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Frequently Asked Questions
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Purchasing AMSOIL
Products
How
can I purchase AMSOIL products?
Answer: You
can order products directly online by clicking
on the
Shop Online Located on the left of every page
within the menu bar on our website. Or click
on How to Buy AMSOIL within the menu
bar to learn more
about the AMSOIL
Preferred Customer Membership and how to
purchase AMSOIL at wholesale prices.
Where
can I find a Dealer near me?
Answer: You can also find a Dealer by
searching your local Yellow Pages.
How
long have AMSOIL lubricants been on the
market?
Answer:
AMSOIL introduced the first synthetic motor oil
with an API (American Petroleum Institute)
Service Classification in 1972. Since that time,
AMSOIL has varied and expanded its product
line. |
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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 to
read about AMSOIL and warranties. |
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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 judgment to install a
new AMSOIL Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter ( EaO)
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. |
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. |
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. |
What are the recommended
applications for the BMK-18? |
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A. |
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 (G-2051). |
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Q. |
Is it necessary to install
marine filters when using the BMK-18? |
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A. |
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. (BP-239) |
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Q. |
Must I order a separate adapter
fitting when I order a BMK-18? |
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A. |
Yes. A spin on adapter kit must be ordered
that matches your application as found in the
Applications Guide (G-2051).
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. |
Why is the BMK-18 more expensive
than the other Dual Remote By-Pass
Systems? |
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A. |
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. |
Where do I apply the anti-seize compound that
is supplied with the kit? |
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A. |
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. |
Where do I apply the thread
sealant? |
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A. |
On threaded
connectors that are mounted to the filter mount
assembly and the spin on adapter. |
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Q. |
Is the entire BMK-18 unit U.S.
Coast Guard approved? |
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A. |
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. |
Can I use the BMK-18 in a
vehicle other than a boat? |
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A. |
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. |
Can I order replacement parts
for the BMK-18? |
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A. |
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. |
Can I use the AMS-Oiler with the
BMK-18? |
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A. |
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. |
Many salt-water boats have
diesel engines. Does AMSOIL make a by-pass
system for them? |
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A. |
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. |
Does the BMK-18 remove water
from my oil? |
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A. |
The by-pass
filter isolates small amounts of moisture and
condensation from the oil stream. |
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Q. |
How does the BMK-18 compare to
other marine by-pass systems? |
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A. |
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. |
What filter sizes come on the
BMK-18? How do I know which is best for my
application? |
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A. |
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 companies 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?
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