CI-4 is what you want for older engines. The amount of zinc additive in CJ oils has been reduced so it's not an issue for the DPF.

Gawd, I just love a good oil thread!

I use Valvoline VR1 oil in my old flat tappet cars that come and go around here like my British sports cars that I am woefully addicted to.

In my 300CD, I use Rotella synthetic 5W40. I also use it in my Ford diesel pickup. That oil pressure gauge pegs on start up on both of them!

__________________
"Life is tough...it's even tougher if you're stupid." John Wayne


Dave
Pawleys Island, SC

'79 300CD

Qualified answer.

Question: Can regular multi-vis oil be used in these diesel engines?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Can any damage be done by using, say, 20W50 Castrol or Valvoline in the engine of my '83 300D?

Answer: NO...

You can use almost any lubricating oil.
* Refer to the owners manual
* If you change it often enough.
* If it meets climate specification = not to thick or thin.



.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Which of the three questions does the "qualifed" answer apply to?

People intent on putting square pegs in round holes are usually not inclined to read instructions.

Well, on the '97 Honda CRV (4-cylinder gas engine), which has 150K miles, I switched to Castrol 20W50 oil. The switch was from the bulk 10W30 Pennsoil on all of the oil change specials that roomie took the car to. Occasionally, when having other work done by my fav local mechanic (works on my N-14, as well as regular 4-sheelers), he would change the oil using Rotella (which I hate) 15W40 diesel oil. I've noticed since I did the switch to Castrol, the car sounds way better. Also, this is Florida, where the high temps make the 50W a better choice, and we haven't noticed any reduced mpg. The one thing that makes a difference in MPG in the Honda (as well as the 300D) is putting 2-stroke motor oil or Lucas into the fuel. 2 MPG difference.

Just wanted to know if there is any negative to putting 15W40 oil into the Honda.

__________________
1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

Yes, the ZDDP level was indeed reduced in the CJ, however it is still at an adequate level for protection of a PREVIOUSLY broken in cam and lifters.

If you are doing break in on a new cam and lifter set, you will need to add ZDDP to the oil for the first 10 or 20 thousand miles, THEN the level of this additive in CJ4 will be adequate.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Yes VR1 has a good level of ZDDP. Probably even enough for break in.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Probably no negative, unless the owners manual specifies a much lower viscosity. As Roy (WHunter) said, any good oil, IF CHANGED OFTEN ENOUGH will get the job done.

If the 15W40 is within viscosity levels it will keep the engine cleaner than basic premium oils.

__________________
2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

That also mean for the protection of "bearings," also.

__________________
1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

I use the same Caterpillar oil in the scraper, dozer & grader motors here as well as 617, 602, 404jd, 8V71T GM, 354 perkins, VM2.5 & a few others. Its Caterpillar's oil for their motors. I believe it exceeds the current API ratings. Getting it in 55 gal drums makes it much cheaper than the jugs at the parts places.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving