I'm not here to start an argument I swear so I'll say in advance I'm partial to dino-oil but not a curmudgeon.

I just took possession of this '65 Fintail 190Dc and the manual says 10w30 should be good for the weather here in Detroit. It suggests HD oil which appears to be a slightly antiquated term for modern oils. I'm not finding 10w30 specifically for diesel so I wonder what you all would run in 47-year-old 190Dc.

Is there a type of castrol that would work well? I run that in my motorcycles.

The manual transmission also takes ATF, any suggestions there are welcome.

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Hey Dr Cherry welcome & it sounds like you have a very nice car!
I suspect 10w40 is what you should use. I would stay a way from synthetics as you may find the motor will develop leaks if used.
As the trans is a manual, you can probably use the most basic ATF you can find.
Good luck with your finny !!!

__________________
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

You might search
- Bob is the Oil Guy

odd named website, but very thorough regarding oil/lubrication recommendations.

Such an awesome car - always wanted one! We need more pictures.

The newest guidance from MB for oil specification is this:



However the older chart is this:



Subtle differences, but the important thing is that the newer chart accounts for G5 (which is now really ACEA B3) spec oils, with high HTHS viscosity.

There absolutely are 10w-30 diesel oils available. The main one you will find is Rotella, which has two on the market, and I would recommend the T5 10w-30.

In general though I would recommend going with a standard 15w-40 HD Diesel oil which is available for around $13 per gallon. The Rotella T5 10w-30 will also be suitable depending upon max ambient temperatures. Finally, you can also go with Rotella synthetic 5w-40, which is an oil that I personally use. Castrol sells Tection 15w-40 in some stores as the North American market HDEO. It does not have the market penetration or availability of Shell, Chevron and Mobil, but it is good oil all the same.


As for ATF, I am assuming that the car is not automatic but rather a manual transmission specifying ATF as its lubricant? If so, realize that ATF in an MT is a compromise of wear protection for shift ease. It also has a good deal less antiwear and extreme pressure additization compared to gear oils. Since GM or Pennzoil Synchromesh (9.3 cSt) fluids are only about 2 cSt higher than ATF (7.5 cSt), I recommend trying it in trannies that spec ATF, since the GM or Pennzoil Synchromesh fluids have about three times the AW and EP additives, and are synthetic blends. Youll have equal or better shift feel, and much better protection.

BTW, Im one of the mods over on Bobistheoilguy.com, and would love to have you post pictures and discuss the car there as well! There arent many MB diesel folks on there!

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

I imagine that car will not see winter use in Detroit.

Sixto
87 300D^2

personally i wouldn't hesitate to use a modern 5w40 synthetic diesel oil like mobil 1 tdt, or shell rotella t6. they work very well in older cars. if a particular gasket does begin to leak a little more than it used to, well, that gasket was already compromised and due for replacement. change it and move on. synthetic oil does not "cause" leaks.

I'd use the 15w40 Rotella.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Diesel Engines/CJ4 Rated on Lubrication Engineers, Inc.

__________________
82 300 TD, 215K, 06 Dmax LBZ 245K,
2015 VW TDI Golf Wagon 70K

I was able to find the Rotella T5 so I'm starting there. The PO's oil was pretty dirty so I plan on running the T5 for a month or so then I'll change the oil and filter. Any tricks to accessing the oil filter on these? They're not exactly easy to get a hand on (or around).

Sixto, the car will be in the garage as soon as it snows (or rains). That reminds me, I need to put a new seal on the bottom of the garage door!

Here are a bunch more photos if anyone's interested. Planning on giving it a wax tonight so I ought to take some more.

Heckflosse - DefcodeWiki

Thanks for all the pointers fellas. The oil pressure is pegged with the Rotella in there, so I'm happy with that.