Do we need an "Oil" sticky

[bigblockchev]

I am not familiar with the labeling of motor oils in the US. Here in Canada oils must be labeled with their approved use, designating whether for Gasoline or Diesel engines. To be compatible with diesel usage an oil is labeled with an API service designation of CC, CD up to CJ-4. To be compatible with gas engines oil is labeled with a SD, SF etc designation. These indicate the additive packages present in the oil. Some few oils, usually synthetics, have both designations on them indicating they can be used in either Gas or Diesel engines. In my experience oils with a 40 in the viscosity are likely diesel rated ie 0W-40, 5W-40, 15W-40, though one should still check for the CD etc rating. I raise this issue because many questions to the Forums refer to oils by their viscosity only leading me to believe that there is a lack of clarity about the importance of using a diesel rated oil in their vehicles. The additive characteristics of CD etc rated oils are beneficial to the longevity of the engine and help to deal with the entrained soot which accumulates in our diesel oil. If one is stuck and there is no other choice then by all means top up with a Gasoline rated oil, but the cost of diesel rated oil is usually no more. Given that the organization which administers the ratings is The American Petroleum Institute I am hoping that the labeling requirements system in the US is the same as in Canada. if not that explains the level of confusion. If it says CD, CF, CD-4 - CJ-4 then it is recommended for diesel engines. Anyone else feel free to jump in here if I missed something. Cheers Dan