Who knows why Motorcraft doesn't have the API logos on the oil in your area? Who cares? Maybe they figured with a gov like Jesse Ventura and the artist formerly known as "Prince" it's too deep for Minnesotans to understand. Motorcraft oils ARE API certified, though. One of the best oils used in diesels is a locally made brand (Oklahoma) by Cato Oil and Grease; it's Mystic JT-8 and from what I understand, it's the factory fill on Cat. There's no API marks on their bottles, and it doesn't mean they're bad. To get the API certification, the maker has to be a member of API and then PAY for the certification and use of API logos. Not every small maker can do that. I would surmise most Motorcraft oil is intended to be sold through a dealership, or rather used there, therefore, why bother with paying a royalty for the use of a silly little logo. If you don't like Havoline or Motorcraft, then by all means don't use them. The three you've mentioned are good quality, I use Castol GTX myself and have used Valvoline and Mobil 1. Just don't knock them for something you don't understand.

 

If I absolutly had to put any dino oil in my truck. I would have to go with Mobil.

They use the same additive package as in their Mob1.

Since I think that Mob1 is the second best synthetic. That would put their conventional oil high on my list!

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Lube-Direct

 

I just got back from Pep Boys (the only place other than a dealership that sells Motorcraft oil on a regular basis in my area), and guess what? They had API logos right on their packages! The 10W-30 had the API donut as well as the starburst and the 10W-40 had the API donut (no starburst because 10W-40, regardless of manufacturer, is not classified as energy conserving). In fact, all of the oils sold by Pep Boys, including their store brand, have the API certification! EXACTLY what additives does Mobil add to their oil to make it "better" than other brands? I want actual chemical compositions, not just "it's better stuff." Mobil has detergent, as does Castrol, Valvoline, Quaker State, Pennzoil, Havoline, Motorcraft, Kendall, etc. There's nothing in Mobil that gives it any edge over any other motor oil, nor is there anything in any of the other oils that make them any better than Mobil. I prefer Castrol GTX because it's widely available EVERYWHERE and they've got some good promotions (hats, t-shirts, footballs, etc.).

 

I was incorrect on the Mystic JT-8, they are API certified (the company is owned by Citgo now, previously Kerr-McGee). Something else of interest, Redline doesn't have any API certification in their ads, nor do they have a license listed with API. Would you consider Redline to be an inferior product, bowtie?

 

Ford Man,

Yes, Minnesotans are a silly bunch. Thank God I am not a native I just work for a company in MN. I also checked the stores after I got off work. Havoline oil is marked with all API symbols. The Motorcraft oil only had the API starburst certification for gasoline no API doughnut with SJ/CF rating so I am only 25% correct in my assesment.

My dad always told me to never talk about motor oil, religion, and politics there never is a correct answer.

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98 F-150 XL 4x4, 4.2L, 5sp, 3.55 LS, tow package, 8 ft box, P255x70 R16

 

What about Redline, bowtie? They don't have any API symbols on their packaging, nor do they have a license listed with the API. Would you consider them to have an inferior product? To get the API starburst, an oil will also have to meet the other API certifications.

 

ford man

your viewpoint on different brand oils
generally being equal is correct. my father
(the rocket scientist of the family) was a
chemist for SUN CO (sunoco) and was well
aware of this fact. no oil company is ever
going to admit this because it would spoil
their advertising edge. businesses don't
spend over a million dollars a minute for
super bowl advertising for nothing. it works!! my father said buy pep boys oil it's
all the same. but I'm a sucker for advertising so I'll foolishly spend more for a highly publized oil just in case!! paranoia!!!

 

My point on the oil has been to use a detergent oil of the proper weight and viscosity and maintain your change intervals. If you like the Quaker State package, fine. If you like the Kendall promotion (a Sunoco/DX company), fine. No oil has a magic bullet.

 

Can you say.... ****-Retentive?!

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1999 F150 XLT S/C,5.4,Wht,ORP,Pwr seats,Infinity/Alpine, Factory Nerf BarsGlasstite Targa topper.K&N

 

Talked to two fellows I work with, whose opinions I respect about oil. One worked for Sunoco, in production, for many years: "If you're really concerned about oil, use one from a brand that specializes in oil, like Pennzoil, Castrol, et cetera. But when I worked for Sunoco we made over thirty different oils; generic store brands, major brands for contracts, like Quaker State and Valvoline, you name it. I buy whatever's cheapest because it all comes from the same place. A good filter is more important because what good is the 'best' oil if it can't get to your engine."

The other guy is a former diesel mechanic: "Compared to a diesel engine, a gas engine is a piece of junk. Just use whatever."