I was curious if anyone had any opinions/experiences about oil weight for

a '92 240.

Manual says 10-30 preferred in all but the hottest climes, then 15-40.

I ordinarily respect mfr's specs, but I'm suspicious of the 10-30 recommendation because I know that mfr's tend to recommend lighter weight oils in order to squeeze the last few 1/10ths on MPG ratings. Also, none of the brands I prefer seem to be available in 15-40.

I have gotten 350K trouble free miles using 10-40 in my '87 240, (10-40 is recommended for this year) and I am planning to do the same with the '92 unless there is a reason not to--specifically, a changes in the engine that would make 10-30 advisable.

Any comments appreciated.

Dave S.

Volvo has an extensive list of 10W40 weight oils to AVOID...

I believe 10W40 weight is more marketing gimmick then beneficial, 10W40 oils usually just have more viscosity modifiers and LESS lubricants to "stretch" to the 40 end of the range.

Thus you are better off running 10W30 or the 15W40 weight. I have a very high mileage 1988 240DL (K-Block) and I run 15W40.

No need to use anything heavier than xW-30. Synthetic is best.

I use AMSOIL 0W-30 year round in 2 Saab turbos, 1 Volvo 245 turbo, 1 Dodge 1 ton van.

I'll get stomped for this, but here in the NorthEast corner, 'most everyone I know with a B230 is using 0-30 synth.

>Also, none of the brands I prefer seem to be available in 15-40.

The 15-40's are generally classified for diesels. The change interval is more important than the weight. If you live in a hot climate go up a notch.

Using a higher than recommended SAE viscosity rating will not make an engine last longer. Plain and simple. Use what your manual asks for.

Shoot me your address and I'll mail you a brochure that explains all sorts of aspects of motor oil, plus gives a description of what API and SAE ratings mean.

If you are interested in longevity use synthetic oil.