Questions Most Often Asked About AMSOIL

Questions Most Often Asked About AMSOIL

What is it?
AMSOIL is a company that manufactures and markets a complete line of synthetic-based lubricants (for farm, marine, fleet, industrial and personal use) as well as oil, oil filters and air filters for most all pieces of equipment. It is also the brand name of the lubrication and filtration products which the company manufacturers and markets.

When should you put AMSOIL motor oil into new automobile engines?
Allow the new engine to run a few hundred to a thousand miles on the factory-fill oil before draining. Hopefully, all the manufacturing metal filings, etc. will be removed with the drained oil. A good practice is to flush the engine using AMSOIL Flush before filling with AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil.

Will the use of AMSOIL products void a new vehicle warranty? NO!
First vehicle manufacturers specify lubricants by viscosity (such as 10W-30) and API Service Classification (such as SL, SJ, CH-4). Any lubricant meeting the criteria specified by the manufacturer may be used, regardless if it is petroleum-based or synthetic. The SAE Viscosity and API Classification of AMSOIL lubricants are clearly stated on each product container. Some, car manufacturers have been factory-filling new cars with synthetic lubricants for several years.

Secondly, as long as the lubricant meets the minimum requirements of the equipment (SL, SJ for gasoline engine oils) the lube can safely remain in the equipment without affecting warranties. Look to your lube company to tell you when their product should be removed. Your typical petroleum based oil and petroleum based synthetics suggest that their product will only last 3,000 miles before it fails to meet the minimum API requirements. AMSOIL, Inc. states on their bottles, in their literature and in their catalogs that their engine oils will last 25,000 miles or one year and still meet the minimum API requirement. 0W-30 will last 35,000 miles or one year!

b) The Magnuson-Moss Act, a Federal Law, states that a manufacturer cannot require the use of a specific brand of lubricant or any other component part, unless it is provided by the manufacturer free of charge under terms of the warranty. A waiver of this may be obtained if the manufacturer can show that the equipment will function properly only if that certain brand is used. This is not the case with any equipment or lubricant we are familiar with at the present time. If your auto dealer declares that you must use a specific brand and cannot use another brand ask them for a written statement of that fact and send a copy to AMSOIL, Inc., c/o Customer Service Department and AMSOIL will investigate the potential violation of this Act.

c) A warranty cannot be voided verbal instruction only. If voided, it must be done in writing, stating the specific reason. If you encounter this situation with the use of any AMSOIL products, send a copy to AMSOIL, Inc. Customer Service Department.

d) To void a vehicle warranty, a lubricant must be directly responsible for the failure. If the oil did not cause the problem as proven by oil analysis, the warranty cannot be voided, regardless of brand or length of use.

e) Oil analysis is acceptable as proof that an oil still meets the minimum API requirements and can safely remain in service over an extended drain interval.

f) If a vehicle warranty is voided due to following AMSOIL's recommendations, the AMSOIL Limited Product Warranty takes effect. Be aware that AMSOIL, Inc. will require an oil sample or analysis and may require inspection of the damaged parts.

In summary, if your vehicle is properly maintained and you are following either the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer or of AMSOIL, Inc., your investment is protected by a warranty. If ever a problem arises, regardless of the oil you are using, INSIST ON AN OIL ANALYSIS IMMEDIATELY to establish whose warranty you fall under. MORE INFO ON THIS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Are AMSOIL and petroleum products compatible?
Yes, AMSOIL is compatible with petroleum, however, adding petroleum will shorten the extended drain period of AMSOIL.

Is there a special procedure when changing over to AMSOIL engine oil?
Yes, add one pint can of AMSOIL engine flush per 6 quarts of engine oil. Start the engine and run at a fast idle for 15 to 20 minutes. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE FLUSH IN THE ENGINE. While engine is still hot, drain the old oil. Install a new AMSOIL Full Flow oil filter and add AMSOIL motor oil. You may need to adjust the engine idle RPM, as it may gain 100 to 200 RPM.

Why use AMSOIL Engine Flush?
There are cheaper flushes on the market that flush in less time. Quick acting engine flushes are typically harsher and produce larger "chunks" of deposits when cleaning an engine. AMSOIL could have chosen a quick 5-minute flush a less cost, but instead chose a 15-20 minute flush to be certain that no damage is done to any internal engine parts or seals. The AMSOIL Engine Flush is slower, safer, and more thorough. Just add the flush to your existing oil and filter.

Will AMSOIL work in a air-cooled engine?
Yes, extremely well. Air-cooled engines such as motorcycles and older VW's normally run hot; AMSOIL reduces internal friction, wear and engine temperature, therefore prolonging engine life.

Will AMSOIL get dark or black after a period?
Yes, AMSOIL will get dark which is an indication that it is doing it's job, keeping your engine clean. The dark color is comprised of very small contaminates that have no detrimental effect to your engine. The dark color means these contaminates are suspended in the oil instead of forming deposits in the engine. Use of AMSOIL By-pass Filtration Systems will greatly reduce this level of contamination, greatly extending drain intervals. (By-pass filters take out particles down to 1 micron in size! Your average off the shelf oil filter takes out particles in the range if 35 to 30 microns in size.)

Is there anything wrong if AMSOIL turns a gray color?
This is an indication of lead in the engine and it is being cleaned out with AMSOIL. The oil should be changed soon after the gray color appears. Reconfirm this condition with an Oil Analysis.

Can AMSOIL free sticking or stuck rings?
Most likely, provided the engine has not been run hot causing the rings to seize or cooked hard with carbon. A combination of the AMSOIL Engine Flush, Power Foam Carburetor/ Injector Cleaner and Performance Improver PI, fuel additive, should do the job.

Can AMSOIL decrease oil consumption?
Yes, under normal conditions. (Under test conditions, a 42% reduction in oil consumption was realized.)

Can AMSOIL quit noisy lifters?
Yes, provided they are simply dirty and not damaged be wear.

Is it possible to increase oil consumption when changing to AMSOIL?
Yes, if the engine has poor valve guide seals. This can normally be determined by observing the exhaust pipe when first starting in the morning. If a cloud of smoke emerges, in all probability the valve guide seals need replacement. In addition, any previously damaged seals from petroleum oil use may start to leak.

Can AMSOIL increase spark plug life?
Yes, many auto owners have reported longer spark plug life when using AMSOIL.

With AMSOIL in my engine, when do I check the oil level?
After the car has been shut down for 6 to 8 hours. Some oil stays up in the engine (to prevent dry starts) even after 6 hours, but a fairly accurate reading can be obtained. Readings with a warm engine will indicate artificially low oil levels, because the oil is in the engine instead of the oil pan.

Can there be a change in oil pressure with AMSOIL?
Possibly - some cars show the same while others show a slight increase or decrease, depending upon the condition of engine as well as the type and location of the pressure detection device in the system. A decrease in the oil pressure with AMSOIL, under normal conditions, is not indicative of a lack of lubrication.

Can AMSOIL increase the life of the oil pump?
Yes, the lubricating qualities of the oil, especially in cold weather and the lower co-efficient of friction, reduces the load on the pump.

Why change the AMSOIL Full Flow oil filter at 12,500 miles if the oil is "good" for 25,000 miles?
The AMSOIL Full Flow filter (spin on oil filter) will trap dirt particles down to the 5 micron size and will trap water, so by 6 months or 12,500 miles it will be holding quite a bit of dirt and possibly water and will need to be changed.

Why change the AMSOIL Full Flow oil filter at 6 months if I haven't driven 12,500 miles?
The frequent start/stops and short drive distances of the low mileage vehicle actually creates more problems for the engine than longer distance drives. Water vapor condenses in the engine each time it is heated (by use) and cooled (by shutting down). Short drive intervals do not permit the engine to sufficiently heat up for this moisture to be "boiled off" and eliminated from the system, increasing the possibility of acid formation if the moisture is not removed some other way. The AMSOIL Full Flow oil filter removes some water and can become saturated with dirt and water even in a low-mileage vehicle, therefore it should be replaced at six months regardless of how many miles have been driven. MORE INFO ON AMSOIL Ea OIL FILTER CAN BE FOUND HERE

Why is the oxidation resistance of AMSOIL so important?
Oxidation, and the by-products of oxidation, are some of the primary reasons that non-synthetic engine oils must be drained frequently. Heat causes oxidation and AMSOIL is more resistant to extreme heat than petroleum based oils. This means that AMSOIL won't oxidize to the degree that non-synthetic oils will. Also, AMSOIL does not oxidize to form corrosive acids.

Is AMSOIL a detergent oil?
Yes, the AMSOIL Motor Oils are by nature detergent, and have been properly formulated as dispersant oils to keep contaminants from settling out in the engine.

Should filters be changes more often when driving in dusty of sandy conditions?
Yes, both the oil filter and the air filter should be changes more often. (of course with the AMSOIL 2 Stage air filters a "change" consists of washing the foam filter with soap and water, drying, treating with the AMSOIL Foam Filter Oil, and putting it back in the vehicle.)

When changing filters, will the oil drain out?
No, you will lose only the amount of oil that is in the filter, up to one quart, the remainder of the oil is still in the pan and engine.

Does using AMSOIL affect the change interval of air filters?
No, they should be changed (or in case of AMSOIL Air Filters, washed) at recommended intervals or sooner if driving in dusty or sandy conditions.

How good is the AMSOIL Foam Air Filter?
Independent lab tests have shown while air flow of paper filters diminishes almost immediately upon use - due to dirt plugging them up, the AMSOIL filters allow up to 50% greater air flow than do conventional filters. The AMSOIL 2 Stage Air Filter traps 370% more dirt than other popular brands and last the life of the vehicle. They maintain a constant air/fuel ratio for improved engine performance and increased fuel mileage. (Look for the SAE J726C Air Filter Test Data for comparisons between AMSOIL, K&N and paper filters.) MORE INFO ON THE AMSOIL Ea AIR FILTER CAN BE FOUND HERE

Why should we be so concerned about air filtration?
Engines breathe about 15 parts air for every part gas. Air carries dirt. Dirt chews up engines. Over a typical city there are over 400 tons of dirt suspended in ever cubic mile of air and it is the very smallest particles that do the most damage.

What about stop and go driving or city driving with AMSOIL?
This kind of driving is always harder on the automobile and the oil, especially in cold temperatures. AMSOIL, however, will protect better under these conditions. AMSOIL resists acid formation, sludge build-up and is formulated to provide trouble free service for all types of driving conditions.

Can AMSOIL prolong the life of my battery?
No tests have been run to prove extended battery life but AMSOIL makes engine starting easier under all temperature conditions, especially cold, therefore requiring less power from your battery to start your engine.

Can AMSOIL be used for racing?
Yes. The AMSOIL product line contains a selection of engine oils, greases and transmission fluids for racing and road use. Many races have been won and track records have been established using AMSOIL. RACING INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE

How many hours can you run farm equipment or stationary equipment on AMSOIL before changing the oil?
4 to 8 times as long as you run on regular petroleum oil. We suggest backing this up with a series of oil samples. FARM PRODUCTS AND INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE

Will a coolant leak damage an engine when using AMSOIL?
YES! You have more protection from AMSOIL than any petroleum oil and AMSOIL will help to ward off the effects of ethylene glycol, but it cannot completely protect your engine should coolant get into the oil.

Is AMSOIL explosive?
No. In fact, you would have to use a blow torch to even begin to burn it.

How can I get AMSOIL?
Click Here

Can I use AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 in my new 4-stroke snowmobile?
Absolutely! AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 was specifically formulated for use in small, hard working 4-stroke engines. AFF is ideal for 4-cycle snowmobiles, ATV's, personal watercraft, 4-stroke boat motors, lawn equipment etc... SNOWMOBILE PRODUCTS AND INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE
ATV PRODUCTS AND INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE

Can I use AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 in my car or truck?
YES. AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 can be used in in any gasoline 4-stroke automobile engine. Recommended change intervals are at 7500 miles, or 6 months. AMSOIL AFF can also be used in diesel powered cars or trucks, with change intervals as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

How long have AMSOIL lubricants been on the market?
AMSOIL introduced the first synthetic motor oil with an API (American Petroleum Institute) Service Classification in 1972. Since that time, AMSOIL has varied and expanded its product line. INFO ABOUT AMSOIL INC CAN BE FOUND HERE

What are AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils?
AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are fuel efficient, extended life lubricants manufactured from select synthetic base stocks and special purpose additives. These lubricants provide improved overall performance characteristics when compared to conventional petroleum oils.

What are AMSOIL Synthetic Blend Motor Oils?
AMSOIL Synthetic Blend Motor Oils are a blend of synthetic fluids and petroleum oils. They are combined to form an all season motor oil that demonstrates many of the performance features of synthetic lubricants.

Can AMSOIL Motor Oils be used in any engine?
Certainly, AMSOIL Motor Oils may be used in any mechanically sound gasoline or diesel fueled engine. Basically, that means they are excellent for use in any vehicle’s engine.

Are AMSOIL Motor Oils All-Season Oils?
Synthetic oils are made to protect and perform better than petroleum oils at both high and low temperature extremes. That’s why every jet engine in the world is lubricated with synthetic oil. AMSOIL Motor Oils have extremely low pour points and flow readily at extremely low temperatures for easier winter starting and significantly reduced engine wear. At high temperatures, no conventional motor oil can compare to the overall protection AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide. That’s extremely important for today’s turbocharged and small, non-turbocharged engines!

Will using AMSOIL Motor Oils increase gas mileage?
Tighter government regulations and increases in engine manufacturers’ demands are calling for more fuel efficient lubricants. AMSOIL Motor Oils reduce friction and drag better than petroleum oils, resulting in significant fuel economy increases. In a recent 1.2 million mile demonstration, AMSOIL Lubricants showed a 4.5% increase in gas mileage. Other tests have shown increases of as much as 15% under certain weather and driving conditions. Yet, because every vehicle is different, as are driving habits and conditions, it is difficult to accurately project an exact increase.

Why are AMSOIL Motor Oils capable of extended drain intervals?
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are highly resistant to the destructive effects of heat, and do not break down like petroleum oils. This means that AMSOIL Motor Oils can provide much longer drain intervals than conventional lubricants.

Should Oil Additives or After Market Products be added to AMSOIL Motor Oils?
No, they are not necessary! AMSOIL Motor Oils are properly formulated under the strictest Quality Control procedure to provide superior lubrication performance. INFO ON WHY OIL ADDITIVES SHOULD NEVER BE USED

I was always told to change my oil at 3,000 miles if I wanted to keep my car running well. How is it possible to drive 25,000 miles without an oil change? using AMSOIL, and will extending my oil change interval void my warranty?
AMSOIL synthetic Motor Oil is guaranteed to run for 25,000 miles or one year in a mechanically sound engine, providing of course, the oil is kept free of contaminants by changing the oil filter according to the manufactures recommendation or when using an AMSOIL oil filter, changing the filter at six months or 12,500 miles which ever comes first. AMSOIL coined the phrase "extended drain interval" and it's been validated by over 25 years of industry testing and by tens of thousands of motorists and multi millions of over the road miles. Based on their results, 25,000 miles is a conservative estimate.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil performs so well for so long because it doesn't break down in intense heat like conventional oils do. It doesn't form performance-robbing deposits and it doesn't volatize (evaporate), which can adversely affect lubricant performance by altering viscosity and increasing oil consumption. Finally, AMSOIL's Ultra-Premium additive package, a key element in a lubricants ability to function, holds up under engine stresses, remaining serviceable for the full 25,000 miles.

Note also that extending drain intervals, like using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil in general does not affect new car warranties. In fact, according to a General Motors representative, "Warranty applicability is contingent upon the cause of the failure and generally covers defects in material and workmanship only" In other words, the only situation in which warranty coverage would change is the case of lubricant related failure (in which case the AMSOIL Limited Warranty protects the consumer).

AMSOIL costs more than my regular oil does. How can I justify paying this higher cost?
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor oil is more expensive off the shelf than most petroleum oils. But comparing AMSOIL and other motor oils is like comparing apples and oranges; AMSOIL's performance so far exceeds that of conventional motor oil, it's really a different class of product. AMSOIL is a premium product that rightfully commands a premium price.

Like anything of real value, however, the true consumer cost doesn't end with the off the shelf price. AMSOIL Motor Oil is extremely cost effective compared to conventional 3,000 mile drain interval oils in savings realized in fuel economy, reduced repairs, fewer oil changes, reduced downtime, reduced maintenance and extended engine life.

I bought a new car a year ago, and I've been running petroleum motor oil in it ever since. Could switching to AMSOIL now cause mechanical problems?
Switching from petroleum motor oil to AMSOIL (or even mixing the two, if the need arises) is perfectly safe. AMSOIL is 100 percent compatible with petroleum oils. Mixing AMSOIL and petroleum is not recommended (having petroleum motor oil mixed in detracts from the superior performance of AMSOIL), but there is no danger in doing so. Those who have been using petroleum motor oil in their mechanically sound vehicles can switch to AMSOIL safely. Petroleum motor oil and AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil are only incomparable in the way they perform, not incompatible.

I've been using a petroleum motor oil since I started driving, that was a long time ago. Why should I switch to AMSOIL when I haven't had any problems with what I am using?
Chances are you are not driving the same car you were when you started driving. Automotive technology has changed a great deal, even in the past few years. Today's cars have more power, use less gas and have smaller engines than ever before. High performance mixed with small engines means high stresses and increased demands on motor oil.

How expanding technology and modern engine needs affect motor oil is a primary concern of AMSOIL engineers. High-tech engines need high-tech oils like AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil-designed, not refined. AMSOIL motor Oil's base stock is composed of uniform molecules chosen for their lubricating characteristics. Petroleum oils are a hodgepodge of molecules; some lubricate, others detract from the ability to lubricate. The bottom line? AMSOIL's engineers can design their motor oil to meet the needs of you and your motor vehicle, petroleum refiners can't.

Using an oil designed for today's needs can make a world of difference for you and your automobile by providing lower repair costs, the convenience of fewer oil changes, easier starts in cold weather, better gas mileage and longer engine life. You can also expect better engine performance. These factors and the overall savings realized by using AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil make switching to AMSOIL the smart and easy choice!

Can AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants be used in my motorcycle, and what about the wet clutch?
Yes, AMSOIL manufactures ultra premium Synthetic Lubricants suitable for all motorcycles. AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Meet-exceed all manufactures warranty requirements. AMSOIL Synthetic lubricants work perfectly with the wet clutch systems in common use on motorcycles. AMSOIL also offers several two-cycle Synthetic Lubricants including our new Series 2000 Racing Oil that is unbeatable. AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants provide the ultimate in protection for any machine, racing or touring. MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS AND INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE Interesting Harley info here.

If I have more questions about AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants or applications. Where can I get the facts and not advertising Hype?
AMSOIL has detailed performance, technical data sheets available for all it's Lubricants and related products. AMSOIL has one of the finest R/D Departments staffed with the world's best scientists and engineers to assure continued product superiority and quality. A staff of Technical Service Advisors is always available to answer Questions and to provide the best recommendations for your application.

How did AMSOIL get it's start?
AMSOIL founder and president Al Amatuzio was an award-winning fighter pilot for 25 years. He saw that his jet plane used synthetic lubricants and wondered if he could produce a synthetic lubricant that would work in an automobile. He knew it was the synthetic lubricant in his jet engine that allowed the engine to perform without fail in extreme conditions, and he envisioned that same performance in automobiles. So he formulated what became the first workable, and commercially viable synthetic motor oil to qualify for American Petroleum Institute (API) rating (which is necessary so that use of this oil does not void your warranty). This oil, introduced to the automotive market in 1972, has so revolutionized the petroleum market that today just about every petroleum company has a synthetic or semi-synthetic oil in its line. But beware: all synthetic lubricants are not the same, or the same quality, nor do they contain the same ingredients. Since the other petroleum companies abandoned the synthetic oil field to AMSOIL in 1972, they are now playing "Johnny-Catch-Up" since AMSOIL proved that synthetic oil was not only a viable lubricant that outperformed anything they had, it was commercially viable, too. So they've all rushed to create their own. But with up to 25 years "head start" in research and development AMSOIL has, and will likely remain superior to anything they can produce. HISTORY OF AMSOIL INC

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