The Hidden HISTORY of Synthetic Oil

50 years ago Mobil released Mobil 1, the world's first motor oil built from Polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic base oil. Since then, consumers have grown to either love or hate synthetic oil. However, the Mobil 1 products of today are vastly different than those of 50 years ago. In fact, the original Mobil 1 was just a single product - only one viscosity grade. Today, there are more than 10 different varieties of Mobil 1 in multiple viscosity grades. Let's compare the original Mobil 1 to today's Mobil 1 products to see the differences and similarities.

For a deeper dive into the science of lubrication, check out my good friend Rafe Britton's channel @LubricationExplained

Who is the @themotoroilgeek ? I'm a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst (I've maintained both of those for over a decade). I also worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 12 years as their lubricant specialist. During that time, we worked with Wix Filters (one of our sponsors) to test and develop filters for our race engines. We also worked with Lubrizol and Chevron-Phillips Chemical to test and develop oils for our race cars. Following that, I was the head of R&D for Driven Racing Oil. During that time, I formulated and tested over 50 products. We also worked with Cummins, Comp Cams, Oak Ridge National Labs and General Motors on various R&D products. Those efforts are recorded in peer reviewed white papers published by SAE International and ACS Sustainable Chemistry journals. I also own and operate SPEEDiagnostix, which provides used oil analysis.

#motoroil #syntheticoil #oilchange #mobil1 #history
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Lab Testing Different Mobil 1 Oils
03:01 Mobil 1 History
03:47 Lab Tests
06:16 Synthetic Oil Defined
08:16 Test Results
17:17 Old Mobil 1 vs New Mobil 1

[johnnypipe]

My dad worked for Mobil at their field research lab in Dallas. I still have an unopened can of the original Mobil 1.

[af]

After 487, 000 miles I measured the cylinder compression on my 1992 Toyota pickup engine that had run Mobil 1 10W-30 or 10W-40 all of its life. 190 PSI on all cylinders - just like a new engine + 20 extra psi due to normal carbon buildup.. Next I examined the most wear prone parts of the valve train - the tips of the valve adjustment screws that contact the top of each valve stem. Normally those tips develop wear indentations over time, but my Mobil 1 screws remained unworn. Next I looked at camshaft lobes and rocker arm pads - no scratches, ridges or other indications of wear. Lastly, the engine still passed Calif smog testing by a huge margin still running its factory original catalytic converter. I changed the Mobil 1 every 4, 000 miles.

[Oheeeoh]

Whenever I watch one of your videos I learn something new. Thanks for doing what you do, Lake!

[univisiontech]

Ooooo, brand in-depth testing, this is awesome 👍

[lawrencedavenport]

As a long time user and early adopter of Mobil One, I can attest to the long term performance and benefit of using this product. I have owned a 2006 Honda Odyssey since new and switched to Mobil One after the break in oil was changed (at about 500 miles as I recall). It just passed the 355, 000 mile mark and is running perfectly. Along the way I have of course replaced all the various component seals and gaskets, and I had reason to pull the oil pan and valve covers at the 300K mileage super service. I was astounded as there was zero sludge in both and short of some yellowing which I assume must be related to a light varnishing, everything was amazingly clean and tight. Remarkably the valve lash was still in spec! I have changed the oil and filter at the factory oil reminder intervals and only three times do I recall using another brand of synthetic as I could not obtain mobil one. Even though the seals are all replaced, I still use the high mileage variant. BTW, I have used Fram "cheapo" filters primarily but have also tried just about very other brand of filter. While I can't say one has performed better than the others, I have never experienced any sort of failure with even the low end fram filter. I expect this engine to make it to 500, 000 miles, maybe even longer. I attribute that to diligent maintenance and the superior performance of Mobil One oil.

[johngoodwin]

I was a mechanic on the Alaska pipeline in 1988 when Mobil 1 was awarded the lubrication contract. Part of that deal was we doubled oil change intervals with a guarantee of extended service life of the equipment. Servicing that equipment made a believer of me. I already knew how well my personal two strokes responded, had been on Bel Ray since the mid 70’s. I have used and recommended synthetics. They never let me down.

[SMuss]

This is the only channel I look forward to making a new video. Keep it up, Lake!

[snapon]

best oil information on the internet, thanks!!!

[CreatingExcellence]

I chose the wrong career path, I should be doing what Lake does. Fascinating

[darkerbinding]

Your videos are always very interesting. Thanks for taking the time to make them for us.

[jamesplotkin]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Lake.

[walterbright]

Thanks for the great data as usual. The original ads for Mobil 1 got me hooked on M-1. Couldn’t afford it back then in college. But switched to it exclusively when I built my first SB in 1982. I’ll switch over to 5w-20 Truck and SUV in my 22 year old Ford 4.6. Keep the great content coming!

[MartyHenderson-iesp]

Awesome content. I have been using Mobil 1 for many, many years. This also proves to me that Mobil does what they say they are doing or what the product is formulated for. I recently started using Mobil Delvac 1 full synthetic in my new tractor for a year now. It really made a difference. What I would love to see on your channel sometime is a comparison of conventional Diesel engine oils and a comparison of full synthetic Diesel engine oils. Thanks again Lake for a great educational video.

[RyldUp-uopc]

my neighbor moved to a seniors home and asked if i wanted all the oils and fluids he had in the garage because he wasn't going to be able to use them. gave me a few dozen sealed tin cans of modil, golf and a esso motor and trans oils. obviously never going to use them but still super cool so i built a display shelf in the lobby of my shop to show them off

[charlesbartholomew]

This is good information, Lake. Is it possible to perform these same tests on Valvoline and Pennzoil motor oils? Would love to see those. Thanks for doing this! Always interesting and educational.

[BB..........]

My dad has been running Mobil 1 since the mid-70s, and I've been running it since 1991. It's worked awesome for both of us with excellent results, and it's easy to find and not overly expensive. There might be better stuff out there, but I'm pretty loyal customer after 33 years.

[bobqzzi]

This is a very cool video. My dad started using Mobil 1 when it first came out and I have continued the tradition.

[stephenalbright]

Great information Lake, love the science, as a motorcycle rider I would like to see some motorcycle oil comparisons, keep up the good work

[jcnpresser]

I enjoy learning about the differences in motor oils. Still don’t understand where sooner of these synthetics come from, but it still cool learning about it. Your editing skills are getting pretty sharp to I must say.

[Dan-nlug]

Good stuff Lake, love your videos, best in the industry on facts