HDEO's and catalytic converters?

[Digital2k2]

I'm tempted to use 15w40 in a few gas engines that I maintain for the better cleaning and all.

here's the question; will this oil harm cats? I've read on a few posts where it was mentioned that hdeo's mess up catalytic converters, which I'd understand since diesel's don't have them.

wasn't sure where to post this, thanks for any info on this

 

[Shannow]

A lot of diesels have catalysts and thermal reactors these days.

If the oil says that it's SL or thereabouts, it should be fairly reactor safe, as these oils don't burn off as much as the lighter weights.

 

[1sttruck]

The Cummins in my truck is an 'evil CA' engine with a catalytic converter, so I'm assuming that the maker wouldn't put such a device in if it was rendered useless in short order. I also use a synthetic blend of Mobil 1 Truck and SUV with 'regular' Mobil 10w30 in both Taurus sedans, had to have an emmisions check yesterday on one, and it tested just fine.

 

[Pablo]

If your car is new and under warranty, use what the manual says.

If the climate is appropriate after that point, most API S_ 15w40's are great in passenger cars. I love the synthetic 15w40's in street cars. If I weren't and Amsoil wiener, I'd be using RL, RP, etc.

Right now I'm running a 50/50 mix of Amsoil and Pennzoil 15w40. Next I'll do the 50/50 thing with Amsoil and Delo 400. Sweet. Low cost, great blend.....well no data yet so don't try this in your garage!

 

[Digital2k2]

alright sounds like it won't hurt anything.

I wonder if it would harm the cats more so than regular oil in an oil burner? (92 crown vic with bad valve seals) I want to run it in there when spring comes around.
since it puffs it out the tail pipe and has 4 cats, if this stuff is more likely to hurt em I wouldn't want to do it.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Digital, If you're not consuming oil, HDEO's won't kill your cat.

 

[Digital2k2]

so basically if you're burning oil, it will harm your cats more than normal oil?

 

[Digital2k2]

thought more ppl would have something to say regarding this subject...

 

[Gary Allan]

Well ..okay

My 92 was a MASSIVE fogger. Plenty of any type of oil you please ..plenty of HDEO for long enough to poison a cat if it was going to. I've never failed to pass IM inspection.

There must be too many cars lasting far too long for the greenies liking ..or some other factor is involved ...cuz it sure ain't apparent by my results at stress/failure testing.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Gary raises a very sound point, even when you burn oil, how long does it really take to kill your cat? (insert joke here)

Lots of old Saturns consume lots of oil. Many have used HDEO's in these situations and not one has reported "having to replace the cat converter due to far too much ZDDP being burnt". More than likely, by the time the oil burner hits 200K, it's sent to the junkyard. End of story.

I wouldn't even worry about it, really. I think sometimes too much knowledge isn't a good thing and we worry about things too much here. Sometimes ignorance truly is bliss. LOL Don't sweat it, use the HDEO and enjoy using one of the best available oils on the market.

 

[keith]

My Cadillac STS with Northstar burns 1 quart per 1000 miles. Total mileage is near 70K and no problems passing emission tests. I've tried quite a few oils to try and reduce the oil consumption - it makes little difference. These engines have a coarse hone of the cyclinder walls and burn oil no matter what. The trade off is they can run WOT all day long