Liqui Moly

From Oil

This page deals with Liqui Moly brand oils

Introduction

Liqui Moly is one of the most divisive oil brands among enthusiasts. Some people claim its products are magic, others claim snake oil. So, how does it stand up to lubricity testing?

Legend

N/A = NO ADDITIVES

M# = SQUID INK ADDITIVE MIX VARIATION

C# = CUSTOM MIX, SEE UNDER CHARTS FOR MORE DETAILS

Results

Leichtlauf High Tech 5W40

Liquimoly.jpg

Recommended blend: M5 or M7

SLR Scoring ---

  • N/A: 56.69
  • M5: 84.84
  • M7: 91.26

"Leichtlauf" (meaning "smooth running" in German) High Performance looks like a 20 weight oil under pouring and running conditions despite being labeled as 40 (an SAE rated 20 weight oil should be nearly 3 times as viscous as a 40 weight). It weighs 15.720 g per 20 mL. Most 30 weight oils are 15.250-16.000 g per 20 mL @ 30'C, so this oil appears to be more in the 30 weight range in terms of density at 30'C.

The base performance of LMLLHT is average at 30 minutes, but starts to degrade quickly after the 45-60 minute mark, rising to very high temperatures and required power at the 60 and 120 minute marks. The 120 minute wear scar was relatively large (a good base oil produces a wear scar nearly 50% of the size). However, with the M5 and M7 blends, significantly improved results were observed.

* second run completed to verify error margin

It has a very distinctive odor when heated. You can tell Liqui Moly Leichtlauf apart from other oils just by smell.

It has little/no residual film left on components after oil stops flowing. It flows easily and cleanly. However, it has poor dry-start ability, and each time weight was applied it needed to be applied very gradually to keep the testing machine from seizing.

Very high temps after the 30 minute mark and high energy usage leads to the assumption that this is not a "racing oil", in that its performance degrades under long and extensive stress.

It is worth noting that this rather expensive oil ($40-$60 per 5 quarts), and is only SN rated, not SN-Plus like many other oils in and below its price range.

This oil with no additives left the cylinder with rather large and deep scarring. This oil performed poorly for its price and deified reputation.

120 minute wear scar at 40x
120 minute wear scar at 100x
120 minute wear scar at 500x

Other

Additive: "Anti-Friction"

Liqui moly anti-friction mos2.jpeg

Liqui Moly makes a number of products, including an additive called "Anti-Friction MoS2". It's comparatively expensive, often selling for $18-20 per bottle. The results were quite surprising, in that it seems to add wear and considerable heat rather than reducing wear as it advertises. The heat produced was extraordinary, adding a near 10% increase in operational temperatures. It also increased the required power differential by over 10% at peak difference. Adding friction, wear, and temperature is the exact opposite effects an engine oil additive called "Anti-Friction" should have.

The "Anti-Friction" additive was mixed at 6% to 94% base oil. The bottle contains 300 mL, which would be 6% of 5 litres of oil. This should produce results close to many engines, although exact results may vary depending on engine oil capacity.

Comparing base oil with added "LIQUI MOLY Anti-Friction" additive.

We will continue to test this additive with other base oils, but based on initial results it may be best to avoid this particular product.