Which Diesel Engine Oil...

[roydok]

The Diesel Engine Oil Specification Database was split into 2 threads. Here are their links:

http://www.pinoyforums.com/~tsikot/f...&threadid=4985

http://www.pinoyforums.com/~tsikot/f...&threadid=7595

[jackaroo]

turk182
The viscosity range interpretation you mentioned is true as a basic guide for mineral oils but there are differences. Most synthetic oils can be used as an all season oil, ie, from 5w40/ 10w30/ 5w30/ 5w50 while mineral oils have their limits due to their stability under temp extremes.

To better appreciate the characteristics of an oil, you'll have to refer to the product's spec sheet for kinetic viscosity at 40C/ 100C, viscosoty index, shear strength, pour point, etc. A 15w40 oil has a lower viscosity at 40C but may have ample viscosity at 100C vs a 20w40 oil. A lot of engine wear also happens at start up, thus the importance of the lower viscosity rating since this shows how easily the oil flows when cold- have you ever asked what viscosity nissan used as the initial-fill oil on the patrol? Chances are they used a thinner oil to aid break-in.

On API. I would find out what specific spec of a CF4 oil is required by the engine manufacturer then search the oil data sheets for the same spec in an alternative oil. Most japan diesel engines prefer high TBN to protect from valve stem wear.

[roydok]

Nice info.

[turk182]

based on the Diesel Engine Oil Specification Database thread in this forum, i have narrowed down my choices to these 2 oils:

Oil Name : Shell Helix Diesel Super
Blend : Mineral
Rating : API CF/SJ
Viscosity : 15W-40
Retail Price : P165.00 per liter
Recommended for what types of Diesel Ride: All including gasoline

Oil Name : Castrol CRD Plus
Blend : Mineral
Rating : API CF-4 (upgraded from previous CF)
Viscosity : 20W-40
Retail Price : P130.00
Recommended for what types of Diesel Ride: Pajero, Trooper, LC, etc...

I can't seem to find an oil which is both CF-4 and 15w40.... Which of these two is better suited for my '03 Patrol (ZD30DDTic)?

I'm planning to do my 1K PMS early next week...Thanks for all your help...

[roydok]

Any of the two you mentioned above will be good for your ride.

[ondoy]

A thread in another site has a similar discussion on the prohibition of the use of an engine oil with an API rating higher than CF/CF-4 in a Nissan diesel engine. This could help explain this amazing Nissan directive.:confused:

Here is the topic

It's good to be back......

[jackaroo]

turk182
Taken from the lubricant recommendations of the oil manuf site in australia for Nissan patrol GU, ZD30 engine:

1) Mobil
Mobil Delvac 1330 SAE30
Mobil Delvac MX 15w40
2) Castrol
CASTROL GTD SAE 15W-40
CASTROL MAGNATEC SAE 10w40
CASTROL GTX3 SAE 15W-40, API SL/CF *
CASTROL RX SUPER SAE 15W-40, API CH-4/SJ
3) Shell
Shell Helix Diesel Super 15w40 CF
RIMULA D 15W-40
RIMULA X 15W-40
4) Caltex
HAVOLINE PREMIUM (20W-50, SL/CF)
Caltex note: Do NOT use API CG-4 type oils.

Which one will you choose?:confused:

[turk182]

jackaroo
hmm... really depends on which of these oils are available locally...

i've already checked the Mobil Delvac MX but it goes beyond the CF-4 rating since it also rated at CG-4 and CH-4... As for the Castrol Magnatec, I think the 10w40 viscosity rating is already too low for Phil. conditions although for Australia it would be fine...

looks like i'll be getting the Shell Helix Diesel Super since it is locally available as well as it being included in the list of recommended lubricants for the ZD30 Nissan Patrol...

Thank you very much for your help and likewise for the others here who contributed to my inquiry...

I'm really glad that I decided to join these forums... :D

[notEworthy27]

scanner, thanks man! pero sobrang layo ko taga nova ako. hehe.

mineral ang helix diesel ?

[turk182]

yep, it's mineral... synthetic oil is prohibited for the ZD30 Nissan Patrol...

[notEworthy27]

yikes...hehe I guess I'll go for the seaoil.

[chieffy]

Originally posted by scanner
So mga sir : a fully synth oil with a lower API rating is still much better than a mineral oil with a higher API rating?

No doubt that synthetic oils resist heat and degredation longer than mineral oils but you also have to consider the additive package as indicated by its API rating. That additive package provides the performance benefit for the engine thus a mineral API CI engine oil will outperform a synthetic API CF engine oil.

Simply looking at it, the former has more additives which will take longer time to be depleted versus a synthetic engine oil which has less additives thus degrading its base oil as it gets affected by contamination and premature additive depletion during the same given period of engine operation.

Now in choosing the best engine oil for your vehicle, always check the manual for selected equipment manufacturer's specifications.

[jackaroo]

turk182
Just spoke to a friend who owns a GU patrol. He tried Delvac 1 full synth, had no problems- in fact was amazed at the power. He too was advised not to use synth oil so he switched to Delvac MX 15w40, no problems. In fact, this was the oil being used by Nissan Southwoods for the Patrol. (They also carry a valvoline.) The Patrol has done some 40k kms already!

The reason given by nissan as to why synth oil was not allowed was "the oil is too thin so it would pass thru the seals and cause leaks". What a great reason to avoid synth!!!!

[turk182]

the Delvac MX seems to be good but i'm kinda skeptical about it due to its low ~P100 price... Seems too inexpensive for a Mobil oil...

that's why i'm leaning towards the Helix Diesel Super since it's priced at P165 which could maybe mean it is of better quality than the MX... i know that price is not a factor in determining whether or not a product is good but a P60/liter price diff. for mineral oils seems to be too large to be overlooked...

[roydok]

Price is indeed a factor in buying oils for most budget conscious car owners. But I do agree in the large price difference of the two you mentioned. Even comparing the same brands: Shell Helix Diesel Super and the Shell Rimula X is peculiar. The Rimula X though cheaper then the Helix by almost 35 pesos has a higher spec (CH-4) than the CF rated Helix. I'm not sure what part of the Helix makes it more expensive. ;)

[turk182]

talked to a service advisor at Nissan (C.A.R.) Quezon Ave. where I bought my ride... he tells me that I should instead use their factory oil which is Mobil Super XHP (CF/20w50) since they can't assure me of warranty if I use a diff. engine oil...

Is this oil good enough or should I insist on using a diff. one (Helix Diesel Super CF/15w40) although the recommended viscosity rating in the manual is 20w40/50?

[roydok]

If your Nissan is still under warranty then I think it's best that you follow their recommended oil. After your warranty has expired then it's the time to consider other oils.

Here the specs of Mobil Super XHP:

http://www.mobil.com/Philippines-Eng...MOSuperXHP.asp

[vinj]

I also cant understand why the Helix Super is more expensive (some additives?)... I remember before that my friend who was operating a shop said that Shell was going to introduce the Helix Super as a "downgraded" Helix Ultra or something like that.

I'm using Delvac MX on my Frontier for almost 25000km... When i finish up my stock, might try to Caltex Delo as a point of comparison.

[roydok]

Ako din currently using Caltex Delo Multigrade. Ok siya. My brother poured the CI-4 SeaOil Deo Turbo Max in his Frontier. Post ko observations niya rito.

[turk182]

i also have a Frontier 4x4 and use synthetic oil with it with no probs...

it is the Patrol that i'm concerned about since the manual clearly states that synth oil as well as oils having API ratings above CF-4 is prohibited...