28,000 hours and still running strong with Phillips 66 Guardol

Extending engine life in extreme Australian conditions

In high-demand industrial settings, every hour of downtime comes at a cost. It affects productivity, delays projects, and eats into profitability. That’s why Simon Williams from Mass Drill & Blast has trusted Oil & Energy to look after the oil and lubricant requirements of his fleet since 2010.

With over two decades of experience servicing the mining industry across Western and Central Australia, Simon runs equipment in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. When reliability is non-negotiable, he needed a partner who understood the reality on the ground–and backed it up with the right product every time.

Oil & Energy was top of the list.

The challenge: pushing equipment to its limits

Mass Drill & Blast’s fleet operates in remote regions where daytime temperatures can soar above 50°C and drop below freezing at night. These are environments where machinery is pushed well past the OEM-recommended limits. Without reliable lubrication, the result is shorter service intervals, increased wear, and unplanned breakdowns.

Simon and his team needed:

• Consistent engine protection across extreme temperature ranges.
• Fewer oil changes to reduce downtime and labour costs.
• Lubricants that outperform under pressure without compromising equipment.
• A partner who understands that when Simon calls, it’s either urgent, important, or both.

The solution: Phillips 66 Guardol 15W-40

After a detailed technical assessment of the operating conditions, Oil & Energy recommended Phillips 66 Guardol 15W-40, a heavy-duty engine oil designed for extended drain intervals and engine longevity in severe environments.

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Mass Drill & Blast achieved a 100% increase in engine life on their CAT C11 and C15 engines compared to a major competitor’s oil.
• Engine changeouts extended from 15,000 hours to over 28,000 hours without failure or bad samples.
• A CAT C15 in their D65 rig recently reached 25,000 hours before being replaced, far exceeding the OEM rebuild recommendation of 14,000 hours.
• One CAT C9 unit has logged 22,000 hours since new using Guardol. Instead of full engine replacement, they opted for a top-end overhaul (head, valves, turbo), saving $75,000 compared to a full engine replacement.

The result: performance in the field

What’s remarkable isn’t just the numbers, it’s what they represent:

• Extended oil drain intervals: Fewer stops for service means more time drilling, and less time idling.
• Outstanding cleanliness and wear protection: Even under dusty, high-load conditions, Guardol delivers.
• Lower cost of ownership: Reduced maintenance, longer engine life, and improved productivity.

And just as important: peace of mind. Simon admits there were early concerns about whether the lubricants could truly hold up under such tough conditions. But after years of consistent results, he says that he’s not been disappointed.

Why Oil & Energy?

Oil & Energy doesn’t just supply product. We back it with expertise, honest advice, and a hands-on approach that clients trust. We’re not here to push a brand. We’re here to recommend what works.

That’s why Simon has stuck with us for over a decade.

“We’ve been really happy with the level of service, expertise and advice delivered by the O&E team – both on the business side of things, and on a more personal level, they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure the team has the best solution available.”
– Simon Williams, Mass Drill & Blast

More from Phillips 66

Oil & Energy is one of Australia’s trusted distributors of Phillips 66 lubricants, supporting industries with products built for performance and reliability:

• Phillips 66 Guardol: For heavy-duty diesel engines under pressure.
• Gear oils: For high-load drivetrains in mining and construction.
• Transformer oils: For energy infrastructure performance.
• Workshop-ready lubricants: Designed to reduce wear, heat and unplanned downtime.

Next: the 22,000-hour CAT C9 project

Simon’s team is now testing the performance of a top-end replacement on a CAT C9 that’s logged 22,000 hours with Guardol since new. It’s an exciting case – saving $75k by avoiding a full engine replacement.

Ready to reduce downtime and extend fleet life?

Speak to an Oil & Energy expert today about how the right oil can help your fleet go further, last longer, and cost less to run.