Loading

What is the best oil to use in a diesel engine?

When it comes to maintaining a diesel engine, the type of oil used is crucial. The best oil for a diesel engine is one that meets the specific requirements of the engine and provides the necessary lubrication, protection, and performance. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right oil for your diesel engine.


Diesel Engine Oil Requirements


Diesel engines have different oil requirements compared to gasoline engines. Diesel engines typically operate under higher temperatures and pressures, and they often encounter more soot and contaminants in the oil. As a result, diesel engine oils need to have specific properties to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the engine.



  • Viscosity: Diesel engine oils typically have a higher viscosity index than gasoline engine oils, as they need to maintain their lubricating properties under the high temperatures and pressures found in diesel engines. The recommended viscosity grade is usually specified by the engine manufacturer.

  • Detergency: Diesel engine oils must have strong detergent and dispersant additives to keep the engine clean and prevent the buildup of soot, deposits, and other contaminants.

  • Oxidation Stability: Diesel engine oils need to be resistant to oxidation, which can cause the oil to break down and lose its lubricating properties over time.

  • Wear Protection: Diesel engines often have higher levels of wear and tear, so the oil must provide excellent wear protection to the engine components.


By understanding these key requirements, you can choose the best oil for your diesel engine and ensure its optimal performance and longevity.


Recommended Diesel Engine Oils


When selecting the best oil for your diesel engine, it's important to consult the manufacturer's recommendations. However, some of the most commonly recommended diesel engine oils include:



  • Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic - A high-performance, full-synthetic diesel engine oil that meets the latest API and ACEA specifications for diesel engines.

  • Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 0W-40 - A fully synthetic diesel engine oil that provides excellent protection against wear, deposits, and oxidation.

  • Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme - A premium, heavy-duty diesel engine oil that is formulated to provide superior protection and performance.li>

When choosing a diesel engine oil, be sure to select one that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications for your specific engine. This will ensure that your diesel engine receives the proper lubrication and protection it needs to perform at its best.

What is the difference between 5W-40 and 15W-40 oil for diesel?


The "W" stands for winter. The lower the number, the better the oil flows in cold weather. For example, 5W oil is thinner and flows more easily in cold conditions compared to 15W oil.



What is the benefit of rotella T6 15W40?


Shell Rotella® T6 15W-40 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil is designed and formulated to provide improved performance compared to conventional and semi-synthetic Rotella 15W-40 products. It is suitable for virtually all modern low-emission heavy duty engines* and older hard-working diesel engines.



Why do diesels use 15W-40?


ADVANTAGE 15W-40 HEAVY DUTY DIESEL ENGINE OIL has excellent soot dispersancy and wear control while providing outstanding protection against wear and corrosion. Its superior formula reduces sludge, protects against varnish formation and has superior anti-oxidation characteristics and high temperature stability.



Can I run 15W40 in my 6.7 Cummins?


Folks…the oil cap says 10W-30 or 5W-40 for severe use on all 6.7 Powerstrokes, for a reason. If you look past the temperature chart in the owner's manual and read the words, you'll find that 15W-40 is only acceptable when running biofuel and is not a substitute for 5W-40 under severe conditions.



What is the best oil to run in a diesel engine?


Full synthetic motor oils typically offer the best performance and longer oil change intervals than synthetic blends or conventional oils. It's worth spending a few extra dollars to keep your diesel engine running smoothly with full synthetic oils, especially if you rely on your diesel for income.



What is the best oil for a diesel engine?


Diesel engines generally require oils with higher viscosity, often denoted by numbers such as 15W-40 or 10W-30. The first number (15W or 10W) indicates how the oil performs in cold temperatures, while the second number (40 or 30) indicates its performance at high temperatures.



Is synthetic oil better in diesel engines?


Synthetic diesel engine oil has higher lubricity, which reduces friction—-that in turn improves fuel economy and reduces wear.



Is rotella 15w40 good for diesel engines?


Suitable for virtually all modern low-emission heavy duty engines and older hard working diesel engines. With millions of miles of real world testing, Shell Rotella® T4 Triple Protection 15W-40 uses a proprietary, synthetic blend formula exclusive to Shell.



What happens if I put 10W30 instead of 15w40?


In heavy-duty applications or engines subjected to prolonged high-temperature operation, 10W30 oil may not offer the same level of protection as its counterpart. Potential for increased oil consumption: Due to its lighter viscosity, 10W30 oil may be more prone to vaporization and oil consumption compared to 15W-40 oil.



Why did Cummins switch to 10W30?


The most common reason for the change is the increase in fuel economy by switching to lower viscosity oil. Fuel economy improvements are correlated with viscosity.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.