Using European Oils in NonEuropean Cars?

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Gebo
What is the reason I should not use European oils in my cars? Are there some?

There's no reason whatsoever unless you're really married to using the exact viscosity specified (i.e. if it's calling for a 5w-20, or, more likely with that vintage, a 5w-30 ILSAC). Even then, it's iffy. If it's just calling for an SJ or SL or newer 5w-30 (no ILSAC), what's wrong with a 5w-30 SL A3/B4? That meets the specification. Of course, I'm obviously not concerned in the least, using Delvac 1 ESP 5w-40 in the G37.

 

[1JZ_E46]

All things held equal, an A3/B4 “euro oil” with the “big 4” manufacturer approvals will protect better than an ILSAC oil. Stronger film strength, more anti-wear additives, and far more stringent wear, sludge, and deposit specs. The downside is a minuscule amount of fuel economy given up.

 

[zeng]

Originally Posted By: 1JZ_E46
All things held equal, an A3/B4 “euro oil” with the “big 4” manufacturer approvals will protect better than an ILSAC oil. Stronger film strength, more anti-wear additives, and far more stringent wear, sludge, and deposit specs. The downside is a minuscule amount of fuel economy given up.

+1
and ....... higher TBN translating to longer duration OCI ......
or at similar OCI with healthier/cleaner condition drained oils, not that it matters.

 

[Gebo]

If I could use a A3/B4-12; SL/CF or a C3-12; SN/CF for my cars which are all SJ or SL, which would you choose among those choices?

 

[KevinP]

You can always use the Euro spec oil, good for 20,000 miles, and then change it every 3000 miles. That qualifies you for the BITOG OCD club.

 

[Gebo]

I'd go 5k.

 

[SR5]

Originally Posted By: Gebo
If I could use a A3/B4-12; SL/CF or a C3-12; SN/CF for my cars which are all SJ or SL, which would you choose among those choices?

Well it depends on the OCI, that higher SAPS A3/B4 can handle a longer distance. But if you are burning oil then the C3 will be more gentle on the exhaust cat.

Originally Posted By: Gebo
I'd go 5k.

OK both should easily do that.

I would buy on price or on extra OEM specs. For example to get MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 it needs to have its Noack volatility below 10 %. Recall SN is 15 % while A3/B4 & C3 & Dexos are all 13%..

I would normally go the high SAPS A3/B4 but if the C3 has VW 504 / 507 (a very hard to get OEM spec) while the A3/B4 was plain-Jane, then I would probably go the other way.

 

[Ammofirst]

Actually from 1939 to 1945 Japanese cars were spec’d for Either Italian or German oil. Axis 20w-40

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Gebo
If I could use a A3/B4-12; SL/CF or a C3-12; SN/CF for my cars which are all SJ or SL, which would you choose among those choices?

I'd go for the A3/B4 type lubricant, given they can usually be had in larger containers (and on special), versus the C3. For longer OCIs, as was already mentioned, the A3/B4 would be preferred, too.