which oil for diesel

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 09:05

ThreadID: 16438 Views:4186 Replies:7 FollowUps:3

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Gossy

I have a 96 GQ RX 2.8TD Patrol. I have been doing my own servicing since I have had it (about 12 months) with the first being all the diffs, gearbox, engine and all filters. The past two oil changes I have used the best oil (Mobil 1). I have been told though that this is too good for diesel and I am wasting my money. I don't mind spending the money if it is good for the engine but I have also been told that I should go for an oil with more detergent in it which diesels like. Any advice would be good as I will be the first to admit that I don't know much about oils.

Thanks,

Gossy

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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 09:10

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 09:10

Shell Rimula X

Mate has 530,000klms on his GQ TD42, removed the head off of it to inspect, you could still see the original Cros bleep ching from NEW...

thats with oil and filters every 5000klms.

YMMV.

AnswerID: 77229

Follow Up By: Bros - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 19:45

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 19:45

Truckster,
Yeah i can relate to that. Took the tappet cover off my 1985 HJ 75 2H two weeks ago and was surprised to discover that you could actually see metal on the inside and no sludge or gunk. She's done 334,000 and as far as i know only used Shell Rimula X or more lately Shell Rimula D.
Filter and oil changes every 5,000. Rang Shell helpline to see what diesel oil they recommend and they said D for the older motor.
Cheers,
Bros.

Work is the curse of the down and out bludger.

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FollowupID: 336946

Reply By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 09:43

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 09:43

Hi Gossy,

I'm in the camp that favours 5000km changes of a reasonable quality 'conventional' diesel oil (& filter) rather than using mega-buck synthetics, with the temptation to leave it in there for 15 - 20K kms because it costs so much. I believe any of the 'brand name' diesel-specific (high detergent) oils of the correct grade for your engine (probably 15W40, SAE CG-4 or better) would be fine.

I've been using Castrol GTX-Diesel in our Discovery for the last 75,000km (since we bought it with about 90,000km up) but I guess I won't know how well it's performed until we eventually have to take the head off or something - hopefully still a long way off!

AnswerID: 77239

Follow Up By: Gossy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:08

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:08

I am still doing the 5000km changes but with using Mobil 1 it can be quite expensive. Not too worried about the cost if I am doing the right thing though. Why is the detergent good for diesels?

FollowupID: 336889

Reply By: phil - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:26

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:26

Hi,

Change oil and filters at 5000km, or 6 months, whichever comes first.

I use Caltex Delo 500 oil which is about $60 for 20 litre drum and is suitable for all except some very recent turbo diesels. Delo 400 is suitable for them but more money.

Phil I

AnswerID: 77273

Reply By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:30

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:30

Short answer is: AFAIK, high detergent levels are needed to cope with the high soot levels generated by diesels. The detergents keep the soot suspended until it's drained out at the next change, rather than let it accummulate in deposits inside the engine.

For a much better answer, have a look at the excellent Tech Info section on the Penrite site including this guide

AnswerID: 77274

Reply By: Gossy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:55

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 12:55

thanks for that. I have the car in for a major service this Friday and I just rang them. They use Castrol FMX 15w-40. He said that this is one of the best around.

AnswerID: 77279

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 13:23

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 13:23

"He said that this is one of the best around."

Translated: "We get this the cheapest and sell it for the most"

FollowupID: 336896

Reply By: Gossy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 13:26

Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 at 13:26

I have called the Castrol customer line and they said that this oil is the mass produced oil (can only be bought in drums) for mechanics etc. The equilivant oil for us consumers is the Castrol GTX3 Diesel. I guess this is a fairly good oil ?

AnswerID: 77283