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Should You Use Diesel Competition Oil?

Written by Charleen
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Should You Use Diesel Competition Oil?

Mark Nyholm|

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April is here, and for those who love to spend time at the drag strip challenging their reaction time, on a dirt strip hooked to a sled, or tied down on a roller dyno grunting for power, the diesel competition season is upon us.

In the U.S. alone there are more than 400 different events that typically start the first week of April and carry us through October. So, whether you’re wrapped up in your own build, or just like watching others battle it out, there are plenty of opportunities.

Big power comes with a big price

Spend time in this competitive arena and you’ll soon learn that this hobby – which some call an addiction – isn’t cheap. Like all highly engaged enthusiasts, money is no object when it comes to getting the next fix. Competition is highly addictive and it inspires something in people to want more and more.

How much does one spend to play here? The sky’s the limit. But, to bring you back down to earth, I’ve seen trucks well into the $100,000 range.

When you spend that kind of money on your truck, you aren’t buying cheap parts from your local parts store; you’re buying custom parts from highly respected sources.

If you’re buying the best-of-the-best parts, why wouldn’t you want the best-of-the-best lubricants to protect those parts from failure? The answer, of course, is that you do.

Now, you may or may not be using the same oil in your competition truck as in your daily driver truck. If you are, pay attention – there is something better out there.

But first, if you are using a different oil in your competition truck, I’d love to know what convinced you to switch and how you decided to use the oil you’re using today. Was is based on your inner circle of influencers or product testing that demonstrated improved performance? I ask because I’ve met guys who know everything mechanically about turbochargers, for example, but who don’t realize that lubrication performance influences whether or not the turbo lives a long, healthy life. So, if your decision was the result of inner-circle influence, I suggest allowing real performance to dictate your decision.

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AMSOIL has been the Official Oil of the Diesel Power Challenge and Ultimate Callout Challenge since their inception. We’re heavily involved in the turbodiesel pickup world, whether they be daily drivers on the street or a totally hot race truck on the track. We have products for both ends of the spectrum.

That said, if you’re on the competition end of the spectrum, do we have something new for you – AMSOIL DOMINATOR® 20W50 Competition Diesel Oil. It’s now available to help support competitors with additional confidence to push their truck even further.

This new diesel oil was built from the ground up for those who heavily modify their engine. How heavily, you ask?

  • More than 1,000 hp, but less than 2,000 hp

You’ll notice it’s a 20W-50, providing 50 percent more film thickness when compared to a 15W-40.* This, coupled with a boost in zinc, provides additional protection against higher cylinder pressures and wear. We built extra durability into this oil to outperform 15W-40 oils and other manufacturers’ 20W-50 oils.

Ultimately, you’re going to ask yourself this question: Should I run 20W50 DOMINATOR Competition Diesel Oil in my truck?If you care about the longevity of your engine while you compete, the answer is YES. Using a diesel oil capable of withstanding the intense stress these engines create is cheap insurance. This helps build the confidence you need to compete and gives you the protection you need to win!

*Compared to the 3.5cP HTHS limit for SAE 15W-40.

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A Simple Way To Fight Cylinder-Liner Cavitation

Written by Charleen

A SIMPLE WAY TO FIGHT CYLINDER-LINER CAVITATION

In extreme cases, cylinder-liner cavitation in diesels can allow oil and coolant to mix. Then it’s just a matter of time until engine failure. Here’s what you can do to help ensure that doesn’t happen.

Most diesel engines are designed with replaceable cast-iron cylinder liners that are pressed into the engine block. While this doesn’t apply to turbodiesel pickups, it affects heavy-duty over-the-road trucks and other diesels. The piston moves up and down inside the liner, while a jacket of coolant surrounds the outside of the liner to cool the engine.

How cylinder-liner cavitation occurs

When the engine is running, the pistons move vertically inside their liners several thousand times per minute. Meanwhile, the rotary motion of the crankshaft applies a thrust force through the connecting rods to the piston. These contradictory movements cause the pistons to hammer the liners, causing significant vibration, similar to the effect of ringing a bell. This vibration can cause air bubbles to form in the coolant surrounding the liner.

When the bubbles rupture, they direct a high-pressure stream of coolant at the liner. Like a rushing river carving away a canyon wall, the coolant can erode the liner until cavities form. Left unchecked, these cavities can keeping growing and eventually penetrate the liner, allowing oil and coolant to mix. Once that happens, it’s only a matter of time before the engine fails.

Prevention is the best practice when it comes to cavitation. That task falls on the engine coolant, and there are two ways formulators typically design engine coolant to fight cavitation.

How Cylinder Liner Cavitation Occurs
Imploding bubbles direct high-pressure
coolant toward the cylinder liner, creating
cavities through which the coolant can enter
and mix with oil, damaging the engine.

The old-fashioned way

For years, formulators have added metallic salts, like nitrites and molybdenates, to coolant that attach themselves to the liner and form a sacrificial layer. When the coolant bubbles implode, the metallic salts absorb the pressure and break off from the liner surface rather than the metal itself. Metallic salts naturally deplete over time, meaning motorists must replenish them periodically by adding a supplemental coolant additive (SCA) to the coolant reservoir, typically midway through the service interval. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked.

The better way

The trend in the coolant market – and the strategy we use at AMSOIL – is to eliminate adding an SCA by formulating coolant with organic acid technology (OAT). The chemistry of OAT coolants passivates the liner surface, which coats it in a thin, inert layer that provides protection against cavitation and corrosion. Unlike old-fashioned metallic salts, the additives in OAT coolants last much longer, meaning you don’t have to replenish the system with an SCA. Modern OAT coolants also help fight problems associated with old fashioned “green” coolants, like scaling and additive drop-out (which leads to “slime” in your coolant system) due to incompatibility issues.

Coolant Maintenance is Key – Don’t forget about the most forgotten system

Aside from using an OAT coolant, it’s good practice to check your coolant level periodically. Also, make sure to check the pH and glycol levels annually. Glycol is important to the level of freeze protection and the coolant’s boiling point. Over time, the water can evaporate from the system and increase glycol concentration, throwing off the coolant’s balance. Perform fluid analysis once a year for best performance. We offer that service through Oil Analyzers INC. (www.oaitesting.com). We also offer antifreeze test strips (G1165).

Using AMSOIL Heavy Duty Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTHD) and taking care of your diesel’s cooling system go a long way toward avoiding the financial pain of fixing an engine ruined by cylinder-liner cavitation.

We keep this one in the Omaha store due to requests. If you need more than a case of four we can have it delivered next day or shipped to your home.

  • Pre-mixed 50/50 with high-purity water.
  • Fully formulated: DOES NOT require the use of supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) or excenders.
  • All-organic formulation is further enhanced with anti-scalant, anti-fouling and water-pump lubrication additives.
  • Phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate and amine-free.
  • Boil-over protection up to 265 F (129 °C) with a 15 psi radiator cap.
  • Freeze protection down to – 34 F (-37 °C)
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Ultimate Protection for Competition Diesel Engines

Written by Charleen

Ultimate Protection for Competition Diesel Engines

Whether competing in sled pulls, drag races or dyno challenges, competitors using DOMINATOR® 20W-50 Competition Diesel Oil enjoy the confidence and security that come with providing their diesel trucks maximum protection and performance.

Racing and high-performance diesel engines are modified to deliver maximum horsepower and torque. Their powerful designs create shearing forces that can cause oils to lose viscosity, leaving bearings, pistons and other components vulnerable to wear and failure. DOMINATOR Competition Diesel Oil delivers 50 percent more film thickness* to withstand high cylinder pressures and protect against wear. It is heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus anti-wear additives to provide additional protection against scuffing and wear in severe conditions.

  • Competition-grade technology formulated specifically to deliver maximum power and protection in performance-modified diesel engines
  • Extra zinc and phosphorus for bulletproof wear protection
  • Fights oil breakdown under the extreme temperatures and pressures of competition, extending the lives of cylinders, rings, cranks, rods, turbochargers and bearings
  • High-viscosity formulation provides an extra level of protection, while offsetting the negative effects of fuel dilution
  • Delivers superior shear stability to withstand the intense stress and compression common to high-horsepower diesel trucks
  • May be used in any diesel engine calling for an API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4+ or CH-4 diesel oil

 

*compared to the 3.5cP HTHS limit for SAE 15W-40

Not kept in stock at this time as it’s a niche product. Call ahead and order and we’ll have it here in 2-3 days or shipped to your door at the best price.

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2019 AMSOIL Year in Review: Product & Company News

Written by Charleen

2019 Year in Review: AMSOIL Company News

Jamie Gibson|

Editor Note: – This is being posted late but that’s alright as AMSOIL’s year starts now in August when things really get started for us – Summer maintenance and in northern climates not far is the season to wrap things up for winter.

As we near the end of yet another decade, we here at AMSOIL are reflecting upon a year of product development, corporate partnerships and the promise of continued success as we head into 2020.

Take a walk down memory lane with us in this installment of the 2019 AMSOIL Year in Review: Product & Company News.

January

We kicked off the year with further immersion into the wind-turbine market.

AMSOIL products are now installed in nearly 50 percent of all wind turbines in the U.S. along with more in Europe, China, India, Brazil and others. This initiative further validates the protection and performance of AMSOIL lubricants in the most demanding operating conditions.

Several manufacturers now use AMSOIL as their OEM factory fill.

AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost launched, offering diesel owners a convenient option to protect their fuel systems.

This new product combines superior detergency and improved lubricity while increasing horsepower and cetane up to 8 points. Oh, and it won a prestigious award before the end of the year, too. More on that below.

Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost

February Updates

AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil gets an update.

This top-tier oil represents one of the most versatile products in the AMSOIL lineup by meeting the latest diesel and gasoline specifications including API CK-4 and API SN PLUS.

It features the combined wear protection benefits of a 15W-40 with the fuel economy benefits of a 5W-30.

March Addition

AMSOIL MP Metal Protector becomes even more convenient with the addition of 4-ounce aerosol packaging.

This product is truly a jack-of-all-trades for almost any application. Find ideas here and keep this one in mind for stocking suffers next year.

MP Metal Protector

April in New Packaging

The award-winning AMSOIL easy-pack expands into the powersports market with the addition of AMSOIL ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Fluid and AMSOIL Synthetic 75W-90 Marine Gear Lube.

May- more EZ Packs!

Five more easy-pack offerings make their way into the AMSOIL lineup, reducing mess, waste and frustration for even more applications.

AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF
AMSOIL Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic 75W-110 Gear Lube
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic 80W-90 Gear Lube

June – 10W-30 Breakthrough

AMSOIL introduces new Signature Series Max-Duty 10W-30 Synthetic Diesel Oil.

In store here in Sioux Falls it’s become a hit!! Available at Stan Houston’s too.

It delivers excellent viscosity control, extended drain intervals and 6X better wear protection than required by the Detroit Diesel DD13 Scuffing Test for Specification DFS93K222.

That’s very techy, we know, but it means we exceed the highest standards.

Amsoil Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil 10W-30

July

AMSOIL revamps its powersports Product Guides, making up one of just two such guides available in the industry.

Due to the high level of research and maintenance such guides require, most lubricant and filter companies take a hard pass on offering this kind of tool.

The AMSOIL Product Guides deliver recommendations for more than 225 different equipment brands and nearly 180,000 components across all spectrums of the powersports industry.

Whatever your application, if you’re in need of an AMSOIL product recommendation, find it here.

October

The 2019 AMSOIL Direct Jobber Convention takes place in Scottsdale, Ariz.

AMSOIL President & CEO Alan Amatuzio and other corporate staff mingled with AMSOIL Direct Jobbers for training, networking and an Arizona luau topped off with a fireworks display. Good times were had by all with attendees gaining invaluable knowledge and motivation to grow their AMSOIL businesses.

Find out if becoming an AMSOIL Dealer is right for you.

AMSOIL 5W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil hit the market to round out the small-engine-oil family.

Recommended primarily for snowblowers and generators, this was a welcome addition for those who need their equipment to perform in extreme temperatures and conditions.

Amsoil 5W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil

AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant came right out of the gate ahead of the competition.

This premium gasoline fuel additive delivers 18 percent more lubricity than Lucas* and 20 percent more than Sea Foam* for better retention of horsepower and fuel economy¹.

Upper Cylinder Lubricant

¹Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant, Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant and Sea Foam Motor Treatment obtained on 02/13/2019 using the ASTM D6079 modified for use with gasoline.

(Do fuel additives work? Find out here.)

December

Closing out the year was a win for AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean + Cetane Boost at the 2019 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis, Ind.

Selected as one of the winning products from more than 500 entries, Indian journalist Aatish Mishra of Motor Sport India Magazine chose this product with the following sentiments in mind:

“Diesel passenger cars are immensely popular in India, and a lot of enthusiasts like to tune up their diesel-engine cars,” said Mishra of his selection. “A product like what AMSOIL has showcased would go down well with this group of people. It would provide them better quality fuel and allow their cars to run better.”

This covers the notable company and product highlights from the final year of the decade, and what a great one it was.

Stay tuned for a recap of our exciting racing and event highlights from our resident expert, Race & Events Coordinator Lindsay Premo.

See you in 2020!

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Want the Best Diesel Oils for Your Vehicle?

Written by Charleen

Confused About Diesel Oil? We’ll help you

Joel Youngman|

Your diesel truck is a serious investment – don’t skimp on protection. AMSOIL manufactures the best diesel oils on the market, providing the ultimate protection for your hard-working diesel engine, preserving the horsepower you crave and keeping you on the road.

We engineer our synthetic diesel oils with the same passion and pride you put into your turbodiesel, providing protection you can depend on in the most severe operating conditions.

Do you want extra engine protection?

Excessive wear to diesel cylinder liners and rings leads to increased oil consumption and loss of compression, reducing horsepower and fuel economy.

AMSOIL delivers rock-solid wear protection you can rely on.

Do you tow or haul?

Operating at up to 150,000 rpm in temperatures that exceed 1,000°F (538ºC), a turbocharger on a stock engine can dish out a lot of punishment to your oil.

If it’s not formulated to take the beating, the oil can break down, creating deposits and wear.

For some, stock engines don’t provide enough power, but dropping a tune on your engine puts even more stress on both your turbo and your oil.

Here again, AMSOIL delivers.

When you push the Turbo in your diesel, we'll provide the extra protection.

Do you store your vehicles and equipment?

Intermittent use, prolonged storage, humidity and short drives can lead to the development of rust and corrosion, causing major damage to diesel engines.

Come of the better known diesel oils offer little rust protection if any.

Do you drive in hot temperatures?

AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils resist thermal (heat) breakdown better than conventional and competing synthetic diesel oils, effectively retaining their protective viscosities for added engine protection in extreme temperature conditions.

Check out the entire AMSOIL diesel Oil line

Do you drive in cold temperatures?

Unlike conventional oils, AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils contain no wax, staying fluid in sub-zero temperatures for easier starting, improved oil flow and reduced wear.

Signature Series 0W-40 has a broad viscosity range that offers 4X better cold-cranking ability than a 15W-40. Use the 0W-40 year round here in Sioux Falls  – no problem!

Find out how to keep diesel fuel from gelling in the cold.

Do you own a high-mileage vehicle?

AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils provide low rates of volatility (burn-off), reducing oil consumption during operation and passing less oil vapor into the combustion chamber.For example the Signature Series in 2017 and earlier Duramax engines per customer feedback yield a significant reduction in regens! The savings in fuel and agony is worth that alone.

Reduced oil consumption is especially important for the performance of your exhaust system.

lower oil consumption saves you in future diesel downtime and loss of fuel economy.

Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil 15W-40

Buy AMSOIL Diesel in the online store

A top seller in the Sioux Falls 98th St Store.

 

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