A3 ACEA question:

[Eddie]

In reading the ACEA spec list, I see that the A3/B4 spec. oil is required for direct injection DIESEL engines. I have a Mazda CX 7 direct injection GAS engine. Would those who have knowledge and OR experience with the A3 spec & DI engines comment as to whether the A3/B4 spec is of any use for the DI gas engine? Thanks Ed

 

[VeeDubb]

I have a 2.0T VW/Audi DI engine and it seems that there is a lot of fuel dilution. For that reason, I would prefer a robust oil like a A3 loaded with Euro specs. It's probably going to be more robust against fuel dilution IMO. Some high mileage oils also have A3 probably because high mileage engines or more likely to be out of tune. But I would suggest a oil analysis with TAN and TBN to help you gauge things.

 

[glenncof]

I believe A_ covers gas & B_ cover diesel applications.

Not many _W30's meet the A3 spec in US from what I can tell: Mobil 1 10W30 High Mileage, Maxlife Synthetic 5-10W30, Pennzoil Platinum and Quaker State Euro 5W30. I'm not focused on W30 so there may be more but HTST of >3.5 is tough for W30

Even better if meets VW 503.01.

 

[TallPaul]

Regardless of whether it is of any use for a DI gas engine, it is an excellent spec and you won't go wrong with it. Now if you are trying to see if you can get away with an A1/A5 spec, I don't know. Check with your owner's manual or the manufacturer of your engine.

 

[Eddie]

PP & Mobil 1 T&S are two easily obtainable oils (WM)that meet the A1/A5 spec and nether meet the A3/B4 spec. in the 5w30 weight. My owners manual requires only a 5w30 SL G4 level oil but, since the CX7 is a DI turbo engine I'd like to exceed the minimum requirement. So unless I hear a better suggestion I will probably go with PP, at least till I get a used oil analysis or two.

 

[d00df00d]

Well Mobil 1 T&S is probably a little thick, but I'd bet it'd easily protect your engine at least as well as most ACEA A3 oils. The only downside would be a slightly higher chance of piston ring deposits and catalytic converter damage over time.

That said, I wouldn't feel guilty at all about going with PP. It's definitely one of the best (if not THE best) off-the-shelf choice for your engine.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about ACEA A3. AFAIK (someone correct me if I'm wrong), in gasoline engines direct injection alone doesn't really cause problems that ACEA A3 addresses (at least directly).

I suspect (and again, correct me if I'm wrong) that PP would actually meet most of the ACEA A3 requirements besides HTHS anyway...