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Oil Change - '93

April 24, 2011, 04:55:21 pm

I have a new "to me" '93 Unihome.  The engine is a Detroit Diesel 6V92.  Had the oil changed and the shop put in Delo 400 15/40W.  In talking with another owner of the same m/h and another retired diesel mechanic, they both tell me I should be using Delo 100 40W.  Other diesel shops tell me what I am using is fine although the manual that came with the m/h says 40W.  Delo 100 is very difficult to find (special order and takes weeks) although Delo 400 is somewhat readily available.  I would certainly like to hear any comments - will Delo 400 damage this engine?  Should I get it out now?  Should I only be using Delo 100?  What's the alternative?  Thanks for any and all replies.

Doug







 

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Re: Oil Change - '93

Reply #1 – April 24, 2011, 05:27:22 pm

I only use Delo 100 SAE 40. If you call your local Chevron fuel distributor, he should be able to get it quickly and reasonably. Don't use Fram filters, use Wix or Baldwin. Here is the link to the guy with millions of miles of knowledge: Tejas Coach Works Technical Data Page
You can see on the site that there are some others to use in a pinch. This is one of the world's greatest diesel engines ever designed but it does have a couple of special requirements. With good care, it will outlast you.

Pierce & Gaylie
'93 U300/36

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Reply #2 – April 24, 2011, 05:27:54 pm

Doug, the shop that put the 15W-40 is either stupid or not keeping up with what they are doing.  Detroit Diesel recommends #40 straight weight oil down to -20F.
Someone should read the manual.
I have to assume Detroit Diesel knows more about their engine than a local yokel shop.

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Reply #3 – April 24, 2011, 05:39:31 pm

I have '93 U300/6v92.
 Wondering your location?
I use De lo 100 straight 40wt. Get it @ O'Rielly's, Advanced Auto and independent oil dealer here in Dallas Ft worth area

When I 1st got it it had De lo 400 15W40. Blew oil everywhere as they ( last owner had the oil changed prior to my purchase ) The shop that did the service overfilled the 6V92 ( thought it was a Cummings , said so on the invoice ) I changed oil after 1st trip to the straight 40wt De lo as per Pierce Stewart advice. Also drained the "slober Tank". Spent 3 hours and a case of Berryman's cleaner cleaning up residue oil.
Now have put over 15000 miles and engine is clean, and used about 1 qt per 1500 miles.
"I think" it is a great, hard pulling power plant

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Reply #4 – April 25, 2011, 10:57:05 am

Doug,
Don't feel bad.  I made the same mistake when I bought mine.  I went to an oil change place and that's all they had.  It started burning oil but when I put staright 40wt back in it stopped.  I do my own oil changes now.  I buy 5 gal pales - 1 per oil change.
You might find this post helpful:
Now the oil change questions

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Reply #5 – April 25, 2011, 11:42:35 pm

Lots of good oil info for the Detroit Diesel 2 Cycle engines at http://tejascoach.com/tejasoil.html.

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Reply #6 – April 26, 2011, 06:13:27 am

PatC,  That is a good page at Tejas, good info, I am surprised it does not show the 8V-92 Detroit engine as requiring the 50 wt oil.
 
This is a widely known issue with the DDA folks as the 8V-92 has a bad habit of spinning the rear main when using the 40 wt.

If you run the power way up as I did on my 8V-92 in the MCI, you need the 50 wt oil. I ran that engine for about 70 k miles with no issues, still nothing like the
12V-71TT as for impressive power. Today the 5.5mpg on flat land would hurt a little.

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Reply #7 – April 27, 2011, 11:43:31 am

Thanks to everyone who replied and set me straight on what oil to use in the V692.  I was able to get O'Reilly Auto Parts to get the Delo 100 40W for me when other parts stores wouldn't or couldn't help.  Now I have another question on what oil filter to use? The shop used a Fram P3613 the last time and they were the ones who used the wrong oil so I'm questioning if this is the right one.  It it OK?  Another online supplier recommended AC Delco PF11.  All comments would be appreciated.

Doug

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Re: Oil Change - '93

Reply #8 – April 27, 2011, 01:18:48 pm

They say Frams are much better than they use to be.  I still will not used them, but am only relying on very ancient history.  I think there are much better filters on the market, one of which is the lowly Wix (aka Napa Gold at a lower price for same product), Fleetguard, Donaldson, Racor, Stanadyne and many more.  Just make sure that you are using a filter that meets the specs that Detriot Diesel called for in that particular engine.

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Reply #9 – April 27, 2011, 02:05:10 pm

For the 6V-92 engine the NAPA 1970, Wix 51970, Fleetguard FL670 will work fine.
I agree with PatC on the Fram, not a warm fuzzy with Fram once you open it up a look.

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Reply #10 – April 27, 2011, 09:25:39 pm

The Turbo Diesel Register just did an evaluation of diesel oil filters.  Fram, Purolator and K&N were at the bottom, and looked like they were all made by the same manufacturer.  Fleetguard, Donaldson and Wix (NAPA) were at the top.

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