Observation: M103's like Rotella 5w40 Synthetic diesel oil - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pawoSD · #16 03-08-2009, 09:38 PM

A quart per 1000 miles or more isn't high consumption.....ours is averaging around 1200 ish per qt on Mobil.....we'll see what it is on the diesel oil. So far I've driven it about 200 miles with no issue except smooooth running.

JonL · #17 03-08-2009, 11:12 PM

I wouldn't think spark plug fouling would be a problem until you're burning a quart in under 1000 miles or so.

OliverVB · #18 03-09-2009, 09:44 AM

Diesel rated oils are one of the best oils we can use in our gas older design engines. My '90 103 (112K) has used nothing but 15W40 since new and so has my '77 230 (153K). Neither consume more than 1/2 qt. between oil changes. Also, these engines seem to consume a little oil after a change and then settle down at about the half-way mark on the dip stick. Mercedes recommended these oils for their gas engines and the oil jugs used to say "For Diesel Engines and Hard Working Gas Engines". These oils still have more anti-wear additives then most gas engine oil formulas today and seem to perform better in older engines built to different tolerances.

S-Class Guru · #19 03-09-2009, 10:50 AM

I like the advertising concept of the Valvoline Max Life. I've never researched it's actual properties, but they advertise it to be formulated on the high side of the rated viscosity, and to have additional seal conditioners and detergents. All these sound good fo older engines. Been using the 10-40 since it came out a few years ago.

DG

LUVMBDiesels · #20 03-09-2009, 11:11 AM

Come April both my gassers are due for an oil change. I think I will get the same M1 TD oil I am running in the SDL and try it. The BMW has only been run on M1 10w30 for years and is nice and clean inside as is the Chevy, which is running on M1 5w30. The Jeep gets M1 10w30 too. It would be nice to have ONE weight and type used instead of keeping three jugs around all the time.

I'll do it as an experiment. I change gasser oils every April and October. I will keep track of any unusual oil consumption and/or issues in my fleet of sparkys and get back to y'all.