Patman
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Technically speaking, what are the differences in the makeup of a fleet oil compared to a pure diesel oil?
Difference between a fleet oil and diesel oil?
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Pure diesel lube oils will probably be speciallized for the type or brand of engine. Here's a lube for GE & EMD locomotive (and generator and tug boat) engines--note the zinc free requirement for these engines:
http://library.cbest.chevron.com/lu...73488be5299550d18825652500095838?OpenDocument
Another good for multi-use, but mainly for Detroit (Jimmy) two stroke engines:
http://library.cbest.chevron.com/lu...457dc3dbb3b8063488255f7e006bc72c?OpenDocument
(Schaeffer #107 is also a GF-2 oil for Detroit two-strokers, but also more of a mixed fleet oil so not as good an example http://www.schaefferoil.com/data/107.htm)
Compare this to a mixed fleet oil:
http://www.schaefferoil.com/data/151.htm
Ken
[ January 16, 2003, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: Ken2 ]
http://library.cbest.chevron.com/lu...73488be5299550d18825652500095838?OpenDocument
Another good for multi-use, but mainly for Detroit (Jimmy) two stroke engines:
http://library.cbest.chevron.com/lu...457dc3dbb3b8063488255f7e006bc72c?OpenDocument
(Schaeffer #107 is also a GF-2 oil for Detroit two-strokers, but also more of a mixed fleet oil so not as good an example http://www.schaefferoil.com/data/107.htm)
Compare this to a mixed fleet oil:
http://www.schaefferoil.com/data/151.htm
Ken
[ January 16, 2003, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: Ken2 ]
In case some one doesn't know why the zinc-free requirement is there, the wrist pin bearings in these engines are made of a silver alloy, and the zinc damages the silver.
The reason for the silver is interesting - it allows us to track wrist pin wear by tracking the silver in our oil analysis.
The reason for the silver is interesting - it allows us to track wrist pin wear by tracking the silver in our oil analysis.
As a railroad fan, I was wondering, which railroad do you work for? Your comment was an excellent reminder of the interesting differences between crankcase oil applications.
I am the Technical Training Specialist for Metra Commuter Railroad in Chicago. I started out in Los Angeles on the AT&SF as a Machinist in 1972, and am now looking forward to retiring in a little more than 4 years. I am currently involved in setting up the training programs for new equipment, including 300 passenger cars, 26 3600HP locomotives and 25 electrically powered cars.
I don't know the details of the Napa branded 15W-40, but the label will tell you what specs it meets. If it's API-SL or SJ, it is intended for gasoline engines, in addition to CH-4 or CI-4 for diesel engines. Is your Benz gasoline or diesel? Anyway, you know what is required for it and what works well.
Why Napa?...we don't know much about it, and it might be from a different low bidder each time they look for a supplier. Why not one of the top quality 15W-40 oils that we know about like Chevron Delo 400, Schaeffer #700, Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, or Shell Rotella-T? Look at that 25,000 mile oil analysis on Mobil 1300 in the diesel analysis section...that oil didn't need to be drained.
Ken
Why Napa?...we don't know much about it, and it might be from a different low bidder each time they look for a supplier. Why not one of the top quality 15W-40 oils that we know about like Chevron Delo 400, Schaeffer #700, Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, or Shell Rotella-T? Look at that 25,000 mile oil analysis on Mobil 1300 in the diesel analysis section...that oil didn't need to be drained.
Ken
Ah, does $1.19 a quart everyday sound like a valid reason for this application in my gas engine? Most of the MB dealers & the independant garages that specialize in MB around here feel a 15W-40 that is both API S/G-H-J? (whatever) AND C/D-F-G-H? (whatever)certified provides good all-season protection and enhanced engine cleaning.
The Penzoil LongLife works fine: I was just wondering what the skinny was vis'-a-vis' the "fleet vs. diesel" theme of this thread.
I guess I could always go with Amsoil 10W-40 100% synthetic like in my ZX-11 but @ 8 quarts every 5K miles it seems like it may be a little spendy...
Even overkill, maybe?
There must be some middle ground between frequent changes with dino (pretty **** inexpensive)& longer intervals with synthetics, oil testing & analysis (just gotta' cost $ignificantly more)... Isn't there?
Hey, I'm still new around here
The Penzoil LongLife works fine: I was just wondering what the skinny was vis'-a-vis' the "fleet vs. diesel" theme of this thread.
I guess I could always go with Amsoil 10W-40 100% synthetic like in my ZX-11 but @ 8 quarts every 5K miles it seems like it may be a little spendy...
Even overkill, maybe?
There must be some middle ground between frequent changes with dino (pretty **** inexpensive)& longer intervals with synthetics, oil testing & analysis (just gotta' cost $ignificantly more)... Isn't there?
Hey, I'm still new around here
Patman
Staff member
Stick with the Pennzoil long life, it has a good dose of moly in it. Valvoline 15w40 does not.
For a more cost effective alternative with Amsoil, why not use their 15W-40. It's good for gas engines as well and is what I just put in my 90 BMW 325is. I've been happy with it so far.quote:
Originally posted by Norm Olt:
I guess I could always go with Amsoil 10W-40 100% synthetic like in my ZX-11 but @ 8 quarts every 5K miles it seems like it may be a little spendy...
Even overkill, maybe?
Why not run a synthetic until 7500 and analyze the results? Then you can base your decision from there.
OK, now you got me goin'....
Thinking about changing to NAPA's store brand 15W-40, which is described here as being made by Valvolene, I believe the direct quote somewhere on the Forum was "it's the same as Valvolene's All Fleet 15W-40".
It is an SJ (or L, maybe)/CF (at least, maybe G or H something? - I don't have a quart in front of me, sorry!) dino oil I would compare to the Penzoil LongLife 15W-40 I'm using now and one that I would assume to be suitable for a gas Mercedes in Oregon's mild climatic conditions on a year-round basis, 5K intervals for filter & oil. Doesn't smoke, leak or use any significant amount (don't remember ever adding any between changes)and the engine runs great.
So what really is this "fleet" designation? Does it mean that the oil is appropriate for BOTH gas & diesel applications, as in "all the ones in your FLEET"? I sense a further differentiation in the posts above...
Please advise before I go buying a couple cases and have to take them back!
Thinking about changing to NAPA's store brand 15W-40, which is described here as being made by Valvolene, I believe the direct quote somewhere on the Forum was "it's the same as Valvolene's All Fleet 15W-40".
It is an SJ (or L, maybe)/CF (at least, maybe G or H something? - I don't have a quart in front of me, sorry!) dino oil I would compare to the Penzoil LongLife 15W-40 I'm using now and one that I would assume to be suitable for a gas Mercedes in Oregon's mild climatic conditions on a year-round basis, 5K intervals for filter & oil. Doesn't smoke, leak or use any significant amount (don't remember ever adding any between changes)and the engine runs great.
So what really is this "fleet" designation? Does it mean that the oil is appropriate for BOTH gas & diesel applications, as in "all the ones in your FLEET"? I sense a further differentiation in the posts above...
Please advise before I go buying a couple cases and have to take them back!
Patman
Staff member
Yep, IIRC, it's got about 150ppm of moly. There is a virgin analysis of it on here posted by Bob a few months back.
Are you serious?? I didn't know that. I just bought some for my motorcycle, Heck I bet it will screw up the wet clutch???
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