Date:         Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:03:31 -0600
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: bio based motor oil (no vanagon content)
In-Reply-To:  <20110311174113.TSH3Q.22014.imail@eastrmwml33>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:
> I ran into something definitely new to me, and it seems odd.  While looking for motor oil at a store, I saw something called, "Bio  based full synthetic G oil."  The label described the stuff as "Grown and made in the USA," and "API SM 5W30" was printed in the normal API circle symbol.
>
> Further wordage on the label described it as compatible with any other "approved" motor oil, both in the engine and in recycling.
>
> The usual "green" promotions of products were slathered all over the packaging, including a claim that the plastic container was made of recycled plastic packaging including bags, along with a paragraph describing how many billions of tons of petroleum product are wasted through using it to make packaging.  Further, the label stated that the stuff is "Not reported as toxic to humans or other life.  Simply wash with soap and water when through handling."  But the label did say, "Do not ingest."
>
> A U.S. flag symbol on the label was followed by the words, "Stop Dependence on Foreign Oil."
>
> Does anyone know anything about this stuff?  I thought I was reasonably well informed, but this is a totally new product to me, and I've seen or heard nothing of it other than seeing it on the shelf at the store.
>
> mcneely

Tried to learn more by a google search.  Well, I did discover a handful of fast lube places that offer the stuff, and also that it is made of beef tallow that is enzymatically altered.  The label describes it as "full synthetic," which it would fit the technical definition if the original molecules of triglycerides are modified to something else and the something else is defined.  It is also described on the label as being "completely biodegradable."  Some of the web sites advertising it also described it that way, and one from a Hawaiian lube shop further said that it "will not biodegrade in your engine, but only in the environment, where bacteria are found."  Hmmm.  What if a vehicle is left setting for an extended time?  When I took environmental microbiology, many years ago, we sampled radiators and recovered culturable bacteria that degraded ethylene glycol.

Seems that this week is a big roll-out of the stuff at WalMart, but I have seen no advertising concerning that, just a huge number of google hits from news sources around the country.

mcneely