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Frequently Asked Questions
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Switching From Petroleum to Synthetic
I heard that new cars require a break in period with petroleum before
you switch them to synthetic.
Answer: AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil can be used
during break-in trouble free. In fact, vehicles such as Dodge Viper
and Chevrolet Corvette come factory filled with synthetic oil.
Since most new vehicles come filled with petroleum
oil, it only makes good sense to change to AMSOIL at the first
scheduled oil change interval. New engine components generate high
levels of wear metals and can contain contaminants from assembly. By
allowing the engine to operate with the petroleum oil until the first
oil/filter change interval, the wear metals and contaminants are
removed prior to installing AMSOIL.
Will synthetic motor oil clean the sludge from my engine and plug the
oil filter and passageways?
Answer: Absolutely not. Switching from petroleum oil to AMSOIL
in routinely maintained vehicles will not cause clogged oil filters or
passageways, regardless of mileage. Sludge, which is caused by poor
quality oil and neglected maintenance practices, would have to be
present in significant amounts to plug oil filters and passageways. If
this excessive amount of sludge is present in an engine, it is just a
matter of time before oil filters and passageways clog, regardless of
the installation of AMSOIL.
Is it true that installing AMSOIL or other synthetic oils will cause
my engine to leak oil?
Answer: In modern vehicles, there is no risk of AMSOIL motor
oil leaking. In fact, AMSOIL motor oil is fully compatible with modern
seal materials. It is properly formulated to condition seals, keeping
them pliable to prevent leakage.
Is it true that switching to AMSOIL or other synthetic oils will void
my warranty?
Answer: Absolutely not. Congress in 1975 enacted the federal Magnuson-Moss
Act to regulate written consumer product warranties. An
examination of the law reveals warranties remain intact when AMSOIL
Synthetic Lubricants are used. Click here
for the full details.
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Motor Oils
Motor Oil Recommendation For Ford Powerstroke Diesel
Question: I have a 2001 Ford F-350 Pickup with a Powerstroke
Diesel with 7000 miles. I'm getting ready to change over to synthetic
oil. What AMSOIL motor oil would you recommend to use?
Answer: It is recommended that you use either AMSOIL Series
3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy-Duty Diesel Oil (HDD) or AMSOIL Synthetic
15W-40 Heavy-Duty Diesel and Marine Motor Oil (AME) for this diesel
application. HDD is the preferred choice for better fuel economy, cold
weather performance and mixed gasoline and diesel engine fleets. It
provides better protection compared to conventional 15W-40 mineral
based oils with its superior film strength and enhanced anti-wear
additives. AMSOIL AME is a premium oil that matches many manufacturers
viscosity recommendations. It outperforms competitive 15W-40 oils and
is a lower cost option compared to AMSOIL HDD.
Can I use AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 in my new 4-stroke snowmobile?
Answer: Absolutely! AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 was specifically
formulated for use in small, hard working 4-stroke engines. AFF is
ideal for 4-cycle snowmobiles, ATV's, personal watercraft, 4-stroke
boat motors, lawn equipment etc.
Can I use AMSOIL AFF 0W-40 in my car or truck?
Answer: AMSOIL AFF can most certainly be used in cars or trucks
but it is not our first choice for automotive applications. We offer a
full line of automotive oils. AFF is specifically formulated for small
recreational 4-stroke engines, and is an excellent choice for 4-Stroke
outboards, ATVs, lawn equipment, snow blowers etc.
Can AMSOIL Motor Oils be recycled?
Answer: AMSOIL synthetic oils can be recycled in the same
manner as a petroleum-based motor oils. Synthetic oils can also be
used in furnaces designed to burn waste oils.
What are AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils?
Answer: AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants are fuel efficient,
extended life lubricants manufactured from select synthetic base
stocks and special purpose additives. These lubricants provide
improved overall performance characteristics when compared to
conventional petroleum oils.
What types of synthetic base oil fluids does AMSOIL use?
Answer: As the developer of the world's first API qualified
synthetic motor oil in 1972, AMSOIL has gained more experience than
any other oil company in formulating automotive synthetic lubricants.
It is this extensive experience that provides the ability to maximize
product performance through use of a full range of high-performance
synthetic base oils, most notably polyalphaolefin (PAO). AMSOIL
views synthetic base oils the same as it views additives, with each
having its own set of unique properties. AMSOIL engineers its
lubricants with the synthetic base oil or combination of base oils
best suited to a specific lubricant’s application demands (gasoline,
diesel, racing, transmission, gear, extended drain, extreme
temperature, etc.).
AMSOIL INC. maintains an unwavering commitment to provide products
that outperform the competition and deliver maximum benefits to all
AMSOIL customers. Performance is the bottom line.
What are AMSOIL Synthetic Blend Motor Oils?
AMSOIL Synthetic Blend Motor Oils are a blend of synthetic fluids and
petroleum oils. They are combined to form an all season motor oil that
demonstrates many of the performance features of synthetic lubricants.
Can AMSOIL Motor Oils be used in any engine?
AMSOIL Motor Oils may be used in any mechanically sound gasoline or
diesel fueled engine. Basically, that means they are excellent for use
in any vehicle’s engine.
Will AMSOIL Motor Oils void the warranty of a new vehicle?
Absolutely not! Manufacturers’ warranties are based upon the use of
oils meeting specific API Service Classifications, for example, SJ/CF.
(AMSOIL lubricants meet the current API Service requirements and,
thus, are perfectly suited for use in any new vehicle without
affecting the validity of the new vehicle warranty.)
Are AMSOIL Motor Oils All-Season Oils?
Synthetic oils are made to protect and perform better than petroleum
oils at both high and low temperature extremes. That’s why every jet
engine in the world is lubricated with synthetic oil. AMSOIL Motor
Oils have extremely low pour points and flow readily at extremely low
temperatures for easier winter starting and significantly reduced
engine wear. At high temperatures, no conventional motor oil can
compare to the overall protection AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide.
That’s extremely important for today’s turbocharged and small,
non-turbocharged engines!
Are AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils and petroleum motor oils compatible?
AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are fully compatible with all petroleum
motor oils, and there is no danger in mixing the two. Mixing AMSOIL
and petroleum oil, however, is not a recommended as a general
practice. Performance and long drain intervals will be sacrificed and
the oil should be promptly changed, at maximum, within the next 3,000
miles.
Why are AMSOIL Motor Oils capable of extended drain intervals?
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are highly resistant to the destructive
effects of heat, and do not break down like petroleum oils. This means
that AMSOIL Motor Oils can provide much longer drain intervals than
conventional lubricants.
Will AMSOIL Motor Oils decrease oil consumption?
Yes. When used in mechanically sound engines, AMSOIL Motor Oils can
reduce oil consumption. Under test conditions, a reduction of as much
as 42% was demonstrated for prolonged periods. However, this should
not be taken to mean that AMSOIL Motor Oils are “cure-alls” for
engines that consume oil because of mechanical problems.
Is there a recommended procedure for changing to AMSOIL Motor Oils?
There are no special requirements; however, in older vehicles or those
with high mileage, it may be advisable to use AMSOIL Engine Flush
first. This will ensure that the engine is clean and free of any
accumulated contaminants which might have an effect on the service
life of AMSOIL Motor Oils. In all cases, it is good judgement to
install a new AMSOIL Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter every time you
change oil.
Should Oil Additives or After Market Products be added to AMSOIL Motor
Oils?
No, they are not necessary! AMSOIL Motor Oils are properly formulated
under the strictest Quality Control procedure to provide superior
lubrication performance.
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Oil and Air Filters
AMSOIL Marine Dual Remote Filtration System Frequently Asked Questions
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Q.
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Is the principle of operation of the BMK-18 the
same as the BMK-13, BMK-15, BMK-16, and BMK-17? |
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A.
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Yes, the principle is exactly
the same. For a given volume of oil being filtered at one
time, the full flow filter filters approximately 80-85% of the
oil, while the by-pass filter filters approximately 15-20% of
the oil. |
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Q.
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What are the recommended applications for the
BMK-18? |
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A.
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Gasoline powered inboard and inboard/outboard engines and
light-duty diesel inboard engines. For specific applications
consult the AMSOIL website or the Adapter Kit Application
Guide.
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Q.
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Is it necessary to install marine filters when
using the BMK-18? |
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A.
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Marine filters are
manufactured with an extra measure of corrosion resistance,
but using a marine filter is not necessary when following the
prescribed filter changes outlined in the BMK-18 instruction
sheet. |
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Q.
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Must I order a separate adapter fitting when I
order a BMK-18? |
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A.
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Yes. A spin on adapter kit must be ordered that matches
your application as found in the Applications Guide. There are
four options:
- BK-195 (3/4" x 16 thread)
- BK-196 (13/16" x 16 thread)
- BK-197 (18 mm x 1.5 thread)
- BK-198 (20 mm x 1.5 thread
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Q.
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Why is the BMK-18 more expensive than the other
Dual Remote By-Pass Systems? |
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A.
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The BMK-18 is designed to be
installed in harsh marine environments. The hose fittings are
coated with a 3 ml layer of Alumiplate™ and 1 ml of zinc and
yellow chromate. Standard hydraulic fittings typically survive
for 96 hours in the grueling ASTM B-117 Salt Spray Test. When
we subjected the Alumiplate™ coated AMSOIL Marine Bypass
System fittings to this critical corrosion resistance test
protocol, they lasted over 1,000 hours! This means the
Alumiplate™ coating on the fittings of the AMSOIL Marine
By-Pass Filtration System is 10 times more corrosion resistant
than standard zinc and yellow chromate plated fittings! While
this exclusive Alumiplate™ coating process is expensive,
AMSOIL felt this extra margin of system protection was
absolutely necessary to provide marine application customers
with extraordinary corrosion resistance and protection - and
the peace of mind that goes with knowing that the AMSOIL
Marine By-Pass System is engineered for demanding marine
applications. Also, the fasteners and mounting bracket are
stainless steel, and the hoses are larger diameter stainless
steel braided and U.S. Coast Guard approved. |
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Q.
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Where do I apply the anti-seize compound that is supplied
with the kit?
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A.
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Apply a small amount on the
swivel end of each hose end fitting and on the adapter
retaining nut to avoid seizure. |
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Q.
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Where do I apply the thread sealant? |
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A.
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On threaded connectors that
are mounted to the filter mount assembly and the spin on
adapter. |
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Q.
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Is the entire BMK-18 unit U.S. Coast Guard
approved? |
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A.
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No, only the hose is U.S.
Coast Guard approved. The other components, designed for
marine environments, are not regulated by the Coast Guard. |
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Q.
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Can I use the BMK-18 in a vehicle other than a
boat? |
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A.
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Yes, you can mount the BMK-18
onto any engine that will accept the appropriate adapter and
where room permits. |
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Q.
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Can I order replacement parts for the BMK-18? |
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A.
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Yes. Replacement parts are
available at this point. However, it must be ordered through
our Superior product center at this time. |
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Q.
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Can I use the AMS-Oiler with the BMK-18? |
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A.
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Yes. The AMS-Oiler AMK-01 can
be mounted directly on the BMK-18. The AMK-02 can be mounted
independently of the by-pass unit through an engine
lubrication port or via teeing off of the oil pressure sending
unit. |
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Q.
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Many salt-water boats have diesel engines. Does
AMSOIL make a by-pass system for them? |
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A.
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The BMK-18 can be used with
many of the smaller diesel engines. As long as you can match
the filter thread size with the adapters available from
AMSOIL, the system can be used. |
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Q.
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Does the BMK-18 remove water from my oil? |
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A.
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The by-pass filter isolates
small amounts of moisture and condensation from the oil
stream. |
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Q.
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How does the BMK-18 compare to other marine
by-pass systems? |
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A.
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The BMK-18 is unique due to
the fact it has individual adapters for each filter thread
size. Also, the AMSOIL Marine By-Pass has a combination of
full flow and by-pass filters in one unit. Most other by-pass
filter units do not have a full flow filter associated with
the unit. |
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Q.
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What filter sizes come on the BMK-18? How do I
know which is best for my application? |
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A.
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The BMK-18 does not come with
filters. Depending on clearance available, AMSOIL recommends
either the EaBP-90, EaBP-100, and EaBP-110 By-Pass Filters and
any AMSOIL full flow filter with a ¾" x 16 thread.
Preference would be given to the AMSOIL EaO-15 or the larger
EaO-26. To provide maximum protection, AMSOIL recommends the
installation of a filter that is large as possible for the
area available. |
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Motorcycles
What AMSOIL products should I use for my Harley Davidson motorcycle?
Shock Therapy Oil Weights
Shock Therapy Light corresponds to a 5 wt. and Shock Therapy Medium
corresponds to a 10 wt.
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Transmissions
Misinformation about AMSOIL Universal ATF and Mercon and Mercon V
applications
Problem: AMSOIL INC. has been
informed that some AMSOIL Dealers and their customers have experienced
problems with their local Ford Dealership service department when
bringing in the new AMSOIL Universal ATF for installation in their
Ford vehicle transmission. They have been told that: A)
You cannot put a Mercon V labeled transmission fluid in a Mercon
application. B) That you cannot put a Mercon labeled
transmission fluid in a Mercon V application (this is true). C)
That you cannot put a dual usage labeled ATF product in the Mercon
application or the Mercon V application. Since the new AMSOIL
Universal Transmission Fluid is labeled dual usage, recommended for
both Mercon and Mercon V applications, some Ford Dealership service
managers are telling their customers that if they put the AMSOIL
Universal ATF product in their transmission it will void their
transmission warranty.
Answer: At least one oil companys ATF
product with a Mercon V rating does not also meet Mercon performance
requirements. This has apparently caused a great deal of
confusion about allowing Mercon V ATF to be back serviceable in Mercon
applications. The AMSOIL Universal ATF has been formulated to meet or
exceed both the Mercon and Mercon V specification, as well as
G.M. Dexron III and Chrysler ATF+4. It is fully supported
through documented testing. It is recommended for and can be
used in ALL of the applications listed on the label. PERIOD.
If someone is misinformed on this issue and actually denies a
manufacturers warranty coverage because of the use of AMSOIL Universal
ATF Fluid in one of the applications for which it is recommended by
AMSOIL INC., the AMSOIL Warranty coverage would apply. The
consumers transmission would be repaired under the AMSOIL Warranty.
AMSOIL INC. and our insurance company will legally pursue the
dealership or the manufacturer to recover our costs. AMSOIL INC.
would not make the recommendations on our label, or issue this
statement, if we were not completely confident of our position on this
matter. While we cannot control what individuals say about this
subject, we can and do insure that consumers can use our product with
complete confidence and without risk.
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Miscellaneous
Is there a glossary of common lubricant terms used in technical
bulletins?
What are the correct dilution ratios for BriteSide T6 Cleaning
Concentrate?
| Task 1 |
Task 2 |
Task 3 |
Task 4 |
Task 5 |
Task 6 |
| Capfuls |
Full Strength |
16 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| CC's |
Full Strength |
142 |
72 |
36 |
18 |
9 |
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