Delo 400 15W 40 or Delo 1300 Super 15W 40 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-06-2002, 10:30 PM

Which is better or more suitible for a Diesel Mercedes, does anyone run the Delo 1300 Super in there car? Also what is the big difference?

RSH · #2 08-06-2002, 11:20 PM

I think they are basically the same, each company Mobil and Chevron make claims pertaining why there product is best, Mobil (Delo 1300) claims extended change intervals. Take your choice, I use Castrol GTX and have never had a problem in my 83 300sd.

md21722 · #3 08-07-2002, 01:20 AM

Castrol GTX will work if you change the oil often, VERY OFTEN - 2500 miles. Better still, don't use it! Back the early 90's Castrol GTX and all other mineral oils that are commonly available dropped the Cx diesel rating that they used to have in order to meet the updated gasoline oil specs (SH, SJ, ...).

Chevron Delo 400 or Mobil Delvac 1300 are two of the best mineral oils that can be purchased. Both are 15W40. Both are about eqal, and both are better than Shell Rotella. Both are good for factory drain intervals or better.

Brian

Dana B. · #4 08-07-2002, 02:47 AM

Ditto.

And if you want to break the bank, go for Mobil Delvac 1, a Group IV 5w40 synthetic that runs between 22 and $28 per gallon.

Its Chevron counterpart, synthetic Delo 5w40, is Group III CH-4-rated reformulated dino oil and much cheaper, about $15 per gallon.

Both are hard to find.

#5 08-07-2002, 08:48 AM

thanks all for the information

Wasuchi · #6 08-07-2002, 11:18 AM

Delo 400 can also be had in just plain 30 as well as the 15W 40. I would go with the 15W 40 though.

leathermang · #7 08-07-2002, 11:45 AM

Delo 400 can be had in straight 40 wt also.. which , on tractors over 20 years old, and cars over 200 k down here in the heat is what I use.... Greg

Piotr · #8 08-07-2002, 12:13 PM

The only problem, two [S]tealer mechs told me that the synth oil is too light for the older MB diesels. Well, go figure...

#9 08-07-2002, 04:14 PM

Does anyone know what exactly the name 'Delo' infers? The genius at the local parts store told me that 'Delo' refers to a base oil that comes from Iran? I have my doubts.

Wasuchi · #10 08-07-2002, 06:38 PM

Diesel Engine Lubricating Oil (DELO)

240Joe · #11 08-07-2002, 07:50 PM

I used to use Rotella T for my 87 300 SDL and 80 240D, but now I use Delo 1300 super for my 80 240D and 83 300D. Someone posted data on rotella T, Delo and one other maybe six months ago.

IIRC, Delo 1300 was superior. And it's available at MegaloMart (walmart) for $5.88/gal.

Joe

#12 08-07-2002, 09:12 PM

good to hear that, were about to get a brand new Super Walmart(whatever it's called) here in Newark, probably will put out alot of the other stores around here

rickg · #13 08-08-2002, 05:38 PM

I heard DELO stood for Diesel Electric Locomotive Oil. Whatever. I have always used the Chevron Delo 400 in my diesels. I had a friend that was a mechanic at Waste Management (the garbage company) and he swore by the stuff. He said that's all they use in their trucks. And that's a world-wide company. Good enough for me.

#14 08-08-2002, 07:17 PM

Hey Greg,

All I can find here is 15-40 delo. Where do you get the straight 40 stuff? I would rather run it if I can find it.

md21722 · #15 08-08-2002, 08:09 PM

SAE 30 or SAE 40 is NOT a good idea!! The thicker multigrades work very well. Your engine is not a stationary device that runs 24x7. It cools down and warms up. The 15W40 has the diesel addtitives and disperants suitable for your diesel engine. If you want to use something thicker, use 20W50 - but this will NOT have the diesel additives, so you should change it every 2500 miles approx. Think about your TURBO. It likes THIN oil. It needs to get that oil fast and plenty of it, otherwise the bearings.... on the other hand, the engine benefits from slightly thicker oil than the turbo. Its all about compromise. Keep in mind that in the trucking industry SAE 30 came BEFORE 15W40 - they switched for better protection.

-brian