Hi, I'm new to Mercedes and to diesels as well. I just bought a 1982 300SD that I'm very happy with, it runs great.

I was wondering, what type of oil is recommended?

 

Well... you might find about 150 right answers and about triple that wrong.
Switching to synthetic at this age might not be economical.
Rotella oil, (Wallmart) is having high recommendations.

 

Below is a link to Mercedes Approved oils.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

You will get different opinions and numerous testimonials, But if I were you, I would stick to one of the oils that is on this list. Read the list carefully, and select the category of oils that is appropriate for your engine model. Also make sure that you chose the viscosity appropriate for your ambient temperature.

If I remember correctly, Mobil-1 0W-40, and Mobil-1 15W-50 were approved for all Mercedes Diesel engines of your era, however Mobil-1 15W-50 is now discontinued. Its replacement, Mobil-1 15-50 "Extended Performance" is not approved.

Phil

 

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Kajtek1: Someone mentioned the Shell Rotella Oil to me the other day. Do you know what weight/viscosity is recommended?

Pberku: thanks for the link. It looks like the Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel 0W-40 may be a good choice from that list.

 

For California I've been using 10-40 viscosity. The general tendency is, that modern oils provide better protection, than those made in 1983. That means that you can go with lower viscosity, than the manual recommends, or be on safe side and stay with the manual recommendations.

 

I just spoke to a mechanic whose wife has the same car I do (1983 though, mine is '82). He said a good 30 weight will work. I'm gonna have him look it over probably tomorrow. I noticed the car is also leaking a bit of oil (nothing major, just a few drops) and he said this is normal for diesels. He said he would look at it and if it was no big deal he'd leave it alone, otherwise he'd give me an estimate to fix the leak.

 

Btw, I'm in South Texas (San Antonio to be specific).

 

Don't you have cold weather in San Antonio in winter?
If you use single grade, you'll have to change it before winter.
Good luck on fixing oil leaks. I fixed about 6 on mine and finally sold it without finding small leak somewhere under the turbo.

 

I use Shell Rotella T 15w 40 in all my diesels and it works great for me. I've used it in DT 466 & 9.0L IH engines, 8.2L & 8V71 Detroit engines, Ford tractors and John Deere backhoes and in my Mercedes Cars.

Where I live is a mix of Cold and blistering hot and I use the same grade year around.

As far as oil leaks ----- forget it. Diesel engines tend to leak and turbo versions seem to leak even worse. Unless its a pretty good puddle then I wopuldn't worry about it. It's normal to find a few drops on the driveway.

Have fun,

Tony T

 

Sounds, like you are ignoring lot of recommendations tonkyman?
2-cycle diesels require low-ash oil, that Rotella is NOT.
Driving single weight oil, with drastic temperatures changes screws your engine somewhere as well.
Maybe you are not worry if your 240 will reach 800k miles without overhaul now, but what about in 20 years? [&:]
Diesels start leaking oil, when you let "professional" mechanics fool with them.
My famous for leaks 8V71 is bone dry.