Ed, my "Why does it change?" was rhetorical. I'm up to speed on the API
ratings.
>===== Original Message From Ed Bratt <bratt@sasktel.net> =====
>Shawn:
>
>Gulf Oil has the answer to your question:
>
>6. What does the specification API stand for ?
>API stands for the American Petroleum Institute. This body has specified the
>performance standards that oils used in road vehicles should meet, notably
>for cars and trucks made in the USA. For oils destined for use in passenger
>car engines, the letters API are followed by a set of two letters such as
>SJ, etc. This indicates the Service Level for passenger car oils. These
>specified performance levels have evolved through the years, from API SA to
>SM, in response to the changes in passenger car engine technology that, in
>turn, has imposed ever more severe operating conditions on the oil to
>achieve satisfactory lubrication.
>
>
>The highest API for passenger car motor oils today is API-SM.
>
>Similarly, the API designates the performance of diesel engine oils with a
>letter sequence such as API CF or API CH-4, and for automotive gear oils
>they use API GL-4.
>
>The highest API for commercial engine oils (diesel oils) today is API CI-4
>Plus.
>
>7. How do I choose the right oil for my vehicle ?
>
>You should always consult the car or vehicle manual, issued by the original
>manufacturer. There you will find the most suitable viscosity grade and
>performance level. In some cases oils will be mentioned by name.
>
>Then, check the oil pack label to make sure you have the right viscosity
>grade and that it at least meets the performance level. Note that for many
>older vehicles the performance level recommended may now have been
>superseded by newer specifications.
>
>_______________
>
>And of course, these changing specifications from SA to SM were ALL done for
>you the consumer, and to provide your car with the best lubrication
>available--(or for some other reason). So you can try to obtain the oil
>your car's manufaturer recommended, but cannot buy because the industry has
>chosen not to provide it.
>
>
>
>> The only issue I have with the 'site feedback' is the statement that "The
>> API
>> SM just means that the oil is rated for gasoline engines." If that were
>> all it
>> was meant for, then why does it change?
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