Originally Posted By: Camprunner
It seems that we are starting to see lighter weight Diesel oils now 10w30's and 5w30's and new diesel regulations on emitions resulting in lower zink and phosphorus oils for diesels it seems to me that gas and diesel oils are getting closer in specifications then ever would this be correct? And do you think in several years there will be little difference between the two oils to a point that they will be the same?
No, they arent really getting closer then ever, they have always been close.
Diesel C rated oils have always been in the same weight range as Gasoline rated S oils until the EPA started mandating higher MPGs in automobiles 2 decades ago which started pushing the gasoline engine oil weights lower. Now with better technology the C rated USA oils seem to be catching up in the lighter weights again as I assume truckers start to accept them as a way to save fuel with little engine wear increase.
Now, yes they are pushing lower zinc levels to benefit pollution control systems on these vehicles.
Many people do not know, so called "Diesel oil" in the USA is also rated as a "Gasoline oil".
Most Diesel rated API CJ4 oils carry the Gasoline API SM symbol as well and its always been that way, carrying the qualifying API gasoline S.
Its just the consumer who thought otherwise, that Diesel oil is for Diesel engines only, when quite clearly the API donut on the back shows otherwise.
Europe is much the same, I actually like their system better, way more complicated but not really.
They have dual purpose oils such as A3/B4 which is good for just about any gasoline or diesel automotive engine. But unlike the USA they also have the true commercial oils that carry no gasoline certifications as "E" oils, typically E7,E8,E9 etc its these E oils that are close to the USA "C" ratings. CJ4, CH4, CI4, etc.
Granted, oil formulations are becoming ever more complicated, thanks to who we elect to serve us in office, like an government agency, we allow them to run business the way they run government and everything gets screwed up *L*