Oils ain't Oils - how true ?

[SEL_69L]

I remember tallking to a Nulon tech. guy about 18 months ago, and he remarked that a mineral oil, not a synthetic, would be better for classic and older cars. Why? Because the old oil seals would less likely to be affected by a mineral oil; there is the possibility that the older oil seals in an older engine may last longer. This reasoning has nothing to do with the superior performance of synthetic oils as lubricants.

One of the common reasons why engine oil should be changed regularly is due to carbon or fuel pollution. Lesser quality engine oils can degrade a bit more quickly, but that should not be a great problem in a car that is only driven less often. Having said that, I have been told by several different mechanics that engine oil should be changed every 6 months, as well as the oil filter.

 

[WGB]

I have been enjoying this thread as I am about to change the oil in my 6.9 and as it is running 12 litres of Redline 20-50 at $125 per 3.5 litres I have been dragging my feet about spending the $400 even though this is about what Diesel Motors charge to fill my ML500 with Mobil 1.

I never have to top up my 6.9 between changes and it seems to love the stuff.

I have always had great faith in plain ordinary Castrol GTX (original) 20-50 for old Benzes and am tempted to get 12 litres of this and change it every 6 months in my 6.9 but will probably try a thicker version of Mobil 1 first.

My 944 Porsche did like Castrol Synthetic 10-60 and may be another possibility.

Bill

 

[Styria]

Hi Carl, looking at those pictures of yours, one could hardly put up an argument against the Shell Helix you're using - that mileage is quite phenomenal, with an engine as clean as this.

I have used Shell in the past in Gleaming Beauty, but it used some oil and on the freeway, when decelarating, there would be a fair amount of oil blow by past the piston rings and/or valve guides. Changing to Magnatec greatly reduced blow by. A good test to determine the state of tune/condition of your engine is to examine for oil film on the rear bars after an extended open road run - say 200 kilometers. I had Mercules following me the other day on the way to the Topklasse barbecue and he did observe that there was hardly any smoke of any description coming from the exhaust. I was pleased with that, considering the amount of engine work carried out twelve months ago.

Hi Bill, those Red Line Oil figures do hurt, don't they ! Mind you, I am absolutely flabbergasted that your ML 500 would attract a similar amount from the dealer. Staggering ! You've got to ask yourself, who's biting who ! I must admit that I am not particularly fond of Castrol GTX based on my experience with the Rover V8 engine. Years ago, when the old "Smoothie" flogged the stuff on TV, it seemed to be 'easy' to go with the flow....until I discovered twelve months later that the valve gear was gumming up considerably. I wouldn't use it after that.

I'd imagine after seeing Carl's results, there has to be a definite leaning towards the oil he uses. The result is exceptional. Regards Styria

 

[WGB]

Anyway I bit the bullet today and brought the oil for my oil change.



It's not quite as bad as it looks as I already had one bottle from the past.

I was told that Mobil1 15-50 was no longer available and that is what tipped the balance.

I was tempted by Castrol Synthetic 10-60 but the trouble free run with the previous red-line oils made me stay - for the time being.

Bill

 

[BenzBoy]

Mobil today told me that Mobil 1 15-50 is still available and will continue to be available. I am also aware that Caltex is taking over all Mobil service stations soon though......who knows what is happening.
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[TJ 450]

Mobil 1/ 5w-50 is also widely available and suitable, however Red-Line Oils sound like the "bee's knees"!


Quoted from the website:

"There are many different kinds of synthetics in the market place - which vary significantly in quality. Red Line Oil is a 'super synthetic' - it uses the best synthetic base stocks in the world. (Which is why you often hear of the association with jet turbine engines). A Rolex and a timex both tell the time. Which would you rather have?"

Tim