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Oil Recommendations: 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Detroit Diesel Engines
Detroit Diesel Temperature Range
These recommendations apply within the normal ambient temperature range.
For extreme cold, that is at temperatures below -32 degreesC (-25 degreesF), the oil recommendations change.
Consult your oil supplier for further advice.
Oil for 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Engines
2-Stroke Engines
Use SAE 40 Mono Grade Oil
4-Stroke Engines
Use 15W-40 Multigrade Oil
There are no sulphated ash limits imposed for Detroit Diesel 4-cycle engines.
Changing Oil and Filters
New Engines or Newly Overhauled Engines
First Oil and Filter Change:
After 50 Hours of Operation
Subsequently:
Change Oil every 150 Hours
Change Filters every 450 Hours
Elements Allowed in Oil of Detroit Diesel 2-Stroke Engines
Normal and Max Levels of Allowable Elements in Oil:
Chromium:
Normal 15 - Max 20
Copper:
Normal 15 - Max 25
Iron:
Normal 65 - Max 150
Lead:
Normal 20 - Max 25
Silicon:
Normal 35 - Max 40
Sodium:
Normal 0
Tin:
Normal 30 - Max 40
Excess Levels of Elements in the Oil of 2-Stroke Engines Indicate Attention may be Needed as Follows:
Chromium:
Check Rings
Copper:
Check Bushings, Bearings and Thrust Washers
Iron:
Check Liners, Gears and Camshafts
Lead:
Check Bearing Overlay Material
Silicon:
Check for Dust and Air Leaks
Sodium:
Check for Internal Water Leaks
Tin:
Check Piston Plating
Trace Elements in Engine Oil
Trace elements found by oil analysis in Detroit Diesel 2-stroke engines, are in some cases quite different from the normal ranges of elements found in 4-stroke cycle engines, therefore special mention of the 2-stroke ranges is made here.
Diesel Engine Specs