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I have compared the specs of the "old" Mobil-1 Tri-Synthetic and the "new" Mobil-1 SuperSyn, looking at 0W-30,5W-30, and 10W-30.

While there are a few variations between them, they are still pretty close. I don't see how the SuperSyn could be anything but true synthetic and have specs so close ...
 
http://mobil1.com/products/trisynth/faq.jsp

Mobil-1 with SuperSyn is still fully synthetic (as opposed to being a Blend) according to the SuperSyn FAQ on Their Website. Why are you guys getting your panties in a bunch?
 
"hey hey whoa.."

one, I violated my cardinal rule and spoke in far too absolute terms about Mobil 1 being "downgraded"
Downgrades according to who? What standard?

two, it, indisputably, *has been changed*, it is graded differently , and the reasons for the changes are, at the very least, questionable.
gree in?
Questionable by you? On what basis? A VW website? What is your degree in?

three- any info from discussion boards certainlycan be deemed no less reliable than simple marketing "info" on company websites.

Give me a break. Comparing reputable companies whose products have worked for millions of satisfied customers over millions of miles, with small or garage based companies is laughable at best and you know it.

This is not a bolt on intake system, where what may seem loud to you and provides little "seat dyno" numbers, may seem like a great system. Even 1/4 mile times are subjective by many factors even the driver. Here we are discussing complicated oil formulations that few if any of us understand


So I apologize and I'll do more sound research

What, hire a chemical analist? Or rely on another website like Amsoil? While they make a great product, they protest to much by trashing their competition for me . Is that any better a source? How about a VW chat site?
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I am happy with Mobil one. If it's flow rate moved from -56 to -45 degrees or something like that..BFD. The entire package is what we are paying for. I look forward to using the new formulation. I expext it to be great. If not, I will let you know.
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by tenderloin:
Read the truth about the new Mobil One. Not the BS It is still fully synthetic.
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http://mobil1.com/supersyn/index.jsp

http://mobil1.com/index.jsp
<hr></blockquote>

That is not the best source. That is ONE source. Of course Mobil is going to tell you that their new oil is the best oil ever and you should buy it, that is what they do.

I am upset because I thought I was getting the same oil. I have a bottle of the "new" SL rated that says nothing about being new!

Also I did read the posts on VWvortex. Especially the ones where the guy provided graphs of propertiy analysis. Now, do I know that this guy is an oil whiz? No. Did other people on the board take him seriously, yes. You have to go by reputation and multiple sources.
 
Axon, what did you find???

tenderloin: If you can't understand what ZXmurph said, then don't respond to it. He clearly said he wasn't sure what was going on, and like me would look into it. Please don't attack further. If you are going to accuse me of being an Amsoil dealer with ulterior motives, then I can accuse you of being a Mobil 1 dealer with the same. We don't know your credentials either!

We are just a bunch of car enthusiasts that want the best for our car, and want to make sure the best stays the best. As far as the flow rate change, I doubt any of us here know enough about oil to judge the true impact of that!
 
tenderloin
You've clearly misunderstood the intent and motivation behind my posts- and I don't see how the insulting tone is remotely appropriate. I haven't even seen an Amsoil bottle.....ever..and have predominantly used Mobil 1 for..hmmmmm about 12 or 13 different vehicles now.....so what are you even alluding too?


<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by tenderloin:
[QB]
Downgrades according to who? What standard?

*As I said, clearly, right there, I spoke in FAR TOO ABSOLUTE TERMS about it being downgraded.* In other words I, and lots of others are unsure. Get it.

two, it, indisputably, *has been changed*, it is graded differently , and the reasons for the changes are, at the very least, questionable.

Questionable by you? On what basis? A VW website? What is your degree in?
*I am saying that any change is questionable in motivation, how in the world is it not?. I don't feel and would not recommend, that any changes to any product be blindly accepted as improvements. Why do I need to justify that simple, logical approach? Do you not do this? Have we not reached many improvements and answers to many automotive problems through grassroots discussion? I don't need an engineering degree to question and gather facts and opinion on suspensions, turbos, tires.....etc. so why do I need one here?
This is the problem when we have emotional attachment to brands.

three- any info from discussion boards certainly can be deemed no less reliable than simple marketing "info" on company websites.

Give me a break. Comparing reputable companies whose products have worked for millions of satisfied customers over millions of miles, with small or garage based companies is laughable at best and you know it.

*Would you please stop assuming that I am "listening" more to discussion or small or 'garage' based companies. I acknowledge that it is in the soup of misinformation that we have to strive for facts and it is a tremendous challenge. "Marketing" engineering exists in all sizes of markets- ALL- Your quote "millions of satisified customers...." just ironically mimics adspeak and is as potentially laughable when it comes to finding any truth, as any other evidence for facts. Thats right up there with "Doctor recommended" or "sold in Europe for years!"
Come on, we are on the same side.


So I apologize and I'll do more sound research

What, hire a chemical analist? Or rely on another website like Amsoil? While they make a great product, they protest to much by trashing their competition for me . Is that any better a source? How about a VW chat site?
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So I apologize for speaking a bit too absolutely, just want to try to find out from A LOT of different sources as to what the change is and this is WRONG in your view? I do think there is someone FAR more qualified than I would ever want to be, that could explain the changes and possible reason why. I am not championing ANY OTHER OIL HERE,nor gleaning "info" from any competitors website so stop alluding to that NOW.

<hr></blockquote>

I'm glad you are happy with your oil and its application. I am at a loss for why it would ever be wrong for all of us, as a community, to make the best effort to find facts and determine the best value in all products available
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I didn't intend to show you disrespect with this post, and can clearly see the problem when I or anyone else comes off as "bad mouthing" a product.
Questions have been raised, and I do note that they are meaningless without solid answers.
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[ 04-29-2002: Message edited by: ZXmurph ]</p>
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by OmniFocus:
Axon, what did you find???<hr></blockquote>

Well... on Mobil's Website, it looks like it says Mobil-1 Tri Synthetic is Fully Synthetic, and that it's not a blend. They're being Really really tricky. You go to read the FAQ on This newfangled SuperSyn stuff... and it's listing info on Tri-Synthetic... The specs for SuperSyn that I've seen posted do seem to be along the same lines as Syntec. Ugh... I'm afraid to say it, but Mobil-1 just turned their backs on us.

Furthermore they say that this SuperSyn additive is 100% synthetic, they seem to dance around the base stock. I can guarantee you this SuperSyn stuff is pure synthetic, but it just seems like when they talk about their oil, they say Tri-Synthetic is FULLY synthetic, including a high performance fully synthtetic base stock. and then when they talk about this new stuff, they only talk about how cool these new additives are. Never mind the fact that they changed the spec from SJ to SL on the new oil, never mind the pour point is higher and the flash point is lower than the old Tri-Synthetic stuff.

I really think they went Dino oil and created a semi-synthetic blend on us. I wish it weren't so, but I'm afraid that's just how it looks from my standpoint. Go, read everything on mobil1.com. Read about the tri-synth, see how they talk about the oil as a whole, then see how they glaze over the whole oil when they're talking about this new additive.
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Poor Form, Indeed!
 
Quit the mis-information! What part of this do you not understand? You are spreading false rumors!
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It clearly states throughout the site that Mobil One is fully synthetic. The SuperSyn is a new synthetic additive. Unbelievable. That is the type of BS I am talking about@!

Mobil 1® With SuperSyn™ Fully Synthetic Motor Oil

Product Description

Mobil 1 fully synthetic motor oils are manufactured using non-conventional, high performance fluids. These include polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and other ExxonMobil® engineered fluids which make up the Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ formula.

The unique combination of high-performance fluids and proprietary additive systems enables Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ motor oils to offer advantages beyond their conventional SAE viscosity-grade counterparts. Conventional mineral oils thicken or thin dramatically with changes in temperature.

To compensate for this weakness, manufacturers add thickeners to conventional multigrade oils to slow thinning as engine temperatures rise. naturally high resistance to changes in viscosity due to temperature, and therefore require less of these thickeners. This results in a heavier, more stable protective oil film for engine bearings and piston rings than provided by similar SAE viscosity-grade mineral oils.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ protects engines up to 204° C (400° F). It contains less impurities, so it protects better than conventional oils in cold weather (as shown by the pumpability limits indicated in the table below). This means that Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ provides outstanding protection against wear at start-up, when most engine wear occurs.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ is fully compatible with mineral-based or conventional motor oils. Any mixing of Mobil 1 products with conventional oils, however, will only dilute Mobil 1's many advantages. Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ is also compatible with all other synthetic motor oils, but mixing synthetics is discouraged.

Applications
Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ fully synthetic, detergent-dispersant oils are designed for passenger car and light truck gasoline or diesel engines requiring API Service SL, SJ or CF. Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 also exceed ILSAC GF-3 (Starburst Certification Mark) requirements.

Especially if the vehicle is still under warranty, owners should always consult their owner's manual for the correct oil quality and viscosity grade recommended for their vehicle.

Depending on the viscosity grade, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ motor oils meet or exceed the requirements of all major automobile manufacturers, including General Motors GM 4718M and Daimler-Chrysler MS 9615. Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ meets or exceeds the more demanding European ACEA requirements and Japanese valvetrain wear requirements. Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 0W-40 is also approved for Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3.
Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ is not recommended for 2-cycle or aviation engines unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Within the above API Service Classifications, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 can be used anywhere an SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W, 10W, 20W, 20 or 30 grade viscosity is recommended.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 improve fuel economy, exceeding the newest fuel efficiency rating – "Energy Conserving." Their cold-temperature performance is superior to conventional SAE 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 oils, easing the load on battery-started engines, especially at temperatures below -18° C (0° F). Owners of all cars should follow the car maker's recommendations for oil drain and filter change intervals.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 0W-40 is formulated for newer European cars, especially those with advanced-technology, multi-valve engines. It can be used where an SAE 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-30 or 5W-40 grade viscosity is recommended.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 15W-50 can be used where SAE 15W-40, 15W-50, 20W-50, 15W, 20W, 20, 30, 40 or 50 grade viscosity is recommended.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 15W-50 is especially suitable for high-performance cars, particularly hot-running or heavily loaded vehicles and supercharged vehicles.

Mobil 1 products, race-proven under severe conditions, provide outstanding endurance and performance.
 
From axOn
"Never mind the fact that they changed the spec from SJ to SL on the new oil"

From Mobil One
Applications
Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ fully synthetic, detergent-dispersant oils are designed for passenger car and light truck gasoline or diesel engines requiring API Service SL, SJ or CF.

Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 also exceed ILSAC GF-3 (Starburst Certification Mark) requirements.

Who you gonna believe?
 
As I thought I was clear about before, can you please 'simmer down'. Thanks for your thorough presentation of exhaustive Mobil 1 information copy as a contribution. It does not convince me either way of what the changes were and why. That is what we are after, but now I am close to not caring because my passion for the subject will apparently not approach yours.
 
tenderloin: If you look through previous oil wars in here and team tech, you'll see my loyalty has always been to Mobil-1. Did I once say that Mobil Definitely went to blend? No. I just said I'm seeing some conflicting information on their own web site. I'm Suspicious. Regardless of if they ARE 100% Synthetic or not, they need to clarify.

Honestly, this discussion (ahem, not argument) is about if they went to a blend or not. Show me concrete evidence they're 100% synthetic. My main goal in even discussing this was to relay what I've seen, which is some conflicting info, and also to relay a few alternatives that are definitely made from fully synthetic base stock.

To me, it really seems that right now, mobil is mixing information up between their older and newer mobil-1 formulas, making it very difficult for an aware consumer to draw a black and white line between what's what. If my next oil change needs to be done before I know for sure Mobil-1's new formula is fully syntetic or not, I'm using royal purple or amsoil, unless I can find some place that's stockpiled mobil-1's older formula.
 
I would like to point out the fact that some oils, synthetic or not may have an advantage over another for keeping the engine well. But you will never be able to tell this on a oil change. If you change your oil and think " Wow, that's better..." It's all in your head! Durability can be measured by which oil you use but performance can never be. thats a fact !!!!
 
Folk-S "Durability can be measured by which oil you use but performance can never be. thats a fact !!!!"

Oil performance can be measured on the track. It also can be measured with the ears and just the seat of your pants "feel" of your car. I can tell if I use a heavier weight oil in my cars for an example. Am I imagining it? Could be, but I do not think so. Also some oils do have less friction that may result in a noticeable difference especially on a small 4 banger. Just my opinion.
 
E-mail response from Mobil 1
(I hope this horse is finally beaten dead LOL)

From: mobilproducts@ourdataworks.com

The new Mobil 1 Supersyn Synthetic oil is still 100% synthetic motor oil, and it is the best Mobil 1 ever to be produced by Mobil.


That was sent in response to this e-mail I sent yesterday.


Hello
On many automotive enthusiasts sites, there is major discussion of how your new formula Mobil One is a cheaper, lesser grade synthetic blend oil, compared to your previous Mobil One oil. It is being compared with Castrol Syntec, in that it is blended with conventional oil stock.

This is going to hurt your business if it is true or if not true does not get clarified as the High Performance techies on many sites have their panties in a bunch about you going the cheap route. Do not underestimate the concern by many on this.

Thanks for any response.
 
I too am a little afraid that something fishy is going on.

I have heard a little about the battle that was going on with Castrol, but I'm no expert.

Wasn't the problem with Castrol that they were taking conventional oil, and CALLING it synthetic? Not just that it was a blend, but that it actually was fully synthetic?

Now, if Castrol could get that past the Federal Trade Commission, couldn't Mobil be doing the same? You know, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em"?

I just can't see how the pour point could be higher, and the flash point lower, but the oil is actually better. Doesn't make much logical sense. To me, it seems like the whole operational envelope of the oil has shrunken.

If I remember correctly, synthetic oil is made by taking longer parafin size hydrocarbon chains, and "hydro-craking" them into smaller chains that we want for oil. You get more control over chain length this way, and therefore better viscosity control.

But then I remember something about Castrol taking short hydrocarbon chains, and joining them into the longer chains necessary for oil, or something like that. They called it "synthetic" because they are synthesising the chains, but they really weren't doing the same thing.

Something like that.... Anyone?

I'm just reading that info pulled off the Mobil site, and it seems pretty Legalese to me. Lawyer-speak makes me nervous, you know they're hiding something.

It appears the Super-Syn in synthetic, but they are ADDING it to the base stock (They keep saying, "and other fluids"). Who's to say what the ratios are? Is this 10% fully synthetic Super-Syn, mixed in with 90% dino juice? The way it's worded, it kinda seems like the door is open for that possibility.
 
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