HDEO vs. PCMO... I know, I know...

[Stelth]

This has been a timely and informative thread for me. I was wanting to ask a similar question, but the OP said pretty much what I was wanting to ask. I hadn't understood the significance of sulfated ash, that's interesting.

Although I load up my work trucks a little heavy from time to time, I don't do any towing. After reading all this, I can use the manufacturer-recommended PCMO and sleep well.

 

[Robenstein]

If ya have a flat tappet cam the HDEO is always better than any of the PCMO's that have the reduced ZDDP levels.

There are some like Kendally GT1 20w50, or Valvoline VR1. However with the price of Rotella, SuperTech, Delo 400 or Delvac 1300 on sale at under 10 bucks a gallon, the value of a HDEO is hard to beat for my small block chevys.

 

[FL_Rob]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
If ya have a flat tappet cam the HDEO is always better than any of the PCMO's that have the reduced ZDDP levels.

There are some like Kendally GT1 20w50, or Valvoline VR1. However with the price of Rotella, SuperTech, Delo 400 or Delvac 1300 on sale at under 10 bucks a gallon, the value of a HDEO is hard to beat for my small block chevys.


+1,my small blocks and my 455 pontiac always got the HDEO.It's all about the bearing clearances,and a 350, 400,or 455, ford 460 with 200k plus on the ticker will usually have the greater clearances that would effectively use the 20/50,up to my fav.. 15w50 ,to each his own mind you, though esp.,with custom motors.

 

[jetman]

Amsoil AMO 10-40w is designed for both gas & diesel engines.

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx

 

[BobFout]

Originally Posted By: jetman
Amsoil AMO 10-40w is designed for both gas & diesel engines.

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx


HDEOs in the US are almost always this way, as they'll have a C and an S rating.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: jetman
Amsoil AMO 10-40w is designed for both gas & diesel engines.

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx


It is very hard to find a diesel oil that doesn't have both ratings and isn't designed for "mixed fleet".

Delvac, Rotella, Valvoline....etc. All designed for both gas and diesel apps.

 

[ac_tc]

And then we have the price....

 

[wsar10]

I use HDEO in my 4.0,
I saw an average of 1.5mpg increase and a smoother running engine thats was a little less noisy, plus it is cheaper !
4.0's are notoriously noisy (lifter noise).

I used to use valv. ML and it was ok but the T5 is way better for my engine.
although ML is deff. good oil.

so chalk another one up for HDEO!

 

[gpshumway]

Originally Posted By: dnewton3
I challenge anyone to show me a decent gasser engine (in good mechanical shape) that is somehow miraculously "better" by using HDEO rather than PCMO. Or, better yet, show me a gasser engine that would have been "saved" from peril by using HDEO over PCMO.


There are plenty of gassers which basically require HDEO from the factory. Of course the definition of HDEO is somewhat subjective, but I think any 40wt oil which meets the requirements for on-road diesel engines fits the HDEO category.

Given that HDEO definition, any gasser VW or Audi that requires VWAG 504/507 oil fits the category of gasser which requires HDEO, this includes all of the VWAG direct injected engines. MB cars requiring 229.51, BMW cars requiring LL-04, and any car requiring ACEA A3/B4 also fit this category.

Would an Audi 2.0T be instantly destroyed by a GF-5 Energy Conserving 5w30? Probably not, but I certainly wouldn't run the 10k mile factory OCI interval on it.

As has already been said, the new low SAPS formulations of HDEO for diesel applications have moved in the direction of gasser oils any way, so there are plenty of forced induction and high performance gassers which require the same oil as a modern diesel.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: gpshumway
There are plenty of gassers which basically require HDEO from the factory. Of course the definition of HDEO is somewhat subjective, but I think any 40wt oil which meets the requirements for on-road diesel engines fits the HDEO category.


My old Audi would fit your definition, at least if we switch "require" to "recommend." The 15w-40 grade is recommended for the widest temperature spread in my 1991 200 Turbo, down from -15 C all the way up. I haven't seen any Sx only rated 15w-40 oils.

However, while it doesn't require a resource conserving oil, it certainly does call for SJ or better, so that obviously doesn't include any diesel engine only oils.

That's one of Audi's peculiarities. While North America and Japan were using 5w-30, Audi preferred 15w-40.

 

[4x4chevydude]

THats why the Rotella T 5w40 is a nice choice. Youget the protection of the thicker 40 oil with the cold startup capabilioties of a 5w oil as well. The 15w40 is great if the lowest temp you see is 50 but for us Northerners who see-15 in the winter 15w will cause wear on those cold starts.