Engine Oil

[cass3958]

With top filtration a good rule of thumb for premium synthetic engine oils is about 15000Km/9000 mile drain intervals. Extending beyond this should only be done with an oil sample analysis regime. Additive depletion is not an issue unless drain interval is substantially increased.

So only driving 1200 miles a years means with a top quality synthetic oil I only need to change the oil every 7.5 years! Or as Nigel and myself both asked is there a shelf life for the oil sat in the engine ?

[Glyn Ruck]

Something else you might like to shed some light on Glyn is the shelf life of oil, I've read a lot of contradictions on the subject. - thanks.

It depends how it is stored Nigel. Stored sealed in a cool dry place without excessive UV exposure or exposure to huge temperature fluctuations that could induce sweating in the container, it has a life of at least 5 years. Could be more as long as it remains clear & bright.

[Glyn Ruck]

With top filtration a good rule of thumb for premium synthetic engine oils is about 15000Km/9000 mile drain intervals. Extending beyond this should only be done with an oil sample analysis regime. Additive depletion is not an issue unless drain interval is substantially increased.

So only driving 1200 miles a years means with a top quality synthetic oil I only need to change the oil every 7.5 years! Or as Nigel and myself both asked is there a shelf life for the oil sat in the engine ?

No ~ re-read my comments. Then you would change on time due to water build up in the oil. Most OEM's would like to see an annual change but if you leave it in for 18 months you are not going to do any harm. I would not exceed 2 years however. You need to get that water out.

[cass3958]

Noted Glyn and thank you again.

[DevilDog]

Thanks so much Glyn for the clarification.....In the list from Mercedes, which one of the Mobile One products would you recommend since they are in the U.S.?

[Glyn Ruck]

This product was at one time only available via Benz dealers but has now been opened up to certain outlets at vastly more sensible pricing. The US just about gives away engine oil. This product does not sacrifice engine protection for the sake of extending emissions system life.

https://www.mobil.com/English-US/Passen ... ula-M-5W40

https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-1-CASE-5W- ... B00HXILF5Q

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[DevilDog]

Thanks Glyn.....I like the Mobile 1 product....use to run it in my motor home.

[Glyn Ruck]

For me ExxonMobil was the opposition but it is a damn fine product.

[jonesdl]

We are lucky to have such an oil expert on the forum such as Glyn, giving all the detailed information to any question relating to oil. You have answered some of my questions about storage & shelve life in this post thank you.
We have the exactly same debate in the bike clubs I am in, but go by gut feeling normally without the technical information to back it up.
I always used Mobil 1 when I worked for them but switched when I changed camps, so it's Castrol Edge now as they help pay the pension.
Cheers
Dave J.

[Orlando St.R]

Yes, thanks, Glyn.

So, what is the role/benefit of the ZDDP package included in most "classic" oils? Presumably, the manufacturers of these oils wouldn't include it just for fun or purely for the marketing value.

Also, I notice that the Mercedes 229.5 standard relates to "high" sulphur oils of the ACEA A3/A4/A5 standard and, if we are in Europe, we should avoid the lower sulphur ACEA C3 etc. You really do have to be on your toes when choosing oil these days.