Motorcycle Oil: Do Zinc And Phosphorus Levels Matter Anymore?

AMSOIL Metric 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle OilA reader asks: I’ve got a Ducati Monster 1200. AMSOIL Metric 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is suggested for this model. This engine revs up to over 9000 rpm, so it needs oil with good wear protection and foaming resistance. What is the zinc and phosphorus content of this oil? I can’t find this information anywhere.

Our answer: The fixation on zinc and phosphorus content in motorcycle oil is old thinking. With today’s ashless additive technology, zinc and phosphorus levels are far less relevant for some motor oils. Let us explain.

AMSOIL Metric 15W-50 carries the JASO MA2 and API SM specifications. The JASO MA2 oil standard signifies that a motorcycle oil is safe for catalytic converters. High levels of traditional motor oil additives like zinc and phosphorus can damage catalytic converters. Therefore, alternate technology has to be employed in order for the oil to provide adequate wear protection.

Metric 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil employs the latest “ashless” additive technology. Therefore, it has less zinc and phosphorus than some of AMSOIL’s more traditional motorcycle oil formulas.

Why Zinc And Phosphorus Numbers Are Not Important Anymore

Let’s compare the zinc and phosphorus content of AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 and AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 15W-50. The V-Twin 20W-50 has a more traditional formulation than Metric 15W-50.

  • AMSOIL Metric 15W-50- Zinc- 841 ppm, Phosphorus- 767 ppm
  • AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50- Zinc- 1300 ppm, Phosphorus- 1100 ppm

Based on these numbers, is the V-Twin 20W-50 vastly superior to Metric 15W-50? Not at all! AMSOIL Technical Services tells us that the wear control between the two products is identical. They also tell us that ashless additives bring other advantages.

For instance, when there is blow-by, old-style heavy-metal additives (such as zinc and phosphorus) from can create engine deposits. Ashless additives do not create these deposits.

Conclusion

Ashless motor oil additive technology has revolutionized motor oils in the passenger car and heavy-duty diesel engine oil segments. This technology is also a major player in part of the motorcycle oil market. Simply looking for the motorcycle oil with the highest zinc and phosphorus numbers won’t automatically point to the best product.

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Comparing Harley-Davidson And AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Filter Micron Ratings

AMSOIL Ea Motorcycle Oil FiltersA reader asks: I’ve been researching oil filters for my Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Harley-Davidson has oil filters that will stop particles down to 5 microns, while AMSOIL motorcycle filters only stop particles down to 20 microns. I thought that AMSOIL oil filters were supposed to be one of the better filters out there? Why are Harley filters so much better?

Our answer: The oil filter micron ratings provided by both AMSOIL and Harley-Davidson “Super Premium5” oil filters is like comparing apples to oranges. Each company is measuring their micron ratings on completely different scales. Therefore, the micron numbers are not at all comparable.

AMSOIL offers their motorcycle oil filter ratings on an “absolute” scale. Based on this measurement, their motorcycle oil filters are 98.7% efficient at stopping particles that are 20 microns in size or larger. This is a considered to be a very strong efficiency rating.

For reference, a decent automotive oil filter would stop 98.7% of particles 30 microns or larger.

Harley-Davidson provides their micron numbers on an “nominal” scale. Their nominal claim of “5-microns” with their “Super Premium5” oil filter is not telling the whole story. Filters makers claiming ultra-low nominal micron ratings aren’t mentioning the “efficiency”.

Let’s be clear. Harley-Davidson Oil Filters are definitely not removing 100% of particles down to 5-microns. This would make the oil filter so restrictive that it would go into by-pass mode every single time you rolled onto the throttle. Under most all riding conditions, that would be like having no oil filter.

What is the Difference Between “Nominal” And “Absolute” Oil Filter Ratings?

Absolute filter ratings are determined under controlled testing. The absolute filter rating is shown as 98.7% of particles of a stated diameter being stopped by the oil filter. In the case of AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Filters, they stop 98.7% of particles measuring 20 microns in size or larger.

Nominal ratings such as the 5-micron rating touted by Harley-Davidson has zero meaning without mentioning efficiency. Chances are high that the H-D filters are about 50% efficient at 5 microns. Where a Harley 5-micron oil filter would score in an absolute filter micron test is anyone’s guess.

What Is a Micron?

A micron is a unit of measurement that is 0.001 millimeters or 0.000039 inches. For example, bacteria are 2 to 3 microns in diameter and a red blood cell is 5 microns. The diameter of human hair averages 70 to 80 microns.

Bottom Line

To sum up, Harley oil filters might be well-built and near the top of the heap. But it’s very hard to tell. The nominal 5-micron rating touted by Harley-Davidson has no meaning without mentioning efficiency.

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Motor Oil For Ford Transit Connect EcoBlue Diesel Engine

AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel OilA reader asks: I’ve got a 2019 Ford Transit Connect van with the 1.5L EcoBlue diesel engine. It requires a motor oil meeting the Ford WSS-M2C214-B1 specification. The engine oil offered by Ford is Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 F-150 Diesel Motor Oil. Do you offer a motor oil that is correct for this engine?

Our answer: Yes, we have a motor oil for the Ford Transit Connect van with the 1.5L EcoBlue motor. AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel Oil meets the Ford WSS-M2C214-B1 spec. It is a 100% synthetic substitute for Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 F-150 Diesel Motor Oil.

Benefits Of AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-30

  • Industry-leading wear protection
  • Delivers consistent performance in extreme heat or arctic cold
  • Resists engine deposits
  • Capable of long service intervals
  • Combats oil consumption

The bottom line is that AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 is highly capable of providing steadfast wear protection in large displacement, mega-horsepower diesel engines. Therefore, it will withstand everything the EcoBlue engine can throw at it.

Where To Buy AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-30 Diesel Oil

We can sell this synthetic 5W-30 for Ford Transit Connect 1.5L EcoBlue engines at the best prices with our wholesale options. We ship from 11 warehouses in the United States and 2 locations in Canada.

Contact us for a price list using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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Switching To Synthetic Oil In 2-Stroke Sea-Doo?

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector OilA reader asks: I’m looking for oil for my 2003 Sea-Doo GTI 787 with a 2-stroke engine. The previous owner used the BRP XPS 2-Stroke Mineral Oil. I’m afraid to change to a different oil as I do not want to hurt the engine. What do you suggest?

Our answer: Switching to a full synthetic two-stroke oil from a mineral-based oil will not cause any damage or performance issues. In fact, a good full-synthetic 2-stroke oil will dramatically improve wear control and enhance performance. There is zero downside to switching over to synthetic oil and plenty of upside.

Here are some of the benefits that you will notice by switching from a conventional (or “mineral”) 2-stroke oil to synthetic.

  • Less exhaust smoke
  • Lower friction and crisper throttle response
  • Reduced engine and power valve deposits
  • Improved wear control
  • Greater resistance to extreme heat

The full-synthetic upgrade we offer is AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil. It will deliver cleaner operation, less smoke, lower friction, better wear control and improved performance over the XPS Mineral 2-Stroke Oil. All of these features are available at a very competitive price versus BRP XPS Mineral Oil from your Sea-Doo dealer.

AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil is smart substitute for BRP XPS Mineral Oil at a very reasonable price. Request a wholesale price list using the form on this page.

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New API CK-4 Synthetic 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil From AMSOIL

AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30 Synthetic Diesel OilAMSOIL has added a new 10W-30 diesel oil to their elite Signature Series Max-Duty line. The full-synthetic Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30 meets the latest API CK-4 specifications along with a multitude of industry standards.

Why Did AMSOIL Add 10W-30 Diesel Oil To Their Product Line?

There is a trend toward lighter viscosity motor oils in class 8 semi-unit engines. Engines such as Paccar MX13, Volvo D11, D13, D16 and Cummins X15 and X12 are compatible with 10W-30 motor oil. This is an effort to optimize fuel-economy. The use of lighter viscosity oils means that the industry has to be more diligent about wear control. Signature Series Max-Duty offers a world-class formula that demolishes industry wear tests such as the Detroit Diesel D13 Scuffing Test.

Ideal Applications For AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30

Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30 is ideal for newer or older diesel engines requiring a 10W-30 engine oil. Semi-truck owner/operators who are trying to maximize engine life might find this product particularly appealing. Reduced friction, extended oil change life and maximum engine life are attributes that they will appreciate.

This new 10W-30 meets the latest industry standards including API CK-4.

This product is certainly not the cheapest 10W-30 diesel oil out there. But we believe that it is the best. For those looking to protect their investment and make their engine last as long as possible, this synthetic diesel oil could be the best value on the road. Check out the product page at the link above for all of the features as well as the suitable applications and specifications.

Where To Buy AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30 Synthetic Diesel Oil

We can ship Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30 from 13 warehouse across the US and Canada. We also offer free shipping on qualified orders. There are commercial wholesale accounts for owner/operators and personal-use wholesale options as well.

Contact us for a price list using the form on this page.

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AMSOIL Now Offers Motor Oil For Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel

AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel OilAMSOIL now offers a premium-quality synthetic motor oil for 3.0L V-6 turbo-diesel Power Stroke engines. This engine is an option for some 2018, 2019 and newer Ford F-150 pick-up truck models. The “DHD” AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel Oil now meets the Ford WSS-M2C214-B1 specification for the 3.0L Power Stroke engine. This motor oil is widely available for delivery in Canada and the United States.

About AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel Oil

This product is part of AMSOIL’s elite Signature Series Max-Duty synthetic diesel engine oil series. The Signature Series line is designed to provide the very latest in wear protection and friction reduction technology. AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-30 will maximize fuel economy while delivering industry-leading wear control. One of the main features of Signature Series motor oils is that they are over-built. Therefore, this product is capable of long, difficult service intervals.

We believe that AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-30 will be the best motor oil money can buy for the Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke diesel engine.

Oil Depot can sell this synthetic 5W-30 for 3.0L turbo-diesel Power Stroke engines at the best prices with our wholesale options. We ship from 13 warehouses in Canada and the United States. Contact us for a price list using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

About the Ford F-150 3.0L Turbo-Diesel Power Stroke Engine

Ford first released the turbo-charged V-6 3.0L Power Stroke diesel engine for the 2018 model-year. It was initially available only in the high-end Lariat and King Ranch F-150 trim levels.

The 3.0L Power Stroke engine has a listed output of 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a ten-speed automatic transmission for optimized fuel economy. As a result, the two-wheel drive, crew-cab version reportedly gets 30 miles per US-gallon (12.75 km/L).

Oil Filter For The Ford F-150 3.0L Diesel Power Stroke?

For the time being, we do not offer an oil filter for this engine. However, we hope to get the WIX WL7490 oil filter in soon. This WIX oil filter is a high-quality replacement for the Motorcraft FL-2081 oil filter from your Ford dealer.

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AMSOIL “Easy-Pack” Option Added To Five More Products

New AMSOIL Easy-Pack Additions May 2019AMSOIL’s innovative Easy-Pack format has now made its way to five more products.

Effective May 1st, 2019, the convenient Easy-Pack container is now an option for Signature Series ATF’s and yet more gear oil and transmission fluid options. Here are the new additions.

  • “ATF” Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
  • “ATL” Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF
  • “SVT” Severe Gear 75W-110 Synthetic Gear Oil
  • “AGL” Severe Gear 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (NEW Product!)
  • “MTG” Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle GL-4 Gear Oil

Easy-Pack was already an option with these AMSOIL products.

  • “SVG” Severe Gear 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
  • “SVO” Severe Gear 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil
  • “AGM” Universal Synthetic 75W-90 Marine Gear Oil
  • “AUDT” Synthetic ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Fluid

Easy-Pack has now made its way to the most popular gear and transmission oils in the AMSOIL line-up.

Why Did AMSOIL Introduce “Easy-Pack”?

AMSOIL invented Easy-Pack to ease the installation of gear and transmission oils into tight areas. The flexible packaging and nozzle end allows for much easier oil filling in those “hard-to-reach” components with minimal fuss and spillage.

Request a US or Canadian AMSOIL wholesale price list for using the form on this page.

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A Substitute For Mobil Epic 102 Grease?

AMSOIL Arctic Synthetic GreaseA reader asks: Do you carry an equivalent of Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease? This will be used in medium-duty worm drives in both extreme winter cold and summer.

Our answer: We believe that we have an upgrade over the semi-synthetic Mobil Epic EP 102 product.

A unique aspect of Mobil Epic EP 102 is that it has a relatively rare NLGI grade of “1.5”.

NLGI # 1 grease would traditionally be considered a winter grease, while NLGI # 2 grease is considered a summer grease. The vast majority of grease sold is NLGI #2. For most of the northern half of North America, an NLGI # 1 grease can be used year-round in all but the heaviest applications.

While we don’t offer a semi-synthetic NLGI #1.5 grease, we think that a full-synthetic NLGI # 1 product would actually cover a wider temperature range.

Our replacement for the semi-synthetic Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease would be the 100% synthetic AMSOIL Arctic Synthetic Grease. Don’t let the “Arctic” title fool you. This full-synthetic, extreme pressure (EP) grease is very capable for summer use. Its synthetic formula allows for complete four-season use.

A Full Synthetic Substitute For Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease

AMSOIL Arctic Grease has an operating range of -59°C to 157°C (-75°F to 315°F). The Mobil Epic EP 102 product has an operating range of -50°C to 150°C (-58°F to 302°F). The AMSOIL Arctic Grease has a slightly wider operating range.

When it comes to extreme pressure performance, the AMSOIL Arctic Grease outperforms the Mobil Epic EP 102 product. The “4-Ball Weld Test” measures the load carrying ability of a given grease. In this test, a steel ball is rotated under pressure against three other steel balls. The amount of weight required to seize this steel ball against the other three gives us the 4-Ball Weld Test number.

AMSOIL Arctic Synthetic Grease withstands the 4-Ball Weld Test until 400 kg of pressure is applied. Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease stops out at just 250 kg.

In conclusion, AMSOIL Arctic Grease is much more than just a “winter grease”. It has a wider operating temperature range and a much greater ability to withstand extreme pressure over Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease.

We can offer AMSOIL Synthetic Arctic Grease at wholesale in Canada and the US. Contact us for a price list using the form on the page

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AMSOIL Interceptor Now Carries JASO FD Spec For Ski-Doo E-TEC

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AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector OilAMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil now meets and exceeds the requirements for the JASO FD industry specification. Why does this matter? Ski-Doo recently started recommending the use of JASO FD-compliant 2-stroke oils for their E-TEC snowmobile engines.

AMSOIL Interceptor has been extensively tested for use in Ski-Doo E-TEC engines. The addition of this spec further cements Interceptor’s credentials as the ideal 2-stroke oil for E-TEC engines. We have received nothing but rave reviews about Interceptor from our E-TEC customers. Best of all, the 100% synthetic Interceptor is priced lower than Ski-Doo/BRP 2T E-TEC Synthetic Oil or BRP Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil.

What Is The “JASO FD” 2-Stroke Oil Specification?

JASO FD is a two-stroke oil industry specification set by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization.

As with previous JASO two-stroke oil specs, JASO FD has a number of performance and smoke guidelines. This newest “FD” specification places a much greater emphasis on detergency and engine cleanliness.

How Is AMSOIL Interceptor Suitable For Ski-Doo E-TEC Engines?

The direct injection Ski-Doo E-TEC engine sets new standards in terms of fuel efficiency, low emissions and horsepower per cubic centimeter.

One of the main features of E-TEC engines is that they consume very little 2-stroke oil. A relatively small amount of oil is the difference between peak performance or an expensive engine failure. For this reason, E-TEC engines require a very advanced synthetic 2-stroke oil. AMSOIL Interceptor offers highly sophisticated synthetic anti-wear chemistry. Extensive testing in Ski-Doo E-TEC engines has proven that Interceptor provides outstanding wear control.

Another important oil requirement for E-TEC’s is cleanliness. The precise E-TEC engines require very clean internals. This is the main reason why BRP is requiring the use of 2-stroke oils that meet the JASO FD spec. Interceptor has world-class cleaning ingredients that keep E-TEC engines operating at their peak. It also keeps RAVE variable exhaust power valves clean which optimizes performance. AMSOIL Interceptor’s clean-burning performance exceeds the JASO FD requirements.

One of the special features of the E-TEC engine is a (mostly) one-pull start in extreme cold. AMSOIL Interceptor pours down to -56°C (-69°F) for instant cold-start oil flow.

Interceptor ticks all of the boxes for E-TEC use. It provides elite wear protection, high film strength, minimal friction, robust detergent ingredients and low-smoke.

In conclusion, Interceptor offers all of these features at a lower price than BRP 2T E-TEC Synthetic Oil.

Request wholesale pricing for AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil using the contact form on this page.

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AMSOIL Now Offers Easy Pack For Marine and ATV/UTV Oil

AMSOIL Easy Pack For Marine Gear Oil and ATV/UTV Transmission/Diff OilAMSOIL now offers their ingenious “Easy Pack” format for two more products. Easy Pack options are now available for AMSOIL Marine Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Oil and AMSOIL ATV/UTV Synthetic Transmission and Differential Fluid. Each will be available in single US quart (946 ml) Easy Packs or cases of 12 units.

This clever packaging allows for easy, no-mess service of marine lower units and ATV/UTV transmissions and diffs that are in tight areas.

About AMSOIL Easy Pack

The highly flexible packaging and no-spill nozzle permits much easier servicing of components in tight areas. Areas that were previously impossible to fill with a quart bottle (without a pump) are now easy to fill. The groundbreaking Easy Pack concept was introduced by AMSOIL for their Severe Gear Series in the summer of 2018.

We expect that Easy Pack will make its way to more AMSOIL products in the future.

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