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"Meeting the spec" is the interesting part Posted by sam96CS [Email] (#852) [Profile/Gallery] (more from sam96CS) on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:08:02 In Reply to: This topic recirculates more than the oil, Noel, Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:13:26 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The manual for my '96 specifies service grade SH, a standard that was released in 1992. This standard has been superseded by SJ (1996), SL (2001), SM (2004) and SN (2010). These newer standards were unknown and untested for this engine.
One of the myths of our culture is that things are always getting better. While generally this may be true, there are exceptions. We know that the motor oil majors are under great pressure to produce oils that minimize pollution and maximize fuel economy. We consumers on the other hand also have a vested interest in long engine life.
SH had a lot of ZDDP, but the newest standard has about half as much. Perhaps the new stuff is just as good or even better, but it has not been tested and approved for the B234 engine. Do I trust the oil companies and the EPA to care about my 17 year old engine? Perhaps, but not as much as I trust ZDDP.
Luckily oils that meet the SH standard are still available, and you don't have to buy one of the boutique oil brands. Rotella T6 meets the SH specification, and perhaps other modern oils do as well. But it takes some effort to find one.
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