Oil types

[DCM]

I bought some Valvoline 20-50 dino oil today because it is being offered with a 100% money back rebate. If it will not work in one of my MB diesels, I will use it in my Chevy.

Is there a chart available somewhere that will give a list of oil grades going back a few years that shows what the modern equivalents are? My cars are old and oil grades seemed to have changed over the years.

I use Delo now.

Thanks

[deniss]

Have a look here:

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

You will find some oil ratings recommended by MB. I believe the most advanced diesel oil rating is CI-4 PLUS... The MB chart recommends at least CF-4 which is a current but a much older standard than the current CI-4 which is made with advanced modern diesel engines in mind.

It is curious, but I found the original paper that came with my car from back in 1984, where Mercedes Benz lists acceptable fluids for use in the car. Among the "S3" oils (wasn't sure if that referred to diesel-specific oils?) in category "B" of the paper, it lists only two oils:

Mobil Delvac 1300
Chevron Delo 400

Currently, Delvac 1300 conforms to CI-4 PLUS diesel oil standard. Delo 400 lists CI-4 rating on the box.

[compress ignite]

See Above...(5W40)

[Hatterasguy]

20w50 is way way way to heavy.

15w40 is about right, make sure whatever oil you buy that it has the latest "C" rating.

[DCM]

Thanks for the responses. You gave me a clue as to what to search for and I found some lists that may help too.

Both my MB's are very old and high mileage but I will use the 25-25 weight in my old Suburban.

Thanks again, you were very helpful.