Recommend a Amsoil substitute
 

I have a 87 TDT that I recently bought and the PO used AMSOIL products. I don't have access to AO in my area so was wondering if someone could recommend a substitute that I could use that is a diesel synthetic. I use Mobile 1 in my Merc gas but not sure if it is used in diesels. What does MB say to use from the factory?

I doubt this thread will keep from degrading into an oil-brand barfight, so I will get my reply in early. If you want to continue using Amsoil, you can order from their website. If you use enough, you can get a preferred customer discount. Otherwise, if you want to continue running synthetic, Mobil 1 Truck and SUV is diesel rated and available at most Walmarts. I used to run Amsoil in my Dmax and found it to be a good oil, but when Mobil 1 T&S became available at Walmart, it was simpler just to get it there so I switched.

I don't think Mobile 1 SUV stuff is here in Canada so I would be only able to get Castrol, Penzoil or numerous other brands. Trouble is I don't know if any are diesel rated. What about Rotella synthetic?

Rotella synthetic is a decent oil, in my opinion, but isn't a true synthetic in the sense of Mobil Delvac (Truck and SUV) or Amsoil (without getting into complicated chemistry, Rotella synthetic could sort of be called an extra highly refined dino oil). I have no knowledge of any other diesel-rated synthetics beyond the three mentioned above. I'm not saying they don't exist, I just have no experience with any others.

You said the dirty word here. Wal*Mart. Now it will get into a barfight. :D

Actually, I get my juggs from Wal*Mart. They are Mobil1 Truck and SUV oil. 5W40. 5 qt juggs.

Rotella for me because I have cases of the stuff in my garage and 2 jugs make a great refill starting point.
If I ever run out of the stuff I will buy mobil T@S but by that time Mobil will have reformulation their oils.

Oil Recommendations
 

motor oils rated by API (American Petroleum Institute) will be signified as CF, CG, CH, etc. for diesel compression engines. The C = Compression Ignition as opposed to SG, SH, SJ designations, which refer to S (spark ignition). Some oils are rated for us in both diesel and gasoline engines, thereby having dual designations. The letters which follow the "C" or "S" relate to the age timeframe in which the oil was tested. A "CH" oil was tested and approved using a more stringent test than an older standard of "CF" or "CG".

API are of course american standards, which are prevalent on oil containers and literature. ACEA is a european association with designations such as B2, B3, B4, etc. These designations are rarely found, although I have seen them on the Amzoil website.

Checkout the following for MB recommendations and listing of some acceptable motor oils for MB 229.3 and 229.5:

www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

Synthetic oil is just more refined plus additives, I used the Amsoil in my Dodge deisel than swtiched to the mobile one. Havent heard of or seen a motor damaged by oil. Would not hesitate to use any aynthetic.

I don't have Amsoil available in my area either but just order it on the internet...Direct from Amsoil...Shipping isn't bad for 4 Gallons...

I run Chevron's DELO 15w40.
Mobil 1 Synth in the Tranny and Rear Diff.

Kris

Yet Another Oil Thread! Let The Fun Begin! ;) :d

Well, in simple terms, yes, all synthetics are more or less just highly refined crude oil. But in those same terms, you could say plastic is also just highly refined crude oil.

There is a chemical difference in group 4 (Amsoil, Mobil 1) and group 3 (Rotella, Castrol, et. al.) synthetic oils. Does a difference in chemistry mean a difference in performance? I surely don't know the answer to that one and would never pretend to.

In Canada, PetroCanada 5w-40 syn is wideley available. If I can get it in L.A., you can get it in the Great White North.

Mobile 1 is the closest to Amsoil. It's made from the same stock and a little cheaper.

'Round here LA stands for Lower Alabama, but if you are talkin' 'bout Los
Angeles- what could you not get there but could get somewheres else besides a lung full of fresh air?