Table of Contents
The Importance of Using the Correct Low-Ash Engine Oil for Scania, Mercedes-Benz & Detroit Engines
Modern heavy-duty diesel engines, particularly those manufactured by Scania, Mercedes-Benz, and Detroit Diesel, are engineered with highly advanced emission control systems and precision fuel management technology. These engines deliver exceptional performance and fuel efficiency, but only when serviced with the correct, manufacturer-approved low-ash engine oil.
Using the wrong oil does more than reduce performance, it can cause serious long-term damage, shorten engine life, and increase operating costs. Understanding why these engines require low-SAPs (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur) oil is essential for fleet owners, workshop managers, and equipment operators.
Why Low-Ash Oil Is Critical for Modern Heavy-Duty Engines
Low-ash (low-SAPs) oils are specially formulated to protect advanced emission systems such as:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst)
Excessive ash from incorrect engine oil accumulates in the DPF, causes exhaust back-pressure, and forces the engine to burn more fuel to compensate. This directly increases operating costs and accelerates wear.
Key benefits of low-ash oil:
Protects the DPF from premature blockage
Reduces regeneration cycles
Maintains fuel economy
Minimises engine wear
Extends service life of emission components
Supports compliance with Euro 4, Euro 5 & Euro 6 standards
Recommended Oil Standards by Manufacturer
Scania Engines
Scania uses its own strict oil classification system:
Scania LDF-4 (latest for Euro 6)
Scania LDF-3 (Euro 5)
Using non-Scania-approved oil can cause:
Increased ash deposits in DPF
Turbocharger contamination
Fuel consumption increases by 3–7%
Shortened engine and DPF life
Scania strongly advises using oils carrying official LDF approval, not just “meets the requirements.”
Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) Engines
For Actros, Arocs, Axor, and Sprinter diesel engines, Mercedes-Benz requires:
MB 228.51 / 228.52 (Low-SAPs for Euro 5 & Euro 6 engines)
MB 229.51 for light-duty diesel
These oils are engineered to reduce sulphated ash and protect emission systems.
Incorrect oil can lead to:
DPF clogging
Loss of fuel efficiency
Catalyst poisoning
Costly repairs on Euro 6 engines
Detroit Diesel Engines (DD13, DD15, DD16)
Detroit’s emissions-controlled engines require:
Detroit Diesel DFS 93K218 (Low-SAPs, FA-4 focus)
DFS 93K222 (CK-4 for wide application)
Detroit engines operate under high thermal stress—using high-ash oil increases the risk of:
DPF blockage
High soot loading
Piston crown deposits
Reduced engine life
Detroit Diesel explicitly warns that using non-approved oil will void warranty claims.
What Happens When the Wrong Oil Is Used
Using non-approved or high-ash engine oil can cause serious damage such as:
1. Increased Fuel Consumption
Clogged DPF and dirty injectors force the engine to burn more fuel to maintain power.
Fuel usage can increase by 3–10%.
2. Shortened Engine Life
Ash deposits cause:
Abrasive wear on pistons
Stuck piston rings
Poor combustion
Higher engine temperatures
This accelerates overhaul requirements.
3. Expensive Emission System Failures
Incorrect oil leads to:
Premature DPF failure
SCR catalyst contamination
EGR valve sticking
These components are very expensive to replace, often $5,000 to $15,000.
4. Loss of Warranty Coverage
All manufacturers strictly specify approved oils.
Using unapproved oil can result in rejected warranty claims.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Oil Is an Investment, Not a Cost
Scania, Mercedes-Benz, and Detroit engines are designed to operate with low-ash, manufacturer-approved oils. Using the wrong oil may seem like a small saving now, but it results in:
Higher fuel consumption
Shortened engine and DPF life
Costly repairs
Reduced performance and reliability
For the best results, always follow the exact oil specification recommended by the engine manufacturer and use certified, tested low-ash formulations.
Estepho Sam
Find Event
Recent Blogs
Social share
2025 © ProDepot Australia. All right reserved. Design & Developed by Vishwas Dhanani
Download App on Mobile
