The instrument was called the tapered bearing simulator viscometer. The technique was accepted by ASTM as test method D4683 for use at 150 degrees C (and more recently as D6616 for use at 100 degrees C). This critical bench test of engine oil quality became known as high temperature, high shear rate (HTHS) viscosity. Minimum limits were then imposed for various grades in the SAE viscosity classification system.
Interestingly, it was later shown that this instrument was unique and basically absolute in providing measures of both shearing torque or shear stress and shear rate while operating. It is the only known viscometer capable of doing this.
https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/30329/engine-oil-quality
I am an longtime Amsoil user and will have no problem using Amsoil 10W-30 Z-Rod in my Roadrunner. However, while home grown DIY oil testing is interesting to look at, it's usefulness doesn't translate much beyond entertainment value.
Here's why... (Spoiler, video at bottom of post)
1) The bearing tester:
The closest industry standardized test to the bearing tester used in the video is the Falex Timken Test Machine found in the link
HERE
Notice the Falex Timken Test Machine has controlled rate test load and oil flow circulation system with temp control. The home made DIY tester seen in the video is nowhere near that advanced.
The Falex Timken Test Machine tests for ASTM D2782 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Fluids (Timken Method
),
- and for -
ASTM D2509 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Load-Carrying Capacity of Lubricating Grease (Timken Method) See also PDF
HERE
ASTM D2782 specifies the fluid be heated to 40 degrees C. Again, not done in the video. In fact, Project Farm states in the video, "Since I don't have the specialized test equipment..." Yep, highly evident. Here is the ASTM D2782 test standard in this link
HERE
Today, for engine wear testing, ILSAC GF-5 requirements uses an actual engine ran on a test stand. Afterwards, the engine is torn down and inspected for compliance. See data below and link
HERE
2.a) Wear and Oil Thickening: ASTM Sequence IIIG Test, ASTM D7320
2.b) Wear, Sludge, and Varnish Test: Sequence VG, ASTM D6593
2.c) Valvetrain Wear: Sequence IVA, ASTM D6891
2.d) Bearing Corrosion: Sequence VIII, ASTM D6709
3) The Cold Flow Test:
The industry standardized tests for engine oil cold flow are published by the oil manufactures via Product Data Sheets (PDS). So we don't need DIY testing when we have the actual published data.
In the Product Data Sheets (PDS), look for:
ASTM D5293 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Engine Oils and Base Stocks Between -10 °C and -35 °C
Using Cold-Cranking Simulator (CCS Viscosity)
- And -
ASTM D97 - Pour Point
3) Oil Heat/boil-off test
As Project Farm states, the industry standard for this test is NOACK Volatility, % weight loss (g/100g) (ASTM D5800)
That is correct but once again many manufactures publish this data. Some don't. When they don't, one has to wonder what they are hiding. In either case, I'd trust the published numbers over the DIY test numbers.
Finally, here is Amsoil's position on the "One Armed Bandit" test apparatus: