David,

It has been a while since I looked in detail at the diesel grade oils.
However, in my opinion the best diesel spec oil by far is Mobil Delvac 1.
This 5W-40 exceeds every performance test I know of. I once checked with a
Peterbuilt Servicing Distributor about synthetics. This trucking operation
really followed the best maintenance procedures with oil analyses every 3000
miles. They said that nothing else was acceptable. Of course, you Canadians
approach Martian surface temperatures, so you may need 0W. In the end, of the
majors, Mobil is the best or equal to the best. Unfortunately, the base stock
for Redline and Amsoil is significantly better than the Mobil equivalent.

Frank Grunthaner

In a message dated 7/1/02 2:54:40 PM, vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG writes:

<< Thanks for the information Frank I have a few more questions for you.

I spent an hour last night looking at all the different oils available in
Canada (non-mail order) to see which meets the VW 505 00 spec for the TDI
engines.  I did the following lubricant companies.

        Petro-Canada
        Shell
        Esso / Mobile 1
        Castrol >>