Calling all oil geeks - mixing oils

[webcraft]

.
The Beta takes just over 2.5 litres, meanining there is never enough for 2 oil changes and always far too much for one. I've just checked what;s on board, and am planning to use the 2.4 litres of CAT 15W-40 and top it up with about half a litre one of the other 15W-40s I've got remainders of lying in the locker.

Here's the specs:

CAT DEO 3E-9901

CAT ECF-1/API C1-4/SL
ACEA E5/B4/B3/A2
MB 228.3/MAN 3275
VDS - 3/RV1 RLD

--------------------------

CARLUBE 15W-40 MINERAL

API 5L/CF ACEA
A3 B3 B4

--------------------------

TESCOS SUPERGRADE 15/W40

API CF4
ACEA A3/B3/B4
(+ all major manufacturers)

--------------------------

I reckon all three should be eminently mixable, but thought I would just run it by the panel.

- W

 

[lw395]

What does the manual say?
Provided CF is OK, these seem fine to me.
C= compression i.e. Diesel. S series is spark ignition specs, i.e. petrol engines.
each letter after that generally meets the specs of lower ones, and betters it, for instance CD meets all the requirements of CC and more.
Search Viv Cox's posts for more detail.

I'm in the devil-worshipping semi-synthetic oil camp myself so you should probably disregard my opinion anyway. If you want a bit of light relief from MMGW arguments, search the US BMW motorcyclists forum opinions on oil.

 

[vyv_cox]

In theory all should be mixable. I don't know what Beta recommend but the CAT oil has a higher spec than I would use in my Yanmar. The other two are OK but, as ever, check the manual.

I don't think of myself as a geek, but I know a bit about oil.

 

[jdc]

confusing spec

...I don't know what Beta recommend but the CAT oil has a higher spec than I would use in my Yanmar...

Actually Beta are not at all clear, wich may be one reason why there's a lot of confusion. What exactly does this mean?

It's from the Beta 50HP manual. Clearly it's ok to use CF, but what do you suppose they mean by CF (CC, or CE)? "CC or CE would do just as well, but are now obsolete so you should take CF since this is the best equivalent still current" is my guess, and is consistent with what I think you have always said.

Just to confuse it (well, me anyway further, if you search on Castrol's web site for their recommendation for the Kubota engine it's Castrol Agri MP Plus, which is CF-4 not CF. http://datasheets.bp.com/bpglis/Fus...F8744802577ED00480906/$file/BPXE-85KMM4_0.pdf. However that appears entirely consistent with the note about car diesel oils, which will almost certainly be CF-4 rather than CF.

They do seem unequivocal about synthetics 'tho - not to use them.

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes, I would interpret that as you do. There is quite a lot of CC about, many narrow boats seem to use it and Morris Oils supply it. Strange that CD is not mentioned although it has been available until quite recently and still is in Europe. I have not seen CE for some years, but have not been looking for it.

I'm also not too clear about the difference between CF and CF-4 but most oils in Halfords and car shops seems to be the latter.