Amsoil Synthetic

[Gros Ventre]

A few years ago, when I decided to investigate AmsOil (and post 2017), I began reviewing MSDSheets for the various synthetics. I discovered that some of them clearly had regular old dino constituents in them. After some thinking and sleuthing I concluded AmsOil was what I'd use.

Sponsored

 

[Eighthtry]

Interesting comment on Amsoil and 5,000 miles changes.

I have a couple of million miles, probably more, accumulated running the top grade Amsoil, which is Signature at the moment. I change oil at 10,000 mile intervals and Amsoil filters at 5,000 mile intervals. I even bought the 5/30 in 30 gallon barrels.

Most of my applications went 175,000 miles to 210,000 miles before trading. My Taurus SHO went 347,000 miles before selling it to the guy that did all the speed work on it. He took it racing and finally parked it when the BMW's began to overtake him.

None of them used the first quart of oil between changes with that application of maintenance.

Today I use exclusively 5/30 Signature in all, regardless of manufacturer engine spec, except my 455 Cutlass. The engine builder specified 20/50, and it will burn a quart or two between changes, which is why it was recommended, but it is really fast and gets really hot.

The high mileage applications were pick ups, Suburbans, a Taurus SHO that went 340,000 miles, and a GMC Yukon XL. I had several that ran 100,000 plus, such as some GM and Ford sedans, and maybe a few others I can't remember this late at night. Wait. A Pontiac Bonneville and Buick LeSabre.

From a performance perspective I also run 5/30 in my 2018 Z06.

I live in the DFW area. We can get really hot and, on rare occasions, very cold.

The reason for most of the high mileage was my work. The wife did three of them by keeping them 10 or 11 years. The wife put 200,000 miles each on a GMC Yukon Denali XL and a Suburban. Another Suburban hit 320,000.

The only engine problems I ever had was when she burned up a 350 at 320,000 miles when the water pump went out and she didn't notice. I did replace two broken exhaust manifold bolts in a 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Obviously not related to oil.

I first started using Amsoil products in the late 1970's. Whatever additive package they are not using is working well. Go to "Project Farm" on YouTube for an old synthetic oil showdown.

In fact the same guy did tests on oil filters and air filters. it is fun watching, and he did a great job developing meaningful tests and measurements/comparisons.

I also would not hesitate to use any of the Valvoline or Castrol high end synthetics in those same applications. I just never have.

 

[Eighthtry]

Interesting comment on Amsoil and 5,000 miles changes.

I have a couple of million miles, probably more, accumulated running the top grade Amsoil, which is Signature at the moment. I change oil at 10,000 mile intervals and Amsoil filters at 5,000 mile intervals.

Most of my applications went 175,000 miles to 210,000 miles before trading. My Taurus SHO went 347,000 miles before selling it to the guy that did all the speed work on it. He took it racing and finally parked it when the BMW's began to overtake him.

None of them used the first quart of oil between changes with that application of maintenance.

Today I use specifically 5/30 Signature in all, regardless of manufacturer engine spec, except my 455 Cutlass. The engine builder specified 20/50, and it will burn a quart or two between changes. But it runs.

The applications were pick ups, Suburbans, supercharged Corvette, a Taurus SHO that went 340,000 miles, '61 Chevrolet Apache 10 with a tuned port 350, GMC Yukon XL, four F150s, some GM and Ford sedans, and a few others I can't remember this late at night.

I live in the DFW area. We can get very hot and, on rare occasions, very cold.

The reason for most of the high mileage was my work. The wife did three of them by keeping them 10 or 11 years. The wife put 200,000 miles each on two Suburbans and 310,000 on a GMC Yukon Denali XL.

The only engine problems I ever had was when she burned up the engine at 310,000 miles when the water pump went out and she didn't notice, and replacing two broken exhaust manifold bolts in a 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Obviously not related to oil.

I first started using Amsoil products in the late 1970's.

I will also say I would not hesitate to use any of the Valvoline or Castrol products.

 

[LoneWolf31]

I am going to go full Amsoil as far as Engine Oil, Transmission and gear oil for my front and rear diff. in my 2012 F-150 Ecoboost, and I would love to use the Amsoil in my 2024 F-150 ecoboost. I normally bring the my trucks into the Ford dealer and have my services done. However I would like to start doing them myself at least on my 2012 F-150 because I know longer have a warranty on her. With my 2024 to maintain my warranty I would have to take it to the Ford dealer to have service done correct? Im new to the whole truck buying. Yes I bought two trucks my 2012 I got used and now my 24 F-150. Thanks guys for all the help in advance and my mechanical skills are just basic entry level. but Im not afraid to learn..

 

[Gros Ventre]

I did that early on with my 21 PB. There is no warranty issue using AmsOil. Note that the transfer case is LV not ULV. I've now got three trouble free years on my truck.

 

[Jmitchelltfo]

I am going to go full Amsoil as far as Engine Oil, Transmission and gear oil for my front and rear diff. in my 2012 F-150 Ecoboost, and I would love to use the Amsoil in my 2024 F-150 ecoboost. I normally bring the my trucks into the Ford dealer and have my services done. However I would like to start doing them myself at least on my 2012 F-150 because I know longer have a warranty on her. With my 2024 to maintain my warranty I would have to take it to the Ford dealer to have service done correct? Im new to the whole truck buying. Yes I bought two trucks my 2012 I got used and now my 24 F-150. Thanks guys for all the help in advance and my mechanical skills are just basic entry level. but Im not afraid to learn..

No. You can do your own service, just keep your receipts.

 

[Gros Ventre]

The issue on warranty is does the oil meet Ford Specs. To my knowledge all mainline oils meet them. The only issue then is did you really do the service. So keeping receipts is a really good idea to head off any inquiries.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Well, I've been maintaining my cars & trucks since the 70s. Made a 92 Suburban go 30 years... In this case a person that is going to do the filter swapout in their driveway... It'll be a surprise from previous truck filter changes and downright awkward sitting in the driveway... If you have a lift then this is not that difficult. Got it. Just want people to be forewarned, as many won't expect the transfer case drill.

Wish I could put a lift in the shop. I would have to cut the floor, dig footings and reinforce. I’ve gotten by without one for 40+ years. I do most servicing with just ramps.

 

[LoneWolf31]

Thank you guys, this is all great information. I will go to the MWR auto shop on base on the Air Force base to do my work. I believe they have lifts. And have certified mechanics there that will lend a hand if needed.

Well when I was stationed at Drum they did. I will have to check out the base here.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Thank you guys, this is all great information. I will go to the MWR auto shop on base on the Air Force base to do my work. I believe they have lifts. And have certified mechanics there that will lend a hand if needed.

Well when I was stationed at Drum they did. I will have to check out the base here.

Well….thank you for your service!
the base here is Reservose now. No hobby shop at all now. What base are you close to?

 

[Gros Ventre]

Wish I could put a lift in the shop. I would have to cut the floor, dig footings and reinforce. I’ve gotten by without one for 40+ years. I do most servicing with just ramps.

Got the concept!!

 

[LoneWolf31]

Well….thank you for your service!
the base here is Reservose now. No hobby shop at all now. What base are you close to?

Your welcome! And Thank you for your service. I am near Minot AFB. Im Army reserve now, and I truly miss living on base. I cant believe Im saying this, but I miss upstate NY lol!

 

[JohnTrigger]

Good morning everyone! I wanted to know if going to all Amsoil Oil in the engine, front and rear diff, and transmission in my 2024 F-150 Ecoboost would void my warranty and also would the Ford dealership put the Amsoil in for me. I don’t have an issue doing it myself, but again I know if I do the maintenance myself that will void my warranty.

Research the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act which will give you insight about how they can’t void your warranty for simply using other fluids that meet spec.

I highly doubt the dealership will install Amsoil for you though.

For the front differential because of clearance you can’t easily drop the pumpkin cover and there is no drain plug so you’ll have to suck the fluid out of the add hole. The rear you can drop the pumpkin cover or suck it out, but there is no drain plug!

For the transmission, within the last month or so, Amsoil came out with ULV fluid that is in a green cap. You’ll see old posts and information on using their blue cap fuel efficient fluid which they claimed would work in LV or ULV applications-but they don’t say that anymore since they now make ULV version. Also there is no transmission dip stick under the hood, it’s under a cover bolt on the transmission pan right beside the catalytic converter that is insanely hot. There is also no drain plug on the tranny pan. You could suck that fluid out through the dipstick cover/add hole too. The dipstick should be between 5-6 for hot transmission fluid on the non-powerboost transmission.

Don’t forget to maintain your transfer case fluid with LV transmission fluid too while you’re at it. This one is the easiest of all the above because it has a drain plug!

 

[Gros Ventre]

Shortly after delivery I was getting ready to put in AmsOil Transmission fluid. They said it was the right grade. I looked up the specs and it didn't meet the required viscosity. The complicating factor here is in the GM version of this transmission uses LV not ULV. At any rate, I've stuck with the Ford ULV so far with Amsoil in the rest of the places. Yes the transfer case calls for LV not ULV, I almost made that error... I went out and bought a fluid extractor because of the front differential. It's been useful.

 

[Eighthtry]

Oil and transmission fluid is too damn complicated these days. Next thing you know they will have 600/725500 spec'ed wheel bearing grease.

On the lift thoughts, I finally decided it was better to bonk my head than to wallow around underneath and hope I can get up when through. Oil is also easier to accommodate from the lift. Mine drains into a 30 quart container I roll under it. I put it back in the oil containers I just used, and take it to my bud who does oil changes to dispose of it. He can resell it so he actually makes a little money doing it. I can also have 5 gallons of used oil, old electronics, copper wire, etc. picked up once a week by my trash service.

Needing tools for other things that I did not think or know about are easier to access as well. I built my garage to accommodate the lift. The wife was unimpressed that I took some of her house square footage to do that. I live with the simmer.

Getting to grease fittings is much easier as well.

Sponsored