Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: rbouch8828 on November 05, 2020, 20:21:18
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Is there any consensus on engine oil for our cars? I saw that Craig at Mercedes Source is recommending Liqui Moly MoS2 Antifriction Engine Oil; 10W-40 Semi-Synthetic. Has anyone had any experience with this oil? Any other recommendations?
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Very happy with Valvoline VR1 20w50. It has high zinc.
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I also use this Valvoline, zinc is there. Type marking is VR1.
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Me too. Valvoline VR1 Racing Motor Oil (high zinc)
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Castrol GTX 20W50
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Here in Australia I use Penrite 20W60, based on the Zinc levels which are higher than the offerings from Castrol, Valvoline etc. It is a mineral oil.
I did dabble with synthetic oils for a while but noticed some minor weeping in gaskets.
Switched back to Penrite and no more leaks
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I have stayed away from synthetics because I have also seen other who dabbled with them have weeping and slight smoking issues.
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Very happy with Valvoline 20w50. It has high zinc.
I assume your talking about VR1? That is also what I use.
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Lol. Yes VR1. My mind types faster than my fingers 🤣
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VR1 or Brad Penn (now Penn Grade).
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Thank you to all!
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For all my vintage cars (5) I use Rotella T4 Diesel 15w40. I don't drive them enough to change for mileage (500 mi./year), so I change the oil every other year before they're tucked away for winter. Has enough ZDDP and is priced well enough I don't have to feel guilty draining expensive oil with no miles on it. Been doing this forever, back when Rotella was T3.
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The Rotella is good stuff also. I used it from 2000 - 2016 until I found VR1. I wanted to move to 20w50. It fit the bill. $23 for 5 qts. One of the cheapest things for a pagoda🤣🤣🤣🤣
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I've used Mobil 1 since my engine was rebuilt years ago.
There's anecdotal evidence repeated by more than a few that suggests if you switch to a full synthetic sometime during the engine's life, you'll exacerbate oil leaks. Well, since I started with this full synthetic and never had issues, it's what I go with. If you haven't used a full synthetic and your engine has not been rebuilt, now is no time to start.
The particular formulation and content of that formulation has changed over the years. It is pretty clear that our engines demand high levels of zinc and phosphorus, lubrication additives that have slowly been weaned out of many motor oils, with the exception of specialty oils.
Last time I bought the Mobil 1, it was on sale at Walmart and was less than USD $25.00 for 5 quarts; this is price comparable to any oil out there suitable for our cars. The only grade of Mobil1 with the requisite level of additives is the 15W-50 formulation. (well, there are some others, such as racing oils, but see the chart. The 15W-50 is the easiest to find, though not always easy.)
Curiously at the local auto parts store, a single quart of the 15W-50 was around $8. Always better to get it in the 5-quart jug, and when it's on sale...
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In summary, It would be safe to say that one size doesn’t fit all. I agree with Mike on the Mobil 1 15W-50. It does have extra additives which helps flat tappets. Plus, Walmart has made it very economical to purchase. I have use this in my 560 SL since day one. Any leaks that have developed are just a matter of age and have been replaced, with the exception of the head gaskets. John also makes a good point about spending excessive money when we only put so few miles on the car per annum. The bottom line is using what suitable for your engine… My 250 SL is the original engine and has only had the front seal and valve cover gasket changed. As a result, I have chosen not to use a full synthetic. I have used Brad Penn in the past, which is semi synthetic… But it gets quite expensive. Like John, I find myself spending a fortune on oil and only using the car about 500 miles a year. Hence, the Shell diesel oil is certainly the common sense approach and effective at the same time. VR1 is readily available and is a great choice, if one doesn’t mind spending the additional money.......after all, we are talking about our “baby”.
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I have been using a Mobil 1 10-50 or 20-50 for a while in some of my vintage vehicles with "flat tappets" because of the ZDDP levels. These oils were exempt from the ANSI specifications.
I cannot find them anymore. Mobil has changed their offerings and I don't think neither a 10W50 nor a 20W50 is available anymore.
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I have been using a Mobil 1 10-50 or 20-50 for a while in some of my vintage vehicles with "flat tappets" because of the ZDDP levels. These oils were exempt from the ANSI specifications.
I cannot find them anymore. Mobil has changed their offerings and I don't think neither a 10W50 nor a 20W50 is available anymore.
That spec sheet I posted was updated October 2019, so just over a year old. I would have suspected that if they had eliminated the offering the sheet would indicate that, or it would have been updated since then with a different date.
Note that for a number of years, the Mobil 1 oil with the proper levels of zinc and phosphorus was NOT 10W-50, but 20W-50. Also, Mobil1's website lists it as available, it's still on the Walmart website (though not sold by Walmart) and also in stock at Advance Auto, NAPA and others. As I mentioned it isn't the easiest to find, and if you buy it by the quart instead of the jug, expect to pay ~$10.
BTW, the 15W50 is IN STOCK at Advance Auto Parts in N. Royalton, OH...when was the last time you checked there? Also, the Walmart in Parma has a 2-pack (2 x 5 qt) in stock for $69.99. Aisle L22. But, I've found the stock at Walmart sporadic. If you find it, buy it.
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I will go to the Walmart in Parma tonight and check.
I have had bad experience with stuff at Walmart showing availability in the store and when you go there - Nothing. We will see.
I think I checked Walmart for 20W50 just 2 weeks ago when I was looking for Startron.
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It is "catch as catch can" with Walmart and this specialty oil. Sometimes you may need to go to more than one Walmart. Look for sales. When you find it, buy it, since it may not be there tomorrow. The stock in Parma was listed as "limited".
No modern car needs or uses this, not from any manufacturer.
Any of the local auto parts stores that carry Mobil1 may be able to order it for you in a 5-qt jug.
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This Lucas oil has a high zinc content according to the SDS. It's good value and my car seems very happy with it. I do very few miles per year and it's not expensive. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009M64D8I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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That Lucas Oil has the highest Zinc content that I have seen to date! 2,100 ppm is excellent!
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Not being successful at Walmart, I contacted a friend who works for Exxon and he sent me the current Mobil 1 specification chart.
According to this, they do not offer the regular 20w50 anymore. Just a 15w50 with 1300ppm phosphorus and 1300ppm zinc.
The only 20w50 in the 'lineup" is the V-Twin motorcycle oil with 1600ppm phos and 1750ppm zinc.
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Not being successful at Walmart, I contacted a friend who works for Exxon and he sent me the current Mobil 1 specification chart.
According to this, they do not offer the regular 20w50 anymore. Just a 15w50 with 1300ppm phosphorus and 1300ppm zinc.
The only 20w50 in the 'lineup" is the V-Twin motorcycle oil with 1600ppm phos and 1750ppm zinc.
Is that spec chart the one I posted earlier from their website (which if it is from ExxonMobil's website, assumed to be current)?
Or, did you get an updated version? (the one I posted was dated October 2019)
I did not indicate a 20W50; my experience has been with their only oil for "our" application, and that is the 15W50. That's still on their chart and still available.
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Note that for a number of years, the Mobil 1 oil with the proper levels of zinc and phosphorus was NOT 10W-50, but 20W-50. Also, Mobil1's website lists it as available, it's still on the Walmart website (though not sold by Walmart) and also in stock at Advance Auto, NAPA and others. As I mentioned it isn't the easiest to find, and if you buy it by the quart instead of the jug, expect to pay ~$10.
I guess you have to read between the lines to completely understand posts...
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I have just used Mobil1 15W-50 in my 560SL...AND It states right on the back of the container that it applies for a high zinc applications. I think it is fair and reasonable that it is fine for usage with vintage cars with Catalytic Converters, plus earlier. But, if you want even more zinc, use the other oils named above.....Lucas, VR1, Shell Rotella T4 or Penn Grade.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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I’ve used Kendall Non-synthetic 20-50 exclusively. A little harder to find but very satisfied with the product.
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Kendall GT 1 20-50 is also a good oil for our cars. Recommended by Metric Motors. Harder to find in our area.
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With all the debate about zinc content for vintage cars, I ran across this (6 year old) YouTube video that might be of interest. Jay Leno's mechanic uses Archoil products. Apparently the oil additive uses boron which has superior properties to zinc? Anyone have any experience with it? I know there are going to be opinions! ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ir3bg0ESU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ir3bg0ESU)
(Note a Jay Leno YouTube video is how we learned about the Element fire extinguisher)
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For anyone suffering from insomnia, I ran across this massive report about Motor Oil Engineering Test Data: https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/ (https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/)
From the blog:
"The motor oil wear protection test data included in this Blog, is from Engineering performance testing of many different motor oils, which shows how they compare relative to each other. The focus is on the motor oils themselves. Therefore, the resulting comparison data applies to ANY engine that uses the oils included here, no matter if the engine is used for racing, daily driving, grocery getting, watercraft, or any other activity.
"I operate this Blog in my spare time when I get the chance. I simply share my Engineering Test Data as a courtesy to other Gear Heads. I do not express an “opinion” about motor oil like most everyone else on the Internet does. I do not express a “theory” about motor oil like most everyone else on the Internet does. I merely post the FACTS that the Science of Physics and Chemistry proves to me. And my test data EXACTLY MATCHES real world experience. A number of examples are provided below in this Blog."
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Advanced auto has 20w 50 Castrol GTX. I just got some today.