Mr. Fixit:
Usually, the new
oil classification is backward compatible with all previous engines and the new formulations are the only ones on the shelves. However, if the GF-4 spec mandates a .05% phos, then it will not be sufficient to protect older engines(wear), only the new engines that are built to run on that level of phos. If that is so, then the old formulations would have to be offered along with the new one. But the
oil industry sees many problems with that. For one thing offering both new and old formulations would be very expensive from a marketing stand point. And what if the consumer puts the wrong
oil in the older engine and gets premature wear? Who will be liable for the damage? Resellers would have to have additional shelf space and quick outlets would have to have additional bulk storage. Distributors would have to have more tankage, and on and on.
It is up in the air, the the GF-4 spec has been delayed for a year at least. In fact, the auto manufacturers will have the engines out probably before the oils are ready for commercialization. It's a difficult problem to solve, so stay tuned. Anyway, it is not driven by getting to a better oil. It is driven by emissions and catalyst fouling, damn the engine!!
BinB, I don't take offense, but if you really want proof of synthetics and break in potential, look to GM, Chrysler, Porsche, and Mercedes. Do you really think that they would risk their premier auto line, Corvette, Viper, and the others by approving Mobil 1 as the initial fill if they were not sure it will perform? Think of all of those engines that are in those cars. Anyway, I am not asking you to alter anything you do, I am just pointing out things that some accept as fact because that is the way we have always done it. I remember when the "old timers" said that detergent/dispersant oils should not be used in engines. Times change, but old habits are hard to break. I am sure your 514 will last forever no matter waht type of oil is used to "break it in".