Oil labelling explained

[oilman]

Is this problem happening in the UK or the rest of the world to? and also is there a pattern between brands?

Cheers

Guy.

 

[twebber]

I think any oil that has an API specification must meet certain requirements and those requirements (API SM) have far less Zinc and Phosphorus than they did before (API SL).

I dont know if there is a pattern but if the oil is API SM then it is likely a problem on your side of the Atlantic too.

Here's an interesting link. There's lots like it here too. Also, the previous link I posted has a table with many popular motor oils (popular in NA) and their levels of Zinc and Phosphorus and the API specificiation of the oil tested.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=289790&highlight=zddp

 

[Chunky and Louie]

Just seen this very interesting thread. My car is a 2004 ML 270 cdi with 18k on the clock. Driving tends to be around town with the odd motorway journey.

From new, dealers have used Castrol GTX - is this adequate do you think and should I be looking to have a 6 monthly oil change whether or not a service is due bearing in mind the kind of use the vehicle is undertaken for.

All advice much appreciated.

 

[oilman]

The GTX is pretty basic stuff, yes it is ok but much better is available.

I would look at a good 5w-40 synthetic such as the FUchs or Motul.

Cheers

Guy.

 

[Omega]

A great article - I thought I knew a bit about oil ???
My car is nearing 13 years old. As you point out, oils have come a long way since then.
I tend to change my oil/filter about every 5/6k.
Is it safe to put in the latest oils for this model, or should I stick to the 'book' grades ?
I live & drive in the far west of cornwall, so our temperatures don't go very low in the winter. Would the latest 10-40 be suitable for every day driving ?
If not - what would be suitable ?
I do about 4k p.a & the car has done 96k.

thanks

 

[Ralphiespal]

If you had always used a semi synthetic such as Castrol Magnatec diesel in past oil changes and wanted to change to a full synthetic would it just need a straight oil and filter change or would flushing oil need to be used first.

 

[stuart o]

need to ask oilman ...

Hi,

looking to change auto box oil on my 05 W163 ML 270 CDI - G/Box apparently is 722.661 type - although MB market their own oils I see there is a Shell ATF equivalent, question is which is best - not too concerned with cost, just want the best option....

Thanks :wink:

Stuart

 

[oilman]

I think this is the best

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-969-fuchs-titan-atf-3353-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx

It meets all of the necessary specifications and is fully synthetic, so there isn't really anything better.

Regards

Tim

 

[muller1]

ML 270 Auto Oil

Help Please.
I have a 2001 ML 270 CDI with Tiptronic Auto box.
Which is the correct oil spec and quantity for this gearbox .

Thanks in anticipation.

Regards.
Mike

 

[oilman]

Hi,

We would recommend the Fuchs Titan ATF 3353 http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-969-fuchs-titan-atf-3353-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx

You will need 8ltr

Cheers

Guy

 

[taffyboyo]

Great Forum
After looking at this I think you cant really go far wrong with Fuchs Oil.
Terry

 

[welshred]

is there a shelf life on oil???

 

[welshred]

is there a shelf life for engine oil, i have some good semi synthetic oil at home unopened for about 4yrs and was wondering if it would still be good

 

[television]

is there a shelf life for engine oil, i have some good semi synthetic oil at home unopened for about 4yrs and was wondering if it would still be good

It will be perfect as unopened

 

[welshred]

Thats great Malcolm, thanks

 

[jeep]

Simon, you wrote: -

'10w bit . . . the oil must have a certain maximum viscosity/flow at low temperature'

Err, is that what you meant to say please?

Is it only limited by it's max viscosity?
Are there no upper and lower limits?

Could a nominal 10-40 be an actual say 1-40?

 

[jeep]

identifying when oil has passed its use days

PSMart, you asked 'identifying when oil has passed its use days'

In the days before technology we used to drop a drip of oil from the dip stick in the middle of a piece of bog paper.

Then come back a bit later and look at the way the blob spread out.

We reckoned:

If

• the stain spreads evenly the oils OK.
  
• If there's a dark ring, somewhere on the stain, around the centre, you should have changed the oil by now.

It's called ring chromatography (annular planar chromatography).
It's a bit of a rough and ready guide.
But it's served me well for many years.

 

[john43]

e200 timing chain

i own a 2003 e200 kompressor since new.i have had it serviced regularily at an approved garage.the car has done 40000 miles and has never exceeded 70mph.a few days ago the engine started misfiring and i brought it to the garage and have just been informed the timing chain has stretched and the total bill will be approx 5000 euro.(i live in dublin)
is this a problem with this model and is there any point in sueing mercedes.

 

[jerseymike68]

good advice

 

[muller1]

Timing chain

i own a 2003 e200 kompressor since new.i have had it serviced regularily at an approved garage.the car has done 40000 miles and has never exceeded 70mph.a few days ago the engine started misfiring and i brought it to the garage and have just been informed the timing chain has stretched and the total bill will be approx 5000 euro.(i live in dublin)
is this a problem with this model and is there any point in sueing mercedes.

I find it hard to accept that a timing chain in normal use will stretch to any degree in 40,000 miles.
All my older cars had chain drives and they were run to death and the chains were so slack they rattled and what a racket this was BUT the timing had moved SO slightly it never effected the running of the engine apart from the noise.
I would be inclined to look elsewhere for the fault and seek an other opinion.
Lastly I think 5000 euros for a new chain is mad, You will get a whole good used engine including fitting for around £1700 to £2000.

Regards.

Mike