Brands of oil to use
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 34
From: Conroe, TX
I'm the supervisor over the documentation and engineering support services for the area that includes 3 chemical plants and a refinery. Earlier in my career I did some work related to the blending system that contains the "recipes" for oil, grease, etc. I got to know many of the engineers responsible for the blending and packaging of the products, including Mobil 1.
GT Member
Joined: January 5, 2006
Posts: 179
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I'm the supervisor over the documentation and engineering support services for the area that includes 3 chemical plants and a refinery. Earlier in my career I did some work related to the blending system that contains the "recipes" for oil, grease, etc. I got to know many of the engineers responsible for the blending and packaging of the products, including Mobil 1.
V6 Member
Joined: September 27, 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
OT: "domestic" parts in your import car
I guess the Remington, Winchester, and Blazer ammo that I bought aren't really made in the USA? What about the Motorcraft filters, Motorcraft oil, Mobil 1 oil, and the window fan I just bought (that says, made and engineered in the USA)? I said "Most", not all. And if you read that article, you'll see that eventually, it could end up that there won't BE a Remington, Wichester, Motorcraft, etc. company to buy FROM! Besides, do you really want the Chinese make your ammo? 
If you think Target is any different, think again. I once found Target selling the SAME Made in China $1 store trinkets as the $1 store, except for $5.99!
Target is a FRACTION of the size of walmart, and doesn't pose the threats to our economy that walmart does.
Ford is pretty bad when it comes to using only American parts. You have a Mexican made TR-3650 5-speed manual transmission, Mexican wiring harnesses and connectors, soon-to-be made in Chinese Visteon radios, Chinese Visteon PCMs, Chinese Visteon airbag controllers, etc... exactly the problem
The S-197s have something like 65% domestic parts content (AALA) whereas the 2004-up Toyota Avalon had a 73% or higher domestic parts content on the AALA label.
IIRC, the AALA label considers US and Canada to be "domestic" and does not include Mexico. Visteon, TRW, and many other Tier 1 suppliers are moving to China.
A co-worker's 2006 Honda Accord said it came with a sheet that basically said everything but the transmission was made domestically. Assembled here, but make no mistake...all that money goes to a foreign company! I don't want to start the whole American vs. foreign car debate here, but I know that Japanese cars are great quality and reliable. The reason for that is, for the last 20 years, we've been pumping so much money at them that their R&D departments have been able to advance faster than ours. Yet, we blame the American car companies for making inferior products! Well? What do you expect? If there were more poeple like us 'stang owners buying American cars again, they would have all that capital to increase their R&D budgets, and make better products. It's not like the Japanese or German engineers are any smarter than ours. It just boils down to monetary support.
If you think Target is any different, think again. I once found Target selling the SAME Made in China $1 store trinkets as the $1 store, except for $5.99!
Target is a FRACTION of the size of walmart, and doesn't pose the threats to our economy that walmart does.
Ford is pretty bad when it comes to using only American parts. You have a Mexican made TR-3650 5-speed manual transmission, Mexican wiring harnesses and connectors, soon-to-be made in Chinese Visteon radios, Chinese Visteon PCMs, Chinese Visteon airbag controllers, etc... exactly the problem
The S-197s have something like 65% domestic parts content (AALA) whereas the 2004-up Toyota Avalon had a 73% or higher domestic parts content on the AALA label.
IIRC, the AALA label considers US and Canada to be "domestic" and does not include Mexico. Visteon, TRW, and many other Tier 1 suppliers are moving to China.
A co-worker's 2006 Honda Accord said it came with a sheet that basically said everything but the transmission was made domestically. Assembled here, but make no mistake...all that money goes to a foreign company! I don't want to start the whole American vs. foreign car debate here, but I know that Japanese cars are great quality and reliable. The reason for that is, for the last 20 years, we've been pumping so much money at them that their R&D departments have been able to advance faster than ours. Yet, we blame the American car companies for making inferior products! Well? What do you expect? If there were more poeple like us 'stang owners buying American cars again, they would have all that capital to increase their R&D budgets, and make better products. It's not like the Japanese or German engineers are any smarter than ours. It just boils down to monetary support.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 34
From: Conroe, TX
I wish I knew. I've asked the engineers the same questions you have since I use M1 in my cars. When I asked the point-blank question "Do any of the components of M1 come from the refinery (i.e. conventional oils)?", I got a very definite "No! All base oil components are manufactured in the chem plant". Now, I will say that I don't know as much about M1 EP and it may be a synthetic/Group III blend but "classic" M1 is still PAO based. I'll have to see what I can find out about EP.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
The EP, if anything, should be more synthetic than the regular M1 since the EP is supposed to be good for 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Now when the engineers say it is all manufactured, are they saying it is definitely a PAO/Group IV or could it be a Group III?
Now when the engineers say it is all manufactured, are they saying it is definitely a PAO/Group IV or could it be a Group III?
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 34
From: Conroe, TX
The chem plant doesn't manufacture Group III base stocks, only PAO/Group IV. Those would come from the refinery.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
I emailed Mobil1.com and here is their reply:
Mobil1 motor oils are 100% synthetic, utilizng the PAO basestock and
proprietary blend of additives that is tailored specifically for each
viscosity. Mobil does not discuss specifics about our motor oil
formulations.
proprietary blend of additives that is tailored specifically for each
viscosity. Mobil does not discuss specifics about our motor oil
formulations.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: January 17, 2006
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 0
From: Tornado Alley
Super Boss Lawman Member
Joined: January 17, 2006
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 3
From: Temecula,CA
Super Boss Lawman Member
Joined: January 17, 2006
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 3
From: Temecula,CA
Cobra Member
Joined: December 18, 2004
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
Hello?
Haven't any of you seen the documentary, "The High Cost of Low Prices"?
...or read that article in Fast Company magazine, regarding Wal-Mart's responsibility for the destruction of small-town America?
http://www.fastcompany.com/online/77/walmart.html
Haven't you noticed that Levi Jeans aren't made in America anymore? Within the last decade, they have closed ALL 70 of their US factories, and now "Levi's Signature" is their brand. (made in China) Why? because Walmart forced them to lower their prices to $20 and under for jeans, and they had to go overseas and use crappier material in order to stay afloat. Who else is gone, you ask? Master Lock Co. -same reason... Vlasic pickles....filed chapter 11 (remember those ridiculous gallon-sized jars at walmart a few years ago for $2.99 a jar?) and many more...
http://www.larouchepub.com/other/200...t_pricing.html
Anyway, it doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to walk through the aisles at Wal Mart and realize that everything is cheaper than down the street. (Duh!)
The problem is, for all of the brain-drones out there who haven't ever given it two thoughts, those low prices aren't because Wal Mart just so happens to like you and wants to be your friend. They want your money in mass quantities...then, they want your employers' money...then, their business...then their suppliers business and so on....until they not only have their hands in every piece of the pie, they're the bakers as well!
Do yourself a favor and watch that documentary, and you'll get the picture.
and ask yourself this...what good are low prices to you if you've lost your job because you work for a company that got crushed under the walmart squeeze? Or you now get paid less than you would have BEFORE WM had so much power?
If this seems like I'm trying to spread some sort of 'Walmart's trying to take over the world" psycho-babble. I'm not. Just ask ANY vendor who deals with The Walmart corp. on a business level, and they'll tell you. There is nothing psycho-babble about it. Wal mart IS going to take over the world eventually. We'll all be wearing blue vests someday!
Did you know that Wal mart pulls down over 315 BILLION in revenue a year? It is the second largest company (revenue) in the world, topped only by Exxon/Mobil. (Guess that's why Mobil1 is so pricey!
)
The other oil companies are farther down the list!
You guessed it...that means that WalMart has the same, if not more political power as the oil companies. I don't know about you, but that scares the hell outta me!
This is not the same "Made in America" company that was started by Sam Walton. (most of their products aren't made here!) In fact, he would be turning over in his grave if he knew what his family has done with his vision.
Ok...off of my soapbox now. If I've convinced just one person to give it a second thought before shoehorning into a WalMart the next time they felt like they needed to buy gardening shears, froot loops AND get a haircut and their taxes done all from the same store, then my work here is complete!
Haven't any of you seen the documentary, "The High Cost of Low Prices"?
...or read that article in Fast Company magazine, regarding Wal-Mart's responsibility for the destruction of small-town America?
http://www.fastcompany.com/online/77/walmart.html
Haven't you noticed that Levi Jeans aren't made in America anymore? Within the last decade, they have closed ALL 70 of their US factories, and now "Levi's Signature" is their brand. (made in China) Why? because Walmart forced them to lower their prices to $20 and under for jeans, and they had to go overseas and use crappier material in order to stay afloat. Who else is gone, you ask? Master Lock Co. -same reason... Vlasic pickles....filed chapter 11 (remember those ridiculous gallon-sized jars at walmart a few years ago for $2.99 a jar?) and many more...
http://www.larouchepub.com/other/200...t_pricing.html
Anyway, it doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to walk through the aisles at Wal Mart and realize that everything is cheaper than down the street. (Duh!)
The problem is, for all of the brain-drones out there who haven't ever given it two thoughts, those low prices aren't because Wal Mart just so happens to like you and wants to be your friend. They want your money in mass quantities...then, they want your employers' money...then, their business...then their suppliers business and so on....until they not only have their hands in every piece of the pie, they're the bakers as well!
Do yourself a favor and watch that documentary, and you'll get the picture.
and ask yourself this...what good are low prices to you if you've lost your job because you work for a company that got crushed under the walmart squeeze? Or you now get paid less than you would have BEFORE WM had so much power?
If this seems like I'm trying to spread some sort of 'Walmart's trying to take over the world" psycho-babble. I'm not. Just ask ANY vendor who deals with The Walmart corp. on a business level, and they'll tell you. There is nothing psycho-babble about it. Wal mart IS going to take over the world eventually. We'll all be wearing blue vests someday!
Did you know that Wal mart pulls down over 315 BILLION in revenue a year? It is the second largest company (revenue) in the world, topped only by Exxon/Mobil. (Guess that's why Mobil1 is so pricey!
)The other oil companies are farther down the list!
You guessed it...that means that WalMart has the same, if not more political power as the oil companies. I don't know about you, but that scares the hell outta me!
This is not the same "Made in America" company that was started by Sam Walton. (most of their products aren't made here!) In fact, he would be turning over in his grave if he knew what his family has done with his vision.
Ok...off of my soapbox now. If I've convinced just one person to give it a second thought before shoehorning into a WalMart the next time they felt like they needed to buy gardening shears, froot loops AND get a haircut and their taxes done all from the same store, then my work here is complete!
Member
Joined: April 14, 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
Pick up an oil filter wrench while your getting the oil and filter. You might be able to loosen it by hand but will be easier with the filter wrench. Just make sure to put a little oil on the gasket prior to installing the new filter and hand tighten only new filter.
Super Boss Lawman Member
Joined: January 17, 2006
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 3
From: Temecula,CA
V6 Member
Joined: September 27, 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Just remember when you put your new filter on to:
1. double check that the old gasket came off with the old filter. (you don't want two on your car...believe me!)
2. Hand tighten your filter....don't use a wrench to put it on!
-gambi06
V6 Member
Joined: September 27, 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Marc - I hear what you are saying - but it's the natural progression of business to seek the highest profit and if they can go outside our borders to lower prices they certainly have that option. Ford does this as do most all the other auto manufacturers, and other business including many Information Technology positons as well. The other side of the coin is that we have to retrain our workforce with current and higher level skills and redeploy - in addition, many of these countries (take India for example) are becomming more affulent and purchasing more goods from the US....there will always be industries where the workforce location "shifts" for lower production costs (read higher profits) but there are other compensating factors.....take China for example that "evil" Wal Mart does so much business with - there has been and continues to be HUGH business potential there for American companies - just ask IBM, Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds, General Motors, etc. to name a few.....it's a global economy these days and like it or not we are all tied together. And don't forget all the folks that Wal-Mart employs and the boost your local Wal Mart provide to your local tax base. To view things from a strictly American point is natural - but doesn't provide the whole picture. And to be clear - I'm proud to be American and don't like to see jobs exported - but it's a whole new ball game these days and the sooner we accept it the sooner we can WIN it!!
It probably wouldn't worry me so much if things were merely progressing in a given direction at a steady pace. It's the exponential pace that we're travelling at that's the troublesome part!
It's definitely something that all companies collectively would have to agree to, and we all know that will never happen, so you are right, we will just have to "embrace" it, and make the best of whatever comes our way. One that ball started rolling, there wasn't anything that was going to stop it. It is truly amazing, the power of the "bottom line". It can make even the most socially and environmentally conscious companies, somewhat short-sighted.
Why is it that most any person would step in front of a speeding train to save their kids, but not give too much thought about what actions we might take to save them down the road? (or at least keep them from having to work for a company or individual with a name we can't pronounce?
)My last point is...I'm all for the IDEA of a global economy, as it means we are all getting along and not killing each other, which is a good thing. The problem lies with the fact that right now, there are so many countries with workers willing to do the same work for a fraction of what American workers get paid. And it's not that we are necessarily greedy (as individuals). We need those higher salaries to stay afloat. a $30k salary a decade ago bought you a lot more than it would today. We don't have the choice to say to our employers, "pay us whatever you are going to pay those IT guys in India, so that we can remain employed." Can you imagine trying to live on 100 bucks a week HERE?
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: October 2, 2006
Posts: 4,777
Likes: 16
From: Southeast Michigan
I noticed dino oils rising in price when crude oil shot up in price, whereas the synthetic oils stayed about the same. Wouldn't it be more cost-effective to keep using Group IV/V base-stocks due to the higher crude oil prices?
FR500 Member
Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3,084
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
Marc - I hear what you are saying - but it's the natural progression of business to seek the highest profit and if they can go outside our borders to lower prices they certainly have that option. Ford does this as do most all the other auto manufacturers, and other business including many Information Technology positons as well. The other side of the coin is that we have to retrain our workforce with current and higher level skills and redeploy - in addition, many of these countries (take India for example) are becomming more affulent and purchasing more goods from the US....there will always be industries where the workforce location "shifts" for lower production costs (read higher profits) but there are other compensating factors.....take China for example that "evil" Wal Mart does so much business with - there has been and continues to be HUGH business potential there for American companies - just ask IBM, Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds, General Motors, etc. to name a few.....it's a global economy these days and like it or not we are all tied together. And don't forget all the folks that Wal-Mart employs and the boost your local Wal Mart provide to your local tax base. To view things from a strictly American point is natural - but doesn't provide the whole picture. And to be clear - I'm proud to be American and don't like to see jobs exported - but it's a whole new ball game these days and the sooner we accept it the sooner we can WIN it!!
If American companies start doing better there, you can bet it will be with US-branded stuff made locally (in China), not manufactured in the US and subsequently exported there. Take GM, for example. It would only make sense and the money generated will not be seen by "the person on the street".
I'm just as guilty as anyone else because I do buy from them. But, I'd rather support local businesses as much as possible though, because it means more money stays "IN" as opposed to how much the Wal Mart juggernaut takes out of the community in profits, given its low operating costs. And how does trying to make a living on Wal Mart wages help the person whose job was lost because their job was outsourced? Where do you think that person will most likely end up shopping? Just my $.02.
At least now I know where to get Motorcraft oil filters.
