TD oil

[BellCityDubber]

While giving my car a wash today, I thought I'd wash the engine, check fluids etc.
well, I checked my oil and it wasnt even on the dipstick

earlier in the day I was at a family dinner, and my grandpa (the previous owner to the car) had an extra filter kicking around - so he gave it to me

I decided, it's a sunny - not too cold day, why not change the oil anyways....

well I looked in the manual and as per the sticker on the valvecover it says
use API/CD 15w-40/50

can someone clairify why I would need to use API/CD designed oil or whatever...

the motor in question is the MF code 1.6TD engine

TIA

[TDForNow]

The API CD (then current, and now, currently CI) spec oils are blended specifically for diesels to handle the extra particulates (soot) suspended in the oil as well as the higher extremes of pressure and temperature variations in (turbo)diesel engines. Basically they have better detergent and conditioner additives than API S_(currently SL) spec oils that are intended for automotive Gasoline and Propane fueled engines. S_ spec oils when used constantly in a diesel engine end up building up as sludge. But C_ spec oil can be used as well in a gasser, in fact it can help older gassers because of the enhanced seal conditioners contained in it. Just look on the back of the oil container for a one inch round label with "SAE" and the weight (15w40 etc) in the center and "API SERVICE CF, CI-4/ SL" etc around the circumference. C_ spec non-synthetic oil is commonly found in 15w40 grade as well as 10w30 and SAE30w. Common brands are Shell RotellaT, Chevron Delo, Mobile Delvac ( found at Walmart for $6-8.00US/gal and $2-3.00US/qt as well as other outlets). Synthetics for diesels are commonly found in 5w40 grades. Again, check for the proper API classification. Sorry about the long and drawned out reply, but I hope this helps.

[BellCityDubber]

The API CD (then current, and now, currently CI) spec oils are blended specifically for diesels to handle the extra particulates (soot) suspended in the oil as well as the higher extremes of pressure and temperature variations in (turbo)diesel engines. Basically they have better detergent and conditioner additives than API S_(currently SL) spec oils that are intended for automotive Gasoline and Propane fueled engines. S_ spec oils when used constantly in a diesel engine end up building up as sludge. But C_ spec oil can be used as well in a gasser, in fact it can help older gassers because of the enhanced seal conditioners contained in it. Just look on the back of the oil container for a one inch round label with "SAE" and the weight (15w40 etc) in the center and "API SERVICE CF, CI-4/ SL" etc around the circumference. C_ spec non-synthetic oil is commonly found in 15w40 grade as well as 10w30 and SAE30w. Common brands are Shell RotellaT, Chevron Delo, Mobile Delvac ( found at Walmart for $6-8.00US/gal and $2-3.00US/qt as well as other outlets). Synthetics for diesels are commonly found in 5w40 grades. Again, check for the proper API classification. Sorry about the long and drawned out reply, but I hope this helps.

Okay, coz I've seen API on the back of the jugs with the round label you speak of. The oil I got is motomaster brand canadian tire oil that said "diesel" on the front with a VW cabrio and a mack truck on it.

I figured "wtf" might as well, if it's got a dub on the front, they cant be f'ing with me (coz that would be false advertizing to use the likeness of a vw and have the oil be the wrong forumlation, right? )

so I know what the CI/CD are for, but what's with the number e.g. ci-4?

[QuickTD]

The "-4" indicates that the oil is specified for use in four cycle diesels. Two cycle detriot diesels have different requirements and use a "-2" oil.