Oil Specs Does it matter??

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 17:36

ThreadID: 33147 Views:2048 Replies:7 FollowUps:6

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TassieDave

I just done an oil change on my 2001 td prado and used oil with the wrong spec no. API ci4/sl instead of API cf-4,cf,ce or cd as per the owners manual. Do I need to change it again?? or is it ok to wait till the next 5000km change.
Dave

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Reply By: herkman - Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 19:05

Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 19:05

Yes you have indeed used the wrong oil, which long term is not good practice.

The Pardo along with the Patrol needs the right spec oil, because of soot build up that will occur in the oil and sump.

However I would keep and eye on it, and if when checking the level, you find the oil getting black, to stage that the soot will stain your fingers, then I would change it.

Otherwise I would let it run the 5000 kms to the next change.

Regards

Col

AnswerID: 168485

Reply By: Exploder - Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 19:42

Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 19:42

API cf-4,cf,ce or cd

API> American petroleum institute
cf-4> severe duty turbo charged diesels, exceeds CE,CC and CD classification
cf> 1994 and up Off-road indirect injection diesel, applicable for use with high sulphur fuel.

(API ci4) /sl is a new generation oil For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulphur content up to 0.5% weight! . Note*** Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils.

Sl> Is a petrol engine classification so bugger if I know.

Hop this helps, but you should be fine.

AnswerID: 168492

Follow Up By: Mr Fawlty - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 10:27

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 10:27

Yeah exploder, you need a degree in chemistry before you can change your oil these days.....

FollowupID: 423914

Follow Up By: Exploder - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 12:33

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 12:33

Yep, But like it says

Cf-4 exceeds CE and CD, in-fact I am fairly sure that CE and CD ratings are now obsolete.

But API ci4/sl, Is equal or better than Cf-4 anyway. Like another said below he uses it with no problems

FollowupID: 423930

Follow Up By: geordie4x4 - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 23:14

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 23:14

Explorer,
so what is now the TOP grade, most recent oil standard for use in a TD 4WD motor.
Geordie

FollowupID: 424019

Follow Up By: Exploder - Monday, Apr 24, 2006 at 22:17

Monday, Apr 24, 2006 at 22:17

CI-4 is the 2002 or most recent I think not 100% sure on that but, for diesel engines, the latest category (USUALLY BUT NOT ALWAYS) includes the performance properties of an earlier category.

Please Always go of the manufactures spec if not sure.

FollowupID: 424169

Reply By: Member - Leigh (Vic) - Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 23:19

Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 at 23:19

If in doubt ditch it and put it down to experience....engine rebuild $$$$ not even worth contemplating for the sake of $75. Cheers

AnswerID: 168518

Reply By: TassieDave - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 08:20

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 08:20

Thanks Fellas
I think I change oil again just to safe.
Dave

AnswerID: 168538

Reply By: Diesel Power - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 09:41

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 09:41

Leave the oil where it is!! The CI oil exceeds the "minimum" requirement listed in your manual. You will not be damaging your engine whatsoever by using this oil.
FWIW i use CI oil in my TD Pajero and oil sample results confirm the oil is performing well, even though the "minimum requirement" says only CD is required.

Cheers and Beers

Scott

AnswerID: 168551

Follow Up By: TassieDave - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 10:03

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 10:03

OK the wife has taken it shopping anyway. The oil stays.
Dave

FollowupID: 423910

Follow Up By: kesh - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 16:01

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 16:01

Agree with DP. Your handbook gives a minimum oil performance requirement. My '97 L/C states should be "CD or better" Well. these days they all are. I think some folk reckon that using a "superior" (like synthetic) oil allows them to abuse the engine with no adverse result. Well if you are going to flog your engine (particularly when cold) no oil made is going to protect it. Have look at the record of ex police 3.0l. Nissans.
kesh

FollowupID: 423944

Reply By: 120scruiser (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 20:13

Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 at 20:13

The CI oil is better than recommended by your manual. By using this you are doing your engine a favour, maybe spending a little more than you need to but will be worth it. You will probably find it hard to get CD oil.
SL is the petrol oil rating and is the latest bar semi synthetic which rates to SM.
The later the oil rating the better.
120scruiser

AnswerID: 168633