Mobil 1 Myths/Rumors

[caveatipse]

It is all over the internet that Mobil 1 is a group III synthetic, i.e. based on crude oil. However, both on their website, and if you call them and ask, they clearly state that they are a true, Group IV, PAO-based synthetic. Where did this rumor get started?

[Meteorite Man]

You answered that yourself...."It's all over the internet". If the website and the phone calls proved different, then I guess that rumor has been squished.

[black2yaris]

here's the spec's off mobil's site
Product Description

Mobil 1 5W-30 is a high performance fully synthetic engine oil designed to exceed the industry's toughest standards and outperform all conventional oils.. Mobil 1 5W-30 is engineered to help keep your engine running like new and extend engine life. Mobil 1 technology has been selected as original equipment by leading car builders such as, Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac, Mercedes Benz AMG, Porsche, Dodge Viper, and Dodge Ram SRT 10.



Features and Benefits

Mobil 1 5W-30 is made with a proprietary blend of high performance synthetic basestocks fortified with an advanced additive system. Mobil 1 5W-30 is one of the most recommended viscosity grades for new cars. This oil is uniquely designed to provide unsurpassed levels of performance, cleaning power and engine protection, while meeting the demanding ILSAC GF4 performance standards.




Features
Advantages and Potential Benefits
Fully synthetic formula with SuperSyn Technology Helps prevent deposits and sludge build-up to enable long engine life
Excellent overall lubrication and wear protection performance for all driving styles
Outstanding thermal and oxidation stability Outstanding performance during the maximum oil change interval recommended in a vehicle’s owners manual
Enhanced frictional properties Aids fuel economy
Excellent low temperature capabilities Quick cold weather starting for ultra fast protection Helps to extend engine life

Applications

Mobil 1 5W-30 is recommended for all types of modern vehicles, including high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks.

Mobil 1 5W-30 is general purpose engine oil for all types of cars
Mobil 1 is not recommended for 2-Cycle or aviation engines, unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.


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Specifications and Approvals

Mobil 1 5W-30 meets or exceeds the following industry specifications:

ACEA A1,B1
API SM, SL,SJ,EC,CF,CD
ILSAC GF-4

..>>>the last entry above is the group rating ilsac cf-4

[caveatipse]

Thus, it is a true, Class IV synthetic. Hooray!

[kurokoma-kun]

Thanks! very informative

[craigq]

IIRC, this discussion of Mobil 1 changing from a PAO/Grp IV to a Grp III oil started on Bob Is The Oil Guy; from there it spread through the rest of the Internet. There is a very large thread(s) on that site discussing it, a simple search will find it (search for chromatography will likely yield it, the threads have been locked for a while). There is a lot of theorizing in the threads about the composition, if it changed after Mobil was acquired by Exxon etc.

People asked and never received a statement from Exxon/Mobil of the percentage of PAO in the Mobil 1 product line. This can be expected as companies like to keep that information proprietary. It's likely that the different weights of Mobil 1 contain different percentages of Grp III/IV/AN/Esters/additives etc.

There were some gas chromatography analysis of certain Mobil 1 weights/products (15W50 and 10W30) and it came back sort of inconclusive; molecular weights of the Grp III molecules and the PAO molecules might've been overlapping. The tribologists stated it could be a Grp III with a dose of PAO. You're better off reading through the threads for yourself in case I got anything wrong.

The way oil companies are formulating Grp III's today is getting their performance on-level with PAO's. Only trending with used oil analysis will really tell you if the oil you've chosen is performing up to your expectations when all things are considered (price, oil change interval etc).

I've tabulated all of the UOA's from Bob Is The Oil Guy concerning the 1NZ-FE. Should we post it on this site to give people an indication of how a specific oil will perform ?

[Meteorite Man]

Now I know why they say you can go 5000 miles + for oil changes....It takes that long to read all this crap people toss out. Oil this...fake synthetic that, cold start, not so cold start. It flows uphill in a blinding snowstorm,You can hammer a nail into a 2x4 with it. Man oh man....

Put something in, if it doesn't work, move on to something else. Purple, blue, brown....Just make sure there is oil in the crankcase.

[black2yaris]

I've tabulated all of the UOA's from Bob Is The Oil Guy concerning the 1NZ-FE. Should we post it on this site to give people an indication of how a specific oil will perform ?

sure post it !!

[brickhardmeat]

I am sticking with conventional oil and changing at 5,000 mile intervals. I am not sold on synthetics. :iono:

[caveatipse]

Iguess my point was that, if Mobil 1 were not a true, Class IV synthetic, then they could not say that it is. Someone would have stopped them from saying that by now.

[joe keeney]

G T X My yaris loves it.

[craigq]

Iguess my point was that, if Mobil 1 were not a true, Class IV synthetic, then they could not say that it is. Someone would have stopped them from saying that by now.

That's just it, they won't admit the percentage of the oil that is Group III or Group IV. So, the price (at least up here in Canada) is for a premium product without knowing what the actual composition of said product is...

[caveatipse]

That's just it, they won't admit the percentage of the oil that is Group III or Group IV. So, the price (at least up here in Canada) is for a premium product without knowing what the actual composition of said product is...

On the phone, they say it is completely Group IV, a completely synthetic base.

[static808]

wait a minute, just because mobil 1 is ilsac gf-4 certified DOESNT mean its made from group IV oils. its just meets the requirements of that specific standard. if mobil 1 were truly made from group IV or V oils, then they would advertise the crap out of that fact, like other synthetic oil manufacturers. but they dont. why not?? probably because their oils are made from group III oils and saying otherwise would be false advertisement, leading to class-action lawsuits. im not gonna take the word of a customer service rep from mobil 1 who says what their oil is made from. just like if someone from the toyota dealership told you the yaris had 300 horsepower. they're just telling you that to sell the damn thing, just like the mobil 1 rep wants you to buy the oil. just something to think about. regardless of what mobil 1 oils are made from, they are still very good oils, and you shouldnt hesitate to use them.

--B

[Pavel Olavich]

DON'T use Mobil1...it contains Camel Urine!

[Pavel Olavich]

I am sticking with conventional oil and changing at 5,000 mile intervals. I am not sold on synthetics. :iono:

If you check the Used Oil Analysis Lab results (UOA), you will be sold, but to be fair, using long Oil Change Intervals with Synthetic is not wise during warranty periods, just to be safe...but after 3 years or 36k miles, I plan to use Mobil1 EP 5W20 and change the oil every 10,000 miles...the science and the proof are on my side....

[Black Yaris]

I am sticking with conventional oil and changing at 5,000 mile intervals. I am not sold on synthetics. :iono:

you are missin out on HP, MPG, Throttle responce, better shifting

run AMSoil 0w-30 in the engine and 75w90 in the manual trans, your car will love you, and it will love you back:wub:

Drive to Toledo, I will let you drive my car and prove to you synthetics are better :biggrin:

[Astroman]

I noticed a difference in throttle response and MPG when I switched over to synthetic. I've run it in all my vehicles (except my $80 beater '77 corolla) and their engines ran great for many miles.

[caveatipse]

Ok so now I am REALLY confused. Is Mobil 1 a real Group IV or not? Does anyone, anywhere, have any reliable facts? I do not want to use it if there is doubt.

[Pavel Olavich]

Ok so now I am REALLY confused. Is Mobil 1 a real Group IV or not? Does anyone, anywhere, have any reliable facts? I do not want to use it if there is doubt.

Mobile1 is a great fantastic oil, and almost as good as the best: AMSOIL.

No dudes, even the best synthetic WILL NOT give you noticably better MPG, nor power, nor response...these claims are bullsheet....but don't get me wrong, Synthetic is the best oil for your Yaris and will allow the engine to wear slower...but these other claims are pure BS....I've read many control studies and I've never seen any proof that synthetic oil will give more then neglibigle power improvements, and more MPG....never believe these claims as they're all wrong.

[caveatipse]

Mobile1 is a great fantastic oil, and almost as good as the best: AMSOIL.

No dudes, even the best synthetic WILL NOT give you noticably better MPG, nor power, nor response...these claims are bullsheet....but don't get me wrong, Synthetic is the best oil for your Yaris and will allow the engine to wear slower...but these other claims are pure BS....I've read many control studies and I've never seen any proof that synthetic oil will give more then neglibigle power improvements, and more MPG....never believe these claims as they're all wrong.

But is Mobil 1 a real synthetic?

[Pavel Olavich]

But is Mobil 1 a real synthetic?

Why does it matter?

The better question is: Does Mobile1 protect my engine better then the best Dino oil? And, will it cause lower engine wear rates?

[Black Yaris]

Ok so now I am REALLY confused. Is Mobil 1 a real Group IV or not? Does anyone, anywhere, have any reliable facts? I do not want to use it if there is doubt.
no Mobile is a Class III
Mobile1 is a great fantastic oil, and almost as good as the best: AMSOIL.

No dudes, even the best synthetic WILL NOT give you noticably better MPG, nor power, nor response...these claims are bullsheet....but don't get me wrong, Synthetic is the best oil for your Yaris and will allow the engine to wear slower...but these other claims are pure BS....I've read many control studies and I've never seen any proof that synthetic oil will give more then neglibigle power improvements, and more MPG....never believe these claims as they're all wrong.
You are wrong, a more efficient motor will increase the MPG and WHP
But is Mobil 1 a real synthetic?

yes it is a real synthetic dirived from mineral oils
no it is not a completely man made synthetic

[caveatipse]

But how do you know for sure that Mobil 1 is Group III? I have seen both sides of the story. what is the evidence?

[Black Yaris]

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Why_Synthetics.aspx

[caveatipse]

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Why_Synthetics.aspx

LOL I cannot tell what they are talking about. they never get specific.

[static808]

LOL I cannot tell what they are talking about. they never get specific.

exactly the point. all that BS on that webpage is intended to hide the fact that they are a group III oil. check this page out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

specifically, this portion:

"Hydrocracked/Hydroisomerized = API Group III base oils. Chevron, Mobil, and other petrochemical companies developed processes involving catalytic conversion of feed stocks under pressure in the presence of hydrogen into high quality mineral lubricating oil. In 2005 production of GTL (Gas-to-liquid) Group III base stocks began. The best of these perform much like polyalphaolefin. Group III base stocks are considered synthetic motor oil in North America."

you wanted evidence, you got it. i really doubt mobil would spend tons of money to develop this process and NOT use it. here's what amsoil has on their webpage:

"Currently, each AMSOIL lubricant is formulated with the synthetic base oil or combination of base oils best suited to that lubricant’s application demands. They are optimized using the most advanced premium synthetic base oils. Although AMSOIL has publicly stated that its XL motor oils are Group III based and its other motor oils are PAO based, specific formulary information beyond that is exclusive and proprietary. AMSOIL views synthetic base oils the same as it views additives. Each has its unique set of properties, and AMSOIL, based on its extensive experience, combines them differently for superior performance in any given application or operating condition (gasoline, diesel, racing, transmission, gear, extended drain, extreme temperature, etc.). "

so their XL line is group III hydrocracked, but every other oil line is PAO based, which means group IV. the proof is in the pudding, now someone close this thread, PLEASE!!

--B

[caveatipse]

exactly the point. all that BS on that webpage is intended to hide the fact that they are a group III oil. check this page out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

specifically, this portion:

"Hydrocracked/Hydroisomerized = API Group III base oils. Chevron, Mobil, and other petrochemical companies developed processes involving catalytic conversion of feed stocks under pressure in the presence of hydrogen into high quality mineral lubricating oil. In 2005 production of GTL (Gas-to-liquid) Group III base stocks began. The best of these perform much like polyalphaolefin. Group III base stocks are considered synthetic motor oil in North America."

you wanted evidence, you got it. i really doubt mobil would spend tons of money to develop this process and NOT use it. here's what amsoil has on their webpage:

"Currently, each AMSOIL lubricant is formulated with the synthetic base oil or combination of base oils best suited to that lubricant’s application demands. They are optimized using the most advanced premium synthetic base oils. Although AMSOIL has publicly stated that its XL motor oils are Group III based and its other motor oils are PAO based, specific formulary information beyond that is exclusive and proprietary. AMSOIL views synthetic base oils the same as it views additives. Each has its unique set of properties, and AMSOIL, based on its extensive experience, combines them differently for superior performance in any given application or operating condition (gasoline, diesel, racing, transmission, gear, extended drain, extreme temperature, etc.). "

so their XL line is group III hydrocracked, but every other oil line is PAO based, which means group IV. the proof is in the pudding, now someone close this thread, PLEASE!!

--B

But but but lol..the thing is, I do not trust Wikipedia for everything. Moreover, Mobil fully admits that the Extended Life oils are Group III, but they do NOt say such about regular Mobil 1. I have yet to see any truly conclusive evidence. There is just a bunch of talking around the subject from Mobil and all over the internet lol.

[caveatipse]

What about this:

Is Mobil 1 with SuperSyn Technology a fully synthetic motor oil?

Yes, it is. To meet the demanding requirements of today's specifications (and our customers' expectations), Mobil 1 with SuperSyn uses high-performance fluids, including polyalphaolefins (PAOs), along with a proprietary system of additives. Each Mobil 1 with SuperSyn viscosity grade uses a unique combination of synthetic fluids and selected additives in order to tailor the viscosity grade to its specific application.

[Pavel Olavich]

no Mobile is a Class III

You are wrong, a more efficient motor will increase the MPG and WHP


yes it is a real synthetic dirived from mineral oils
no it is not a completely man made synthetic

Nope you are wrong...the "increase" is VERY negligible at best. Research and you too will see the truth.

[caveatipse]

Ok, I emailed Exxon Mobile and asked them this exact question: "Could you please settle the issue once and for all: is Mobil 1 a true Group IV synthetic, and NOT a Group III synthetic?" They replied with a resounding, "Yes, it is." To me, that settles it. They would have been sued if they blatantly lied to customers.

[r300f28]

Amsoil 5-30. End of conversation!

[YarisTom73]

Ok, I emailed Exxon Mobile and asked them this exact question: "Could you please settle the issue once and for all: is Mobil 1 a true Group IV synthetic, and NOT a Group III synthetic?" They replied with a resounding, "Yes, it is." To me, that settles it. They would have been sued if they blatantly lied to customers.
Thanks, I was going to do the same thing, to let this damn thing come to rest! :laugh:

[Violin]

http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil1_5W-30.asp

[AlphaFox]

Nope you are wrong...the "increase" is VERY negligible at best. Research and you too will see the truth.

it is obvious that you have not run synthetics in your car... I used to run it in my old car and plan to in the yaris after I get my free oil changes from the dealer. it IS noticeable and you DO feel a difference in performance and MPG. Try running redline tranny fluid, the shifts are much nicer!

[PolarWhite]

Regardless whether a synthetic oil is a Group III or a Group IV, they are much better than a conventional in any application. With regard to what the average person on here will do in their Yaris, spending a ton of money on Royal Purple or Amsoil is overkill. I have seen Nissan Maxima's with 255,000 miles in my shop running a conventional 10W30. If they can do that on normal oil, any good synthetic oil such as Mobile 1, Valvoline SynPower, Pennzoil Platinum will be even better. Don't get caught up in the Group III or Group IV argument. It doesn't matter, they are both better than conventional oils.

[DV-002]

exactly the point. all that BS on that webpage is intended to hide the fact that they are a group III oil. check this page out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

specifically, this portion:

"Hydrocracked/Hydroisomerized = API Group III base oils. Chevron, Mobil, and other petrochemical companies developed processes involving catalytic conversion of feed stocks under pressure in the presence of hydrogen into high quality mineral lubricating oil. In 2005 production of GTL (Gas-to-liquid) Group III base stocks began. The best of these perform much like polyalphaolefin. Group III base stocks are considered synthetic motor oil in North America."

you wanted evidence, you got it. i really doubt mobil would spend tons of money to develop this process and NOT use it. here's what amsoil has on their webpage:

"Currently, each AMSOIL lubricant is formulated with the synthetic base oil or combination of base oils best suited to that lubricant’s application demands. They are optimized using the most advanced premium synthetic base oils. Although AMSOIL has publicly stated that its XL motor oils are Group III based and its other motor oils are PAO based, specific formulary information beyond that is exclusive and proprietary. AMSOIL views synthetic base oils the same as it views additives. Each has its unique set of properties, and AMSOIL, based on its extensive experience, combines them differently for superior performance in any given application or operating condition (gasoline, diesel, racing, transmission, gear, extended drain, extreme temperature, etc.). "

so their XL line is group III hydrocracked, but every other oil line is PAO based, which means group IV. the proof is in the pudding, now someone close this thread, PLEASE!!

--B

I can't find a single sentence in any of your links that says Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil is indeed a Group III synthetic.
Castrol is Group III. Castrol Blend is a mixture of Group III and conventional oils.
But as far as I know Mobil 1 is a true Group IV synthetic motor oil.
Mobil 1 is recommended by everybody I know for road car use.

Motul is the best brand of synthetic motor oil for race use . . . if you can get your hands on some.
Better yet our Yari might run best with zero viscosity Neo Synthetic oil.

[craigq]

Castrol is Group III.

Most of the Castrol Syntec lineup is Grp III, but Castrol Syntec 0W30, aka "German Castrol" ("Made in Germany" on the back of the bottle) is a mixture of PAO/Ester so Grp IV/V. It's no longer green but it's still good stuff :wink:

[Lafiro]

DON'T use Mobil1...it contains Camel Urine!

I highly doubt that.......

[eTiMaGo]

Cool, thanks for the info, Mobil-1 user here :wink:

[static808]

Most of the Castrol Syntec lineup is Grp III, but Castrol Syntec 0W30, aka "German Castrol" ("Made in Germany" on the back of the bottle) is a mixture of PAO/Ester so Grp IV/V. It's no longer green but it's still good stuff :wink:

tons of people swear by castrol syntec 0w-30. i hear nothing but positive stuff about that oil. i'd only consider using mobil 1 (extended performance), amsoil (non-XL), and castrol syntec 0w-30, whichever is more readily available.

--B

[floydisrock]

If it's good enough for the space shuttle,it should work ok in my yaris.:bow: