Non HDEO 15w-40

[Adamwest]

For my 1988 Volvo 240, the manual calls for 15w-40 if the car will be subjected to use that is very hard on the car such as towing or when in extreme heat. I was also looking at a Dodge Dakota manual from 1989 and it said that 10w-40 was not recommended for that engine. Additionally, I have heard that other makers such as GM have said not to use that weight.

My question is, if I don't want to use HDEO, should I just attempt to get close to a 15w-40 by blending equally 10w-30 and 20w-50? Or is the 10w-40 thing pretty much a problem that no longer applies with today's oil? Are there automotive grades of 15w-40? So many questions...

 

[Boomer]

I think the 10W-40 thing was caused by high levels of degrable VI additive. Trying back then to go 30 wt points gave an oil that caused a lot of engine deposits. I think with today's oils, this may be a fairly moot point.

 

[simple_gifts]

Why avoid an HDEO; the ones I've used are gas rated also.

 

[FrankN4]

If you don't want to use synthetic, Valvoline Durablend 15W-40 is a good choice as it has the FM package that most HDEO's don't and is primarily for gas engines, SM, ILSAC GF-4.

 

[crinkles]

not sure if a 15w-40 would be able to be ILSAC GF4 but I could be wrong

 

[Adamwest]

The only thing with HDEO is that it really limits one's options. I was thinking about wanting to try Maxlife.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Adamwest
The only thing with HDEO is that it really limits one's options. I was thinking about wanting to try Maxlife.


Why?

M1 TDT is readily available at Walmart. And it's better than Maxlife.

 

[Quest]

Originally Posted By: Adamwest
For my 1988 Volvo 240, the manual calls for 15w-40 if the car will be subjected to use that is very hard on the car such as towing or when in extreme heat. I was also looking at a Dodge Dakota manual from 1989 and it said that 10w-40 was not recommended for that engine. Additionally, I have heard that other makers such as GM have said not to use that weight.

My question is, if I don't want to use HDEO, should I just attempt to get close to a 15w-40 by blending equally 10w-30 and 20w-50? Or is the 10w-40 thing pretty much a problem that no longer applies with today's oil? Are there automotive grades of 15w-40? So many questions...





motor oil specifications have made great improvements over the past 2 decades, so much so that what factory recommended 2-decades ago may not be what you shall rigidly abide by (or preach like a bible).

Instead, take it as a good starting point and research what's currently available under current standards that will meet your car's needs. Afterall: a Volvo 240 4-banger isn't that hard on oil to begin with so you may consider some other viable options such as 10 (or5)W30 HM oil with slightly higher viscosity or similar.

Q.

 

[FrankN4]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
not sure if a 15w-40 would be able to be ILSAC GF4 but I could be wrong


The way it was worded, it meets the engine protection and cat converter protection of GF-4 but not the fuel economy standards.

 

[TallPaul]

Yep, Valvoline Durablend comes in 15w40. I don't see any problem mixing 50/50 10w30 and 20w50, and then you could use Maxlife. But with your hard use I would want the extra zddp of a HDMO or could get Valvoline VR1 (mix 10w30 w 20w50 again).

 

[Shannow]

There's all sorts of non HDEO 15W-40s down here.

Valvoline engine armour, durablend, Mobil have some.

 

[Norm Olt]

Tall Paul: as a certified Valvoline nut, please opine on my thread (on this board) about "Finding" a case of MaxLife 20W-50 and mixing it 50/50 with Synpower.

Please?

Thanks!

 

[addyguy]

Modern 10w-40 are NOT the 10W-40's of the past.

10W-40 Maxlife would be agreat oil to use....

 

[FrankN4]

I have an acquaintance that runs his car and all his power equipment on a mix of 3 quarts MaxLife 10W-40 and 2 quarts of Synpower 10W-30. He had me check it out on the Rohmax calculator. Looks really good on the Rhomax and the other specks.

40C cSt........86.97
100C cSt.......13.37
VI...............156
HTHS............3.34 (probably a litle better)
ZINC.............838
PHOS.............760
MOLY.............180
SA..............0.84
NOACK........... TBN..............8.0

I would 'GUESS" your 50/50 mix would have a 100C OF ABOUT 14.5, a 40C of about1 106, VI around 141, HTHS of about 3.7, moly of 150, NOACK of around <14 and everything else close to the same.

 

[Adamwest]

Thanks for the input. It's not that I want to mix or come up with my own Frankenblend out of curiosity or rebellion, it is really more of an issue with staying within the manufacture's guidelines. I also had been wondering if the 10w-40 avoidance advice still held, and it looks like that might be a thing of the past.

 

[ac_tc]

The "red" volvos runs great on hdeo or almost any oil
for that fact...That engines dates back to the B-18 designed in the late 50´s or so. The only real development was made in early 70´s when it became an ohc engine othervis its basically an B-18.Its lika a small block chevy or a slant six. They do however last longer if they are given good care...