Fuel, Oil and Coolant Specifications
SYNTHETIC OILS
ZINC CONTENT
The zinc content. as zinc diorganodithiophosphate, of
The performance of single grade (e.g.. SAE 40 or 30)
all the lubricants recommended or selected as alter-
synthetic oils is comparable to the performance of
nates for use in Detroit Diesel engines shall he a
single grade mineral base oils. However, where low
minimum of 0.07 percent by weight. However, where
viscosity lubricants are required for cold starting.
EMD or RR oils are used in marine service applica-
synthetic multigrade oils have shown significantly
tions. the minimum zinc content is not required.
improved performance over mineral base multigrade
oils. Multigrade synthetic oils are not as satisfactory
ALTERNATE LUBRICANT SELECTIONS
as single grade mineral or synthetic SAE 40 or 30 oils
where the latter can be used.
If a lubricant meets MIL-L-2104B or MIL-L-2104C oil
performance requirements and the sulfated ash and
zinc limits shown elsewhere in this specification, it
qualifies for use in Detroit Diesel engines. The bare
stock may be either mineral or synthetic. It is the
performance level (i.e.. MIL-L-2104B) and properties
***Some lube suppliers have superseded the obsolete
(i.e.. ash and zinc contents) that are significant. Refer
MIL-L-2104B oils with either MIL-L-2104C. MIL-L-
t o MIL-L-46167 Arctic Lube Oil Section of this
46152, or Universal lubricants. Generally, all of the
specification.
above oil performance levels contain a higher
sulfated ash content than the older MIL-L-2104B/
1964MS lubricants. Ring belt and exhaust valve
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
deposits are u s u a l l y g r e a t e r w h e n h i g h e r a s h
Cold weather starting will be facilitated when immer-
lubricants are used. Excessive deposit formation in
sion type electrical coolant heaters can be used. Other
these areas may result in stuck rings and/or guttered
practical considerations, such as the use of batteries.
valves.
cables and connectors of adequate size. generators or
alternators of ample capacity, proper selling of vol-
MIL-L-2104C. MIL-L-46152, or Universal lubricants
tage regulators. ether starting aid\. oil and coolant
may he used if they meet the sulfated ash and zinc
heater systems, and proper fuel selection will accom-
limits shown elsewhere in this specification and
plish starting with the use of SAE 40 or SAF 30 oils.
sufficient evidence of satisfactory performance in
For complete cold weather starting information, con-
Detroit Diesel engines has been provided to the
sult an authorized Detroit Diesel Allison service out-
customer by the oil supplier.
let. Ask for Engineering Bulletin No. 38 entitled, Cold
Weather Operation of Detroit Diesel Engines.
LUBRICANTS NOT RECOMMENDED
The following lubricants are NOT recommended be-
MIL-L-46167 ARCTIC LUBE OILS FOR
cause of a history of poor performance in Detroit
NORTH SLOPE 8 OTHER EXTREME SUB-ZERO
Diesel engines:
OPERATIONS
The MIL-L-36167 specification was published by the
Military on 15 February, 1974. Federal Test Method
354 of Federal Test Standard 791 is an integral test
requirement of MIL-L-46167. Lubricants that have
passed the oil performance requirement limits of
Method 354 may be used where continuous sub-zero
temperatures prevail and where engines are shut down
for periods longer than eight (8) hours. The lubricants
that have shown the best performance when subjected
to Method 354 evaluation may be described as multi-
MULTIGRADE OILS
grades having a synthetic base stock and low volatility
characteristics. These lubricants are not comparable
Detroit Diesel does NOT recommend the use of multi-
to the performance of SAE 40 or 30 oils after the
grade oils. Recent investigations with some multigrade
engine has started and is operating it normal engine
oils indicate they do NOT, generally. exhibit the
temperature conditions. For this reason, MIL-L-46167
antiscuffing and antiwear properties obtained from
lubricants should he considered only as a last resort
straight SAE 40 and 30 grade oils operating in the same
when engine cranking is a severe problem and auxiliary
service applications. Neither fuel or oil consumption
heating aids are not available.
rates were improved using multigrade lubricants.
Detroit Diesel engines literally create their own
environment after they have been started and warmed
EMD OR RR OILS
up. It is during the operational mode under load that
Lubricants specified by Electro-Motive Division of
the straight SAE 40 and 30 grade lubricants have
General Motors Corporation (EMD) are special lubri-
provided more satisfactory service than multigrade oils.
cants. Generally. these may be described as SAE 40
Detroit Diesel will continue to investigate the perform-
fluids that possess low Viscosity Index (VI) properties
ance of multigrade oils.
Page 78
