D4 Oil Type

[Bobby P.]

Hey Folks,

Do we use 15w-40 or synthetic for the Vovlo D4 300hp? I can't remember. I didn't write it down and for some reason I have both on board.
Thanks,
Bobby

 

[JeffreyAC77]

15W 40

 

[BB marine]

15W-40 regardless of conventional or synthetic. Synthetic can be used in the D 4 as long as it complies with the oil quality minimum requirements API, ACEA E7, VDS-2 ,CH-4 or CI-4. Both T4 conventional and T6 synthetic Rotella exceed the minimum requirements of Volvo. I'm sure many other manufactures do too.

 

[Bobby P.]

Thank you. Oil is changed!
I appreciate the quick responses.
Best,
Bobby

 

[Bobby P.]

Is there any reason not to use Rotella 10w30 T4 diesel oil for the Volvo 300hp D4? I'd like to get my truck and boat on the same page.
Thanks!

 

[BB marine]

Is there any reason not to use Rotella 10w30 T4 diesel oil for the Volvo 300hp D4? I'd like to get my truck and boat on the same page.
Thanks!

Yes there is a reason why. It is not recommended by Volvo Penta. The oil recommendations are 15W40 when operating the engine in ambient temperatures of +5F to 110F . You can use 10W30 when operating the engine in ambient temperatures of -13F to 68F. Based on the area that you boat in you can use a lighter viscosity oil but even then I would be reluctant. The engine runs in a closed compartment with little ventilation. Most of the time the engine compartment will be closer to 100F+. Even in areas where the outside ambient temperatures are 50 or 60 degrees the compartment temperatures are much warmer from the engine operation. Marine engines are loaded much harder then truck or car engines. They are always operating in high gear under a full load. This is why marine engines require a higher viscosity lubrication.

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks, Brian. I appreciate your help. Interestingly, my truck with a cummins 5.7hd came out with a service bulletin NOT to use 15w40. They recommend 10w30 T4. Go figure!
Bobby

 

[BB marine]

Bobby, I am going to assume that 5.7L you meant 6.7L Cummins. Older cummins used in pick up trucks were 5.9 early 2000 vintage. 2006 and newer trucks have 6.7L . The 5.9L and the older 6.7L Dodge trucks can use 15W/40 oil when ambient temperatures are above zero. The newest version( last few years) Cummins 6.7 it is recommended to use the 10w/30 because of changes in the valve train. ( hydraulic valve adjusters). It has nothing to do with bottom end lubrication.

 

[Firepara36]

Brian thank for all the detail in all your post!!!

 

[Bobby P.]

Yes, it is the 6.7 Cummins. 2019.
Thanks!
Bobby

 

[Chili Pepper]

I also have the D4 Volvo diesel. I admit up front that I know little about oil grades. I would like to switch from Volvo oil to Rotella 15W40 as it is readily available and less expensive. Cannot seem to find any with the VDS-2 rating. Most of them have a VDS-4.5 rating. Does VDA-4.5 exceed VDS-2?

 

[CaptT]

Rotella is all I've ever used in my D4 260hp Volvo and in ever diesel engine I've ever owned. The diesel boat mechanic in my marina also recommends it. I have never had a problem to date.

 

[Gin]

Delo 400 is highly regarded as well for the Volvo diesels. I can find it more easily than Rotella, so I started and stuck with it for my D4. My Blackstone oil analyses confirm its doing a good job.

Gini

 

[mlanger]

I’m just following up on this older conversation to make sure nothing new has come out since the last post.

I’d also like to switch to Rotella, mostly because it’s easy to find at non-marine locations such as Walmart. In addition, my wasband always used Rotella and his diesels and despite his other faults, he did know a lot about engines.

So what’s the verdict? Rotella 15 W 40 okay for a Penta D4 engine?

 

[S. Todd]

My Ranger Tug dealer, and everyone I have talked to, was perfectly fine with using Rotella T4 15W40 in the Volvo D-3 and then the D4 engines we have owned. At the end of every season when I change oil I send it in for oil analysis and it always comes back positive. It is readily available at a reasonable price so you can't go wrong with it.

 

[Bosn Mate]

Good Morning:

In Aug 2020, I sent an email to Tim Bates (Ranger Tugs - Volvo Certified Technician) and asked him about using Shell Rotella T4 Triple Protection 15W-40 Conventional Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil or Delo 400 SDE 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil to replace Volvo Penta VDS-4. I also asked about Volvo Penta Coolant VCS.

Tim's reply was as follows: "Concerning the Volvo fluids, I’ve always recommended sticking with the Volvo products. I’ve inquired about this with Volvo in the past, and basically as long as the other oil meets the same standard/specs as their oil, it won’t void the warranty. With all that said, I’m not sure which is better between the two brands listed below. I know for sure that you’ll want to stick with the yellow ‘VCS’ coolant as mixing any other coolant with the VCS creates a pretty nasty sludge (don’t ask me how I know)..."

As a result, I have been using Shell Rotella and Volvo Penta coolant.

Mike

 

[mlanger]

Thanks for that, Todd. I’m going to make the switch. Seems easier to find and I’ve only heard good things about it.

 

[mlanger]

Mike, I’m traveling on the Great Loop and have been having a heck of a time finding Volvo oil — and filters, for that matter. That’s one reason I want to switch to Rotella. I do eventually get my hands on genuine Volvo filters, but I usually have to order them online. I already have some Volvo coolant on hand.

 

[Bosn Mate]

Maria:

Kathy and I read your blog regularly!!!

Roger on the Volvo filters. I usually get my filters from Pacific Power Group in Washington State so....I get enough for anticipated use plus a spare. I also have a spare parts list that I update annually which helps me with the amount I need on-hand; happy to share if interested; PM me with your email and I can provide.

Enjoy your travels.

Mike

 

[Firepara36]

I switched from Dello to the Kirkland diesel oil and have had it analyzed by Black Stone Labs with great results. The technician said that the manufacture is WARREN distribution that is a white label manufacture making many name brand that many are using in their VP diesel marine engines.