New AMSOIL SAE 50 Long-Life Synthetic Transmission Oil (FTF) is specially formulated to meet the demanding requirements of manual transmissions found in high-torque, heavy-duty line-haul trucks and other commercial applications. Its synthetic base stock and premium additives help reduce gear and bearing wear, improve shifting and extend transmission life throughout drain intervals of up to 500,000 miles/five years.

See the September AMSOIL Magazine for more information.

AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil (MCS)  is a premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for their motorcycles. AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil is the result of extensive research, and it is specially formulated to excel in all areas unique to motorcycles, including high engine RPM, wet-clutch lubrication, extreme-pressure regions of gears and rust common to short drives and storage.

AMSOIL SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil features superior heat resistance and wear protection. It is shear-stable and helps maintain proper oil pressure in elevated temperatures. AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil stops viscosity breakdown (loss), protects gears and chains, and meets SAE 140, API GL-1 gear oil requirements. It is multi-functional and fulfills the requirements of both domestic and foreign motorcycles. AMSOIL SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil outperforms other conventional and synthetic motorcycle oils. Amsoil SAE 60 reduces friction, heat and wear.  Provides extreme-pressure Protection for Gears, superior rust protection and excellent wet-clutch performance.

AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement. It controls heat and helps prevent slippage and glazing, while its high TBN helps improve clutch life by resisting the acids that can degrade clutch material.

 APPLICATIONS

AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil is recommended for early-model air-cooled V-Twin engines where a 60-weight motor oil is specified. SAE 60 motor oils are commonly used in Harley-Davidson® Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead and big-bore motorcycles. AMSOIL Synthetic SAE 60 Motorcycle Oil meets API SG, SL/CF; API GL-1; JASO MA/MA2 and ISO-L-EMA2.

Get the full details here

AMSOIL Z-ROD 10W-30 & 20W-50 Synthetic Motor Oils are specially engineered for classic and high-performance vehicles. It features a high-zinc formulation to prevent wear on flat-tappet camshafts and other critical engine components, along with a proprietary blend of rust and corrosion inhibitors for added protection during long-term storage. Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil is designed to perform on the street and protect during storage.

  Protects Flat-Tappet Cams

The lifters and cam lobes on flat-tappet camshafts common to classic and high performance vehicles slide rapidly against one another, producing high friction and heat. The friction between the two components can eventually wear down the cam and affect valve operation, ultimately resulting in lost engine power and reduced efficiency. In addition, these areas are splash-lubricated rather than pressure lubricated like other areas of the engine, which adds extra strain on anti-wear additives like the zinc and phosphorus in zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP).

AMSOIL Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated with high levels of ZDDP to protect flat-tappet cams, lifters, rockers and other areas susceptible to wear. Its high-zinc, high-phosphorus formulation provides the extra wear protection these critical splash-lubricated components require.

APPLICATIONS

AMSOIL Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil is recommended for older or modified engines requiring either 10W-30 or 20W-50 motor oil. Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil meets API SL and earlier specifications, allowing for increased levels of anti-wear additives. ZDDP levels in Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil exceed the limits of API SM and newer specifications.

SERVICE LIFE

As a general service guideline, the maximum drain interval for Z-ROD Synthetic Motor Oil should not exceed 5,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. In heavily modified engines (e.g. forced induction, nitrous) the maximum drain interval should not exceed 3,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Responsibility for determining the drain interval duration rests with the owner.

For more details visit Z-ROD 10W-30 or Z-ROD 20W-50

Multiple price increases from suppliers and skyrocketing freight costs have forced AMSOIL to implement a price adjustment effective July 1. The adjustment mainly affects lubricants. AMSOIL has received price increases from base oil and additive suppliers as recently as today, and therefore cannot yet determine the exact percentage of increase necessary; however, it is expected to be approximately 3 to 8 percent. While the adjustment affects both the U.S. and Canada, the percentage of increase may vary in each country as conditions dictate.

AMSOIL refrains from adjusting pricing as much as possible. Unfortunately, the current market is not conducive to long-term pricing stability. While crude has recently demonstrated marginal stability, chemical suppliers continue to increase costs, citing tight supply within the industry and noting the lag between the increased price of crude and increased costs of producing high-quality raw materials. This is affecting all lubricant manufacturers. As AMSOIL prepares to implement its third price adjustment since January 1, some competitors have already imposed their fourth price increase this year.

The cost of gas at the pump has once again sky rocketed. With gas prices hovering around $4.00 per gallon, many consumers and businesses are feeling the “pain at the pump”. Owners of landscaping companies, commercial fleets, boaters, and other fuel dependent businesses are being hit hard with the rising cost of fuel. As consumers we can expect to see the trickle-down effect with increased food costs and fuel surcharges on deliveries or landscape services to compensate for the volatile fuel market.

So what can we do to improve our gas mileage?

1. Lighten the load. Dead weight and wind drag will lower your fuel consumption 2% per
100 pounds!

2. Wash and wax your car regularly. Built on dirt creates more weight than you think.

3. Dump the wide tires. Large and wide wheels are heavy and create friction; which can greatly affect your fuel economy.

4. Check the air in your tires. Under inflated tires cause increased fuel consumption.

5. Get a tune up. A well tuned car can improve your gas mileage by as much as 4% to 10%.

6. Switch to synthetic motor oils. Friction reducing motor oils can increase MPG by as much
as 12%!

7. Use a fuel additive to remove deposits that form on fuel injectors, intake valves and
combustion chamber.

8. Buy gas during the coolest time of the day (early morning or late evening).

9. Slow down! For every 5 mph you drive over 60 mps is like paying an additional $.20 per gallon of gas.

10. Make sure your gas cap is tightened correctly.

Simply following these easy ways to improve gas mileage could increase your MPG 20% – 40%.

 

 

Why consider using a fuel additive to help improve gas mileage?

A vehicle demonstrates its best efficiency and engine performance when it is new. As the engine ages, its performance suffers from gasoline fuel-generated deposits that form on the fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chamber. Additives are required to control deposit formation.

Today’s fuels, however, lack sufficient treatments of either enough additives or high quality additives.

Fuel system deposits result in the following:

• Lost fuel economy
• Lost power and poor throttle response
• Failed emission tests
• Poor drivability – surging, hesitation, stalling, rough idle
• Engine knocking (pinging) and rap
• Difficult starts

AMSOIL’s fuel additives help maintain peak engine efficiency, fuel economy, power, and is ideal to use prior to emissions inspections. AMSOIL has some of the most potent fuel additives on the market today!
Click here for more information.

It’s no secret that a disciplined approach to service and maintenance is critical to keep your vehicles and equipment in top condition and maintain its resale value.

We are very excited to announce the all new, web-based vehicle, fleet, and equipment maintenance log …  MyAMSOILGarage™.  With MyAMSOILGarage™ you can create a unique service schedule for EVERY vehicle and equipment you own.  This includes autos, trucks, motorcycles, powersports, lawncare equipment, heavy duty OTR diesels, construction equipment, farm equipment, compressors, and the list goes on and on.

Record specific vehicle and/or equipment information such as year, make, model, mileage.  The garage is configured to accept an unlimited amount of vehicle records, which enables you to put all of your vehicles and equipment into one central location.   The ability to upload pictures and create custom folders also helps you manage and quickly access information.  As service due dates approach, MyAMSOILGarage™ automatically sends email reminders alerting you to take action.  Once the service is completed, you record replacement parts, vendors, and related costs to create a service history report.   If parts ever need to be replaced again, you’ll have all the information you need right at your fingertips.

MyAMSOILGarage™ reports can be viewed, printed, or exported and emailed to employees, associates, and business partners.

What does this all cost you ask … NOTHING  - NADA – ZERO.  A vehicle or fleet maintenance program with all of the features of  MyAMSOILGarage™ could cost you hundreds of dollars per year but this application is totally free and you don’t even need to use AMSOIL‘s products.  If you are already a registered Amsoil user, log in to your account and check it out!  If you are not a registered user Click Here to go to  MyAMSOILGarage™ and visit the Video Tutorial Center for a demonstration of how this free service works.

NOTE:  You will be asked to create a new account with AMSOIL to use this feature, however, there is no obligation to purchase product.

About the company:  AMSOIL has been the recognized leader in synthetic lubrication since 1972.  For more information visit Amsoil’s website.

It’s amazing how many people spend hours and hours washing, waxing and pampering their vehicles. Why, we’ll even spend $100.00 for someone to detail our vehicle, but we squabble over replacing a $15.00 oil filter. This is known as the “out of sight out of mind” syndrome. 

What is the purpose of an oil filter?

The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate the moving parts of the engine.  However, an engine’s primary defense against internal abrasion is the oil filter. Oil filters remove contaminants like dirt, dust, carbon, soot, water, and metal particles.  If contaminants are not removed then the result can be engine wear, damage to cylinders and bearings, or worse yet, engine failure.  Think of your oil filter like a security device for your home, it is there to protect your engine.

How does your oil filter protect your engine?

Oil is pumped through your engine by a device called an oil pump.  As the oil travels through the engine to cool and lubricate it picks up contaminants, pollutants and particles that get sucked into the engine while running.  Dirty oil then passes through the oil filter media and re-enters the engine. 

Why is the quality of the oil filter significant?

The quality of an oil filter is based on how efficiently it removes damaging particles from the oil.

By-pass filters are among the most highly efficient filters, however, they are much more costly than conventional filters and therefore practical only for larger vehicles, RV’s, or commercial grade equipment. 

Next are high efficiency filters. High efficiency oil filters have filtration media made of a combination of at least two of the following:  glass, synthetic fibers and cellulose fibers.  Those that use all three are generally the best in terms of filtration. 

Synthetic nanofiber oil filters have significantly lower restriction than conventional cellulose media filters. Their small synthetic nanofibers trap smaller particles and trap more contaminants. During cold temperature warm-up periods, the high efficiency oil filter allows the oil to easily flow through the filter compared to a less efficient cellulose filter.

Amsoil’s Ea Oil Filters have one of the best efficiency ratings in the automotive/light-truck market.  Ea Oil Filters provide a filtering efficiency in accordance with industry standard ISO 4548-12 of 98.7 percent at 15 microns.  Most off-the-shelf filters are based upon a cellulose fiber media.  These filters are at best, 40 to 80 percent efficient at 15 to 20 microns.

Let’s face it, if we don’t take care of the engine, drive train, and the life blood of our vehicles, we will have the best looking, shiniest most impressive vehicle waiting for a tow on the side of the road.  Change your filters regularly … your vehicle will love you for it.

Visit our website for more information:   http://www.reducefleetcosts.com/filters.html

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get that iron mustang on the road again.  I know you’re excited and so am I.  After all, we northerners have anxiously been awaiting spring’s arrival for far too long.  

Safe and fun riding begins with preparation and preventative maintenance.  Here are a few tips to ensure your riding season won’t be interrupted by mechanical failures.  Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions.

Inspect Tires & Brakes – Tires lose air over time. One of the biggest dangers riders experience is underinflated tires. I am amazed at how many riders I know who don’t check their tire pressure on a regular basis. Improper inflation causes accelerated tire wear, and could promote tire failure.  Check the tires for cracks, cuts, worn treads, and the correct amount of tire pressure.  Inspect the rims for dents and tighten any loose spokes. Inspect your brake pads and discs for wear. If you haven’t changed your brake fluid in the last two years, now is the time to drain and change. When it comes to safety, tires and brakes may be the most important part of a bike, so please spend time checking them on a regular basis. 

Change Fluids and Spark Plugs – Change the oil and oil filter, it’s the life blood of your valued steed.  During storage, oil can separate, causing condensation and corrosion buildup that may harm your engine.  Check and clean your carburetor, then replace your air filter.  Replace your old spark plugs.  Check the transmission fluid and lubricate major pivots such as the swingarm and steering head.  Liquid cooled bikes should have their cooling systems flushed every two years. 

Check the Battery – Make sure there is no corrosion build up on the terminals or battery cables. Fill the cells with distilled water if the levels are low and make sure you are fully charged before you hit the road.  Check and replace defective fuses if your bike has a fuse box.  Always keep spare fuses on hand. 

Test Controls and Lights – Test the brakes and clutch levers.  Inspect all the mechanically operated cables for any frays and proper lubrication.  Inspect the headlight – both dim and bright, the tail lights, brake light, instrument panel lights, horn, and turning signals.   

Inspect the Frame and Suspension - Check to make sure vibration from last year hasn’t caused any nuts, bolts, and mounting brackets to become loose.  Inspect the rear shocks and fender mounting hardware. 

Motorcycle Safety – Replace scratched face shields, torn gloves, tattered rain suits, or beaten up boots.  It’s important to wear the proper gear, even on short trips.  Check your insurance policy and review your coverage to make sure you are properly insured.  Minimize your risk and maximize the fun by taking a motorcycle riding course. 

Have fun and ride safe!

Prepared by Scott Brauer, Amsoil Dealer   Ph. (810) 623-0872

Check out Amsoil Motorcycle Products here