what's the scoop on Delo Full Syn 5w40? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #1 07-13-2012, 08:36 PM

I found this at my local Wallyworld...

and here's the back...

dirt cheap, and Cj4... Hmmm
TypeIII stock? True Syn?
Delo is generally well regarded oil, no?

engatwork · #2 07-13-2012, 09:09 PM

It says it is full synthetic and yes, Delo 400 is held in high regard. l Looks it is a little lower priced than Mobil 1. I'll have to look for it at WalMart this weekend.

dcotejr · #3 07-13-2012, 09:23 PM

I used the Delo dino for about the first ten years I owned my SD...

More recently have used Mobil Delvac and Castrol Tection Extra (SDL), but this looks like something to keep in mind...

Be interested in any other thoughts about it...

gsxr · #4 07-13-2012, 09:35 PM

Yawn. It's another Group III fake synthetic (hydrocracked dino oil), just like almost everything else currently on the market that claims "Fully Synthetic" on the label. It's probably comparable to the current Mobil-1 5W-40 "TDT" and/or Rotella T6, which are also Group III oils.

If you want a TRUE synthetic (Group IV / V base stocks), you'll need to look at Red Line, Motul 300V, and certain Amsoil products, like Amsoil AME 15W-40 "Heavy Duty Diesel" oil. These will cost double to triple as much as the Delo "syn", Rotella T6 "syn", and M-1 TDT "syn". There's a reason for the price difference. Group III base stocks are waaaay cheaper!

I would not attempt extended drain intervals with a Group III oil, but if you like the added protection (compared to plain dino juice) and don't mind changing the Group III oil every 3-5kmi with stuff that costs $20-$24 per gallon, go for it. I personally prefer spending twice as much for Group IV/V oils and changing it half as often... costs the same in the end (maybe a bit less).

dcotejr · #5 07-13-2012, 09:54 PM

Well, that's why I like this forum. Learn something new every day...

Thanks, gsxr!

sd300td · #6 07-13-2012, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

Yawn. It's another Group III fake synthetic (hydrocracked dino oil), just like almost everything else currently on the market that claims "Fully Synthetic" on the label. It's probably comparable to the current Mobil-1 5W-40 "TDT" and/or Rotella T6, which are also Group III oils.

If you want a TRUE synthetic (Group IV / V base stocks), you'll need to look at Red Line, Motul 300V, and certain Amsoil products, like Amsoil AME 15W-40 "Heavy Duty Diesel" oil. These will cost double to triple as much as the Delo "syn", Rotella T6 "syn", and M-1 TDT "syn". There's a reason for the price difference. Group III base stocks are waaaay cheaper!

I would not attempt extended drain intervals with a Group III oil, but if you like the added protection (compared to plain dino juice) and don't mind changing the Group III oil every 3-5kmi with stuff that costs $20-$24 per gallon, go for it. I personally prefer spending twice as much for Group IV/V oils and changing it half as often... costs the same in the end (maybe a bit less).

How does one go about determining a group III vs. group IV/V synthetic oil? Does the bottle simply state it as such?

I'm using regular ol' Delo 400 these days...

benedict · #7 07-14-2012, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sd300td

How does one go about determining a group III vs. group IV/V synthetic oil? Does the bottle simply state it as such?

I'm using regular ol' Delo 400 these days...

I'd like to know that also.

Gsxr, I'm using Motul 8100: is that the same base as Motul 300 that you mention of?

rs899 · #8 07-14-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

How does one go about determining a group III vs. group IV/V synthetic oil? Does the bottle simply state it as such?

Don't be silly. Why would they want to be clear about that and avoid all the marketing hype and expense? If they ceased to confuse us we would be able to buy the cheapest oil that did the job we wanted. What a concept. We need the equivalent of a black and white "nutritional information" label, but that will never happen.

Best you can do is read up on all this at bobistheoilguy.com until your head explodes.

shertex · #9 07-14-2012, 09:26 AM

I was poking my nose around the Mobil 1 site....they certainly don't make it obvious. I've been using M1 TDT for quite a while now. USED to be the same as Delvac 1, just marketed with a different label; now the two oils are different. As far as I can tell, Delvac 1 is the only way to get Group IV from Mobil.

For a while there I was considering extended drain intervals on my 602s (around 10k). I eventually decided against it because of the soot levels (EGR is not deleted). As much as I wanted to believe that soot levels up to 2% or even a little higher were no problem, I could never get AUTHORITATIVE confirmation (though anecdotal evidence abounded).

So I landed at 5-6k intervals using TDT. The realization that it's Group III confirms my decision to stay with the shorter intervals. I can get TDT for $27/gal or so at Walmart. The only other thing I could see doing is switching to Delvac 1 for $45 a gallon or so (including shipping from AVlube). I'm open to being convinced, but still seems like TDT is the best bet in my case.

compu_85 · #10 07-14-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

It's probably comparable to the current Mobil-1 5W-40 "TDT" and/or Rotella T6, which are also Group III oils.

I thought the Mobil 1 product was a Group IV oil, whereas the Rotella is a Group III.

FWIW, oil analysis of both of those oils in the VW diesels show excellent results.

-J

Jeremy5848 · #11 07-14-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

I thought the Mobil 1 product was a Group IV oil, whereas the Rotella is a Group III.

FWIW, oil analysis of both of those oils in the VW diesels show excellent results.

-J

M-1 TDT 5W40 used to be a group IV oil but has been cheapened to group II while the price has been increased. Don't know about the Delvac; last I heard Mobil was not selling any group IV oil to the public.

Jeremy

shertex · #12 07-14-2012, 11:40 AM

FWIW here's the description of Delvac 1 from the AVlube site (emphasis added):

Mobil Delvac 1 full synthetic 5W-40 diesel engine . Shipped in a case of 4 one gallon containers. Simply the finest diesel engine oil, providing a full 40 weight oil thickness protection and a superior additive package capable of providing oil change intervals of up to 100,000 miles for over the road trucks! You will be amazed with the instantaneous starting with Delvac 1 and its overall performance! If your diesel is EGR valve equipped and/or exhaust particulate filtered, Delvac 1 ESP is your answer for long lasting, trouble free operation! Mineral based diesel oils create an almost resin like substance in as little as 25,000 miles, causing the EGR valve to stick. Delvac 1's 100% "real" synthetic base stock (as opposed to Group III wannabee synthetic base stocks) stands up to the grueling temps, providing trouble free EGR performance! Delvac 1 ESP meets/exceeds API service levels CJ-4, CI-4Plus, CI-4, CH-4, CF-4, SL and SJ.

E150GT · #13 07-14-2012, 11:45 AM

I have been using non synthetic Delo 400 in the 300sd but I have been showing high bearing wear so I was gong to try Rotella T6 but maybe I can give this a try.

Hit Man X · #14 07-14-2012, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

Best you can do is read up on all this at bobistheoilguy.com until your head explodes.

This is the best advice.

I just buy whatever Diesel rated oil is on sale.

ottomatic · #15 07-14-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

Best you can do is read up on all this at bobistheoilguy.com until your head explodes.

X2 . I was much better off years ago when all I knew was to change my oil & filter every 4,000 mi.
Now I do UOA's, worry about TBN and an oils add pack. Plus which filters have synthetic nano fibers.