Oil Spec for KAD43

DavidJ

DavidJ

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Hi
I read in my KAD43 manual that the oil spec is VDS or CD 15W/40
I can buy reasonably priced Diesel Oil 10W/40 with the following jargon:
API SL/CF
ACEA A3-02, B4-02, B3-98
VW/Audi 505.00
Daimler Benz 229.1
I haven't got a clue what it all means and I can't find any cross referencing.
I guess the bottom line is, can I use my resonably priced oil?
 
10>40 gives cover @ lower ambient temps than 15>40
the CD Spec is now superceeded therefore not generally available
Asdas Oil is ok & inexpensive @ around £8 for 5Lts

Bedtime Reading




GUIDE TO SAE VISCOSITY GRADES OF MOTOR OIL FOR PASSENGER CARS
API’s Service Symbol and Certification Mark identify quality engine oils for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. Oils
displaying these marks meet performance requirements set by U.S. and international vehicle and engine manufacturers
and the lubricant industry. More than 500 companies worldwide participate in this voluntary program, which is backed
by a marketplace sampling and testing program.
1. Starburst: An oil displaying this mark meets the current engine protection
standard and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC), a joint effort of U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers. Most automobile manufacturers recommend oils that carry the API
Certification Mark.
2. Performance Level:
Gasoline engine oil categories (for cars, vans, and light trucks with gasoline engines):
Oils designed for gasoline-engine service fall under API’s “S” (Service) categories.
See reverse for descriptions of current and obsolete API service categories.
Diesel engine oil categories (for heavy-duty trucks and vehicles with diesel engines):
Oils designed for diesel-engine service fall under API’s “C” (Commercial) categories.
See reverse for descriptions of current and obsolete API service categories.
3. Viscosity Grade: The measure of an oil’s thickness and ability to flow at certain
temperatures. Vehicle requirements may vary. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations on SAE oil viscosity grade.
4. Energy Conserving: The “Energy Conserving” designation applies to oils
intended for gasoline-engine cars, vans, and light trucks. Widespread use of “Energy
Conserving” oils may result in an overall savings of fuel in the vehicle fleet as a whole.
5. CI-4 PLUS: Used in conjunction with API CI-4, the “CI-4 PLUS” designation identifies
oils formulated to provide a higher level of protection against soot-related
viscosity increase and viscosity loss due to shear in diesel engines. Like Energy
Conserving, CI-4 PLUS appears in the lower portion of the API Service Symbol “Donut.”
GUIDELINES TO HELP
YOU GET MORE FROM
YOUR MOTOR OIL
Refer to your owner’s manual for
type of oil to use.
Follow manufacturer’s oil change
recommendations.
Use only the recommended API
category: “S” for gasoline engines;
“C” for diesel engines.
Select the proper SAE oil
viscosity grade.
If you find it necessary to mix
brands of oil, use the same
viscosity grade and API service
category to maintain performance.
Properly dispose of used oil.
Learn more about recycling
used oil on the web at
www.recycleoil.org. Go to
www.earth911.org for used
oil collection center locations.
Look for the API Quality Marks
every time you buy motor oil.
Ask for API-licensed oil
whenever you have your
oil changed.
3
2
4
For more information about API’s Engine Oil Program, visit our website at www.api.org/eolcs.
Copyright 2004 - American Petroleum Institute. All rights reserved. API, the API logo, the API Service Symbol (Donut), the API Service Symbol with CI-4 PLUS logo and the API
Certification Mark (Starburst) are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the American Petroleum Institute in the United States and/or other countries. Printed in U.S.A.
API Creative Services | 24137 | 09.04 | Product No. F1551MO
If lowest expected outdoor temperature is Typical SAE Viscosity Grades for Passenger Cars
0°C (32°F)
–18°C (0°F)
Below –18°C (0°F)
5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50
5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40
5W-20, 5W-30
1 5
MOTOR OIL GUIDE AMERICAN
PETROLEUM
INSTITUTE
API® Service Symbol
“Donut”
API® Service Symbol “Donut”
with CI-4 PLUS
API® Certification Mark
“Starburst”
® ® ®
Multigrade oils such as SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30 are widely used because, under all but extremely hot or
cold conditions, they are thin enough to flow at low temperatures and thick enough to perform satisfactorily
at high temperatures. Note that vehicle requirements may vary. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations on SAE oil viscosity grade.
Which oil is right for you?
The current and previous API Service Categories are listed below.
Vehicle owners should refer to their owner’s manuals before
consulting these charts. Oils may have more than one performance
level.
For automotive gasoline engines, the latest engine oil service
category includes the performance properties of each earlier
category. If an automotive owner’s manual calls for an API SJ
or SL oil, an API SM oil will provide full protection. For diesel
engines, the latest category usually – but not always – includes
the performance properties of an earlier category.
Note: API intentionally omitted “SI” and “SK” from the sequence of
categories. For more information about API’s Engine Oil Program, visit
our website at www.api.org/eolcs.
Copyright 2004 - American Petroleum Institute. All rights reserved.
API, the API logo, the API Service Symbol (Donut), the API Service
Symbol with CI-4 PLUS logo and the API Certification Mark (Starburst)
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the American
Petroleum Institute in the United States and/or other countries.
Printed in U.S.A. Creative Services | 24137 | 09.04 | Product No. F1551MO
For all automotive engines currently
in use. Introduced November 30, 2004,
SM oils are designed to provide improved
oxidation resistance, improved deposit
protection, better wear protection, and
better low-temperature performance over
the life of the oil. Some SM oils may also
meet the latest ILSAC specification
and/or qualify as Energy Conserving.
For 2004 and older automotive engines.
For 2001 and older automotive engines.
For 1996 and older engines. Valid when
preceded by current C categories.
For 1993 and older engines.
For 1988 and older engines.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in
gasoline-powered automotive engines
built after 1979.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in
gasoline-powered automotive engines
built after 1971. Use in more modern
engines may cause unsatisfactory
performance or equipment harm.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in
gasoline-powered automotive engines
built after 1967. Use in more modern
engines may cause unsatisfactory
performance or equipment harm.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in
gasoline-powered automotive engines
built after 1963. Use in more modern
engines may cause unsatisfactory
performance or equipment harm.
CAUTION—Contains no additives. Not
suitable for use in gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1930.
Use in modern engines may cause
unsatisfactory engine performance
or equipment harm.
Gasoline Engines
Category Status Service
SJ Current
Current
SH Obsolete
SG Obsolete
SF Obsolete
SE Obsolete
SD Obsolete
SC Obsolete
SB Obsolete
SA Obsolete
SM
SL
Current
Diesel Engines
Category Status Service
CI-4 Current
CG-4
CF-4
CF-2
Obsolete
CF
Obsolete
CE Obsolete
CD-II Obsolete
CD
CC Obsolete
Obsolete
Current
Current
Current
Current
CB
CA
Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke
engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust
emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4
oils are formulated to sustain engine durability
where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used
and are intended for use with diesel fuels
ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight.
Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4,
and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils may also qualify
for the CI-4 PLUS designation.
Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke
engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust
emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically
compounded for use with diesel fuels ranging
in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be
used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils.
Introduced in 1995. For severe duty, high-speed,
four-stroke engines using fuel with less than
0.5% weight sulfur. CG-4 oils are required for
engines meeting 1994 emission standards.
Can be used in place of CD, CE, and CF-4 oils.
Introduced in 1990. For high-speed, four-stroke,
naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
Can be used in place of CD and CE oils.
Introduced in 1994. For severe duty, two-strokecycle
engines. Can be used in place of CD-II
oils.
Introduced in 1994. For off-road, indirectinjected
and other diesel engines including
those using fuel with over 0.5% weight sulfur.
Can be used in place of CD oils.
Introduced in 1985. For high-speed, four-stroke,
naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
Can be used in place of CC and CD oils.
Introduced in 1985. For two-stroke cycle
engines.
Introduced in 1955. For certain naturally
aspirated and turbocharged engines.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in diesel-powered
engines built after 1990.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in diesel-powered
engines built after 1961.
CAUTION—Not suitable for use in diesel-powered
engines built after 1959.
MOTOR OIL GUIDE AMERICAN
PETROLEUM
INSTITUTE
CH-4 Current

Bed Time Reading
 
Last edited:
David,

The answer is real simple you know the Volvo spec 15W40 ACEA E5 Volvo VDS, there is no read across to a 10W40 ACEA A3 not meeting Volvo VDS.

15W40 oils to ACEA E5 and the majority of OEM standards is available from ALL lubricant manufacturers including Chevron for around £40 plus VAT for a 20 Litre tub.
 
The only thing you won't find is third party VDS rated oil, as that's Volvo's own standard. As long as you're using 15W40 mineral oil that meets or exceeds E5 spec, you're OK. Actually, the letters to look for are probably the API ones: API CD - the C means compression ignition, hence a diesel engine and the higher the following letter the better. API CD 15W40 mineral oil is actually pretty poor stuff. Your SL/CF grade (S for spark ignition, so that one's suitable for petrol or diesel) is better than the Volvo spec stuff, though they will claim the VDS thing is about how long it lasts in a boat engine not being used...
 
DavidJ said:
Latestarter1 said:
there is no read across to a 10W40 ACEA A3 not meeting Volvo VDS.

Thanks for your reply latestarter, and everyone else. I'm not sure from the above if your saying that I can possibly use it or not? Sorry but can you clarify.
Click to expand...

In simple terms, yes, it's fine. It's a higher spec oil with a better cold viscosity. Just make sure it's mineral oil or semi-synthetic, not fully synthetic. They're KAD43's so long out of warranty so no issue with anyone rejecting a claim because it wasn't 'Volvo or Volvo spec' oil.

I run ours on Comma diesel oil from the local motor factors. It comes in 25 litre drums and is reasonably priced, meets all the specs etc etc...
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Oil spec

Volvo post an oil spec following extensive field trials.

Do not interpret another spec as just "will do engine is out of warranty", or it it is higher quality so it will do. Just use the correct spec that manufacturer recommends, can it be that complicated.

Saying this is higher quality that that oil so will work is not what tribology is all about.

Any decent source of 15W40 ACEA E5 oil will include relavant VDS standard and other OEM tests for that matter it is not a 3rd party thing.

Also we need to stop buggering about with API stuff we are in Europe, it is ACEA, in this case E5.

I know of a gen-set manufacturer who supprted gen-sets with Cummins and Mercedes power, however worked on the logic that the Mercedes spec oil was three times the price of the then current Cummins spec oil. Therefore the logic was if he was to use the more expensive oil percieved as better quality oil he would be OK and only stock one oil grade. Wrong! The so called higher quality oil could not cope with higher ring temperatures not seen in Mercedes diesels.

The EC Block Exemption Directive 1400/2002 means that oils to certain manufacturers standards MUST be freely available from any outside supplier. For example Volvo truck dealership XYZ supplies a new truck, dealer does first service with say Mobil to correct grade oil including VDS spec. Owner or perhaps contract maintainence contractor does next service with say Total oil to correct grade and spec which includes VDS standard. The law provides for free access to manufactures specification in order that whoever provides service can access the correct specification consumeables (Not make) in order to maintain continuity of maintainence record for warranty purposes.

Just take the trouble to use exactly what the manufacturer specifies from a decent suppier and use it. If it is £10 more for a 20 litre tub for the correct spec from your local agricultural merchant than the wrong stuff from Costco I suggest that perhaps this is taking buget boating too far.
 
Thanks Latestarter for bringing me to my senses. £10 for peace of mind is really small fry in the scheme of boating. (I'm just about to pay a €4500 marina fee!!) Thanks Wiggo and I know you are also correct but in the end this is a ten quid emotional decision.
 
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