New oil older engine

[hill]

There was a interesting article in the MBCA Star magazine about new oils and older engines. The gist of the article is that if the oil is appropriate for 2005 or newer vehicles it may not have the additives necessary for an older engine. I have a PDF from George Murphy Technical Director with MBCA. If you want to know what MB approves for fluids I'll send it to you.

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"

[gnj588d]

Hi hill I would be most interested to know what oil is recomended as i am about to do an oil change there are so many different views on the subject
             Many thanks Mike Rutledge Liverpool
             

[hill]

I sent you the pdf. The imortant part  is that the api or sae standards are followed.

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"

[mdsalemi]

Mobil 1 has a new/old oil 15W-50 which seems to be suited for our car.  It has all the required service requirements mandated by MB.  It also claims this:

Mobil 1 15W-50 is also recommended for older valve train designs that may benefit from a higher level of anti-wear normally not required for newer generation vehicles. Mobil 1 15W-50 will also provide better anti-wear protection for higher valve spring tensions in certain racing engines.  

Good news is I just bought a case of 6 quarts at Costco for $29.99 and that's a pretty good price.
 


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[bsimaz]

Speaking from experience I use a traditional 20-50 oil.  I had heard a lot about the new oils and synthetic oils too and (mistake) tried them.  I put in a new synthentic oil to clean and protect the interals.  Well it cleaned quite well.  I think it cleaned too well.  About two weeks after using the new oil a valve guide came loose and the engine started smoking pretty bad when idleing.  I also saw new oil drippings on my garage floor.  I have since swithed back to a traditional 20-50 and the smoking engine has stopped and the oil leaks are almost gone.   If you have a newly rebuild engine the newer or synthetic oils will be OK.   Otherwise I say stay with the traditional stuff.

Bill Simaz
'66 230sl
Back on the Road

[LFrank]

Is 50 the correct viscosity? I think I'm running 40...

LFrank
Washington DC
65 230 sl - auto
DB334/Hellblau

[hill]

LFRANK

If you are running 10-40 and it does not smoke you are in good shape.

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"