15W-40 in everything?

[Ncostello]

To clarify more... by me saying everything in the original post... I wasn't just refering to diesels or trucks. Here it goes into everything ranging from Kohler small gas engines, Chevy 4. 2L Trailblazers, Chevy 1500 5. 3L gassers, International DT530 Trucks and Caterpillar 325 Excavators. Everything. All year round.



I suppose the question is rather hard to answer. Mainly because "if" 15W-40 was causing any problems... they wouldn't show up immediately. It might take years and many miles. If ever. At which point it would be hard to prove anything due to the oil because one could point fingers at so many other possibilities.



I guess thats why I'm suggesting sticking with recommendations. To perhaps keep the possibility to a minimum rather than ward off immediate engine damage which is unlikely.

 

[steved]

I'd expect the cars to probably have emissions troubles (IIRC, the high zinc levels found in diesel rated oils will kill the cat?).

I run 15w40 in all my small engines... saves having multiple grades of oils around... however, a splash or low pressure oiling system is a lot less forgiving, not to mention the fact that a lot of that type equipment is rated for SAE30.

I refuse to run a newer "gas"-rated oil in a non-emissions engine for the simple fact it doesn't protect as well (which is well documented).

The more I learn about oil, the less I want to know. I have two grades of oil sitting around my shed... 15w40 rotella (truck and equipment) and 5w30 shell (for the cars). This also simplifies things for the wife, she knows that my smelly oil goes in the lawn mower!

steved

 

[Dieselnut59]

We use Shell Rotella T 15W40 in everything of our own and everything of our customers. It is "C" and "S" rated, works in ALL forklifts, wheather propane, natural gas, gasoline or diesel powered. We use it in our 10 horse Yanmar powered air compressors on our service trucks, our S-10 delivery truck, our Cummins service trucks and customers forklifts and equipment.

I use it in my Cummins/Dodges, my Kubota mower, tractor and engine on my welder, and my Jeep. The Jeep (Liberty CRD) calls for 5W40, but has had 15W40 Rotella since 32,000 miles when I bought it. Now has 46,000.

1 oil has worked well for me for many years.

 

[Ncostello]

In some instances... just using 15W40 because its diesel can be really really bad news. My mom drives an 05 Volkswagen Golf TDI Turbo Diesel.



In that vehicle... if you put in plain ole 15W40 or any other kind of oil no matter whether its 5W40 Synthetic Rotella or normal 15W40 Delo 400... the injection pump can seize instantly and at any time.



Reason is that normal oil can't withstand the pressures generated in the pump. I'm no expert... but the warning is pretty clear and specific.



So the choices are the VW oil or Castrol makes one that meets the spec. But I've never seen it anywhere.



There are exceptions where general rules of thumb or doing what we've always done or "think" is right can get you into trouble.



And I'm as guilty as anyone.

 

[amsoilman]

In some instances... just using 15W40 because its diesel can be really really bad news. My mom drives an 05 Volkswagen Golf TDI Turbo Diesel.



In that vehicle... if you put in plain ole 15W40 or any other kind of oil no matter whether its 5W40 Synthetic Rotella or normal 15W40 Delo 400... the injection pump can seize instantly and at any time.



Reason is that normal oil can't withstand the pressures generated in the pump. I'm no expert... but the warning is pretty clear and specific.



So the choices are the VW oil or Castrol makes one that meets the spec. But I've never seen it anywhere.



There are exceptions where general rules of thumb or doing what we've always done or "think" is right can get you into trouble.



And I'm as guilty as anyone.

Your MOm's Volkswagon TDI requires the following specs from Volkswagon: 505. 00,505. 00, 505. 01. Amsoil makes a 5W-40 that meets these specs: Volkswagen (Audi), BMW and Mercedes-Benz and the latest North American API specification.

 

[Garlic]

I've used 15w-40 in every vehical I have owned for the last 25 years. It may have been Delo, Rotella, or even God forbid I mention (Citgo). Every thing from Class 8's to late model small displacement gassers with NO ill effects, Routine oil change intervals were observed and thoousands of miles driven. My 96 had it since 50 miles, and 85 big block suburban with 100K when I bought it and 200K+ when I sold it. Every fleet I worked for we used it, New England to Germany , to New Mexico. I still use it in my 67 New Yorker and My 94 Ranger as well as the 96 gasser, even my 11 HP Briggs uses it.

The 6. 7 I use Rotella and keep a tight leash on the oil changes (4K or so).

IMO it is a good oil for every thing but the new cars that have a low visc. requirement .

 

[Ncostello]

Garlic... I think I like your answer best. Meaning that the newest low viscosity requirement should be observed in the newer vehicles which have engines significantly different than their older counterparts of even a few years ago.



AND... you touched on a subject which was also of debate by our fleet manager. His choice to use CitGuard 15W-40... which in my opinion supports unfriendly governments to our nation. I'd rather they just switch brands even if they don't switch viscosity when needed. Anything. Shell, Chevron, Mobil... whatever.



Maybe the whole Citgo thing is blown out of proportion... but I don't think it is. With so many choices... why take chances?



The fleet of heavy equipment where I used to work was taken care of by Mobil Delvac. They later switched to DA Lubricants out of Indianapolis. Reliant 15W-40 I think was the brand. They seemed to like it and it saved them some cash.

 

[Garlic]

2 of the fleets that I took care of were very cost concious, The Cit-guard was the economic choice for them. I believe that it preformed as well as Shell or Delo. Since I would get fleet discounts that was the oil of choice for me. I have grown lazy and do not do my own services any more and have had to find places to do what I need them to with the product that I choose. It has not been an issue here in Albuquerque.

I have moved to the Valvoline branding on the Ranger and the '96. The New Yorker went to OK and is living a very pampered show car life. My Brigs runs with neglect just fine.