Amsoil 4-Ball Wear Testing
07-04-2009, 10:03 AM
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Amsoil 4-Ball Wear Testing
Amsoil loves to use the 4-ball wear test as a wear comparison test. After researching this test, it's kind of disappointing to see an oil company use this test to compare motor oils.
The 4ball test is mostly used for grease, not engine oils.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...488390&fpart=1
Tests like this are done to ensure proper protection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-4Wn...=TL&playnext=1
Amsoil makes some of the best lubricants available, but I have to say it's misleading to be using a simple, inexpensive bench test as a way to sell their oil.
Engine Oil Performance Testing
"I have seen a number of lubricant manufacturers refer to the 4-ball wear scar test as an indicator of how well the oil will protect an engine. Other larger companies tend to brush off the results of this test indicating that it isn't representative of actual engine conditions adding that because it is cheap to run, the results aren't worth much. What are your thoughts on this?"
The 4-ball test (ASTM D4172) is often used as a screening test for many different lubricant types that contain antiwear additives or similar base oil properties. Other tribo-mechanical bench tests are often used as well, including the Timken Test (ASTM D2782) and the Pin and V-Block (ASTM D2670). Because engines have different contact geometry, loads, metallurgy and speeds, numerous bench tests and test protocols are needed. It is not uncommon for several oils to be tested using two such methods and to find that the performance rankings between the oils to reverse (no correlation). This is why, among other reasons, Passenger Car Motor Oils and Heavy Duty Oils (diesel crankcase) are tested in actual engines using controlled methods such as ASTM D5533 Sequence IIIE and D5302 Sequence VE.
Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation
"I have seen a number of lubricant manufacturers refer to the 4-ball wear scar test as an indicator of how well the oil will protect an engine. Other larger companies tend to brush off the results of this test indicating that it isn't representative of actual engine conditions adding that because it is cheap to run, the results aren't worth much. What are your thoughts on this?"
The 4-ball test (ASTM D4172) is often used as a screening test for many different lubricant types that contain antiwear additives or similar base oil properties. Other tribo-mechanical bench tests are often used as well, including the Timken Test (ASTM D2782) and the Pin and V-Block (ASTM D2670). Because engines have different contact geometry, loads, metallurgy and speeds, numerous bench tests and test protocols are needed. It is not uncommon for several oils to be tested using two such methods and to find that the performance rankings between the oils to reverse (no correlation). This is why, among other reasons, Passenger Car Motor Oils and Heavy Duty Oils (diesel crankcase) are tested in actual engines using controlled methods such as ASTM D5533 Sequence IIIE and D5302 Sequence VE.
Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...488390&fpart=1
Tests like this are done to ensure proper protection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-4Wn...=TL&playnext=1
Amsoil makes some of the best lubricants available, but I have to say it's misleading to be using a simple, inexpensive bench test as a way to sell their oil.
07-04-2009, 06:05 PM
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The 4ball test is no longer used for motor oil. Tfout is not either. 4ball has more relevance in a gear oil. It is a true astm test, but not one used for comparing wear among motor oils.
The other Amsoil tests are ok, but still don't reveal much about an oil formulation.
Extensive engine testing is used to certify wear limits, not simple bench tests.
The other Amsoil tests are ok, but still don't reveal much about an oil formulation.
Extensive engine testing is used to certify wear limits, not simple bench tests.
07-04-2009, 06:24 PM
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37 yrs in business !! enough said,,, Its a free country run what you think is the best..History See the "History of AMSOIL"
As a jet fighter squadron commander LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALBERT J. AMATUZIO had ample opportunity to witness synthetic lubricants in action. These oils are used exclusively in jet engines because of three extraordinary performance characteristics: an ability to reduce friction and wear on engine components, an ability to function dependably at severe temperature extremes and an ability to withstand rigorous and lengthy engine operation without chemical breakdown.
Recognizing that these same benefits would prove invaluable in combustion engines, Al Amatuzio formulated the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet API service requirements for automobile engines. The new lubricant performed like no other before it. When the first can of AMSOIL 10W-40 appeared on the market in 1972, it signaled the birth of an entire industry. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have expanded the boundaries of lubrication science and redefined the performance possibilities of modern machinery and engines.
AMSOIL INC. was founded on Al Amatuzio’s desire for technical innovation, his commitment to high quality and his belief that consumers would respond to a superior product. The company has remained true to these ideals; its history is a checklist of revolutionary products that have withstood the tests of time. As the pioneer corporation in the field of synthetic lubrication, AMSOIL sees its Commitment to Excellence as a historical responsibility, and A.J. Amatuzio’s energy and vision continue to drive the company forward. ...inspired by aerospace technology
Al Amatuzio's induction to the Lubricants World Hall of Fame is the ultimate tribute to the man who started it all. He is firmly established among the giants who have shaped the industry. Al Amatuzio's desire for technical innovation, his commitment to higher quality and his belief that consumers respond to superior products remain the core of the AMSOIL philosophy
As a jet fighter squadron commander LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALBERT J. AMATUZIO had ample opportunity to witness synthetic lubricants in action. These oils are used exclusively in jet engines because of three extraordinary performance characteristics: an ability to reduce friction and wear on engine components, an ability to function dependably at severe temperature extremes and an ability to withstand rigorous and lengthy engine operation without chemical breakdown.
Recognizing that these same benefits would prove invaluable in combustion engines, Al Amatuzio formulated the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet API service requirements for automobile engines. The new lubricant performed like no other before it. When the first can of AMSOIL 10W-40 appeared on the market in 1972, it signaled the birth of an entire industry. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have expanded the boundaries of lubrication science and redefined the performance possibilities of modern machinery and engines.
AMSOIL INC. was founded on Al Amatuzio’s desire for technical innovation, his commitment to high quality and his belief that consumers would respond to a superior product. The company has remained true to these ideals; its history is a checklist of revolutionary products that have withstood the tests of time. As the pioneer corporation in the field of synthetic lubrication, AMSOIL sees its Commitment to Excellence as a historical responsibility, and A.J. Amatuzio’s energy and vision continue to drive the company forward. ...inspired by aerospace technology
Al Amatuzio's induction to the Lubricants World Hall of Fame is the ultimate tribute to the man who started it all. He is firmly established among the giants who have shaped the industry. Al Amatuzio's desire for technical innovation, his commitment to higher quality and his belief that consumers respond to superior products remain the core of the AMSOIL philosophy
07-04-2009, 07:00 PM
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Hatco made the first synthetic oil for Amsoil actually. Amsoil is a great oil company, please don't misunderstand me. Some of their lubricants are the best there are. Some are just ok.
Mobil also invented the PAO in 1949. Again, research the 4-ball wear test & TFOUT or have a look at the threads above.
Mobil also invented the PAO in 1949. Again, research the 4-ball wear test & TFOUT or have a look at the threads above.
07-04-2009, 07:38 PM
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All but Amsoil's "XL Series Oil which are a Group III. products" are true Grade IV. PAO oils. It's getting harder to identify a true PAO these days and know for certain you are getting what you are paying for. Not that Grp III.'s are bad (some are real close to the specs. of a GRP IV. synthetic oil) but the industry seems to be phasing them out more and more...calling it "reformulating"...
Amsoil's 15W-40 Marine Oil/15W-50 and particularlly their
20W-50 with a high level of ZDDP are excellent considerations for marine use.
Ball tests leave me guessing...but Amsoil is a solid synthetic product. I use a fair amount of it.
Amsoil's 15W-40 Marine Oil/15W-50 and particularlly their
20W-50 with a high level of ZDDP are excellent considerations for marine use.
Ball tests leave me guessing...but Amsoil is a solid synthetic product. I use a fair amount of it.
07-05-2009, 06:49 PM
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