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Read our primer articles on High Mileage Oil, Synthetic Oil and Kinematic Viscosity

quote:
You forgot once again that many OEMs are advertising lube for life tannies and difs already.
Did I? Please specify which OEMs are doing this. But also specify just how long is the vehicle life that they certify to the US government?

And just how permanent are these "permanent" oils? Do they tell you that it will last 150K miles like SynLube does? What do they really mean? I suspect they mean the useful life of the vehicle that they certify to the US government. And you might be surprised at the estimates. Especially in light of the light engine oils OEMs like Ford are using.

I'm not so sure the OEMs want us driving one vehicle 200K miles. As with the Yaris, they may be specifying "permanent" oils because they don't want this.

I do not contend that lubricants that last the life of the vehicle (as an owner would expect)and beyond are unknown. In fact, even though they didn't advertise it, Ford installed an axle in my Ranger from Dana that used an ester-based lubricant that Miro told me about to reduce warranty costs on differentials. He said it had a service life of about 750K miles and that there was no point in replacing the lube though I eventually did anyway because I replaced the OEM limited-slip with a PowerTrax unit.

If you will look at previous posts I've written, you will find that I have never contended that SynLube is a magical substance that is a total secret to other lube providers. The components of the SynLube formula are available to anyone who wants to make a SynLube competitor. But it's all about the money and dino oil is a money-maker. The dealership where I bought my Ranger has a service bay dedicated to oil changes and you can bet that that every effort will be made to sell that customer other services while he's there. You'd have a very unhappy dealer if Ford brought out cars that didn't need oil maintenance services.

And the Murano incident that you cite as positive proof that SynLube doesn't work just doesn't stand up to scrutiny. The guy was screwed by the dealership that just assumed that the SynLube was full of sludge. If they had acted properly and recommended an oil change, the person would have had a chance to tell them that the oil's color was normal. And from the guy's comments about his wife, he was alsos bullied into not using SynLube again. We have no hard proof that SynLube was at fault. And that's what you would say if the oil you favor had been used, not SynLube.

Finally, TEMPEST, I am spending a great deal of time answering your posts and I just don't have any more time to waste. If you were truly interested in knowing about SynLube (whether you intened to use it or not), it would be one thing but you're certain that we've made a huge mistake in using SynLube and you're going to tell us that until you're blue in the face. Your mission is complete. I and others are fully aware of your views.

You are not going to change my mind and I know I'll never change yours. So, with your rejoinder to this post, know with pleasure, that you will have the last word. But also know that you have not presented anything that amounts to a substantive case against SynLube and when I purchase my next ride, I will consult with Miro about my lubrication maintenance program for that vehicle and install SynLube where he thinks it useful.
Last edited by houckster
I haven't had the time to read all of the posts that have been flying about recently so I am working backwards.

Seriously are we trying to say that a shop knew the worth of synlube and filled an engine with canolla oil and stole the provided oil???

Jonny-b which of the items that you have been pimping is really meeting all of its claims, synlube or ceramax???? You have now highly pimped both. Or is synlube and ceramax the new wonder lube of the future?

Dad2leia is right try it or don't. Can we just cut the heavy pimping out. It's all a matter of opinion, we know the supports side can we leave it at that.
quote:
a product he know nothing about

What do you supossedly "know" about this oil? That it hasen't blown up your engine? That's about it. You "know" nothing of its base oil, additives, or anything else that is supposed to make this lube for life. So don't talk about me not knowing anything.
quote:
you have not presented anything that amounts to a substantive case against SynLube

I have pointed out numerous accepted lubrication technical points that can be easily verified with a simple web search that show the flaws in what Synlube is marketing. Also several flaws and inconsistencies in Synlubes own website. What have you presented? Oh yeah..."I know it works."
quote:
Can we just cut the heavy pimping out.
+1
Taterandnoodles, they both work. They really make a difference.
However, since you are familiar with dino-oils, why don't you use what makes you happy? Another positive thing about doing so, is that you don't have to do any testing. You just change it every 3000miles.
When you get time enough to do some reading, do that.
You will be surprised to see that it is possible to learn something, by doing so. Eek
quote:
Jonny-b which of the items that you have been pimping is really meeting all of its claims, synlube or ceramax???? You have now highly pimped both. Or is synlube and ceramax the new wonder lube of the future?


The point is this: when I come back here in the year 2012 , telling you that I have been driving 100000 miles without changing oil, you will still say it doesn't work.

What are your intentions?

I don't think it is worth using any time to explain something to you, because you seem to have made up your mind already.
I guess others could be interested in seeing that this alternative to dino(and Amsoil)exist.
If Synlube is a socalled snake-oil, as you claim it to be, why is it still in bussiness?
And why is all the posts from angry customers with blown engines?
I guess you don't have a logical answer to those questions, but if you have, then please show me all the posts from all the thousands of customers that aren't satisfied. It should be a lot of them, considdered that Synlube have been in bussiness since the seventhies.
quote:
What do you supossedly "know" about this oil? That it hasen't blown up your engine? That's about it. You "know" nothing of its base oil, additives, or anything else that is supposed to make this lube for life.[\quote]

Admit it. There is "nothing" that you would accept as "proof" that Synlube lives up to its claims.

By the way, why is it necessary for anyone to know about its base oil, additives, blah, blah, blah, for Synlube to be what it claims to be?

[quote]I have pointed out numerous accepted lubrication technical points that can be easily verified with a simple web search that show the flaws in what Synlube is marketing.


You have presented zip, nada, nothing.

quote:
Also several flaws and inconsistencies in Synlubes own website.


Huh? Enlighten us with your vast knowledge on the contents of Synlube's website, please.

quote:
What have you presented? Oh yeah..."I know it works."


Unlike you, and the many blenders and others who have graduated from schools of higher learning, Houckster has presented much useful information based upon his personal experience with Synlube products which are presented within the 20-plus pages in this thread. Houckster's calm and well-written prose on the subject has made me a believer in Synlube, unlike the rantings of the well-educated naysayers.

I hope you continue to enjoy changing oil in your pickup truck every three-thousand miles.
TATERANDNOODLES
quote:
Dad2leia is right try it or don't. Can we just cut the heavy pimping out. It's all a matter of opinion, we know the supports side can we leave it at that.
Please supply a functional definition of "pimping". How have our attemps to explain the advantages of a product while debunking the charges of the naysayers crossed into "pimping" territory?

And as far as "leaving it at that" goes, we're trying to but when people like TEMPEST just keep attacking, it is sometimes hard not to respond.

And it is not a matter of trying to get everyone to use SynLube. DAD2LEIA has considered the product and has decided to pass. He likes what he has and that's fine.
From Machiavelli's "The Prince":

It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this lukewarmness arriving partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the laws in their favor; and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had an actual experience of it. Thus it arises that on every opportunity for attacking the reformer, the opponents do so with the zeal of partisans, the others only defend him halfheartedly, so that between them he runs great danger.

I wonder if Machiavelli would have tried SynLube?
Last edited by houckster
Wow, new guy here. Not a shill, tribologist or troll. Just got caught on this thread trying to familiarize myself with the board. Since it was a popular, active topic, decided to read the whole thing in one go and try to give an honest face value analysis of the human aspect, not the product. So here's a synopsis for those of us late to the party:

Houckster's "problem" started when the thread didn't die after he threatened to drop it. That's when Miro decided to appear, purportedly as himself.

Page 10, Miro shows up as a new user. Substantive comments "Sorry I do not have time to live on message boards.. " Seemed more to me like "I do not have time to masquerade as more than a few different people at one time." "Use it FIRST and then talk about it!" Blatant sales pitch? Pretty weak, IMHO.

Next post offered nothing but another sales pitch. No new info.

Next post another sales pitch sprinkled with philosophic and religious analogy. It's gettin' deep now boys.

Then there's the whole argument about sending samples to whom or why. Way out there. Dispatch of any non-synlube samples depends on synlube results? OK, we'll just take your word for it. (Again?!)

Constant references back to the one web site as the only source of synlube information.

UOA results typed into the post? Accepted as truth?

Two new members chime in on page 18 with a synlube success story. No posts in no other theads before or since. Recent (last) post (same thread) "try it, you'll like it." Etc.

Page 19, Houckster responds to questions about the company. (thought he was just a dumb customer?)

I pretty much just skimmed over the last couple pages because it was mostly more of the same bickering that had started at the beginning.

The values in terms of service intervals, wear numbers and vehicle candidacy paint a disturbing picture. It'll run a long ways, ignore high fe/low tbn in the UOA and (ahem) start with a relatively new vehicle. It is a safe gamble (for the maker of synlube). Odds are some unrelated outcome (mishap, sale, owner demise, whatever) will prematurely end the play. Otherwise, you'd probably get to the second act in this little soliloquy on any good synthetic, albeit runnnig an engine with horribly accelerated wear, unbeknownst to you. Really seems quite the little half-baked scam, to me.

Didn't know if anybody figured this out yet, just wanted to point it out since many seem to be getting lost in the hype and arguments.

huck·ster /hukster/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[huhk-ster] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a retailer of small articles, esp. a peddler of fruits and vegetables; hawker.
2. a person who employs showy methods to effect a sale, win votes, etc.: the crass methods of political hucksters.
3. a cheaply mercenary person.
4. Informal.
a. a persuasive and aggressive salesperson.
b. a person who works in the advertising industry, esp. one who prepares aggressive advertising for radio and television.

–verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 5. to deal, as in small articles, or to make petty bargains: to huckster fresh corn; to huckster for a living.
6. to sell or promote in an aggressive and flashy manner.

----------------------------------------------

[Origin: 1150–1200; ME huccstere (perh. c. MD hokester), equiv. to hucc- haggle (c. dial. G hucken to huckster) + -stere -ster]

Anybody see the correlation? Cooincidence? At least he views himself truthfully.
Just when I thought I'd seen every fool in the world, ALTERNATOR pops up.

I think I've said this a million times but once more: Miro Kefurt and Houckster are not the same person as ALTERNATOR attempts to imply. Miro Kefurt owns SynLube. Houckster, that's me, is a "dumb" customer only. ALTERNATOR may be correct about dumb but I'm definitely better off than ALTERNATOR is judging by his post.

ALTERNATOR writes: UOA results typed into the post? Accepted as truth?

If you don't want to accept it, be my guest. What do you want, a tattoo?

And perverting my name to HUCKSTER? So very cute. I bet you're proud of that one aren't you? Of course I'm devastated by your acid wit.

Count ALTERNATOR as one more person who just doesn't get it. Personal experience beats tests 10 times out of 10. If you want to consider SynLube a half-baked scam, please do, that way we don't have to deal with your stupidity any longer.

And unless his future posts show some greater amount of intelligence than this one he isn't worth any more time. Definitely a troll at work here.
A couple of years ago I called Synlube - Miro, and met with him in a parking lot off of Decatur & Sahara in Las Vegas, NV. At the time I had a 1991 Toyota Pick-up truck basic 4 cylinder, and I think there were about 125,000 miles on it. Miro took a look at my oil, and told me that he would not advise me to use his product in my car as it had some issues. I was perfectly willing to shell out the money at the time for Synlube products, but he recommended against it...how many times have any of you had a person selling a product do that? He could have taken my money and I would have been none the wiser, but he did not. My truck died just recently, and I replaced it with a Toyota Echo, and I am leaning towards putting Synlube in it.

I want to be more environmentally responsible as we all should be...to save the planet for future generations. Reducing oil changes & the use of filters is a start. Considering the fact that oil is a known carcinogenic it seems only natural that we try to reduce consumption in any way possible. From what I have read, and I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination it appears that there is no doubt that synthetic oils offer advantages over dino oil. Of course every company claims that they have the best - Synlube makes some strong statements about their products, and I haven't seen any lawsuits filed against the company related to these claims. I am interested in using Synlube in my "new" used car if it is deemed a candidate by Miro. One less thing for me to have to worry about in this crazy world of ours. Just my two cents...hopefully I haven't offended anyone. Have an awesome day.
Well, you should read over the comments pro and con here just to be sure this is right for you. As you will gather from my comments, my expenditure was extremely successful. I'd go so far as to say that if I sold my Ranger and the next owner wanted to use something else, I'd drain the oil and give him what he wanted. I'd then use the SynLube in my new ride.

Remember the transmission and the differential also benefit greatly from these advanced lubricants.
Well, it seems like Miro was correct about the car having some issues. Since he is a tribologist, he probably have seen oil from other cars, having simmilar problems. But the point is: he was correct about your car having issues and since he didn't take your money, I would considder him to be honest, as well.
Since I have personal experience in doing bussiness with him, I can only tell that he really is a honest and straightforward person.
Tempest, the point I was trying to make was simply that Miro could have taken my money...I was very willing to give it to him, but he did not. He gave me his honest opinion - that being my truck was not a candidate for his product because of the shape that it was in. With what subsequently happened with my truck Miro was right! If Miro were just in it to fleece people...why didn't he fleece me? I am not an expert on cars by any stretch of the imagination, but I am open-minded enough to realize that new ideas can work - being different is okay. I respect your decision to feel the way that you do, and I respect the fact that you are not afraid to voice your opinion - but don't deny people that same right. If it had been left up to me we probably would still be walking - I am still amazed that Jumbo Jets fly. Miro believes in his product...he has a passion for what he does...that is more than I can say for most.
An excellent comment. It's so strange. For some people, if a big money-grabbing behomoth like Exxon-Mobil comes out with a new product it's got to be good. But if a little guy brings out something really good, it's a con.

I've known Miro for several years and he never has tried to sell me anything I didn't really need. It's truly a pleasure to know someone who will tell it to you straight.
Hi people. I came across this thread today while doing some general research . . . very interesting - enough to sign up here and maybe even offer some service Razz . Quick intro: I'm a mechanical engineer in the research department of a high-tech company. I've been in this field for 27 years, and essentially make my living by developing and/or using high-risk, bleeding edge technology. I'm not a shill, pimp, troll, etc. !
More relevantly, I'm a car nut. My dad is a master mechanic and I've been working on cars since I was a wee lad. My latest project car is a 2001 Honda S2000. This is a marvelous machine. It's F20C engine is a 2.0 liter inline 4, redline is 9,000 rpm, and horsepower is 240hp @ 8600 rpm. The car is most well-known for it's awesome handling though. Also, its only real weakness is a lack of torque down low. As a track car, this is not much of an issue as you are normally up in the rpm power band. This car got moved up twice in SCCA class (I think) because it totally dominated the class where it "should" be. Mine is turbocharged, (Mitsubishi T5-18Z), has methanol/water injection, custom intake, which I installed, modified and/or built from components. I also do the tuning. Its making 330 horsepower to the wheels and 219 ft lbs torque at 3900 rpm. I've been using Mobil 1. Ok enough for the shameless plug about the test subject. Roll Eyes
It's time for an oil change, and here's what I'm willing to do: try Synlube and report on how it goes. I see that there's lots of debate about what/when/ how to test it. I'm no chemical engineer, so what specifically would be the oil analysis test method(s) that would hold merit? Thanks and sorry for the long post.
Hi, Doug.
Here are some details for how to perform a correct analysis of Synlube: http://www.synlube.com/serv02.htm

Another thing that is of great importanse, is to meassure oil temperature, compression and exhaust particles. This should be done before you install Synlube, and after you install it. Perhaps 2 or 3 readings with a 1000-1500 mile interval.
Glad to see that more people are interested in learning more about this great oil.

Looking forward to see your findings, anyway.
Thanks Jonny. I hope the skeptics will chime in on any other conditions to check for. I know about general lubrication principles, but not the chemistry. When it comes to the hybrid synthetic oils, I kind of guess they come out of the jet engine oil technology. Commercial jet engine oil lives for 30,000 hours, which would loosely equate to alot of auto miles. Anyways I don't know but I'm interested.
I did email SynLube, asking what I should get for my specific car. He responded back saying I should really check my oil temps first, and asked about my aux oil cooling setup due to the turbo and high engine power. I liked the fact that he didn't just try to sell me stuff first.
That's a difficult question to answer for someone like me that doesn't have an engineering background. I suggest you talk with Miro Kefurt who owns SynLube and get his comments. I feel sure he will give you an honest answer to your questions.

I am wondering about the methanol/water injection system and if that would be a potential trouble spot. SynLube is made of inert ingredients though and if you haven't had problems with other lubes, maybe it's a nonissue.

It would be very interesting if you keep us updated on your discussions with SynLube.
Thanks - yeah Miro is responding and has provided good info. My water/meth injection is a very moderate level (3gph) and only comes on when intake pressure is over 1psi, when the turbo starts provided boost pressure.
Miro mentioned that for a non OEM turbo setup like mine the Synlube CI would "only" be 50K miles, which is more than good. I only need the Synlube to live for 20.2K miles to break even. I'm not concerned with cost, just interested in the performance.
To do any serious testing you need to have a VOA (Virgin Oil Analysis) done on the new, unused oil. This will give you a base line to compare your UOAs (Used Oil Analysis) that will come later. I've never seen either on Synlube so they would be very interesting.

I would recommend going with Terry Dyson: http://www.dysonanalysis.com/ It will be a little more than just getting samples to a lab(~$25 vs. $60) but you will get professional opinion by a man that consults with race teams, oil corps, and everyone else. You will get real information this way. Not just conjecture on a BBS.

You should note that what Synlube claims is against every accepted rule of engine lubrication.

quote:
SynLube is made of inert ingredients
And this is one of them. If this were really true then they would not be doing their job protecting the engine.

I look forward to your experiment though.
Don't think it is needed, since Mobil 1 is a widely known product. Besides, Terry have all the numbers on unused Mobil 1 oil. By the way; Terry Dyson is one of the best, in what he is doing, so this would be a smart choice.
Tempest say that you should note that what Synlube claims, is against every accepted rule of engine lubrication.
Accepted by whom? The every day driver?

Let me tell you then, that in 1994, Ferrari had some issues with their transmission in the Formula 1. They solved their problem when they changed to Synlube.
Next season, they had a new transmission ready.
Do you think Ferrari would have been using an oil that is not accepted by the best motor and lubrication engineers?
I think not, but maybe Tempest know better than Ferrari, who knows?
Wow, this threads been kicking for four years now.

This Synlube looks very interesting.

What if Synlube updates their formula over time, and the new version is vastly superior to the old, but you've got it in your crankcase, but you're tied into a heavy oil investment and won't be replacing your original dose of Synlube?

I guess a Synlube customer is a customer only once.

This is a bad business plan, though probably an excellent product.
You can turn the oil in at any time for a credit towards a new purchase. SynLube is the only company that buys back (thru credits towards new purchases) their old oil. Also, it is important to point out that the same basic formula has been in use for 15+ years and has never required a change because the formula has always exceeded the current API spec.

Finally, the company's experience with the oil has been good enough that they have extended the oil's service life from 10 to 15 years so if you're a low mileage driver and the engine's in good shape, you can keep the oil longer.

The situation you describe is unlikely to occur.
quote:
Originally posted by Houckster:
You can turn the oil in at any time for a credit towards a new purchase. SynLube is the only company that buys back (thru credits towards new purchases) their old oil. Also, it is important to point out that the same basic formula has been in use for 15+ years and has never required a change because the formula has always exceeded the current API spec.

Finally, the company's experience with the oil has been good enough that they have extended the oil's service life from 10 to 15 years so if you're a low mileage driver and the engine's in good shape, you can keep the oil longer.

The situation you describe is unlikely to occur.


So how does Synlube keep people from turning in any old oil and calling it used Synlube? Big Grin
With regard to
quote:
So how does Synlube keep people from turning in any old oil and calling it used Synlube?
First they keep a record of their customers, secondly, SynLube is so completely different from conventional motor oil that it would be spotted immediately. Also, the customer pays to ship the oil to SynLube. If they ship counterfeit oil back they're going to be out of the shipping costs.

I have driven very little this year, less than a 1000 miles so far because of the high gas prices. I can afford to drive but I just won't pay those prices. I'm taking public transportation five days a week. This saves me a lot of money and it's kind of a patriotic thing too. The CM filter continues to work excellently. There hasn't been a hint of a problem. I disassembled the filter about six months ago and just put everything back in. There was no gunk, sludge, evidence of wear particles or anything.

I have also bought two oil sample tests from Terry Dyson. He is familiar with SynLube and I will send him samples soon. I have a trip planned for Michigan this month and I think I will wait until I return from that trip before submitting my samples. I am also going to try and get an emissions test done where they will actually measure my exhaust to see how clean the engine is. I'll post all that stuff when I get the results regardless of the results that are reported.
Last edited by houckster
All comments noted and digested ,with first consideration as to practical implementation of it. My experience ,un-professionally done,with lubes and with the similar anecdotal comments as to results,boils down to the practicality of each technology. There is one lube company which can lay claim to many such glaring reports as Synlube,only with a little twist;--Practical cost factors,easily put in place by average vehicle owner, and reliable performance of all products. I used /tested their 100% syn(PAO)in an Acura which Factory service said was not-repairable(Flat Cam Lobe-Bad maint. history)The oil was in the engine at least Four years with Three Filter changes(Rated at 30 Microns Full flow).The Banging gradually quieted down to only at start-up,and then completely after that period,and had no problem selling auto (bad A/C )when time came.Now you know that is a no-no and all warranties are off for that guarenteed 25000mi/1yr oil,but who wishes to discuss any warranty,even on new autos.??
I must add here that I have done many seat-of-pants tests on filters,Ionization,conditioning and vehicle applications for lubes,and what is out there to the public,in great technology/products could fill the head of a pin. They are all big secrets conditioned by the entrenched mktrs.of Lubes,and the certifying bodies which appraise them.But the public is awakening,as is evidenced by this forum. Thanks for your comments in the past and future.
quote:
Originally posted by TechSpec:
All comments noted and digested ,with first consideration as to practical implementation of it. My experience ,un-professionally done,with lubes and with the similar anecdotal comments as to results,boils down to the practicality of each technology. There is one lube company which can lay claim to many such glaring reports as Synlube,only with a little twist;--Practical cost factors,easily put in place by average vehicle owner, and reliable performance of all products. I used /tested their 100% syn(PAO)in an Acura which Factory service said was not-repairable(Flat Cam Lobe-Bad maint. history)The oil was in the engine at least Four years with Three Filter changes(Rated at 30 Microns Full flow).The Banging gradually quieted down to only at start-up,and then completely after that period,and had no problem selling auto (bad A/C )when time came.Now you know that is a no-no and all warranties are off for that guarenteed 25000mi/1yr oil,but who wishes to discuss any warranty,even on new autos.??
I must add here that I have done many seat-of-pants tests on filters,Ionization,conditioning and vehicle applications for lubes,and what is out there to the public,in great technology/products could fill the head of a pin. They are all big secrets conditioned by the entrenched mktrs.of Lubes,and the certifying bodies which appraise them.But the public is awakening,as is evidenced by this forum. Thanks for your comments in the past and future.


So, uh.......what'r'ya trying to say? You like Synlube, or you don't? Confused
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