Question 1

Is this a group IV oil?

Accepted Answer

There are so many confusing requirements now, but understand the Euro oils from the main manufacturers are generally their best products. Fishman from his January 9, 2019 comment had it correct: 5W30 A3/B4 Euro Formula does not contain PAO, or Group IV base stocks. The 0W30 and 0W40 European Formula oils do.  Be aware that the Castrol 5W30 A3/B4 meets API SL, Mercedes 229.5, BMW LL-01 & VW/Audi 502 00 / 505 00 specifications. These are more strict than all but the very latest API SP ratings. 2018 model year and earlier Euro/US/Asian models are good matches for these oils. Same same for most Japan and US based vehicles that don't require 0W20. I've been told the lower API rating is because the old school wear additive ZDDP is less friendly to catalytic converters, so doesn't meet the new API SN, but it is a great anti-wear additive. I'm using 5W30 this oil change as it was on sale, but normally I would stick to the 0W30 or 0W40 Euro oils.  British Petroleum/Castrol was the company that went to court to allow the words "full synthetic" in advertising for highly refined Group III oils as they claimed their process changed the oil significantly enough to be called synthetic. Prior to that, only Group IV/PAO could be called that .  I believe that in Germany, the oil has to be Group IV to be called Synthetic. These are very good products regardless. The MY 2019+ requirements include resource conserving (gas mileage) which is typically 0W20 oils, lower trace elements allowed (low or mid "SAPS") (Sulphated Ash, Phospherous & Sulphur) to protect the cats in gas cars and particulate filters in Diesel engines and other changes including timing chain wear, low speed pre-ignition in direct injected gas applications. Those oils typically have an API rating of SP.  Just remember your MANUFACTURERS SPECIFIC applications requirements from your owners manual. My 2008 German car for example is BMW LL-01 (LL=Long Life), several viscocities meet the specifications.  Most people, mechanics included, are caught up in Viscosity as being most important, far from it. In a pinch, the Mercedes 229.5 specification is as stringent or more for practical purposes. All the big guys: Valvoline, Shell/Pennzoil, Castrol and Mobil have oils for Euro cars, the Castrol and Mobil 1 European Formula being easiest to find.  My sources for PAO content in Oil are from the manufacturers MSDS available on their websites.  Stick to the "European Formula" oils for your European Cars! 5W30 Dexos for example is NOT the correct oil!  If you want to compare all ISLAC, API and Manufacturers ratings requirements in terms of wear, sludge, resource conserving, deposits, particulate filter and sludge, go to the Lubrizol (makers of oil additives in including ZDDP) website (can't list links here) and all the specifications can be compared in a Spider graph, super cool! It's called the Lubrizol relative performance tool.  So sorry for the long post!

Question 2

is amazon motor oil apao

Accepted Answer

This Castrol oil has around 25% PAO in it's mix. Check out MSDS for a full  breakdown.

Question 3

Is this wet clutch certified? Wondering if I can use this in a 2005 Arctic Cat 400

Accepted Answer

I am using the 0W40 in my CBR1000RR with no issues in the clutch. I've also put the 0W30 in my 600 Hurricane and my 88 Goldwing with no clutch issues. I'm buying this for my newer Gl1800A and I expect to have no problems there either.

Question 4

Does this product have issues mixing with liqui moly (20002) cera tec? do they mix well or should it be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Castrol motor oil contains all the necessary additives to provide complete and superior engine protection.  Therefore, we do not recommend the use supplemental additives since Castrol motor oil provides the protection required by vehicle manufactures for the intended application.

If any supplemental additive is required by the OEM for your vehicle, please refer to your owner’s manual or the dealership for guidance.

Manufacturer	Castrol
Brand	Castrol
Model	03101
Product Dimensions	21.11 x 11.58 x 32.39 cm; 0.28 g
Item model number	03101
Manufacturer Part Number	15B5FC
Item Weight	0.28 g
Viscosity	0W-40

CastrolEdge Euro 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quarts

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