Delvac 1 or mobil 1 5w30 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-01-2002, 02:00 AM

Hello folks,

I know that we do not need another oil thread, it is almost like talking politics or religion. But I am looking for some outside validation. My situation is that living outside Chicago my 84300d has a hard time starting. I usually run rotella synthetic but I read and researched its physical data sheet on its web site and it seems to have relatively poor performance with respect to cold start ups.

So I toiled over the usage of Delvac one or mobil one 5w30. Has any one else found the answer to this debate.

I did put the Delvac one in it and will see how it performs. I do have a block heater if necessary but I rather not have to depend on it. Will I notice much better cold starting between the 5w30 and the delvac one.

Any how I hate these cold winters. I should have stayed in sunny florida

thanks

bob c

CHAPP · #2 12-01-2002, 06:24 AM

You are right... this is a large can of worms you are opening. I have 15 years experience with 15W-40 Mobil delvac in Heavy equipment, and have never seen engine problems due to oil. I live in No. Va. and it is not quite as cold as you have it. 15W40 works fine here, but I have used Mobil 1 10W-30 in my gas car and it is great in cold weather, this was when I lived in the mountains...now Mobil 1 comes in 0W-30. If I lived where you do, I would use Mobil 1 for the winter and switch back to your choice for the rest of the year. I was in a MB showroom/parts and Mobil 1 was the oil they recommended...so not Just my opinion.

slowmoe · #3 12-01-2002, 08:42 AM

I think to answere your question would just need to determine which product has the lower Pour Point. I believe Amsoil actually beats them both, but I am not sure.

TimFreeh · #4 12-01-2002, 09:44 AM

ANY thinner grade oil will help cold starts, synthetic will generally have lower pour points than dino oils but at a far higher cost. For people that have to do unassisted cold starts at single digit temps the synthetic oils are most likely worth the money.

I'm constantly amazed at the number of oil threads that are generated on the list. I think we could save alot of time if people justed posted their oil use results if they are NOT satisfactory.

I'll start - I've used lots of different oils and have never had an oil related engine failure. Oppps I guess I should have not posted anything at all......

Tim

#5 12-01-2002, 10:07 AM

Mobil1 5-30 is not on the MB list of approved oils for diesels. Mobil1 15-50 and Mobil1 0-40 both are. If you're going to use Mobil1, use one of those.

#6 12-01-2002, 07:05 PM

Unless you are operating in absolutely Arctic conditions, 5W30 is too light. BMW issued a notice about accelerated wear when using this weight.

You should at the very least, move to a heavier oil come spring.

Good luck,

wheelguru · #7 12-02-2002, 11:54 AM

When I know it will be cold for a while - like around 0 , I start topping the car off with 0 weight. It works well for me, and I just put switch back to thicker stuff when it gets a little warmer. Of course this assumes that your car uses a little oil, like mine does. The lighter weight makes a big difference in starting. -Andy

gsxr · #8 12-02-2002, 12:28 PM

DO NOT use ANY xW-30 weight oil in your MB diesel - period! The only approved Mobil synthetic oils from Mercedes are 15W-50 and 0W-40, as dweller stated. Delvac-1 5W-40 is also OK, as is any 15W-40 dino or other 5W-40 synthetic.

ANY synthetic should provide easy starting even in sub-zero temps, including the Mobil-1 15W-50. Even though it "sounds" thick due to the high viscosity numbers, it has a VERY low pour point! I bet you could not tell the difference between any of the 3 Mobil xW-40/50 synthetics. in cold start performance, and there would be ZERO benefit to using one of the xW-30 weights except risking engine damage.

fredjj · #9 12-02-2002, 12:49 PM

Bob C, I'm in the Chicago Suburb (McHenry) as well and like to pick up my Delvac1 at the Farm and Fleet in Woodstock $19.80 @gallon. Delvac1 is all I run in my diesel fleet.

#10 12-02-2002, 12:56 PM

Delvac 1 has to be the ultimate oil for a diesel. Good choice.

Have a great day,

savagetom · #11 12-02-2002, 01:26 PM

Here's another alternative.
Roll your Own Oil

LightMan · #12 12-02-2002, 02:39 PM

Go with the delvac1, its specifically designed as a diesel engine oil, and will provide the best performance all around for your application.

Ducati · #13 12-02-2002, 03:26 PM

I use Mobil 1 Delvac 15 W 40 Synthetic & good oil filters. (Mann) I have usually changed the oil at about 7000 miles. Am I stretching the drain interval a little too long? What should the drain interval be?

gsxr · #14 12-02-2002, 06:57 PM

Duc man,

7kmi with Delvac-1 is fine. I have been using 10k drain intervals, and the oil analysis comes back fine each time. I may extend to 15k and see what happens. The only way to know for SURE if you interval is correct is to have it analyzed, I use Delvac AccuTrack and get the "extended drain" analysis which also tests TBN and F-Soot. But 7k is almost conservative, unless you drive almost entirely in the city at low RPM's, then it's probably about right. If you drive mostly on the highway you can probably go 10-20kmi. The 3k intervals of the olden days were because the oil available back then didn't last that long. Today's synthetics are much more durable! I use Delvac-1 in both my '87's, btw.

#15 12-02-2002, 07:33 PM

Thanks for the imput.

I did use the Delvac and I am happy with it. Thus far it does start fairly easily and if it gets rediculously cold I will use my old toyota truck.

I would have to say the only other reasonalble option would be mobil one 0w40. But it probably wouldnt do that much better.

I can say one thing that the walmart shell rotella synthetic is alot thicker than mobil delvac. I would suggest the switch for those in cold climates

thanks again

bob c