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Re: Saab's final word about B234 engine oil Posted by sam96CS [Email] (#852) [Profile/Gallery] (more from sam96CS) on Sat, 21 Feb 2015 09:09:54 In Reply to: Re: Saab's final word about B234 engine oil, TML [Profile/Gallery] , Sat, 21 Feb 2015 08:29:07 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
If Saab intended for owners of old cars to move along with changes in oil classifications then the owners manuals and shop manuals would have language such as "SG or higher" or "CCMC B4/B5 or higher".
"Or higher" language is omitted. Saab does not state their reason for disregarding future classifications, and there is no point in speculating about it.
At their web site the API says "For automotive gasoline engines, the latest engine oil service category includes the performance properties of each earlier category. If an automotive owner's manual calls for an API SJ or SL oil, an API SM oil will provide full protection." Curiously, the API's example did not go all the way back to their non-current classifications. I doubt that the API's statement is retroactive to SH and earlier standards.
One can take API's word for it, and many do. I see no promise from API that they will compensate me if an oil with a newer classification disappoints me when I use it in an old engine for which a non-current oil classification is specified. There is an element of risk in moving along with newer standards, no matter how great or small that risk appears to be. Owners of vintage Mustangs learned that lesson the hard way. Our B234 engines have proven so far (emphasis on "so far") to be generally forward compatible. Buy the latest and greatest oil and filter, change them at reasonable intervals, and chances are the your B234 engine will be happy.
Staying current is not a risk that we are forced to take. If you have an older B234 and a manual that specifies SG (not "SG or higher"), then you know that Saab later approved SH for the B234. SH remains readily available. If you want to have your cake and eat it too then there are readily available and affordable oils that satisfy multiple classifications, such as SH, SJ, SL and SM.
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