Keeping Your Turbo Cool
The oil in your turbo diesel has enough work to do and when you add the job of cooling the turbo too things can get hot in a hurry. This is why it's critical to choose the proper diesel oil that can do the job. In general motor oil quality has gone up the past 10 years, but there are still a few indicators that could point you to the better oils on the market.
When comparing oils it's really not a matter of comparing petroleum vs. synthetic anymore because since synthetics have grabbed the attention of most people it really isn't worth looking at petroleum oils anymore. Petroleum oils simply can't handle the demands of today's engines especially diesels with their hot running turbo's.
Most mechanics don't really know a lot about how and why certain oils outperform others. Sometimes asking a mechanic isn't where you should be seeking advice. Not that some don't understand the basics, but because most simply haven't taken the time to learn about oils in general.
The first thing you should ask about your oil is what are the basestocks made from. There are five primary basestocks; the first four relate to petroleum oils and the fifth is considered a pure synthetic.
If you are running a Group II or Group III basestocks you're running petroleum oil even though in some cases the label might say it's a synthetic oil. This is why it's critical to ask what the basestock is made of. Pay no attention to what the label says, if it's a group IV you will certainly see a difference in the performance the very first time you use it.
Although high quality synthetics cost a bit more than petroleum oils they do have distinct advantages like: Longer Drain Intervals, Cooler Running Turbo's and extended engine life. When it comes down to money why would anyone consider price when shopping for what is probably the most important link to keeping your vehicle in the best possible condition.
There are a limited number of Group IV PAO based synthetics on the market, so careful research is critical when selecting your lubricants. One such lubricant is Amsoil and their foothold in the industry, especially the diesel market, is becoming common place. There are others out there that are close, but can't quite deliver everything Amsoil does.
Remember, your looking for a group IV base oil as your basestock if it's not then you can expect lackluster performance from your diesel equipment. Keep your turbo running cooler with a high quality synthetic oil and good luck.
When comparing oils it's really not a matter of comparing petroleum vs. synthetic anymore because since synthetics have grabbed the attention of most people it really isn't worth looking at petroleum oils anymore. Petroleum oils simply can't handle the demands of today's engines especially diesels with their hot running turbo's.
Most mechanics don't really know a lot about how and why certain oils outperform others. Sometimes asking a mechanic isn't where you should be seeking advice. Not that some don't understand the basics, but because most simply haven't taken the time to learn about oils in general.
The first thing you should ask about your oil is what are the basestocks made from. There are five primary basestocks; the first four relate to petroleum oils and the fifth is considered a pure synthetic.
If you are running a Group II or Group III basestocks you're running petroleum oil even though in some cases the label might say it's a synthetic oil. This is why it's critical to ask what the basestock is made of. Pay no attention to what the label says, if it's a group IV you will certainly see a difference in the performance the very first time you use it.
Although high quality synthetics cost a bit more than petroleum oils they do have distinct advantages like: Longer Drain Intervals, Cooler Running Turbo's and extended engine life. When it comes down to money why would anyone consider price when shopping for what is probably the most important link to keeping your vehicle in the best possible condition.
There are a limited number of Group IV PAO based synthetics on the market, so careful research is critical when selecting your lubricants. One such lubricant is Amsoil and their foothold in the industry, especially the diesel market, is becoming common place. There are others out there that are close, but can't quite deliver everything Amsoil does.
Remember, your looking for a group IV base oil as your basestock if it's not then you can expect lackluster performance from your diesel equipment. Keep your turbo running cooler with a high quality synthetic oil and good luck.
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