I am not familiar with the labeling of motor oils in the US. Here in Canada oils must be labeled with their approved use, designating whether for Gasoline or Diesel engines. To be compatible with diesel usage an oil is labeled with an API service designation of CC, CD up to CJ-4. To be compatible with gas engines oil is labeled with a SD, SF etc designation. These indicate the additive packages present in the oil. Some few oils, usually synthetics, have both designations on them indicating they can be used in either Gas or Diesel engines. In my experience oils with a 40 in the viscosity are likely diesel rated ie 0W-40, 5W-40, 15W-40, though one should still check for the CD etc rating. I raise this issue because many questions to the Forums refer to oils by their viscosity only leading me to believe that there is a lack of clarity about the importance of using a diesel rated oil in their vehicles. The additive characteristics of CD etc rated oils are beneficial to the longevity of the engine and help to deal with the entrained soot which accumulates in our diesel oil. If one is stuck and there is no other choice then by all means top up with a Gasoline rated oil, but the cost of diesel rated oil is usually no more. Given that the organization which administers the ratings is The American Petroleum Institute I am hoping that the labeling requirements system in the US is the same as in Canada. if not that explains the level of confusion. If it says CD, CF, CD-4 - CJ-4 then it is recommended for diesel engines. Anyone else feel free to jump in here if I missed something. Cheers Dan

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It's always something simple
91 300D 603.960 (from japan) 194K
92 Toyota Diesel Landcruiser HDJ81-t 116K
02 Golf TDI new head courtesy of PO
87 300D
97 BMW 525 TDS Wagon 5spd
bunch of Onan and other diesel generators

There are many oils that are "compatible," but if you want the correct oil for a diesel engine, use an oil designed specifically for a diesel engine. These are oils such as the three most common; Chevron Delo 400, Mobil Delvac and Shell Rotella T. These oils have an additive package specifically for a diesel engine. They handle soot dispersal and have a zinc additive necessary for your cam and followers.

Chevron Delo is my favorite with which I have taken several engines to very high mileage. If you're a synthetic fan these are made in synthetics as well. The most common being Mobil Delvac One.

yeah and there needs to be stickies on frequent topics too

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

This is very true but there's one glaring exception... LOTS of gasoline-only oils are 10W-40. That's the only mainstream violation of your general rule that I'm aware of, but it's a big one. Would hate somebody to get the wrong idea.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

anyone here use amsoil european car blend 5w40 i just bought 9quarts for about 80
Any feedback
Its for 99 e300

Busted your point is taken , many 10W-40 oils are gasoline only This is why I was questioning if oils sold in the US have the same API service labeling as they do in Canada. Ultimately this is what indicates suitability for use in diesels not the viscosity ratings. Cheers Dan

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It's always something simple
91 300D 603.960 (from japan) 194K
92 Toyota Diesel Landcruiser HDJ81-t 116K
02 Golf TDI new head courtesy of PO
87 300D
97 BMW 525 TDS Wagon 5spd
bunch of Onan and other diesel generators

Putting an oil sticky in here would be like putting a "politics, religion and race sticky" in OD.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

fellas not quite, AMSOIL 5W40 european car formual is intended for use in gas an ddiesel alike

OIL related topics = Oil Thread!!!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=110168

Bob Is The Oil Guy
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

How about we Sticky that one......

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Joe

1998 E300D turbo 240K + Miles
2000 Dodge Dakota 122K + Miles
1992 Mazda Miata Autocross Machine 143K + Miles
http://www.renegademiata.net

Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has no heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains. - Winston Churchill