240D recommended oil / engine cleaning

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240D recommended oil / engine cleaning

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Mercedes Forums >> Mercedes Benz Models >> Diesel Discussions >> 240D recommended oil / engine cleaning

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240D recommended oil / engine cleaning - 5/19/2008 6:06:36 PM

Scuddog

Posts: 106
Joined: 6/4/2007
Status: online

Hello! I look forward to some good info on this post.

First, I just bought a 1982 240D with 313K on the clock. It runs strong but the oil was not good looking at all when I checked it. For $800 what can you expect. I already am in love with this car and don't want it to die on me. What grade of oil should I use? Should I stick with the non-synthetic stuff to avoid oil leaks?

Because the oil is so bad looking, should I change it every 1000 miles or so until it gets better? Some people have told me not to use additives due to the potential for serious damage. Thanks in advance to everyone who understands how badly I want this car to survive.

_____________________________

1998 E320
170,000+
Interstate Cruise Missile
Mercedes High Mileage Certification

1982 240D
314,000 +
2 High Mileage Certification Badges

Post #: 1

RE: 240D recommended oil / engine cleaning - 5/19/2008 6:28:31 PM

ForcedInduction

Posts: 776
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: Federal Heights, Colorado
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: Scuddog

What grade of oil should I use? Should I stick with the non-synthetic stuff to avoid oil leaks?

The oil leak thing is an old g@s engine myth. The g@s engine would get heavy sludge build up around the seals, synthetic would come along and clean away that sludge that was keeping the oil in. These Diesels don't have that sludge problem and modern synthetic has additives to treat the seals and keep them from drying out. My engine actually stopped leaking when I switched to full synthetic!

quote:

Because the oil is so bad looking, should I change it every 1000 miles or so until it gets better?

Diesel oil is always bad looking. Its caused by the soot that naturally gets into the oil from combustion. You can change it at 100 miles and it will always be pitch black. The factory service interval is 5000miles or once a year for normal service. The severe service interval is 2500miles or twice a year. If you have synthetic oil, 8-10,000miles or once a year is good. (I change mine once a year)

quote:

Some people have told me not to use additives due to the potential for serious damage.

Its not that they will do damage, although some will, its they are useless. The oil you put in the engine already has additives that the oil company puts in their oil when its bottled.

_____________________________

1980 240D 3.0VNT 222K Miles. OM617.95, GT2256V VNT turbo, 4-speed manual, 3.46 diff, 15mm rear swaybar, ALDA removed, no EGR and Amsoil by-pass oil filter. Currently 107HP and 195lb/ft of torque at the wheels.

www.youtube.com/Turbo617

(in reply to Scuddog)

Post #: 2

RE: 240D recommended oil / engine cleaning - 5/20/2008 12:02:31 PM

Drrty240D

Posts: 146
Joined: 7/30/2006
Status: offline

I run name brand 15W-40 dino oil like Delvac or Rotella with outstanding results. My car has 275K miles and the bottom end is still pretty tight. ForcedInduction is absolutely correct - you can change your oil and filter 5 times in a row and it will be pitch black again after 15 minutes of running time. This is just the nature of diesel engines and it is totally normal and expected.

If you can see clear to spend the extra $$ on synthetic oil for a car you only paid $800 for then go for it. It won't make any noticible difference with the exception of an extended drain interval. Regardless of what oil you choose I wouldn't recommend going longer than 5K miles between oil changes. If you want to save some time and money you can change the oil filter every second time - just make sure to use an excellent quality filter like Wix or Amsoil.

Your engine is certain to be using oil so be sure to check the dipstick every single time you fuel up. Cheap insurance for your new ride. Welcome to the world of M-B diesel ownership.

(in reply to Scuddog)

Post #: 3

RE: 240D recommended oil / engine cleaning - 5/20/2008 5:17:52 PM

ForcedInduction

Posts: 776
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: Federal Heights, Colorado
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: Drrty240D

Your engine is certain to be using oil so be sure to check the dipstick every single time you fuel up.

On that note, the correct way to check the oil level is when the engine is warm (at least 80*C or 175*F) and after then engine has been off for 10 minutes. Thats why its best to check it when you fill with fuel rather than first thing in the morning.

_____________________________

1980 240D 3.0VNT 222K Miles. OM617.95, GT2256V VNT turbo, 4-speed manual, 3.46 diff, 15mm rear swaybar, ALDA removed, no EGR and Amsoil by-pass oil filter. Currently 107HP and 195lb/ft of torque at the wheels.

www.youtube.com/Turbo617

(in reply to Drrty240D)

Post #: 4