[theforce88]

Hi Guys


Which motor oil is recommended for southern California weather?

Thanks

 

[bondavi]

I use Chevron Delo400 LE diesel oil. The M117 motors love this oil. There are other recommendations as well, but here's one.

 

[tusabes]

Diesel oil is recommended for older gas engines these days as it tends to have higher zddp levels . Which old engines need

 

[bob393]

I never knew that, learn something new every day.

 

[theforce88]

Thanks guys
What do you think about Rotella T6?

 

[John350]

What do you think about Rotella T6?

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[theforce88]

So Rotella T6 20W50 is the best choice for my car?
THANKS

 

[magicbigdaddy]

I restore these cars and use T6 on all of them. Mike

 

[John350]

As far as I know, all T6 is 5w-40. Whatever you end up using, make sure it carries a "S" (e.g. SG-4) rating compatible with the Mercedes recommendation. This is one place where "bigger" (SJ vs SG, for example) is not necessarily better.

 

[Lagonia]

I use dino 20W-50 Castrol oil in the Texas heat. I wonder if Mobil Delvac Super 20W-50 would be a better choice.

 

[theforce88]

so which is better 5W-40 or 20W-50?

Thanks

 

[xlimodriver]

I use a mixture of Shell Rotella, tranny fluid and orange juice, works like a charm.:wink:wink

 

[John350]

so which is better 5W-40 or 20W-50?

Ain't no simple answer to that.

5W is better in cold weather. -40 is fine unless you encounter extreme heat: temperatures consistently in excess of 100*F. I wouldn't use 20W oil in temperatures much below 20*F.

 

[John350]

I wonder if Mobil Delvac Super 20W-50 would be a better choice.

If it's a Diesel oil it probably isn't available in that weight. Make sure it's rated for Spark ignition, too. SJ is the oldest active spec and is good for engines up to 2001.

 

[John350]

I use a mixture of Shell Rotella, tranny fluid and orange juice, works like a charm...

Orange juice has too much acid in it. Try prune juice. It helps keep things flowing smoothly...

 

[vdubpower]

isnt t6 rotella full synthetic, i though these engines its best to stay away from full synthetic ?

 

[MBL87560SEC]

Oil Viscosity & ZDDP

In addition to the recommendations & advice given above, I'd offer the oil recommendations for various ambient temperature conddions from the W126 Owners' Manual.

As mentioned earlier, the anti-wear additive ZDDP has largely been removed from today's motor oils as automotive technology progresses.. ie: roller cam followers as opposed to our W126 'flat tappet' designs..

Here in New England, in a car never driven in winter months, I have used 20W50 in conjunction with a bottle of Redline Break In Additive for additional ZDDP anti-wear coverage. Admittedly, I am no chemist or engineer, but I feel I am doing the best I can for top end longevity for my circumstances.

According to the anti-wear level chart provided on the Redline site, a full bottle added to 8 quarts offers:
Capacity - Phosphorus - Zinc
8 quarts - 1145 ppm - 1380 ppm

https://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=121

MBL

 

[John350]

isnt t6 rotella full synthetic,

yes

i though these engines its best to stay away from full synthetic ?

Why?

 

[bflobob8]

Ive been using Rotella T6 but couldn't find it yesterday so switched to Castrol GTX which has a zinc additive. I only drive about 1500 summer miles per year and change it every year so I can't imagine it makes all that much difference. Some people say stay away from full synthetic because of leaks but like everything when it comes to what oil is "best" you can find positives and negatives galore on both sides.

 

[281lxm]

In the south I use BP 20W50.