Oil

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Why is it that most here use straight 40 or 50 weight oil and not 15W 40 in the DD engine? Is this specified by DD or is it an old habit or old wives tale that it is correct. :confused:

What harm would come from using 15W40 oil? :confused:

My question comes from the fact that I have used AMSOIL synthetic 15W40 oil in Chevy pickup sized diesel engines for some 24 years with superior results.:o
JIM

[Jerry Winchester]

Detroit Diesel recommends straight weight in 2 cycle engines and mulit weight for 4 cycle engines. I just do what they say.

[Coloradobus]

We use Mobil Delvac 15W-40 in the engine, Series 60, #3. In the Kohler/Yanmar genset, we use Shell Rotela "T", 15W-40. The Generator doesn't like the Mobil Delvac for whatever reason. It spits it out. The "Shell" stays in the whole 100 hour cycle. We use Dexron III in the transmission, and do the full flush w/filters every 25,000 miles.

[Ray Davis]

I was told by a friend, a DD technical specialist, that for my engine (8v92) that straight 40 weight is what to use. I do use the same oil in the generator.

[Toy Box]

Always, always use a straight weight oil in any 2-cycle diesel engine. That means all of the Detroit 92 series engines. Most of the folks here have the 8v-92 series which means there are 92 cubic inches in each cylinder. Others have a series 60 inline six cylinder engine which requires a multigrade oil such as the 15-40. Don't mix or switch.

[win42]

DD Tech told me only 40 wt. in the 8v92. He said multi weight oil would flow through and out quickly. I believe they are the people to trust.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

OK. I hear you all and will heed your advice when it becomes a reality for me. I am still wondering though why the difference. :confused: JIM

[win42]

I'll try: Series 60 engines are 4 stroke engines with overhead valves in the heads that are seperated from the crankase. You can put chicken soup (20-40 wt.oil) in the pan and it will stay there. 8V92 engines are 2 stroke with scavenging ports for valves more or less open to the crankase. If chicken soup is used in these engines the soup will be sucked up into the combustion chamber, mix with the fuel and be burned up. Heavy Pea soup (40-50wt. oil) must be used in the 8V92 crankcase so it will not be sucked up into the valve ports and used for fuel.
Oh god Jon and Joe did I get close with the explanation?

[Joe Cannarozzi]

I was a little concerned when I read Rays post when he said he is running strait 40 WT in the generator. I don't know if it is bad for it but I don't think it is preferable, especially in colder conditions?

Dittos to what everyone else has added.

Everything is reletive. Although the 8-V holds 7 gallons and that might seem like a lot to most I was a little uncomfortable with this concidering my Cat holds 13 gal. Because of this I deffinatly concour with Jon on the 5000 mile intervals. I also use and am a firm believer in Lucas products. The 8-V gets 6gal 40wt and 1 gal. Lucas. It has stopped the low oil warning light from flickering at idle in gear on hot days with the A/C running. In the Cat that is a strait 6 4-stroke it adds 5lbs of oil pressure all the way through the change cycle. You 60 series guys check it out, you'll like it:)

[BrianE]

Joe,

Could you post a little more info on Lusas or Lucas products? We used to use Marvel Mystery Oil in aircraft engines (especially the old radials) for top end lubrication. Is this stuff similar? Do you know what the Detroit folks think about this kind of additive? Thanks.
_____________
94Liberty XL

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Brian

Don't know what Detroit has to say.

As far as the product their power stearing additive all but stopped a major pump leak on a previous camper and I also run the gear lube additive in the rears on both the Pete and the bus.

I use the fuel additive/injector cleaner only at oil changes and have no difinitive positive results to pass along. The Cat goes 10,000 on changes and have never had it apart and the rears are all original including the axles, 900000+miles:)

[dale farley]

Joe,

When you say you use a gallon of the Lucas at oil changes, are you referring to the "Heavy duty Oil stabilizer"? I have never used this before, but if it is better than running straight oil, I would like to try it. Thanks. Dale

[Ray Davis]

Joe,

Actually, you just made me stop and think regarding the generator. I have personally "topped off" with 40wt when on the road, checking generator level. However, I've always taken the bus to Prevost, and just asked them to service the generator. I guess I should check and see exactly what they've been putting in there!!

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Dale

Yes. Heavy Duty Oil Stabalizer, 1 gallon and 6 more of 40wt every 5000 miles. Get the jug good and warm before you try to pour it out, much easier.

I'm curious, has anyone else experienced the low oil pressure warning light coming on as I described ours did at an idle in gear on hot days with the A/C running?

How about the oil pressure in general at idle in gear, we get less than 10lbs, not a real comfortable feeling but I believe I remember being told that is normal for an 8-V, 8lbs pressure at idle is what I think I was told?

Ray I'de be willing to bet prevo is servicing your gen. with multi-grade.

[dale farley]

Joe,

I'm going to add a gallon and see how it goes. Thanks for the info. Dale

[lewpopp]

Lusas or Lucas? Concider or consider. How about sawdust in the tranny and differential.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Lusas or Lucas? Concider or consider. How about sawdust in the tranny and differential.

WOW Lew, The stuff you used to do. That and listening to RUSTING METAL at night.:D :eek: You bring to light how technology and manufacturing processes have improved over a lifetime. I can't remember when the last time was that I heard a noisy differential. They used to be so common just like the rusting auto body. Remember how hard it was to start a car on a cold morning. Step on the gas pedal a few times set the choke and push that starter button on the floor cussing and hoping as the noisy starter groaned away. OH my G__ those blasted vacuum wipers. I could go on and on. Lets hear it from you what do you remember.
Oh yah just to steer a car without powersteering. :eek:
:) JIM

[Joe Cannarozzi]

It suprises me that one who benifits from the use of medimucal does not also believe in the benifits of oil additives.

Sawdust? Hmmmmm. Is that what they pulled out of your differential after you cooked a spindle?

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Joe, We were posting at exactly the same time!! Did you feel anything??:eek: :eek: :p :D JIM

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Jim

You need to find yourself a bus fast, real bad;)

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Just called a local DD service center to ask what the official DD opinion was on oil aditives.

The service manager told me that he knows of no engine manufacturer that will recomend these products.

With that said he went on to add that many of his coustomers use Lucas and are very satisfied with the results and he is also of the opinion that Lucas is one of the better producers of these products.

He also mentioned not to use them on a new engine until after break-in because they might tend to interfear with the break-in.

[BrianE]

I checked with the good folks at Southern Oregon Diesel who did an in-frame on our 8V last year. Their comments re additives were similar to Joe's info. Before the overhaul we were also seeing less than 10psi oil pressure at low idle. We are now seeing 15-20psi. Most of us will recall the manual says to avoid extended idle times and to ALWAYS use high idle when possible. Would enjoy hearing a discussion about additives at POG III. JDUB led the 8V discussion at POG II. Hopefully he will again if we can bribe him with enough tacos. :D
________________
94 Liberty XL