Oil Brands

[Eric Fairclough]

Does anyone think that one brand of regular (not synthetic) oil is better than another brand to use? I have been using walmart brand. I haven't noticed a difference. The label ingredients seems to be the same as more expensive brands.
Eric

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Brands

As long the label indicates that it meets the latest American Petroleum Institute (API) specification for spark ignition engine oil - currently "SH"
it's essentially the same as any name brand oil, but I recommend and use "CH-4" oils designed for HD diesel engines because they have a richer additive package. You can buy generic versions of this type for about the same price as generic "SH" oils, but I use Chevron Delo 15W-40.

The critical detergent, dispersant, anti-wear, and anti-corrosion additives in spark ignition engine oils have actually been REDUCED over the years because modern engines with precise fuel control don't need as much additive and the byproducts of additive combustion and not friendly to catalytic converters. Our vintage engines create a lot more fuel dilution of the oil and they don't have converters.

The additional price you pay for name brand oils usually just goes into
their "brand name" advertising and marketing campaigns.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Brands (correction)

The current API spec for spark igntion oil is "SL", which superceeded "SH" about a year ago.

For an education on motor and gear oils visit www.api.org

Duke

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Oil Brands

Duke, your post is timely, as I was looking under the valve covers this weekend, thinking that the engine could use a "de-sludging" of some sort (I have not had this car long, so I am not responsible for its prior maintenance...). I was wondering if high detergent oils are still available, and if it makes sense to put some in for a period, and then drain it and go with one's standard product. You mention this other oil with more additives - would it do the same as a traditional high detergent oil? If so, should I just make the switch? Do you believe in any of these additives that are installed just before an oil change, which claim to clean things up?

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Brands

My recommendation would be to switch to CH-4 oil and stick with it. According to an oil industry expert interviewed by Pat Bedard (Car and Driver, November, 1999) CH-4 oils can free up sticky rings, but I'm not sure how effective they would be for heavy sludge. If too much breaks loose it can clog things up, so it's best to leave it be until you tear down the engine. It's not unusual to have some dark staining inside the engine, but it's usually not thick enough to be scrapped off. It's more of a surface stain of oxidized oil and is not harmful.

I don't generally recommend oil additives, but a one time shot of a high detergent additive is sometimes worth a try to free up a sticky lifter.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Brands (correction)

Also, in early September the new CI-4 spec was approved to replace CH-4, so the new spec HD diesel engine oils might be in stores now.

Duke

[John Lokay]

Re: Oil Brands

Duke, Do you use the Chevron Delo 15w-40 oil all year long or do you change to heavier grade in the summer? Living in New York, where you have hot summers and usually cold winters, I use 20w-50 weight convential oil (like Castrol or Quaker State) in my L-72 in the May to October period and switch over to a 15w-40 weight oil in the winter months. Sounds like the HD Diesel type oil is the way to go.

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Brands

I live in Southern California about a mile inland from the Pacific Ocean, so when it gets "hot" outside - about 80 degrees in summer - I try of avoid driving the vintage cars with no A/C, especially if I have to go inland where it really is hot.

However, I would consider 15W-40 to be a year round oil, suitable for ambient temps from about 10*F to over 100. Back when I bought my car new I don't think 20W-50 was available. I used 10W-30, which was fine year round in Seattle. When I finally got to CA in the seventies I began using 20W-50, which I still use in my modern cars (API SL spec), but I use the 15W-40 grade CH-4 (soon to be CI-4) in the vintage cars because that's the only multigrade that is offered.

Since I rarely ever see ambient temps below about 40*F straight SAE 30 would also be acceptable in the vintage cars based on the info in period GM owner's manuals.

Duke

[Craig S.]

Re: Oil Brands

Duke - do any of the chains like Pep Boys or AutoZone sell this, or, do you have to fine a Chevron supplier (hate to think of paying big bucks at the local Chevron stations....Craig

[kenneth bingener NCRS#38563]

Re: Oil Brands

I have used Rotella (manuf. by Shell) in my Cummins Diesel since new - no probs (knock on wood). Many of the deisel heads on the mercedes benz sites give this oil high praise. It is available here in eastern Penna. at Pep Boys and Autozone. It is a 15-40. Not sure of it's rating(CH?). Maybe Duke could comment on this. Ken

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Brands

The three major national brands of HD diesel engine oil are Chevron Delo, Shell Rotella, and Mobil Delvac, and they are generally available in SAE 30, 40, and 15W-40. My local Autozone stores carry all three brands in all three weights, and they are usually sold in gallon jugs priced at about $6.50 per gallon.

You can buy an on/off spout to fit on the jugs, (check to find one that fits your chosen brand, they might have slightly different threads) so it's actually more convenient to use than quart bottles. I also pour it into old quart oil bottles, suitably marked, with quarter and half quart increments for topping off.

For whatever reason I prefer Chevron Delo - maybe because I'm a West Coast Kid and remember the "white pump" with 103 RON Chevron Supreme from the old days.

There are also house brands of CH-4, CI-4, but I always buy Delo. Can't give you a rational reason why. It's just "my" brand.

Duke

[Donald L.]

Re: Oil Brands

Craig-Most Wal Marts carry carry 15-50 CH_4 oils. I live in Maryland & Walmarts here sell all 3 brands in gallon jugs.

Donald #31176

[Craig S.]

Re: Oil Brands- Thx Duke!!! *NM*

[Craig S.]

Re: Oil Brands- Thx Don!! *NM*

[Gary S.]

Re: Oil Brands

The gear heads on the Mercedes lists all rave about Mobil 1 Delvac, for those of you (us) with diesels. It is a synthetic with high soot carrying capability. It is especially nice for those of us in cold climates with diesels for daily drivers.
Gary
79 MB 240D as a daily (and only) driver