosion-causing substance. 2MoSO2 + O2 + 2H2 O=Mo2 + 2H2 SO4(Sulfuric Acid)
Teflon was once a popular substitute for Molybdenum disulfides for this reason. However, teflon also was proved to resolve into a cancer-inducing substance when exposed to temperatures higher than 400│▌ (in France)and its use is now regarded as hazardous also, it is said that during this process of resolving, the deterioration of the oil is accelerated.
Chloro-compounds can be resolved into hydrochloric acid very easily, which is highly
corrosive. Their use is being curbed worldwide, now that environmental issues are more of a concern. The use of materials with `chloro' prefixed ingredients are advised against.
Now, some of the big name synthetics such as Redline and Mobil 1 have these additives (Moly). They work great for short term but cost per use is high and must be changed often when used in anything but normal driving conditions. Both Honda motorcycles and Cummins tell the owners "Do not use moly based lubricants in this engine"
Also, oils deemed as "For high mileage engines" - If you started with a oil of quality it would'nt be a high mileage engine needing anything they market as "Special"...
www.syntheticwarehouse.com
Explorer sponsor
hmmmm..
