HELP! - Valvoline "Max Life" vs. "Syn Power" PS Fluid

[discoma]

I am hitting a wall here, much like many of you. I am looking for Valvoline "Syn Power" Power Steering Fluid, which is clearly a synthetic blend. I have been told by Valvoline that they have discontinued this product name, and now use the name "Max Life". There is no info on the bottle or web site that I can see that says Max Life is also a synthetic blend, but Valvoline product support has assured me twice that it is the exact same synthetic blend formula. Anyone else done research on this? Has anyone used "Max Life" instead of "Syn Power" and had equally successful results? Any help would be appreciated.

[Elemental]

Um... Why do you not want the Rover stuff?

[discoma]

While I'm sure you are well educated on fluids, I'm not interested in debating either the supremacy of Rover fluid, or the finer points of why it should be used. I would just like a straight answer about Valvoline. If you have nothing to add regarding differentiating the two Valvolines, then please, don't add it. I have no argument with you or your viewpoints.

[white disco]

Either of the two will be fine. The max life valvoline probably has a lot of detergents in it. Both of these fluids will easily out last the OEM fluid and give better steering response when offroading. Also, both of these fluids are a step up from OEM. I had to replace my power steering pump at 52k from using OEM fluids exclusively. Now, I avoid the factory fluid at all costs.

[discoma]

What do detergents do? Have you actually used Max Life?

Besides specs, the dealerships simply want too much for OEM anything, no matter what make of car you have. My LR dealership wants $12.25 for a quart of ACE fluid, vs. $4.99 per quart of Valvoline Max Life. OEM can't be 2.45 times better. I may have to pay more for gas, but I don't have to pay more just for OEM parts.

[white disco]

All the fluids have some sort of detergents or cleaning properties. This keeps them from sludging up everything it comes in contact with, and suspends contaminents until filtered out. It can also determine how long the fluid will last before it begins to break down. One example of this; some people will use a quart of ATF to flush out their engine just before an oil change. ATF is chalked full of detergents.
You're absolutely right about OEM parts. Why get hosed at the stealership when you can do a little research and get a better product at half or less of the price.
Enjoy, Steve

[Elemental]

Originally Posted by discoma

While I'm sure you are well educated on fluids, I'm not interested in debating either the supremacy of Rover fluid, or the finer points of why it should be used. I would just like a straight answer about Valvoline. If you have nothing to add regarding differentiating the two Valvolines, then please, don't add it. I have no argument with you or your viewpoints.

Im just wondering why you are so loyal to this fluid? What research did you do to know its ok to use in your system?

[discoma]

Elemental:

You are an OEM Crusader. If you are sold on OEM, that's wonderful for you. You most likely work at a LR dealership, and so you probably should be pushing the company product. Everyone's got their faves. Make your point, which you have many times, and which I've read, and let it go. If your opinion really is the truth, saying it more times isn't going to make it more true. Your two posts thus far on this thread are just potshots at people with different opinions, and are therefore irrelevant. I would hope your time is more valuable to you than that.

[discoma]

white disco:

Thanks for the factual clarification. Have you actually used Max Life before?

[Elemental]

Originally Posted by discoma

Elemental:

You are an OEM Crusader. If you are sold on OEM, that's wonderful for you. You most likely work at a LR dealership, and so you probably should be pushing the company product. Everyone's got their faves. Make your point, which you have many times, and which I've read, and let it go. If your opinion really is the truth, saying it more times isn't going to make it more true. Your two posts thus far on this thread are just potshots at people with different opinions, and are therefore irrelevant. I would hope your time is more valuable to you than that.

All I'm asking is what reserch you did to show its equal or better to the OE. I have searched for about 1/2 a hour to find a spec sheet on Valvolines Syn PS fluid. Where is it? Do you have a link? Surely you did the research before using it.

http://www.atslab.com/fire/PDF/BrakeCont.pdf

Herguth - BRAKE FLUID AND PETROLEUM CONTAMINATION


Yeah, its brake fluid... But, the point is sometimes using a different then OE fluid CAN cause problems.

OE is not the only spec that fits, GM has Cold Climate PS fluid that is damn near spec for spec as the Texico PS that Rover recommends.


Where is the Valvoline Spec sheet for this fluid?

[discoma]

Do you have a spec sheet for LR ACE fluid? What are it's numbers? Please share if you do.

[auwesman]

117,000 miles....OEM fluid all the way....no whining no problems...yet

I'd like to go on record though, I'm not against synths. just letting you know that OEM fluid is not neccisarily why P/S might fail.

[Elemental]

You didnt check did you.

You went to the zone, poured it in on blind faith that nothing bad would happen, to save $7.26 a quart.

My point is, I am not a big OE person for the sake of it....It just that with OE, you KNOW its compatable., and that its going to perform as it should. If you are going to substitute, at least research it to make sure its not going to do any harm.

I have been looking for a spec sheet on Valvoline since I posted this. I cannot find it. I dont have any idea whats in that bottle....Could be goat piss for all I know.

Piece of mind is worth the $7. to me.

[Elemental]

I have a friend at Ashland... I have a spec sheet on your Fluid.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/Va...ng%20Fluid.pdf

Ok, Great... It Meets GM part Number 1050017. Great.

Lets look at it.

Here is a Article talking about power steering. You will find that part number is listed as conventional climate fluid. Super.

http://www.mightyautoparts.com/pdf/articles/tt88.pdf

Even your Autozone homeboys agree.

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Land Rover uses Texico cold climate. Its just about the same as GMs Cold Climate 12345866.

Funny...... That part number isnt listed in the Valvoline spec sheet.

Would that mean it isnt equal to the OE?

Are you going to thank me for my factual reply?

[discoma]

LR doesn't publish their technical data, and Texaco doesn't have it either, even though they are the makers. How can I compare numbers if I can't get any out of LR? If you have the actual tech data (viscosity etc) would you be willing to post it? I'm sure many other owners would appreciate it as well.