13.1 How to Select Lubricating Oil

The selection of the proper lubricating oil is important to achieve the long and trouble-free service which Detroit Diesel engines are designed to provide. The proper lubricating oil for model year 2007 MBE 4000 engines is selected based on SAE viscosity grade and API (American Petroleum Institute) service designation. Only oils licensed to display the API symbol should be used. See Figure " API Lubricant Symbol" .
NOTICE
Lubricating oil must have a sulfated ash level less than 1.0% mass; currently referred to as CJ–4 oil
Figure , API Lubricant Symbol

13.1.1 Lubricant Requirements

API CJ-4 oils must be used in engines meeting January 2007, and later build, exhaust emission regulations.

13.1.2 Cold Weather Starting

At ambient temperatures below –20°C (–4°F) when sufficient starter speed cannot be achieved with SAE 15W-40 oils, the use of 5W-XX oils and 10W-XX oils (XX =30 or 40) is allowed to improve starting.
NOTICE
Monograde oils should not be used in MBE 4000 engines, regardless of API service classification. Monograde oils gel at lower ambient temperatures, reducing lubricant flow, and they do not provide adequate lubricity at higher engine operating temperatures. These factors can result in severe engine damage.
The oils must be API CJ-4 that have demonstrated field performance in Detroit Diesel engines. These oils must possess a High Temperature/High Shear (HT/HS) viscosity of 3.7 minimum. For further information, refer to publication Engine Requirements – Lubricating Oil, Fuel and Filters , (7SE270), available from authorized Detroit Diesel distributors.
Select the SAE class (viscosity) on the basis of the average air temperature for the season. See Figure " Engine Oil Temperature Ranges" .
Note : Continued use of a single SAE class will result in frequent oil changes. For this reason, view the temperature ranges for the various SAE classes.
Figure , Engine Oil Temperature Ranges

13.1.3 Synthetic Oils

Synthetic oils may be used in Detroit Diesel engines, provided they are API licensed and meet the performance and chemical requirements of non-synthetic oils outlined in this publication. Synthetic oils offer improved low-temperature flow properties and high-temperature oxidation resistance. However, they are generally more costly than non-synthetic oils.
Product information about synthetic oils should be reviewed carefully. Performance additive systems often respond differently in synthetic oils.
Their use does not permit extension of recommended oil drain intervals.

13.1.4 The Use of Supplemental Additives

Lubricants meeting the Detroit Diesel specifications outlined in this publication already contain a balanced additive treatment. Supplemental additives are generally not necessary and can even be harmful. These additives may be marketed as either oil treatments or engine treatments and are discouraged from use in Detroit Diesel engines.
Engine damage resulting from the use of such materials is not covered by your Detroit Diesel Corporation warranty. Detroit Diesel will not provide statements beyond this publication relative to their use.

13.1.5 When to Change Oil

The length of time an engine may operate before an oil change depends upon the lubricant and fuel used, engine oil consumption, and the operating cycle.
CAUTION
USED ENGINE OIL
To avoid injury to skin from contact with the contaminants in used engine oil, wear protective gloves and apron.
The maximum interval at which the engine may operate before the oil and filters must be changed is listed in Table "Oil Drain and Filter Change Interval" .
Engine Application
Drain Interval
Long Haul — Highway Truck & Motor Coach — operates more than 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) per year
30,000 Miles (50,000 km)
Sort Haul — City Transit — operates up to 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) per year
15,000 Miles (25,000 km)
Severe Service — Fire Truck or Crash/Rescue Vehicle — operates up to 6000 miles (9,600 kilometers) or under severe conditions
10,000 Miles (16,000 km), 300 hours or 1 year, whichever comes first
Table , Oil Drain and Filter Change Interval
Oil analysis may be used to determine whether this interval should be shortened, but it should not be used to lengthen the interval. For detailed information refer to publication Engine Requirements – Lubricating Oil, Fuel and Filters (7SE270), available from authorized Detroit Diesel distributors.

13.1.5.1 Disposing of Waste Oil

Dispose of used lubricating oil and filters in an environmentally responsible manner, according to federal (EPA) and/or state recommendations. The disposal of waste oil may be best addressed by the engine oil supplier, who may accept responsibility for proper disposal of this material as part of the business of providing lubricant.