oil

["Mahoney, John" <jmahoney@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

After Detroit News* wrote that the '70 Jarama was "designed by Bertoni" and
Consumer Reports took Tundra over F-150 (and DyChryCo strutted out in even
more chrome bling), I spilled motor oil onto my 12/04 "Engine Trend" and had
to read an AMC list online.  In case a case of Microsoft drink floods my
non-PC keyboard also, here's how to turn trick in 2005. 
http://www.strutwear.com/detroit.html
(*A "Rare 1964 AMC Rambler American with a 190-cubic-inch six" is their
November 11, 2004 "Car of the Day" --- repeating their 10/4/04 photo typo.
We pay people for that kind of auto history now.)
>>
in the earlier days of the automobile, drivers were referred to as
'engineers'.
<<

After they were referred to as "automobilists," before they were called
"motorists" and long before they became "idiots" on cell phones in SUVs... 

>>
I was reading a "tech Tip" in a Nash Club regional newsletter the other
daystating that we, who own cars with pre-cat.converter engines, should use
Diesel motor oil as it still contains ZINC for lubricating cam lobes,
valves,etc.  Modern engine with Cats don't need  Zinc as they use hardened
parts and Zinc will totally ruin a Cat.  Modern gasoline engine motor oils
do NOT contain any Zinc for that reason.
<<

Jay, very little zinc (<0.11%) is needed to prevent wear in most car engines
(although turbocharged or high redline [think Honda] F1-inspired mills may
require slightly higher percentages), but, as with a vitamin E supplement,
more isn't always better, since zinc also creates deposits and fouls plugs.
In addition, an "EP" (extended pressure friction reducer) additive such as
zinc, phosphorus, molybdenum, chlorine, or sulphur can react with detergent
oils and actually corrode fine bearings.  AFA diesel oil, maybe read about
its zinc content from manufacturers and from Uncle Sam.  (Maybe check out
what CARB thinks of zinc, also...)

http://library.cbest.chevron.com/lubes/ehlchevmsdsv9.nsf/0/3351fd9a04fffbbe8
82569b5000c0557?OpenDocument

http://www.epa.gov/chemrtk/zincdial/c14066tc.htm

Considering the "ugly oil" that tomorrow's cars 

http://www.motordeaire.com/Img/Animbiela.gif

http://www.motordeaire.com/

will need, Gremlins and Pacers look beautiful.

>>
ONe thing I've noticed ( recently ), is that the
Pennzoil 10-30w I use seems EXTREMELY watery...and
that bothers me. I thought it used to be more viscous
than that, at least 10-15 years ago. I just poured
some straight Pennzoil 30w into my '87 Toyota, and it
is thicker and has a more "oil-like" consistency,
whereas the 10-30 really runs out the bottle like
water. Is this an indication of "advanced oil
engineering", or what?
<<

Jerry should turn drivers' advocate and investigate how many other auto
product formulations have, uh, "adapted" --- sometimes with little note or
fanfare --- in endless quests for profitability.  He'll need to buy more
rolls of paper (towels/tissue) for wiping test dipsticks, though, since
their count has been a-changin' greatly over the years, also; despite
political promises, label laws and truth-in-advertising movements.
Consumers are deep in, well, something not good. 

But, given the "ugly oil" that tomorrow's cars 

http://www.motordeaire.com/Img/Animbiela.gif

http://www.motordeaire.com/

mustl use, Gremlins and Pacers look beautiful.