Now that Diesels 2007 and newer have exhaust after treatment the zinc and other additives is reduced in those oils also. Diesel motor oils have to deal with soot and neutralizing acids. Sulfur and water vapor make sulfuric acid. This too is also reduced with the ultra-low sulfur fuels again introduced before 2007. 

Dennis 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Michael Snow
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:34 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: [Bulk] Re: Secret tune-up / service item on 1.9 waterboxer engines.

On 7/29/11 9:17 PM, Harry Hoffman wrote:
> What's the difference between diesel oil and "regular " oil?
>
> Mike<mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>  wrote:
>

Diesel oil is specially formulated for the operating conditions inside of diesel engines.  The by-products of diesel combustion are very different from those of gasoline, and the oil additives are designed to prevent them from destroying the engine.  Also, diesel oils tend to contain more zinc, which has slowly been removed from gasoline engine oils over the past couple of decades to the detriment of older engines.

Mike