Detergent Package Change Suggestions

[Rallywagon]

I have been using Mobil 1 European 0W-40 in 2 VW TDI diesels for many years (>12 years in a 1998, and >3 in a 2000). I have a lifter collapsed in the 2000 engine. It has been ticking for quite a while as I mistakenly looked other places (injection equipment) for the source of the tick. Now I am quite confident it is a collapsed lifter or a lifter that will not fill or stay filled with oil.

I know it is likely that I will have to replace the lifters and cam, but for now the lifters and lobes all look good. Until I have the time to do the repairs, I have a question....

Is there another oil in 0W40 or 5W40 grade that will have a VERY DIFFERENT detergent package or cleaning action from Mobil 1 that I can try in this engine?

THANKS

 

[paoester]

Originally Posted by Rallywagon
Is there another oil in 0W40 or 5W40 grade
Really, HTHS is the top most important viscosity spec to adhere to ensure engine compatibility. So you'd be fine here running any HTHS from 3.4 to 4.0. OK, that part out of the way, Yes, there is an oil that aggressively cleans the engines that would work well for you. (I suggest you change the oil filter at 1,000 miles if you try this.)
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...mium-blue-restore-10w-30-in-a-honda-2-4l is the stuff.
Truckers use it to clean the carbon off the rings and pistons, for pete's sake, which has always been considered almost impossible, but this uses esters and AN base stocks, along with the already-great Premium Blue additive package to get the job done.
Never mind the 10w30 grade (low shear viscosity ratings), the HTHS is around 3.5, plenty for VW 502/505 specs.
https://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/valvoline-877377/premium-blue-restore-10w30-gallon-p-vvl-877377
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...arbon-cleaning-valvoline-premium-restore
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...xg3506-valvoline-blue-restore-1000-miles

This is just for one oil change interval, after this start using Delvac or Rotella or really anything decent like those.

 

[Rallywagon]

Thanks....I have seen that VPBR. It is painfully expensive, but I may order it. Is there anywhere like truck stops that would stock it?

 

[BillyE]

Or Redline

 

[paoester]

VPBR at https://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/valvoline-877377/premium-blue-restore-10w30-gallon-p-vvl-877377 mail order
Should be there at Cummins Service Centers, scattered around, probably a list on the inter-webs somewhere.
Redline could possibly work. Its not cheap either, and usual mail order too or at speed shops. Not sure if the esters in Redline are super effective at cleaning but is decent. Maybe there is a Redline that is diesel rated that still has esters in it. Many Redline products have no esters in them, just being normal oils riding the Redline brand name for marketing effect.
Avoid "redline Professional Series" that dont have the esters, they are just normal commodity oil.

 

[ZZman]

Amsoil SS or Redline.

 

[Rallywagon]

Does anyone know for sure the detergent chemistry of one brand of oil as different from what is in the M1 0W40 that I have been using? (Other than the VPBR) Thanks.

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted by Rallywagon
Does anyone know for sure the detergent chemistry of one brand of oil as different from what is in the M1 0W40 that I have been using? (Other than the VPBR) Thanks.

Actually the question should be whether it would make any difference.

 

[RDY4WAR]

Most all detergent chemistry, with the same API cert, is going to be the same except for minor differences depending on the base oil and compatibility with other additives. They're all the result of reacting a polar substrate, such as a sulfonate or phenate, with a metal base, such as CaCO3 or MgCO3. A stoichiometric amount of metal to substrate creates a neutral detergent which is more of a surface cleaner. Excess metal to substrate creates an overbased detergent which acts as more of an acid neutralizer. The greater the excess, the higher the TBN based on an equivalent number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide to one gram of detergent. The ratio of detergent (neutral in particular) to ZDDP must also be kept in check to ensure one doesn't overpower the other. It's all about balance.

For cleaning action, you want solvency. VPBR mentioned above is designed with exactly that in mind.

 

[Rallywagon]

Thanks for that explanation and another recommendation for VPBR.

 

[userfriendly]

Yeah.... Delo 400 SAE 30. The $4 a quart solution.