The discussions regarding using HD diesel oil in my '66 small block(80K un-rebuilt) convinced me to put it in my car. Are there any drawbacks to this oil, or can it only help keep my engine clean and hopefully postpone the need for rebuilding?
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Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
been using Exon dexon Hd 15/40 in all our gas engined and diesel engined vehicles for better than 30 years . no drawbacks to my knowledge. mike -
Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
yeah, you will have to start hanging out at truck stops an learn CB lingo.Comment
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Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
The only drawback I can think of is the slightly higher price relative to the least expensive spark ignition motor oils (whatever is on sale), but the richer additive package will more than pay for itself in additional engine longevity.
The additive package in modern spark ignition motor oils (SM, either mineral oil or synthetic base stock) is getting so sparse - particularly the near elimination of the ZDDP antiwear additive - that I am going to switch my "modern" (late eighties early ninties) cars to CI-4 even though there is a potential the greater concentration of additive combustion byproducts may degrade the catalysts more quickly.
I would rather replace a catalyist than overhaul an engine!
DukeComment
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Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
It is a good deal for your engine to prevent any further wear in my opinion. Old style engines have different clearances and different emission controls plus your engine has high millage on it for that era. As an engine wears it becomes harder on the engine oil with regard to utilization of the wear package in the oil. To minimize further wear, you want to maximize the protection against what getting into the oil. So, it makes sense to use it in your new or old engine of that era. My opinion, TerryComment
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What About the 15W Part?
I believe this oil is 15W-40. Don't have the spec in front of me, but I believe that 15W is recommended for temperatures above 40F. So, you might not want to use this oil if you drive your car in cold temperatures. Please correct me if my memory is wrong.Comment
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Re: What About the 15W Part?
Chris,
That has always been one of my concerns as well despite Duke's often-repeated endorsement. It would seem that that oil will not flow at low temps adequately to get "upstairs" in a timely fashion. That is one of the attributes of products such as 0W-30 Mobil 1. On the other hand I have poured the GM Goodwrench version of 15W-40 in GMC trucks with the DuraMax engine that operate at -20F or less (tow trucks) and they don't seem to suffer. It's a bit of a paradox beyond my comprehension. I am sure Duke will have a comment.Comment
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Re: What About the 15W Part?
CI-4 synthetic is rated 5w-40. Mobil-1, Shell Rotella -T are some that I have found.Comment
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Question, will the richer additive package...
increase the probability of seal and gasket leaks including oil wicking up intake bolts etc..
WayneComment
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Re: Question, will the richer additive package...
No, it won't.Comment
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Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
Thanks for all the feedback....sounds like a made a good decision...Comment
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Re: What About the 15W Part?
Using my 1976 Cosworth Vega owner's manual oil viscosity chart for the expected ambient temperature range, a 20W-50 is okay down to 20F and a 10W-30 is okay down to 0F; 15W-40 is not listed since it wasn't a commonly available weight 30 years ago, so split the difference and say a 15W is okay down to cold starts at 10F. How many of you do cold starts at 10F?
The manual also says that straight SAE 30 is okay down to 40F. I've got a buddy with a bunch of cars he rarely drives and he just uses staight 30 weight.
The commonly available grades of CI-4 oil are 30, 40, and 15W-40. I know that Chevron also offers Delo in a 10W-30 (see the Chevron Web site), but I've never seen it around Southern California, and 15W-40 is certainly okay for the lowest cold start my cars will ever see, which is not much less than 50F.
I don't recall if my 1963 owner's manual has an oil viscocity versus expected ambient temperature range chart, and it's sealed up in a vacuum bag and kept in a climate controlled vault, and I don't want to dig it out , but I've got a couple of extra CV manuals and the chart in those is reasonably valid for any vintage car.
Even if you car has 30 weight and you store it at -40F it doesn't make any difference as long as you DON'T TRY to start it until it warms up to near 40F. The temperature charts refer to the coldest consistent low temperature cold start you expect to encounter while the oil is in the sump, and occasional cold starts at slighly lower temperature aren't going to do any harm.
You guys worry WAAAAAAAY to much! If you have year-round mild temperature or store your car during the coldest winter months, fill it up with 10W-30 or 15W-40 CI-4 and you can adopt the Alfred E. Newman philosophy - "What, me worry?"
DukeComment
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Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
Rob, I have run the HD oils, CI4 and it's predecessors since the early '60's with NO apparent ill effects. I had one car '60 C******r that ran over 250,000 miles. I run it in my Vettes, pickups, farm equipment, lawn mowers, everything that requires motor oil.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: C2 synthetic diesel motor oil
If you desire there are a few sources for full synthetic diesel oil, Try Amsoil or the SUV - Truck Mobil oils. The Amsoil was a reasonable price in 5Gal bottles, however the Mobil in the 5 Qtr at Wall Mart is now around $20 so better deal.
Since most of use do not be any miles on our oil I would use the regular stuff.Comment
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Re: C2 heavy duty diesel motor oil use
Thanks...that's the kind of response I was hoping to hear.Comment
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