TWL: Re: Changing Transmission oil
Garrett,
Regarding transmission oil, Captn Wil recommended I use a synthetic
transmission fluid in my BW Velvet Drive -- - His top choice was TransSynd
Synthetic Transmission Fluid, manufactured by Allison Transmission. The oil
has won a number of awards. It was designed for use in heavy duty
transmissions.
Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF was readily available locally so thought I would try
it instead. The transmission only takes a couple of quarts so it isn't a
large investment. Think the transmission runs and shifts quieter/smoother --
but that may be my imagination.
I also use Mobil 1 synthetic in my genset. Haven't made the switch to
synthetic oil for my American Diesel yet -- probably will after I get a
bypass filter.
Best Wishes,
Al
Pacific Trawler 37 "Pleasant Moment"
Palm Coast, Florida
E-Mail: almiller@n-jcenter.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. Al Miller" almiller@n-jcenter.com
[snip]
I also use Mobil 1 synthetic in my genset.
[snip]
Please note: Mobil's primary recommendation for synthetic motor oil in
diesel service is NOT Mobil 1!!!!!!! While it is probably OK for a lightly
stressed engine it is not by any means the best choice.
Mobil's (aka Exxon/Mobil) primary recommendation is Delvac 1. If you want to
use a synthetic oil in your trawler's diesel engine you are far better
served by using an oil that is specifically designed for your application.
Here are a few examples:
Mobil Delvac 1
Exxon XD3 Elite (blend)
Chevron Delo 400 Synthetic
I assume that Texaco and Shell and perhaps others also have Heavy Duty
synthetic or synthetic blend oils available but my literature isn't up to
date for those brands.
By using one of these products you'll not only have an oil that's better
suited to your situation; as a bonus you'll probably spend less money on it
as well!
The best place to find these products is at a local jobber/distributor for
the brand of your choice. Check the yellow pages under "Oils - Lubricating".
Frugally yours,
Alex
Please note: Mobil's primary recommendation for synthetic motor oil in
diesel service is NOT Mobil 1!!!!!!! While it is probably OK for a lightly
stressed engine it is not by any means the best choice.
Mobil's (aka Exxon/Mobil) primary recommendation is Delvac 1. If you want to
use a synthetic oil in your trawler's diesel engine you are far better
served by using an oil that is specifically designed for your application.
Here are a few examples:
Mobil Delvac 1
Exxon XD3 Elite (blend)
Chevron Delo 400 Synthetic
I put Mobil 1 (15-50) in to my well "broken in" N/L 5.5. The bottle is
marked SJ,SH,CF, the words "diesel: and "BMW,MB,VW" are on the label. Do
"you" think I need to climb back down in the bilge one more time?...jd
Joe DellaFera / Margaret Murray
36' Prairie DC "Prairie Star"
Pompano Beach, Fl.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe DellaFera" samakijoe@attbi.com
[snip]
I put Mobil 1 (15-50) in to my well "broken in" N/L 5.5.
[snip]
Do "you" think I need to climb back down in the bilge one more time?...
[snip]
Hi Joe,
Heaven forfend!
As I said in my earlier post, Mobil 1 shouldn't do you any harm. It's just
that Mobil makes a product that is superior to it for your application and
should cost less as well. That product is Delvac 1.
The purpose of my post was not to say that using Mobil 1 is "wrong" rather,
it was to explain that Mobil 1 is not optimal for diesel engines.
If you are sincere in asking for my recommendation here it is:
Assuming that API CF meets Northern Lights' requirements then you should
leave it alone until you're due for an oil change. At that time you should
switch to Delvac 1 or equivalent.
If you are assuming that you can extend your drain interval because you're
using Mobil 1 you should be very cautious. Mobil 1 is intended for use in
cars and light trucks which means that it will, presumably, be used with low
sulfur fuel in those cases where it will be used in diesel engines. For that
reason there is no reason for the product to have a particularly high TBN
which is desirable for diesel engines operating on high sulfur fuel. As a
matter of fact, in my Mobil product manual they don't list the TBN for Mobil
1 (TBN for Delvac 1 is 11.0 which is comparable to their best mineral based
oils). I don't know about Florida specifically but in most states marine
diesel is high sulfur.
Acidifiably yours,
Alex