I'm using Rotella T6. I believe that the zinc content is around 11 ppm . Given that this and other additives are lower than period oils of the 70s, I'm searching for oil with more protective additives to help minimize wear.

From prior reading here, some folks use Amsoil or Lubemoly (?) from Napa which is both synthetic and has been formulated with these older engines in mind.

I haven't read too deeply on the subject, but it seems that Cat offers a wide range of engine oils that might also work.

Cat Parts: Parts>Machine Fluids>Oils>Diesel Engine Oil

Given the range of Cat equipment out there of varying ages and their long experience keeping machines running, I thought they might know a thing or two about what it takes to keep an engine running smoothly.

I'm not interested in another synthetic vs dino debate. Just the merits, or lack thereof, of Cat DEO.

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1974 240D "Boldie" 170K.- New timing chain/freshly rebuilt IP/replaced valve seals/injectors/upgraded stereo/new Bilsteins with Yokohamas/fresh paint and rocker panels plus lots of welds.

As long as it is CJ4 or CI4 I'm sure it will be a very good choice of all for a Benz or any other diesel. I FULLY expect the oil they put their name on to be of the absolutely best quality.

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

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

If it makes you happy, use it.
The correct viscosity CAT branded oil exceeds MB requirements, as do many others.

Using good quality oil of the correct type and viscosity (see your owner's manual), along with regular maintenance is the best guarantee of long engine life.

Good quality engine oil already has the necessary additive packages to keep the internal moving parts well lubricated, free of build-up, etc, etc.

Have a great day.

.

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ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

ZDP in oil.
Motor Oil: Zinc and Other Myths - AACA Forums
http://forums.aaca.org/attachments/f115/41472d1258474655-motor-oil-zinc-other-myths-engine-oil-mythology-2-2007.pdf
Engine oil mythology debunked, and ZDP content - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite


.

I work at the railroad and we have amazing oil. People used it in there Powerstroke for years. We found out that it was a 1000 rpm oil. Anything higher created bubble. Make sure it can handle high rpms.the Powerstroke guys always wondered why there idle was ruff.

I've been running the T6 Rotella for almost 115,000 miles with no noticeable wear on my engine (617) so far. Chain stretch on the one I put in 102k ago is .5 degrees, and still starts at 0F with a 5 year old battery, 15 year old starter, and no block heater....315k on engine.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

we get CAT oil in 200ltr (50 us gal) drums. We have always used it in our dozer, scraper & road grader. As we have it here, it also goes in just about everything else. There has never been a problem with it. The guy from CAT who visits from time to time gives good advice & if it wasnt suitable for anything he would tell us.

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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

I have used Cat DEO in all of my vehicles for years. I also use oil analysis to help validate the performance of the oil and to predict failures on my terms, not theirs. You will not have any quality issues with the Cat fluids.

What about their coolant? Is it compatible with our vehicles?

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'81 300SD- OM617.951, Euro Head Lights, Hella 550's, 2.5" Turbo-Back Straight Pipe, ALDA Removed, Camo Dash + Seat Covers, Boost Gauge, DU Floor Mats, Cobra CB, LED Trunk lights, and other things...


'03 Chevy CCSB LT LB7 "P-Stroke Killer"
219K mi. - AirDog II 165, EFI Live, Alligator Stage V, ISSPRO EV2 Pyro/Boost, PPE Boost Valve, LML Manifold, MBRP Downpipe, Debadged, Bills Custom 3.5" Turbo Horn, B&W Hitch, S&B Intake

I also use the DEAC coolant with scheduled nitrite additions.

Years ago the CAT 5w40 oil was actually just repacked Mobile 1 Turbo Diesel Truck. I would guess this hasn't changed.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Never saw Cat DEO 5-40! Never looked for it either as being in a warm climate we always used DEO 15-40 all year.Makes sense that they must have it as they make lots of equipment that has to start in sub-zero weather and i dont think they put the "pony" engines on any new equipment these days.I have no idea who makes their oil but it must be good or they would not market for use in their VERY expensive $$$ engines.Recently priced a new what we used to call a 3412 with a twin disc gear,well beyond $61 grand!!! No crap oil for those babys. Don

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Red Green "This is only temporary,Unless it works!"

97 E300D 157000 miles
87 300TD ?141k? miles

Locomotive engine oil, espescially for EMD engines, is a low ash straight 40 weight oil, made specifically for two cycle engines. It is designed to be burned as some of these engines can used up to 50 gallons per day.

Regarding the newer oils, CI4 is what you want for our Mercedes, the CJ is formulated for newer engines with exhaust aftertreatment, and is lower in zinc levels.