Castrol Tection Extra - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Oldwolf · #1 03-08-2010, 07:31 PM

My local Autozone has the 15w40 gallon jugs on sale for $9.99.

This oil is not MB certified. Is anyone using it?

What do you think about it?

79Mercy · #2 03-08-2010, 08:02 PM

I think castrol is a good oil, if it diesel rated im sure it will be just fine.

JHZR2 · #3 03-08-2010, 08:21 PM

That is an interesting oil. Looking at the pour point on the PDS, it is not just your standard group II/II+ HDEO 15w-40.

I actually had a few gallons of it from a promotion some time back, and used it after replacing the oil cooler lines in my 300CD. It has an interesting odor to it, I think there may well be some group V oil in there, which would explain the scent and the pour point being so low.

In reality, most folks cannot go wrong with any mainline HDEO. This one just isnt one of the big three, so it isnt used much, and we dont hear much about it.

Definitely worth a shot though!

Hit Man X · #4 03-08-2010, 09:04 PM

I have been using it in my SD and SDL for years. Ever since I bought them.

Used some Delo for a while as some foolish tenant left it (along with many other possessions) once evicted. No problems with that stuff either. Now I have been using some Mobil stuff, that was about $4/gal after rebate last year. Once that dries up (I have about 70 gallons, but I use more than a few gallons in each vehicle) I will go back to Castrol.

Good to know it is currently on sale, may pick up some. I love oil sales.

C Sean Watts · #5 03-08-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

My local Autozone has the 15w40 gallon jugs on sale for $9.99.

This oil is not MB certified. Is anyone using it?

What do you think about it?

Is the Auto Zoo on S. Wilmington?

Oldwolf · #6 03-08-2010, 10:26 PM

I am talking about the one in Cary, on Maynard and Old Apex Road.

Oldwolf · #7 03-09-2010, 03:59 PM

Is the Castrol Tection Extra the same as the Castrol Tection shown on MB Sheet 228.3?

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolistenmain.php?navigation_path=bevolisten&blatt=228.3&content_action=show

ImBroke · #8 03-09-2010, 06:27 PM

I've used it. No issues. I only did it once though. No particular reason.

JHZR2 · #9 03-09-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

Is the Castrol Tection Extra the same as the Castrol Tection shown on MB Sheet 228.3?

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolistenmain.php?navigation_path=bevolisten&blatt=228.3&content_action=show

While 228.3 is a good spec, it is not truly relevant to your application, as it is a commercial engine specification.

If the Tection Extra PDS doesnt state it, no guarantees. Id contact castrol and ask.

I also wouldnt be terribly worried if it did not...

Oldwolf · #10 03-09-2010, 06:56 PM

The ones of you who use it report no problems with it...so it is probably OK to use.

I asked Castrol and here is what they said.

Quote:

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America,

The Castrol Tection Extra product available in North America is not to be mistaken for the European Castrol Tection product(s). Our Tection Extra product is a completely different formula that contains a different mix of base oils and additives – it does not meet any Mercedes-Benz specifications.

Many products that are carried in North America are not available in other countries and vice versa.

Furthermore, for a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300D, as per our lubrication guide, only special engine oils that can be obtained from your local Mercedes-Benz dealer are recommended for use.

Unless they have tested it, while we may suggest an oil with similar performance, only Mercedes-Benz would be able to identify the equivalent performance aspect and/or make a recommendation for an appropriate alternate product if available.

Please contact Mercedes-Benz for further assistance and to ensure that you service your vehicle with the correct oil.

Castrol Consumer Relations

JHZR2 · #11 03-09-2010, 07:40 PM

that is a CYA exercise. I recommend using it at a 3000mi OCI, and follow-up with UOA. We will quickly see how it does.

Again, there is something special in the base oil makeup, based both upon smell and pour point. Give it a shot!

Hit Man X · #12 03-09-2010, 08:42 PM

Seems to me I have used Castrol GTX Diesel available in the quart bottles too.

Oldwolf · #13 03-10-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

While 228.3 is a good spec, it is not truly relevant to your application, as it is a commercial engine specification.

If the Tection Extra PDS doesnt state it, no guarantees. Id contact castrol and ask.

I also wouldnt be terribly worried if it did not...

Which spec should I be following JHZR2?

JHZR2 · #14 03-10-2010, 12:58 PM

It is a tough thing to make a determination of. The 602 is no longer a supported engine on the 223.2 service list, so one can only guess IF any MB spec is even relevant anymore.

What we do know is that the 602 does not have a DPF, and the .31 and .51 oils are designed as low SAPS lubes for use with DPFs. MB currently claims that the .31/.51 oils are applicable and usable into other engines without DPFs, but only UOA can really determine if that is a best call for your engine.

We do know that the advanced CJ-4 oils, which would be akin to the .31/.51 lubes with reduced adds that kill catalysts ARE VERY GOOD oils. THeir TBN retention is improved, and performance is very high. Our one question then really deals with Zn, and flat tappet cams.

Now the only data that we can have to indicate that it is OK is if a 602 engine doesnt have flat tappet cams, or if the OM 660, 640, 642, 646, 651, 611, 612, 646, 647, or 651 has a cam setup like the 602 (or in my case, like the 616/617). Someone with more knowledge of the range of MB engines needs to make that call, not me.

Meanwhile, what can be said is that a non-low SAPS oil, e.g. 22x.3 or .5 likely is a good basis specification-wise for the engine. Personally, I would avoid any oil rated at API CF, ESPECIALLY if it is not a diesel-specific oil. I do not believe that the add packs in PCMOs are tailored to the soot and loading characteristics encountered in the diesel engine.

So that takes us back to 228.3, a commercial spec. That is why it is not truly relevant. Doesnt mean that it is bad, and it may be the best we have.

For me, Id be looking for the following:
-Advanced diesel-spec add pack, e.g. CH-4, CI-4, CJ-4.
-Not a passenger car-specific oil.
-40wt (0, 5, 10, 15 irrelevant, this is a choice based upon ambient cranking conditions).
-not a low-SAPS oil, i.e. not a .31 or .51 oil.

From there I would have to optimize the lube based upon UOA. Unfortunately running "legacy" vehicles in the face of significant lube changes means that some due diligence is necessary.

But the main thing is this - if the engine is not a flat tappet cam design, I would go with the latest API rating for diesel oils, and be OK with it. My ONLY concerns are maintenance of the warranty for new vehicles, and optimization of AW adds for flat tappet cam engines.

So the flat tappet bit needs to be revisited further, including a look at what HD engines in the national trucking fleet have such setups, and how they are faring with the new low-Zn oils.

it is not a simple thing...

Oldwolf · #15 03-10-2010, 01:25 PM

JHZR2 - PM sent.