February 2011

DOMINATOR® COOLANT BOOST REDUCES ENGINE WARM-UP TIMES IN COLD WEATHER

AMSOIL Dominator® Coolant Boost is designed to reduce corrosion and significantly enhance heat transfer in cooling systems. One of the overlooked benefits of better heat transfer is much quicker engine warm-up in winter conditions, which is noticed when the vehicle’s defroster works much sooner. To understand how Dominator Coolant Boost reduces engine warm-up times in cold weather, it is imperative to understand the fundamentals of an engine’s cooling system and how Coolant Boost’s proprietary tiered-surfactant technology works. The same tiered-surfactant technology that aids in reducing engine operating temperatures also decreases engine warm-up times.

In a vehicle’s cooling system, the ultimate goal is to quickly and effectively move heat away from engine components, permitting the engine to run at a safe, controlled temperature. An effective cooling system reduces stress on all aspects of the engine, including the lubricating oil. Alternatively, a corroded cooling system that transfers heat ineffectively will eventually lead to engine overheating, breakdown of engine oil and catastrophic failure.

Before studying tiered surfactants, it is important to understand what a surfactant does in a cooling system. A surfactant reduces the surface tension of water and antifreeze, allowing closer contact with metal parts. This closer contact increases the coolant’s efficiency in transferring heat away from hot engine parts and out through the radiator and fan.

Many leading coolant additives contain only one surfactant, limiting their temperature ranges and ultimate effectiveness. AMSOIL Dominator Coolant Boost uses three surfactants, each designed to operate in a different temperature range to increase liquid-to-metal contact from the time the vehicle starts to the time it reaches operating temperature.

Graphic A illustrates how each surfactant in Coolant Boost’s tieredsurfactant technology is designed to provide optimal performance over a wide temperature range, while competing products with only one surfactant are limited to performance in a single temperature range.

Graphic B outlines controlled testing of AMSOIL Dominator Coolant Boost with a 50/50 antifreeze/water mix. When a cooling system reaches 120°F, the operator typically feels warm air coming out of the defroster. The time it takes to reach this temperature with Coolant Boost is reduced by 45 percent compared to the 50/50 antifreeze/water mix alone.

Through the use of tiered surfactants, AMSOIL Dominator Coolant Boost delivers quicker warm-up times in the winter and reduced engine temperatures in the summer, making it an excellent choice for year-round use.

Viscosity is the Most Important part of a Lubricant

Dan Peterson | VICE PRESIDENT, TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

Viscosity is one of the most important yet misunderstood physical properties of a lubricant.

Most consumers don’t understand the true nature of multi-viscosity lubricants.

Without a thorough understanding of viscosity tests and classification systems it is difficult to explain the specific reasons different applications and conditions call for different lubricants. Viscosity is defined as a fluid’s resistance to flow, and some fluids have a higher viscosity than others. For example, honey is much more viscous (flows more slowly) than water.

Most vehicle owners understand their application requires a specific viscosity grade and type of oil, and that those details are usually outlined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the owner’s manual. But what do these different viscosity recommendations really mean? What is the difference between 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oil?

First, there is no difference between a 5W-30 oil and a 10W-30 oil when the engine has warmed up – the second number of a multi-viscosity oil represents the oil’s thickness at operating temperature. So, a 5W-30 oil and a 10W-30 oil both have the same viscosity (resistance to flow) when the engine is running. It is the number before the dash that differentiates them. This number, known as the winter viscosity grade, tells us what the oil’s thickness will be when the engine starts, when it is cold. The smaller the “W” number, the easier an engine starts in cold temperatures. So, a SAE 5W oil is less viscous and will flow more easily than a SAE 10W oil in cold temperatures at startup and during warm-up. Most engine wear occurs at this critical time because of insufficient oil flow.

There are a number of different viscosity grading and classification systems used for lubricants. One of the most common systems is the SAE J300 viscosity grading system for engine oils. This table outlines specific requirements for viscosity at different temperatures and shear conditions. So to determine the difference between 10W-30 and 5W-30 engine oil, we first need to understand two basic viscosity measurements and the shear test used to measure the viscosity stability of engine oils. The most common measurement of viscosity is Kinematic viscosity, which is measured at 100°C (212°F) – close to the maximum operating temperature for most passenger car and truck applications. This test measures how fast an engine oil is pulled by gravity through a glass tube heated to 100°C. The time it takes for the oil to move through the tube is converted to a viscosity measurement called centistokes (cSt). The SAE established categories of oil based on this measurement. To obtain the 30 in 5W- 30, 10W-30 or any other SAE 30 weight designation, the Kinematic viscosity at 100°C must be at least 9.3 cSt and no more than 12.5 cSt.

In addition to Kinematic viscosity requirements, each viscosity classification has high-temperature/high-shear (HT/ HS) requirements. The HT/HS test simulates an engine at operating temperature and under load to measure how well oils maintain thickness over time. It is determined at 150°C (302°F), and a SAE 30-grade oil has a minimum HT/HS viscosity requirement of 2.9 cSt.

So, how is the winter viscosity grade determined? This cold-temperature designation uses another viscosity measurement called Brookfield viscosity. Brookfield viscosity is measured in centipoise (cP) at designated temperatures for each W rating. Using the honey example, Brookfield viscosity simulates stirring a bowl of honey and measuring the amount of resistance to stirring in the bowl. Thicker honey takes more energy to stir, and honey becomes thicker the colder it gets. For a 30-weight oil to also qualify for a 10W rating, the Brookfield cranking viscosity (ASTM D-5293) cannot exceed 7,000 cP measured at -25°C (-13°F), and the Brookfield pumping viscosity (ASTM D-4684) must be less than 60,000 cP at -30°C (-22°F). Alternatively, in order to qualify for a 5W rating the Brookfield cranking viscosity cannot exceed 6,600 cP measured at -30°C, and the Brookfield pumping viscosity must be less than 60,000 cP at -35°C (-31°F).

Several other viscosity classification systems are used to designate different grades of lubricants. Another common system is the SAE J306 system, which defines automotive gear, axle and manual transmission lubricant viscosities and incorporates both the SAE rating and winter viscosity requirements similar to the SAE J300 engine oils system.

Industrial fluids generally use a system designated D 2422-97, which separates different industrial fluids into different ISO viscosity categories. These categories are commonly referred to as ISO viscosity grades and run from ISO VG 2 through ISO VG 3200 (ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization, VG stands for viscosity grade). A common hydraulic fluid viscosity grade is ISO VG 46, where the mid-point Kinematic viscosity at 40°C (104°F) is 46 cSt, and the range to qualify for this viscosity category is 41.4 to 50.6 cSt.

On the surface, viscosity may seem like an easy concept to understand, but most consumers don’t really know where to start. Different rating systems are used for passenger car motor oils, gear lubes and industrial lubricants. Although it is not necessary for Dealers to know all of the technicalities, a basic understanding is important in order to make correct viscosity recommendations for customers.

Amsoil Products Improve Efficiency and Reduce Operating Costs

AMSOIL INC., in conjunction with Gerlach Trucking of Erskine, Minnesota, conducted a field demonstration of its Series 3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, Super Duty Oil Filters and Dual-Gard filtration system equipped with BE-110 by-pass filtration elements.

The test vehicle was a 1995 Freightliner FLD-120 powered by a Detroit 60 Series diesel engine and utilized mainly in long-haul transports. The testing covered a two-year period and the vehicle accumulated 212,326 total miles.

Evaluation Proposal
The goals for this demonstration included showing that the use of AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, in conjunction with the AMSOIL Dual-Gard filtration setup and SDF Oil Filters, would result in improved efficiency, reduced operating costs and environmental benefits when compared to conventional petroleum lubricants and filtration methods.

As mentioned, the evaluation was conducted using a 1995 Freightliner FD-120 equipped with a Detroit 60 Series diesel engine. The AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil was sampled at the manufacturer’s suggested oil drain intervals and monitored through the use of oil analysis to ensure its continued serviceability. The full-flow filtration units were also monitored and replaced at 12,000- to 15,000-mile intervals, while the By-Pass units were monitored and replaced at 24,000- to 30,000-mile intervals.

Summary
Overall, the demonstration was a success. After switching to AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil (and later AMSOIL 75W-90 Gear Lube in the differentials and Power-Shift Transmission Fluid in the Transmission), the truck experienced significant declines in wear rates and an eight percent increase in fuel economy. The pictured charts show individual rates of wear throughout the two-year demonstration. As the engine wear rates were reduced, operating efficiency rose, leading to an increase in the life of the engine and decreasing operating costs. Even with 212,326 miles on the oil, there was no indication it needed changing.

Because of the extended drain capabilities of AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, the negative effects of used oil on the environment were also significantly reduced. If it had been using conventional petroleum diesel oil, which usually requires replacement approximately every 18,000 miles, this application would have required up to 12 oil changes and 480 quarts of oil over the demonstration running time of 212,326 miles, compared to just one oil change and 40 quarts of oil using AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil and Dual-Gard filtration system.

Overall, the data demonstrates that AMSOIL Series 3000 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil is capable of providing extended drain service for a period well beyond recommended drain intervals, while also significantly decreasing wear rates, operating costs and environmental waste.

February 2011 FAQ

MAGAZINE INSERTS

The Dealer version of the AMSOIL Magazine is very good. I like it very much and I keep almost all my issues.

The ALTRUM insert is also very good. I just wish it could go in without being stapled. Maybe that glue glob stuff that easily peels off. You just can’t get the insert out without tearing up things. You have to use a small knife on the staples and major surgery. Anyway, the magazine is still darn good. Regards,

Timothy F. Crews

AMSOIL: While staples are the best choice to ensure inserts stay in place, AMSOIL will continue to evaluate other options, including glue dots.

HIGH-MILEAGE CLUB COMMENTS

I really enjoyed seeing the letter regarding a “high-mileage club” (December 2010)! I am a Dealer in Michigan and a mechanical engineer, and I like that sort of information to assist in the selling process. It really opens some eyes to the advantages of AMSOIL. I also have seen a story regarding a Barracuda that has about 400,000 miles without any mechanical failures. Perhaps that one and others from the past should be available.

For the new Dealers like myself, I would like to see an area in the Dealer Zone that allows Dealers to download such articles. This would be a tremendous sales tool that is not being used as it should due to lack of knowledge of previous information. Thanks!

Dan Leighton Sr.

AMSOIL: We tracked down the owner of the 1968 Barracuda, and you can read all about his good experiences with AMSOIL products on page 11. You can download back issues of AMSOIL Magazine from the righthand column of the Dealer Zone’s main page. For access to more testimonials, click the “Testimonials” link on the left side of the AMSOIL homepage, under “Other Links.”

GM dexos1™

There have been some questions about the dexos1 certifications from GM and which oils actually have the license and which just state that they meet the standards.

On the official GM dexos site, AMSOIL cannot be found on their list, so there are some questions as to its absence. How do we as Dealers address this legitimate concern? Thanks for the help.

Vincent P. Walburn

AMSOIL: AMSOIL OE and XL 5W-30 oils meet the specifications outlined by GM for dexos1, but AMSOIL has chosen not to license either through GM. Many other large oil manufacturers have chosen not to license through the dexos1 program as well, including Valvoline and Castrol. According to 2011 GM owners’ manuals, GM also allows the use of other oils: “In the event that dexos-approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.”

AMSOIL OE and XL 5W-30 oils meet dexos1 and API specifications, are API-licensed and carry the API Starburst symbol. They provide excellent protection and performance in vehicles specifying dexos1 oils.

TESTIMONIAL SUBMISSIONS

I have a customer who has been on CMT/ ABC News because of the type of vehicle he drives and the service he performs with it. It’s a 1942 American La France fire truck which was also on the TV show Trick My Truck. If I got a few pictures and wrote a small article, would it get published in the AMSOIL Hotwire?

Kent Wittig

AMSOIL: It sounds like an excellent story, and we would certainly consider it for publication in the Hotwire or AMSOIL Magazine.

CUSTOMER TYPE 4

Dean Alexander’s article “How To Reinvigorate Your AMSOIL Business with OE Synthetic Motor Oils” (December 2010) was very good, and it is comforting to know he faces the same resistance we do as Dealers with regard to extended drains, breaking consumer habits (sometimes that are generational) and the real economy of quality products. In my professional automotive career, another popular type of customer exists:

Customer Type 4: People who only open their hoods to fill the windshield washer fluid. They often come in to our shops months (I have seen years) overdue for service, and often are so low on oil the red warning light on the dash flickers or is on steady. These are not our regular customers, and if we can convert them to XL or OE, we could get them in on a regular basis and both pick up business and protect their vehicles. Of course if the vehicle may be damaged due to neglect, I avoid picking them up as customers to avoid AMSOIL being blamed down the road for the premature failure that may be imminent due to a poor maintenance history. The new XL 10,000-mile/six-month schedule fits very nicely for the care of the engine, vehicle safety checks, tire rotation, state inspections and related sales.

Bill Nygard

EAO88

When are you going to reintroduce the new EAO88 oil filter for the Ford Powerstroke?

It has been almost two years this spring since it was taken off the market and replaced with SDF88. New customers hear they can go 25,000 miles/one year between oil changes under normal use, but have to use the SDF88 filter which only lasts 7,500 miles. They want the long mileage filter to go with the oil.

Ralph Kornoely

AMSOIL: The obstacles to the reintroduction of the EAO88 are beyond our control. If there is a change that allows its reintroduction, AMSOIL will do so.

Related Synthetic Motor Oil Blogs

Trends in the Oil Installer Market Point to Increased Sales for Dealers

According to the National Oil & Lube News (NOLN) 2010 Fast Lube Operators Survey, installers earned increased sales from add-on products and other services, while the average price for a lube, oil and filter service using full-synthetic motor oil rose compared to 2009.

The trends indicate a shift in the installer market favoring businesses that offer customers the services and products provided by the AMSOIL Installer Program, including a broad range of lubricants and lower-priced full-synthetic oil changes.

Survey Facts

Survey information was gathered on all facets of the installer market from more than 4,200 stores in all 50 states. It divides the information into two categories: companies with less than 30 stores (LT30) and companies with more than 30 stores (MT30). LT30 stores are generally independently owned shops, while MT30 stores are corporately owned chains such as Jiffy Lube.

Prices Increasing

According to the survey, the price of a full-synthetic oil change rose to $62.39 at LT30 stores and $66.14 at MT30 stores, nearly twice as much as conventional oil changes. Although sales of synthetics continue to capture a greater portion of the engine oil aftermarket, the higher price points installers are charging may be hurting business. In fact, while sales of synthetic oil changes rose 2 percent at LT30 stores compared to 2009, they remained flat at MT30 stores. The low price of AMSOIL OE Synthetic Motor Oil allows installers to charge considerably less while still realizing increased profits compared to conventional oil changes. With a suggested oil change price between $44.50 and $49.50, OE provides an appealing option for motorists who are interested in synthetics, but have balked at their higher price.

XL Synthetic Motor Oil also compares favorably. With a recommended price between $64.50 and $69.50, an XL oil change is priced comparably to competing synthetics, but carries the added value of extended drain intervals. Customers are more willing to spend the extra money when receiving the savings and convenience of fewer annual oil changes. Installers, meanwhile, can earn more profit selling two XL oil changes to a customer per year than they earn selling five conventional oil changes.

Expanded Services and Addon Products More Important

In addition to oil changes, customers today are frequenting installers for transmission, differential, coolant and other services traditionally offered primarily by garages and dealerships. Add-on products accounted for higher sales, helping increase average ticket totals for all installers by about $2 compared to 2009. To diversify services and boost profits, 74 percent of LT30 stores now perform oil changes on recreational vehicles, 28 percent on commercial vehicles and 13 percent on motorcycles.

The chart shows what percentage of LT30 stores now offer the listed service or add-on product.

Percentage of Installers Offering Service Based on NOLN 2010 Survey

ADDITIVE SALES

Engine Flush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87%
Pour-in Fuel Injection Cleaner . . . . . 78%
Coolant Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47%
Diesel Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . 46%

SERVICES

Air Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . 100%
Wiper Blade Refills . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99%
Differential Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94%
ATF Flush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94%
Coolant Flush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90%
Power Steering Flush . . . . . . . . . . . 68%
Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37%
Brake Fluid Flush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29%

AMSOIL Installer Program

The Installer Kit (G250 U.S., G8250 Can.) provides Dealers the materials needed to demonstrate to installers how AMSOIL can increase profits. It includes enough sales brochures, data bulletins, fair handouts and other items to make five sales presentations and establish two accounts.

Installer Kit (G250 U.S., G8250 Can.)

U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00
Can. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.65

I have to begin this month’s column by sending out a big congratulations to Team AMSOIL snowmobile racer P. J. Wanderscheid. As you will read in this issue of your Magazine, P. J. became the first racer ever to capture four AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby titles. That’s no small feat. And while it may be true that snowmobile racing is not front page news in the southern portion of this country, it does grab attention in the northern states and Canada. Millions of people took notice of P. J.’s win and that’s fantastic brand exposure for AMSOIL, no matter how you slice it.

P. J.’s accomplishment has propelled him to legendary status in the world of snowmobile racing. The Derby championship is universally recognized as perhaps the most coveted title in the sport. The event’s forty-eight year history is a timeline of snowmobile racing’s most memorable moments. It draws the world’s most accomplished oval ice racers, as well as legends from across the motorsports world. Indy 500 winners Bobby and Al Unser have made regular appearances at the track.

Although AMSOIL has had connections for years, the company became the title sponsor of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in 2007. This sponsorship, along with our sponsorship of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series, has solidified us as a dominant force in the snowmobile market. Television for these events reaches over two million people and, along with significant on-site exposure, every magazine and major news outlet dedicated to the snowmobile industry is there to cover them. With approximately three million registered snowmobiles in North America, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, we are reaching a prime market for AMSOIL Dealers.

Equally important, snowmobile owners are primarily do-it-yourself types. Similar to motorcycle owners, they are passionate about their machines and appreciate the value of superior lubrication. Plus, they own additional equipment. Whether it’s for trucks, cars, trailers, boats or any other type of lubrication demand, AMSOIL products have earned their trust.

Beyond the exposure these sponsorships provide is the role they serve in the development and testing of AMSOIL products. All of our race teams are testing grounds. The AMSOIL products they use in the demanding conditions in which they operate are the same products we offer to the public. Unlike many other companies, we don’t make special, high-performance products for our race teams, and then use that as testimonial to sell the products we make available commercially. P. J. Wanderscheid wins snowmobile races with AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 2-Cycle Racing Oil. Kevin Windham wins supercross races with AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil. Scott Douglas wins off-road truck races with AMSOIL Dominator 15W-50 Synthetic Racing Oil. You get the point.

Our product testing, of course, goes way beyond our race teams. We constantly test our products in laboratory and stationary engine type settings, and fleet and field testing never ends for us. Our mission is to ensure that our products, without fail, measure up to AMSOIL standards. We know where the competition stands, and we will never fall behind the curve.

This issue of your Magazine features a field study that was conducted with a refuse hauling company. In short, we tested our Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil against four other diesel oils. The conditions were extremely demanding, and the objective was to determine which oils could best maintain their viscosity and total base number (TBN) levels. Each of these features is essential in an oil’s ability to extend drain intervals and maintain wear protection. The application was a 7.6L Navistar DT 466 engine, which is notorious for shearing oils out of grade.

All four of the competing oils sheared out of grade within 168 hours of operation. AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-40, on the other hand, maintained its designated viscosity after 371 hours. The AMSOIL product also maintained the highest TBN retention rate of the five oils tested. The results indicated that AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil was the most balanced formula in the group and more capable than the others in protecting engines throughout extended oil drain intervals. You can read the details.

On a final note related to our products, we have resurrected a program that was initially introduced in August 2008. Beginning in March and running through May we will offer a money-back guarantee tied to the fuel economy benefits of our P. i. Performance Improver. We are totally confident in the performance of this product, and with fuel prices rising, the time is right to capitalize on this opportunity. You can read about that, too, in this issue.

Bottom line, consumers can trust the AMSOIL brand to deliver the same outstanding performance we have been delivering since 1972. It is the AMSOIL reputation, and we stand behind it.

A.J. “Al” Amatuzio
President and CEO, AMSOIL INC.

AMSOIL INTRODUCES 15,000-MILE Ea® OIL FILTERS

Group includes reintroduction of Ea Oil

Filters for several popular Toyota applications.

Modern engine design trends have resulted in some vehicles that present multiple challenges to filtration engineers, especially those who are focused on delivering extended service life. In order to remain serviceable for an extended period, a filter must ensure adequate capacity while maintaining sufficient efficiency throughout the specified interval. This is often accomplished in part through the use of high efficiency media and a slightly larger can to increase capacity.

Barriers to Extended Service
Vehicle manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to provide fuel efficient vehicles that produce fewer emissions than their predecessors. In fact, government mandates require automakers to meet specific fuel efficiency and emissions benchmarks or face steep monetary penalties. Vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) employ a variety of techniques to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, and nearly all of them negatively impact motor oil and oil filtration.

Buy Now/Pricing Information

Smaller Sumps, Smaller Filters, More Contaminants
To meet the demand for greater efficiency, OEMs are offering smaller, more aerodynamic cars. They have also introduced several new engine technologies designed to deliver greater power out of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, which often rely on turbos or unique fuel injection systems that can increase the amount of contaminants introduced into the oil. As these cars have become smaller, engine compartments have become too tight to use a filter of increased size. This, coupled with the trend toward smaller oil sumps in many of these applications, results in an extremely challenging task for oil filters.

Additional Contaminant Generation
To meet the demand for reduced emissions, OEMs are applying a number of methods, including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). EGR works by recycling a small amount of spent exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber. Some of the side-effects of EGR include less-efficient combustion, increased temperatures and increased acids; all of which add to the oil filter’s workload.

AMSOIL Overcomes Obstacles
For some of these applications extending the service life of the oil filter would seem impossible. Smaller sump sizes, engines prone to sludge and smaller filter sizes, combined with increased contaminants in the engine oil, present a serious challenge to filtration engineers. AMSOIL has overcome all those obstacles with its introduction of 15,000-mile Ea Oil Filters (EA15K). There are 11 15,000-mile Ea Filters in all, including some that were previously available as 25,000-mile filters. While AMSOIL has had no issues with these filters, the engine technologies used in the vehicles to which they apply are simply too demanding on an oil filter to continue offering 25,000-mile intervals. Also included in the group of 15,000- mile Ea Oil Filters are a number of filters (EA15K09, EA15K10, EA15K13) that were either discontinued or available only at OEM-recommended intervals due to the engine design issues outlined in AMSOIL Technical Service Bulletins FL-2009-05-01 and FL-2010-04-01 (click the Tech Service Bulletins link on the right side of the AMSOIL homepage).

There has been a high demand for the reintroduction of these oil filters, and now annual oil and filter change intervals are once again possible for the corresponding applications.

15,000-Mile Ea Oil Filter Notes
Ea Oil Filters recommended for 15,000- mile service intervals are designated by the product code EA15K. These filters have been redesigned, but still feature the same premium nanofiber synthetic media as their 25,000-mile counterparts. In addition to some slight packaging modifications, AMSOIL has identified existing Ea Oil Filters moving from 25,000- to 15,000-mile intervals by placing stickers on the boxes.

Buy Now/Pricing Information

Another Million-Mile Milestone

Floyd Erks is hoping to keep driving his
van past the million-mile mark.

Dealer Dan McKinty of Lincoln, Nebraska has a satisfied customer who is nearing his goal of acquiring one million miles on his vehicle. Floyd Erks is a proud user of AMSOIL lubricants in all of his vehicles, but his van’s long history of AMSOIL use and high mileage really sets it apart from the crowd.

Erks owns a 1993 Ford Aero Star Minivan with a 4.0 liter engine that has never been rebuilt. To date, the van has accumulated 731,000 miles of service, and Erks sees no reason why it won’t reach the million- mile milestone. Erks used AMSOIL 5W-30 motor oil for the first 25,000 miles, then switched over to AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30 and SDF Oil Filters and changes the oil only once every 35,000 miles. Since he switched his van over to AMSOIL ATF he has also put 300,000 miles on the same transmission. He also regularly uses AMSOIL 75W-90 Gear Lube and Multi-Purpose Grease.

Erks says that he drives a minimum of 300 miles a day while working for his courier service. At that rate, he may attain his goal of one million miles in only two or three years.

Floyd Erks’ Ford Aero Star is still rolling after
three quarters of a million miles.

THE NEXT BITE HOST IMPRESSED WITH IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY

National Fresh Water Fishing Hall-of-Famer Gary Parsons, one of the hosts of the popular AMSOIL-sponsored fishing program The Next Bite on the Versus Network, could not hide his excitement about gaining improved fuel economy with AMSOIL products, writing the following:

I thought I’d drop you a note since I’m pretty excited. I switched all three of my trucks to AMSOIL products over the last few days: engine oil, transmission, front and rear differentials. The news is about my tournament truck. I have a 2011 Ford F250 with the new diesel engine. Before I made the lubricant switch, I filled the truck with diesel and headed to Duluth (Minn.) to get some work done. I was bucking a head wind and got 17.8 miles per gallon, which is pretty normal going against a 30 mph wind. I got the lubricants switched and some other work done on the truck, so it stayed overnight. The next day I came back with my wife’s truck to get her lubricants switched. That day we drove both vehicles back home, and this is where it got interesting. The wind was dead calm and I wanted to see what happened to the gas mileage, so I drove the speed limit and used the speed control on the truck most of the way. I’ve made this trip from Duluth to my house many times where I tried to get the best gas mileage, probably no less than six times when I was watching closely. The best mileage that I ever got on the stretch between Duluth and Ashland (Wis.) was 20.4 mpg, and since the stretch between Ashland and my house is really hilly, the mileage goes down and the best overall performance when I reach my house has been 19.4 mpg. Using the same diesel fill as when I took the truck to Duluth, I got 22.4 mpg from Duluth to Ashland and 21.3 when I got home! That’s almost two miles per gallon better by just switching to the AMSOIL lubricants! I would have never believed that it would have made such a difference, especially since Ford uses synthetics in the new diesels already. All I can say is WOW!

AMSOIL hires new Technical Services Director and IT Manager

Ed Kellerman

There’s a new man at the helm in the Technical Services Department at AMSOIL, but it’s business as usual at the Superior, WI, plant.

In July 2001, Ed Kellerman, 43, took over the director’s position following in the capable footsteps of Byron Selbrede, who led the department for more than 15 years.

Kellerman and Selbrede discussed the change in a recent interview.

“With Byron’s departure I have some big, huge shoes to fill,” Kellerman acknowledged.

Kellerman came to AMSOIL from Minneapolis, MN, where he was a jet mechanic in the United States Air Force for nine years and had several years’ experience in automotive technology and management. “My background makes AMSOIL a good fit for me,” Kellerman said.

His graceful fit into those big shoes was aided by Selbrede – and a seasoned, five-member staff of experts – for a seamless transition and uninterrupted communication with Dealers and customers.

Technical Services personnel know what product to recommend, how it works, how it matches with other products, how it meets industry standards and specifications, which product is best for specific vehicles and applications. They conduct product analysis and provide technical expertise in the creation of brochures, data bulletins and training programs.

The team always is available to answer questions, and receives more than 4,000 telephone calls every month. “We have four avenues of communication for people to reach us,” Kellerman said, “telephone, fax, regular mail and e-mail.”

However, Dealers are encouraged to seek answers through manuals, or contact Sponsors or Direct Jobbers before calling Technical Services, Kellerman said. “Dealers are the frontline, especially the experienced Dealers, and they are capable of answering the majority of questions,” he said.

A growing number of inquiries come in through e-mail, as many as 60 a day, Kellerman said. E-mails generally are answered within a day. It’s highly efficient communication because technicians have time to concentrate and research clear answers without the distractions of fielding too many calls at once, he explained. “We encourage e-mail,” Kellerman said. “My goal is to offer answers in the most direct and concise manner possible to our Dealers and customers.”

Staff members have access to a full library, manuals, oil analysis results, close communications with on-site laboratory researchers and ongoing education.

Technical Services also performs analysis on failed engines or parts. “Our philosophy is not ‘AMSOIL couldn’t or didn’t cause the problem,’ our philosophy is ‘AMSOIL will help find the actual cause of the problem,’” Selbrede said.

After more than 20 years, Selbrede is officially “retired,” but shows little interest in leaving the company.

He works part time at the corporate office, where he puts those years of expertise into special projects.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the Dealers over the years, helping them with questions, helping with training, meeting them over the years,” Selbrede said. “And I miss a lot of that personal contact.”

He recommended Kellerman’s hire, Selbrede said. “Ed has been doing a fine job since he came on board. I feel confident he’ll continue to take the department in the right direction in the future,” he said.

Dave Nimmo

Dave Nimmo is new to the Information Technology Department at AMSOIL in Superior, WI, but he cut his career eye teeth on computers.

Nimmo, 49, became manager of the Information Technology Department at AMSOIL in September.

Nimmo left Duluth, MN, 28 years ago, and, except for a short stint in Mexico doing missions work, held several positions in the world of computers.

He was a computer operator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1979-1985.

After 10 more years working with computers and two years earning a computer programming certificate at Northeast Metro Community College at White Bear Lake, MN, he became network analyst for Chisago Health Services, Chisago City, MN.

While he was there, the Chisago system merged with the Fairview Health System network, a Minneapolis, MN-based regional health care provider.

When Fairview opened a new hospital in Wyoming, MN, in 1998, Nimmo was the computer wizard for a merger that included three hospitals. He connected the three hospitals and ironed out the kinks of getting them online. “That was lots of stress,” Nimmo said in a recent interview. “It was challenging, but I like the challenge.”

At AMSOIL, Nimmo oversees a computer staff and all of the company’s computer programs. “I understand and can speak ‘programmer language,’” he said.

He spent time getting to know the company, meeting employees and familiarizing himself with the computer system. “I’m trying to bring a sense of unity to the department so that we can serve the rest of the employee population,” Nimmo said.

Routinely, he oversees and monitors day-to-day operations of the company’s computer system, recommends computer software purchases, develops company security and Internet use policies, and advises administrators when there’s a need for enforcement.

AMSOIL soon will implement a new computer system that will revolutionize the company’s ability to serve Dealers and customers alike, and entail every aspect of the business.

“It’s a huge system,” Nimmo said. “It’s a big project to get my arms around, but I like the challenge. I’m happy to be in AMSOIL and can see nothing but strength and growth in the quality and use of AMSOIL products.”