What is the proper engine oil to use in a 6-71 detroit engine? I've been told a straight grade and I've been told a multigrade, which is best?
Straight grade,but more importantly,you need an oil that has a very low ash content.If you don't adhere to this,your exhaust valve seats will have an early life.I'll try and find a blurb from GM explaining this that I think I once posted here.
On a Detroit it really matters and the recommended from Detroit at least last time I saw it was straight 40 in the summer and 30 in the winter and the others specs like tuney443 mentions are very specific. Multi grade not recommended at all.
Thanks for the help. Would a synthetic oil be a good choice?
As long as it met the Detroit specs I'm sure it would be good. We haven't run any Detroits in about five years so I haven't kept up.
If you use a multigrade oil you'll find the engine will eat it up, and I don't think you can get single grade synthetic.
Here you go ridgelane :two cycle detroit diesel engine information provides info on the Detroit Diesel Allison Lube Oil Recommendation Detroit Diesel Allison Lube Oil Recommendations for Detroit Diesel 2-Cycle Engines This information is VERY important for anyone purchasing any truck with a Two Cycle Detroit Diesel Engine from DDC publication 6SA314 8901 Lubricant Recommendation - Detroit Diesel Two Cycle Engines SAE Viscosity Grade 40 API Classification: CD-II, (Note: CD-II is an obsolete SAE Viscosity Grade 40 API Classification: CD-II, (Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2) Military Spec: MIL-L-2104D Sulfated Ash: Less than 1.0% - This is the only engine oil recommended for Detroit Diesel two-cycle engines. Lubricants meeting these criteria have provided maximum engine life when used in conjunction with recommended oil drain and filter maintenance schedules. (For additional oil selection criteria, see publication 7SE270.) The API category CD-II (CF-2)(Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2) is relatively new and may not be fully in use at the time of this publication. (NOTE: This publication was published in 1989) API category CD may be used provided the recommended military specification is satisfied. Oils with API designation "CE" are not recommended in DDC two-cycle engines unless accompanied by CD-II (CF-2) (Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2) Single Grade-High Ash Content Lube Oils High ash oils (greater than 1,000 mass % ASTM D-874) tend to form excessive deposits on engine parts, resulting in impairment of their function (exhaust valve closure, for example). These are NOT recommended, except where the continuous use of high sulfur content diesel fuels (greater than 0.5 mass %) is unavoidable and where a high TBN, LOW ASH oil is not available. Multi-Vis Oils Less than optimum engine life must be expected when using 15w-40 oils. Multi-vis oils tend to break down due to mechanical and thermal stress which results in a loss of viscosity and premature engine wear. Multi-vis oils do help cranking when temperatures are below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). However, once the engine starts, the major advantage of the multi-vis oils is exhausted. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the internal engine temperatures and pressures vary little from an engine operating in much warmer climates. This is when the 2 cycle engine benefits from the superior protection of a 40 wt. Starting aids such as automatic ether systems and /or on-board auxiliary heaters provide more reliable starting without sacrificing engine life. Function of Lubricating Oils All diesel engines require heavy duty lubricating oils. Basic requirements of such oils are: Lubricating quality, High heat resistance, Control of contaminants, Lubricating Quality. The reduction of friction and wear by maintaining an oil film between moving parts is the primary requisite of a lubricant. Film thickness and its ability to prevent metal-to-metal contact of moving parts is related to oil viscosity. The optimums for Detroit Diesel two-cycle engines are SAE 40 grade oils. High Heat Resistance Temperature is the most important factor in determining the rate at which deterioration or oxidation of the lubricating oil will occur. The oil should have adequate thermal stability at elevated temperatures, thereby precluding formation of harmful carbonaceous and/or ash deposits. Control of Contaminants The piston and compression rings must ride on a film of oil to minimize wear and prevent cylinder seizure. At normal rates of consumption, oil reaches a temperature zone at the upper part of the piston where rapid oxidation and carbonization can occur. In addition, as oil circulates through the engine, it is continuously contaminated by soot, acids, and water originating from combustion. Until they are exhausted, detergent and dispersant additives aid in keeping sludge and varnish from depositing on engine parts. But such additives in excessive quantities can result in detrimental ash deposits. If abnormal ash deposits form on the exhaust valve seats, early engine failure may result. Oil that is carried up the cylinder liner wall is normally consumed during engine operation. The oil and additives leave carbonaceous and/or ash deposits when subjected to the elevated temperatures of the combustion chamber. The amount of deposits is influenced by the composition, additive content, engine temperature, and oil consumption rate. Oil Quality Oil quality is the responsibility of the oil supplier. (The term "oil supplier" is applicable to refiners, blenders, and re branders of petroleum products). Oil quality can be affected by handling cleanliness, contamination, dirt, water, etc. Engine Parts Can Tell The Difference in Oils The following oil performance parameters should be compared: Ring Sticking tendencies and/or ring conditions, piston skirt scuffing and cylinder liner wear and scuffing, exhaust valve face and seat deposits, piston pin and slipper bushing wear, overall valve train and bearing wear levels Oil Caution There are hundreds of commercial crankcase oils marketed today. Obviously, engine manufacturers or users cannot completely evaluate the numerous commercial oils. The selection of a suitable lubricant in consultation with a reliable oil supplier and observance of his oil drain recommendations (based on used oil samples analysis and experience), and provide filter maintenance, will provide the best assurance of satisfactory oil performance. It should be noted that lube oil manufactures may reformulate and oil while maintaining the American Petroleum Institute classification, or may reformulate to a new API classification and continue the brand name designation. For example, SE oils being reformulated to SF letter code classification may perform differently after this reformulation. A close working relationship with the lube oil manufacturer should be maintained so that any reformulation can be reviewed and a decision made as to its effect on continued satisfactory performance. Detroit Diesel Used Lube Oil Analysis Program The Detroit Diesel lube oil analysis program is recommended for monitoring the condition of the crankcase oil in all engines. Primarily, used lube oil analyses indicate the condition of the oil but not necessarily the condition of the engine. Never tear down an engine based solely on the analysis results obtained from a single used oil sample. However, the condition of the engine should be investigated using conventional mechanical and/or electronic diagnostic instruments. Frequently, visual inspections are all that is required to detect problem areas related to engine wear. It is also prudent to obtain another oil sample from the suspected distressed unit for analysis. Abnormal concentrations of some contaminants such as diesel fuel, coolant, road salt, or airborne dirt cannot be tolerated for prolonged periods. Their presence will be reflected in accelerated engine wear, which can result in less than optimum engine life. The oil should be changed immediately if any contamination is present in concentrations exceeding the warning limits. Click for more information for Detroit Diesel engines from the official site - Two Cycle Detroit Diesel Engine Click for all Pages Commandments Buyers Checklist Selling a Truck Truck Insurance Truck Loans Truck Parts Truck Rent Truck Dealer Truck Makes Freightliner Sterling Peterbilt Mack Kenworth Truck Broker Accident Lawyer Accident Attorney Truck Links Used Truck Sales Truck Issues Buses for Sale Bus for Sale Guide RV for Sale Vanabode Contact Us Home Contact Us Copyright © 2005-2011 Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
Thanks again for the help. Very good information.
There is only a handful of oils out there that meets the sulfated ash of 1.0% or less. Rotella does not. The best (lowest ash) is Delo 100. Delo 400 does not meet specs. And use SAE 40 as has been stated previously. It may be more attractive to you to use SAE 30 since you're in Alberta, but the (only) slightly lower viscosity of SAE 30 compared to 40 at cold start up are not as good as the benefits of SAE 40 when warmed up and engine under load. You might consider putting a silicone pad heater on bottom of oil pan to keep oil warm.
There must be a difference between Rotella and Rotella T. I've read the spec sheet on Rottella T and it says it is recomended for 2 stoke detroit engines, with a sulphated ash content of .75 percent. Could it be a difference between the USA and Canadian oils? I use a block heater and oil pan heater on all heavy engines before starting. Usually four hours minimum in our cold winters.
Well, that's what the Detroit Diesel report that tuney posted reflected on, that's oil mfgs may change their formula and there's no way one can provide a "definitive guide" as to what each oil contains, and that's it's best to get current data from oil supplier. If Rotella T now has a sulfated ash of .75 %, it would certainly meet the DDC spec.
Thanks, you've been great help. I think I'm switching over to this oil in all the tractors and trucks. It'll make things much easier to buy one big barrel for everything rather than several barrels or pails..