Oils Conforming to Chrysler spec MS-9214?

[Hokiefyd]

A search for "MS-9214" revealed only one thread. I'm surprised this question hasn't come up before.

The owner's manual for my 2003 Grand Caravan states that when using E-85 fuel, the vehicle must have a "flex fuel" oil that conforms to Chrysler's MS-9214 spec. No other maker of flex fuel vehicles has this requirement I don't think, and even newer flex fuel Caravans than mine (like the '06 we just got at work) does not list this requirement.

My questions:

1) Is this a valid requirement?
2) I haven't found an oil yet that specifically states that it meets the spec, or even has the words "flex fuel oil" on the bottle. Do you guys know of any that specifically advertise this?
3) Related to question one, is any modern SM oil going to meet or exceed whatever this spec states?

I could find no technical data about this spec on the Internet, so it's hard for a lay person like me to really know what it's all about. I'm sure you experts do know.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[TomJones76]

Googling turned up these lines from what is apparently a 2004 Mopar Vehicle Care and Maintenance catalog:

"FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLE
MOTOR OIL SAE 5W-30
Specially formulated to address
unique requirements of
DaimlerChrysler flexible fuel
engines. Provides lubrication and
the increased resistance to corrosion
needed when using blended
alcohol/gasoline fuels.
1 Quart (32 Oz.) Bottle
MSQ: 12 Bottles
Part No. 04318086
MS-9214
Recommended for use w/E85 Fuel" [1]

So I guess you can get it from Chrysler.. not sure anyone else sells it.
They also have M1 0W40 in there. What Chrysler product nowadays would spec that? Is that for guys with vintage Mopar steel?
Also found forums. One guy claims this oil spec is mandatory for warranty coverage during E85 operation.

[1] http://starparts.chrysler.com/starlibrary/marketing/chemicals/chemicals.pdf <--- Warning, big stinking PDF. Product found on page 18 of PDF.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by TomJones76:
They also have M1 0W40 in there. What Chrysler product nowadays would spec that?

---

The Viper now comes with Mobil 1 0w40 as factory fill. Also, the 6.1 Hemi comes with this grade of M1 as factory fill.

 

[grbr95]

Mopar oil bottled by Mobil? The qt bottle is the same exact shape as the MC5000 bottles...

 

[Hokiefyd]

I would love to know WHO actually makes this oil, especially the flex fuel oil, because I'd rather go straight to the source rather than paying a dealer markup.

 

[Mr. Boston]

My local dealer said Valvoline bottled Mopars oil. However, ask ten different dealers and you'll probably get five different answers.

 

[Pablo]

I'd like to see a VOA on this. And a UOA on a flex fuel vehicle.

Upped TBN? Different base oil that handles EtOH/H20 better?

 

[blupupher]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr. Boston:
My local dealer said Valvoline bottled Mopars oil. However, ask ten different dealers and you'll probably get five different answers.

---

Yup, the dealer I got my van from said Mopar oil is Mobil.

 

[Hirev]

Could be the newer and better API SM easily meets the requirements. While the older API SL still normal in 2003 did not.

 

[1999nick]

I e-mailed the Valvoline website and got a quick reply. They said that, unfortunately, they were not marketing an E85 compatible oil at this time.

 

[TomJones76]

Hmmmm.
Could this be related somehow to the formulation theory for natural gas?
I noticed that Amsoil markets a "Synthetic Natural Gas 20W40" [1].
Oh well. Very interesting topic.

[1] http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ang.aspx

 

[Hokiefyd]

TomJones76, thanks for that link. If I can't find it anywhere else, I'll check with my Dodge dealership. We are getting our first E-85 fueling dispenser here soon, and I would like to run it in my Grand Caravan.