Thanks, Jonmac, for the info on the ACEA rating system.
Re : obsolete API ratings, my understanding is that it is not illegal in the
US to display obsolete API ratings, only that it is illegal to claim an oil
is "API certified" if it doesn't meet the latest standard (including the
ILSAC standard).
I believe you can legally buy oils that only meet the obsolete standards,
and such are sold sometimes at greatly reduced prices. For instance,
'recycled' oil (used oil that has been filtered/purified but does not have
new additives), or non-detergent oil may still meet the requirements of API
SA or SB.
The API has a web site with some good, non-technical information about the
API rating system at :
http://www.api.org/programs_services/eolcs1.htm
BTW, I thoroughly agree that, just because an oil is synthetic (or even
semi-synthetic as the mineral based blends are called over here), doesn't
mean it is superior, or even acceptable, for use in any engine.
IMO even passing the latest API/ILSAC spec doesn't necessarily mean a
particular oil is any good.
Randall
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