santalars Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 I guess this was on 100 times before but the search didn't spit out anything. Is it ok to use motor-oil for diesel engines in a petrol engine as long as the viscosity is ok? I guess the answer is yes, no problems at all; -just looking for some opinions on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piper109 Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 Usually the diesel oils are a bit heavier duty but I think the real differences are in the additive package. Diesel oils have to contend with more soot. I would not hesitate to use a good diesel oil in a gas engine but I would hesitate the other way round. Check the ratings on the lable My personal preference is for synthetic oils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty43 Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 Second the use of fully synthetic, they cost about 30% more but last twice as long, the biggest advantage is that they don't degrade with heat so if it wasn't for the carbon and other muck from the engine they would last indefinately, they also can be made to give nigh optimal viscosity both hot and cold. Using the original specification mineral oil is like using a horse and cart rather than a car because the former is what your ancesters swore by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M&S Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Unless you off-road regularly and are changing your oil every 6k anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty43 Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Still worth spending the extra since it offers far better protection, using cheap oil is a false economy given the cost of rebuilding an engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aragorn Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 synthetic oil and regular changes is the most basic thing you can do to look after your engine. Half the manufacturers service interval, and use a good quality oil, and it'll thank you for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheHarv Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 The only issue I'm aware of is that a diesel specific motor oil *may* have elevated phosphorus (ZDDP) levels which can lead to 'poisoning' of catalytic converters - hence the API classifications for gasoline engine oils (SJ/SL/SM etc.) place limits on the amount of ZDDP (this would be part of the 'additive package' mentioned by a previous poster) However many diesel oils nowadays are formulated to meet both API C (diesel) and S (gasoline) specs - for example Shell's Rotella T5 and T6 are marketed as "heavy duty diesel engine oils" with but are both API CJ-4 *and* SM rated Hope this helps - not sure what rating system is used in your part of the world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
santalars Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 Thanks guys, That all sounds very reasonable. What I take frome it is: If you want to do extra good for your engine, use fully synthetic. If you change at specified intervals at least you won't ruin yor engine using a good diesel oil in any engine as long as it does not have a cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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