Castrol Syntec is not a Synthetic Oil
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Central California
Dustoff...you say that Mobil 1 is a true synthetic without question. How do you know this?..perhaps they, too, lie about their products. Have any one of you done independent testing to back up your claims? Or have you seen the actual lab tests which prove fraud? There's lots of hard words being spread on this thread.
I use regular oil and don't plan on using "synthetic" oil, so I have no interest in the debate other than making sure the facts are correctly portrayed. IMHO, of course.
I use regular oil and don't plan on using "synthetic" oil, so I have no interest in the debate other than making sure the facts are correctly portrayed. IMHO, of course.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH, USA
Hi Marv, Mobil isn't lying about their Mobil 1 oil. Why, because Amsoil tested Mobil 1 right after it was reformulated to the new tri-synthetic formula. In fact, Mobil 1 in some area's surpasses Amsoil and Amsoil surpasses Mobil 1 in other area's. Also, Mobil 1 has a tested by many performance shops and currently rates #4 in friction tests behind Synergyn, Royal Purple, and Redline. Mobil 1 has been proven in the market to be a full synthetic and is used on many of the Nascar race cars. It's proven to be one of the best and has been tested to be one of the best. Castrol Syntec on the other hand has been tested and Syntec has shown that since it's not a synthetic oil, it can't compete with the premium synthetic's on the market. Mobil has been tested and proven as have all the premium oils on the market. Castrol marketed itself as a premium oil but in tests came up short since it's not a synthetic oil as Castrol lied to us.
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June H. Han
jhan@tauruscarclub.com
1997 Taurus w/Duratec 3.0
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
K&N Filter
Superchip
17 in Team Loco 143 Rims
------------------
June H. Han
jhan@tauruscarclub.com
1997 Taurus w/Duratec 3.0
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
K&N Filter
Superchip
17 in Team Loco 143 Rims
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 263
Likes: 2
From: west palm, fl
I quit using castrol products 15 years ago. I had a built '66 mustang and took a 1200 mile trip an a fresh castrol GTX oil change. I made it 1150 miles and lost oil pressure. I was almost there so I put in a can of STP goo. It worked and the oil pressure went to something more than zero and I made it to my destination. I drained it (it was like water) and filled up with valvoline, That engine lasted another 85,000 miles before I sold the car.
Point is they have been manufacturing inferior products for years!!!!!
Chris
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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.
Point is they have been manufacturing inferior products for years!!!!!
Chris
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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 923
Likes: 0
From: MO, USA
Once again, the power of the internet to uncover the truth! he 
he he
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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR 8/99) running Mobil 1
Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.
he he ------------------
'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR 8/99) running Mobil 1
Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Georgia
Marv1
I will try to explain what I meant just for you.....notice that I put tick marks around the word 'true'..to indicate an unknown to me/or claimed fact by the company....When I mentioned 'without question' that meant that NO ONE has posted anything negative about it..unlike Castrol Syntec (Since I have never used Mobil 1, I can't say if it is good or bad). In fact, MANY F-150 owners seem to like Mobil 1 Synthetic oil.
I also mentioned that I decided to switch to Mobil 1..indicating that I had not used it before...(and made no claims as to its quality).
I have NOT conducted any Synthetic oil tests..and don't plan on it. One MAJOR reason I decided to go with Mobil 1 oil on the next oil change is the PRICE difference vs the Syntec...much cheaper for basically the same product.
I don't even trust lab test results completely...even those can be 'altered'..depending on who funded the lab fees.
I JUST started using Synthetic oil in a car/truck for the first time only 100 or so miles ago. So far, I have noticed that my temperature guage does not start to register anything until I am several miles down the road (after a cold start)..even after letting the truck sit and warm up for a short while...I never noticed this with the conventional oil I used before. Also, I have noticed a very slight increase in my idle RPM.
You are 100% correct in the possibility that Mobil lies..heck..anyone has the potential. I am VERY interested in any <published> information on Synthetic oils...and anything pertaining to the F-150. So far, I am impressed with Syntec and Synthetic oil in my truck...it is just more expensive.
I am actually VERY familiar with Synthetic oil from flying helicopters in the ARMY. That is the only type of oil used in the engines/transmissions. Synthetic oil is much better in every way..it just costs a bunch more.
Even if Syntec is not a 'true' Synthetic by definition..it already seems to be better than the GTX I have been using for the past 8 years.
I will be more specific in the future Marv1.
--------------------------------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II
I will try to explain what I meant just for you.....notice that I put tick marks around the word 'true'..to indicate an unknown to me/or claimed fact by the company....When I mentioned 'without question' that meant that NO ONE has posted anything negative about it..unlike Castrol Syntec (Since I have never used Mobil 1, I can't say if it is good or bad). In fact, MANY F-150 owners seem to like Mobil 1 Synthetic oil.
I also mentioned that I decided to switch to Mobil 1..indicating that I had not used it before...(and made no claims as to its quality).
I have NOT conducted any Synthetic oil tests..and don't plan on it. One MAJOR reason I decided to go with Mobil 1 oil on the next oil change is the PRICE difference vs the Syntec...much cheaper for basically the same product.
I don't even trust lab test results completely...even those can be 'altered'..depending on who funded the lab fees.
I JUST started using Synthetic oil in a car/truck for the first time only 100 or so miles ago. So far, I have noticed that my temperature guage does not start to register anything until I am several miles down the road (after a cold start)..even after letting the truck sit and warm up for a short while...I never noticed this with the conventional oil I used before. Also, I have noticed a very slight increase in my idle RPM.
You are 100% correct in the possibility that Mobil lies..heck..anyone has the potential. I am VERY interested in any <published> information on Synthetic oils...and anything pertaining to the F-150. So far, I am impressed with Syntec and Synthetic oil in my truck...it is just more expensive.
I am actually VERY familiar with Synthetic oil from flying helicopters in the ARMY. That is the only type of oil used in the engines/transmissions. Synthetic oil is much better in every way..it just costs a bunch more.
Even if Syntec is not a 'true' Synthetic by definition..it already seems to be better than the GTX I have been using for the past 8 years.
I will be more specific in the future Marv1.
--------------------------------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II
Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Stevensville, MT
YOWZA!
For what it's worth, I was told that many competative rifle shooters were coating their bores with Castrol Syntec after a thorough cleaning. I tried it myself and it seems to have reduced copper fouling in high velocity loads. Castrol has even entered a joint venture to bring various Syntec lubricants and cleaners to shooters.
Is it the Syntec addatives that "bond" to metal parts? Perhaps I should relegate all my Castrol Syntec reserves to gun duty....just for lying to us!
Remember when Mobil 1 was "synthetic", then it became "full synthetic", now "advanced formula"? Way to be on the ball consumers! I love this site!
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2000 F-150 4x4 SuperCab XLT, 5.4 liter Triton V8, 4R70W automatic, Sterling 9.97 w/3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, CD, keyless entry, Amazon Green / Silver.
77 Bronco, 64 Falcon
For what it's worth, I was told that many competative rifle shooters were coating their bores with Castrol Syntec after a thorough cleaning. I tried it myself and it seems to have reduced copper fouling in high velocity loads. Castrol has even entered a joint venture to bring various Syntec lubricants and cleaners to shooters.
Is it the Syntec addatives that "bond" to metal parts? Perhaps I should relegate all my Castrol Syntec reserves to gun duty....just for lying to us!
Remember when Mobil 1 was "synthetic", then it became "full synthetic", now "advanced formula"? Way to be on the ball consumers! I love this site!
------------------
2000 F-150 4x4 SuperCab XLT, 5.4 liter Triton V8, 4R70W automatic, Sterling 9.97 w/3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, CD, keyless entry, Amazon Green / Silver.
77 Bronco, 64 Falcon
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Georgia
Johnnyquest,
The cabin filtration system is a dealer installed option which is basically a large airfilter installed under the dash, on the passenger side..to filter all air in the vent system before it enters the cabin. They are more common on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
Of course, if you drive around with your windows down all of the time..this feature is of limited use.
I rarely drive with my windows down..so I decided to go ahead and have it installed...however..the parts were not available when I picked up my truck..so the dealership sent me the parts kit and I installed it myself.
Cost is around $60.00 for the entire kit. Slight modifications will have to be made and some very minor cutting under the dash (as per installation instructions) will have to be done. This is not that difficult at all.
Filters should be changed every 15,000 miles or one year. There is no air flow restriction at all once it is installed and it will not filter out odors. It 'claims' to filter out 90% of all dust and pollen before it enters the cabin.
---------------------------------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II
The cabin filtration system is a dealer installed option which is basically a large airfilter installed under the dash, on the passenger side..to filter all air in the vent system before it enters the cabin. They are more common on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
Of course, if you drive around with your windows down all of the time..this feature is of limited use.
I rarely drive with my windows down..so I decided to go ahead and have it installed...however..the parts were not available when I picked up my truck..so the dealership sent me the parts kit and I installed it myself.
Cost is around $60.00 for the entire kit. Slight modifications will have to be made and some very minor cutting under the dash (as per installation instructions) will have to be done. This is not that difficult at all.
Filters should be changed every 15,000 miles or one year. There is no air flow restriction at all once it is installed and it will not filter out odors. It 'claims' to filter out 90% of all dust and pollen before it enters the cabin.
---------------------------------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II
Member
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: MN
Here is the response from Castrol on this:
Thank you for contacting Castrol regarding Syntec's fully synthetic composition.
Syntec is a Poly Alpha Olefin ester-based product. Castrol SYNTEC's exclusive
base stock
contains a unique chemical ester that bonds to engine parts. The ester base
chemically bonds
to engine parts and doesn't contain teflon or silicone in its formulation. The
inner surfaces of
an engine take on a positive charge. The metals by their chemical nature allow
electrons to
flow freely and because of this, they become polarized like you'd polarize a
magnet. On the
surface of the metal, molecules can give up electrons easily, which establishes
a localized net
positive charge at the surface.
SYNTEC's unique polarized ester is designed to take advantage of this effect.
The attraction
between the positive charge of the engine walls and the negative charge of the
ester creates a
layer of adsorbed ester molecules on the surface of the metal. In effect, a
layer of lubricant has
become affixed to the engine wall, creating a long-lasting protective film,
superior in
performance to conventional oil.
SYNTEC employs a unique additive system containing anti-wear components,
detergents/dispersants, VI improvers, rust and corrosion inhibitors,
antioxidants, and foam
inhibitors. Castrol SYNTEC exceeds performance requirements for API SJ, ACEA
A1-96
(SYNTEC 10W-30) and ACEA A3-96 (SYNTEC 5W-50). ACEA contains the world's
toughest
gasoline engine specifications for viscosity protection and high temperature
oxidation and
deposit control.
Susan Howell
Reference: 13100
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1999 F-150 SuperCab Flairside XLT 4x4, Black (w/dark graphite int), Sport Package, 5.4, auto, 3.55LS, skid plates, captains chairs, cd changer, keyless entry, tow package, bed liner, & tonneau cover. Aftermarket Mods - Airaid FIPK, Gibson Side Swept Single, Smittybilt Modular Black Textured Nerfs, Deflecta Shield Magnum Deflector, Ventvisors, Code Alarm SureGuard40 Security, Pioneer TS-A6815 Speakers (x4), & Superchip'd.
Thank you for contacting Castrol regarding Syntec's fully synthetic composition.
Syntec is a Poly Alpha Olefin ester-based product. Castrol SYNTEC's exclusive
base stock
contains a unique chemical ester that bonds to engine parts. The ester base
chemically bonds
to engine parts and doesn't contain teflon or silicone in its formulation. The
inner surfaces of
an engine take on a positive charge. The metals by their chemical nature allow
electrons to
flow freely and because of this, they become polarized like you'd polarize a
magnet. On the
surface of the metal, molecules can give up electrons easily, which establishes
a localized net
positive charge at the surface.
SYNTEC's unique polarized ester is designed to take advantage of this effect.
The attraction
between the positive charge of the engine walls and the negative charge of the
ester creates a
layer of adsorbed ester molecules on the surface of the metal. In effect, a
layer of lubricant has
become affixed to the engine wall, creating a long-lasting protective film,
superior in
performance to conventional oil.
SYNTEC employs a unique additive system containing anti-wear components,
detergents/dispersants, VI improvers, rust and corrosion inhibitors,
antioxidants, and foam
inhibitors. Castrol SYNTEC exceeds performance requirements for API SJ, ACEA
A1-96
(SYNTEC 10W-30) and ACEA A3-96 (SYNTEC 5W-50). ACEA contains the world's
toughest
gasoline engine specifications for viscosity protection and high temperature
oxidation and
deposit control.
Susan Howell
Reference: 13100
------------------
1999 F-150 SuperCab Flairside XLT 4x4, Black (w/dark graphite int), Sport Package, 5.4, auto, 3.55LS, skid plates, captains chairs, cd changer, keyless entry, tow package, bed liner, & tonneau cover. Aftermarket Mods - Airaid FIPK, Gibson Side Swept Single, Smittybilt Modular Black Textured Nerfs, Deflecta Shield Magnum Deflector, Ventvisors, Code Alarm SureGuard40 Security, Pioneer TS-A6815 Speakers (x4), & Superchip'd.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH, USA
Hi guys, I wrote Castrol a while back and got almost the same response back from the same Susan Howell. If you read that letter closely, she does not deny the fact that Castrol Syntec is 100% mineral and 0% PAO's. If you read it, she does go one to mention the use of polarized ethers, but does not deny the the base stock is mineral. Syntec is merely a highly refined dino oil with some synthetic additives that allow it to meet the bare MINIMUM requirements of being classified as a synthetic oil. Yes Syntec is much better than regular convention dino oil, but that's as far as it will go. If you compare Syntec with the real full synthetic's on the market, Syntec's performance has been proven to be inferior and harmful when used in a high tech turbo charged engine. It's taking longer than expected, but I'll get the Hart's Lubricant World article scanned and posted in this message forum as soon as I can. Syntec is merely a slightly improved version of their Syntec Blend oil. Syntec should not be sold for more than $2.50. However, if you read that reply closely, she does not deny that Syntec is a hydroprocessed(hydrocracked) oil which states that it's base stock is completely mineral. Why would you pay $4 for a quart of oil that's inferior to the other oil's on the market such as Mobil 1, Amsoil and other's. That lady also does not deny that GM pulled the Syntec off of the approved oils list for their Corvette C5. In fact, I was talking with an Amsoil jobber yesterday, GM will void your warranty if you use Syntec in their C5. That alone proves that Syntec is an inferior oil. The problem with Syntec is it was engineered to meet the bare minimum performance requirements of a synthetic oil, not exceed it. Give me a couple more days so I can get the articles scanned and posted.
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June H. Han
jhan@tauruscarclub.com
1997 Taurus w/Duratec 3.0
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
K&N Filter
Superchip
17 in Team Loco 143 Rims
------------------
June H. Han
jhan@tauruscarclub.com
1997 Taurus w/Duratec 3.0
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
K&N Filter
Superchip
17 in Team Loco 143 Rims
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Lake Charles, La., USA
CheeseD: Read your piece about Castrols answer. I have been in the oil refining business for 22 years, and can read through their double talk. An olefin is a hydrocarbon (oil) atom that is unsaturated. This means that it is minus 1 atom compared to a fully saturated hydrocarbon. Oils are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. An olefin is missing one of the atoms. For instance: propane is a saturated hydrocarbon, hence, it is referred to as C3. Propelene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon, (olefin), hence, C3-. If Castrol tells you that their "Synthetic" oil contains olefins, they are readily admitting that it contains hydrocarbons, and, hoping that you do not understand their symantics. BTW, I have driven F150s since 1980, drove that truck 137,000 miles on Motorcraft oil and used Motorcraft ever since. Have owned about 15 new Fords since 80 and used Motorcraft in each one, never had an oil related failure. But, I do uderstand, from my racing years, 89-99, that synthetics are far superior to crude based lubricants under extremely stressful conditions. I work for Citgo Petroleum in Louisiana and we make Motorcraft oils.
Later D
Later D