SYNTHETICS IN OLDER ENGINES
I am going to school in Lake Ozark, Mo. for my Bachelor of Business Management and Associate of Marine Technology degrees. I don’t have the time or funds available to “get out there” as much as I would like. I do what I can though, and have actually been accruing some customers at school. I focused my marketing plan for my Essentials of Marketing class on AMSOIL, and my professor is now switching his and his wife’s vehicles and his boat to AMSOIL.
One statement I have heard from a few hard-headed old-schoolers is that synthetics should not be used in older diesel or gas engines, that newer engines are “designed for synthetics.” This usually turns into a pretty heated argument. Engines are and always have been pretty much the same (besides certain differences in performance and quality), and it makes no difference how old the engine is; it can use synthetic oil with the proper prepping. Am I wrong? I’m looking for a little professional confirmation. Maybe I’ve been putting my foot in my mouth, I don’t know.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Clint Schaffnit
AMSOIL: Congratulations on your success spreading the word about AMSOIL products at school. You are right; as long as the engines are in sound condition, synthetic oils are suitable for use in both older and newer engines, providing clear benefits over conventional oils.
MOTORCYCLE OIL
VISCOSITY
I need an educated second opinion regarding what oil I should be using in my 2010 750 air-cooled Ural motorcycle with sidecar. The manual calls for 20W-50, and it only holds two liters. I drive short trips and in city stop-and-go traffic. It never really gets very hot here in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada for long. I feel the best protection for my climate would be to use AMSOIL 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil. Would you agree with this, or what would you suggest?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Lowell Lockyer
AMSOIL: Unless there is a temperature guide in your owner’s manual that calls for different oil for different temperatures, AMSOIL recommends using the 20W-50 viscosity recommended in your manual. Although AMSOIL 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil would most likely be fine in a cooler climate, air-cooled bikes traditionally need a thicker oil.
SERVICE LINE
In the recent announcement of the March 1 price increase, it was stated that our commercial and retail accounts would be sent a letter and be notified in the January Service Line. Would it be possible to publish those communications, and the Service Line, on the website at the same time they are mailed, like is done with AMSOIL Magazine? When I go to speak with my accounts, it would be helpful to know what information, and to what level of detail, they are being provided.
Best Regards;
Gale Binder
AMSOIL: AMSOIL posts the Service Line (click the “Service Line Back Issues” link on the Dealer Zone menu) in the same time period in which it is mailed. The message accounts received regarding the price adjustment matched the message received by Dealers, with the Service Line also providing temporary Account Zone log-in information to ensure all accounts had access to updated pricing files.
EMPTY PRODUCT CONTAINERS
I have unsuccessfully requested empty grease tubes (GPOR2CR, GPTR2CR) to be used in displays at trade shows so potential customers can see and handle the product. The reason I don’t use the real product is that they will not take the transportation from show to show and they weep over time. Is there a logical reason they are not available? If it is a cost issue, I’m willing to pay for them at a reasonable price.
Thank you,
Don Speers
AMSOIL: AMSOIL did at one time offer a program through which Dealers could purchase empty AMSOIL containers for display purposes. It turned out, however, to be extremely labor-intensive. Employees who were normally engaged in more productive work were required to gather the empty containers, drill holes through each (to ensure against re-filling) and arrange for shipping. In addition, demand was very low due to the high cost of the empty containers. The problem was compounded by the assortment of product requests that were received.
ACCOUNT ZONE ENHANCEMENTS
In the fall of 2010, AMSOIL revamped the look of the Commercial and Retail-on-the-Shelf Account Zones. The new, sleek design looks great! I think the most important new feature is that customers immediately see their servicing Dealer’s name and contact information. Is there any chance AMSOIL would consider giving the Preferred Customer Zone the new look and add the servicing Dealer display feature?
I also have another suggestion; I am sure AMSOIL spends a lot of money each month mailing the AMSOIL Magazine to Preferred Customers, as well as the Service Line to commercial and retail accounts. Since the bulk mailer is printing the mailing addresses on the publications, maybe they could also print a line with the servicing Dealer’s contact information.
Sincerely,
Kirk Olson
AMSOIL: The enhancements to the Commercial and Retail Zones were just the first phase in a larger project we hope will deliver an improved online experience for all. We are planning several new improvements for both the Preferred Customer and Dealer Zones, and adding the servicing Dealer display feature to the Preferred Customer Zone is on the list of enhancements. We will consider your suggestion on the mailing labels as well. However, AMSOIL encourages Dealers to ensure all their accounts and Preferred Customers already have their contact information on hand and to keep in regular contact with them to ensure all their needs are being met.