Engine oil For DK series Tractors.......Winter is just around the corner

[grm61]

So I'm coming up on the 50 hour service, What are you guys running for oil? And what viscosity?
Winters will be here before we know it, I like the idea of a synthetic because it flows much better at cold temps, and I don't have a block heater.

Has anyone read if 50 hours is enough break in to switch to a synthetic? I also read that kioti runs these motors on a dyno for a hour before they ever go into a tractor.

My motor sounds happy, and has not used a drop of oil, the oil still looks clean, so I'm thinking the rings are seated fine.

Thoughts?

 

[DK35vince]

I run Rotella T-6 synthetic 5w-40 in my DK 35.
Switched over at the 50 hour service and its the only oil I have run in the tractor since.

 

[IndyIan]

I ran T6 5w40 as well, until the 200hr service, now I have 15w40 in as I never had to start the tractor below -10C anyways. My oil definetly gets black though. Also in theory, your next oil change is at 100 hrs, so going to synthetic is kind of a waste. I ended up putting the 50hr 5w40 into my old Neon...

 

[VictorW]

I do the same as DK35vince. Actually, I went that way from a prior posting of his being that our Winters are the same. Coldest start was -3F' with no problem. I just needed to cycle the glow plugs twice. I run the 5w-40 year round and started at the 50 hour service. Coming up on my 500 hour change soon. I think Vince has twice my hours. You could definately use another brand, as I'm sure other members do, but the 5w-40 synthetic has worked great for me.

 

[DK35vince]

Also in theory, your next oil change is at 100 hrs, so going to synthetic is kind of a waste.

I would need to check the owners manual.
But I thought the first change was 50 hours. Then every 100 hours after that.
If the OP changes oil at 50 hours, he shouldn't be do for the next change till 150 hours

 

[DK35vince]

Coming up on my 500 hour change soon. I think Vince has twice my hours. You could definately use another brand, as I'm sure other members do, but the 5w-40 synthetic has worked great for me.

Close Victor.
I'm actually at around 1780 hours.

 

[Soundguy]

if you like syn.. and it's time for the change in oil.. you can go with the aforementioned 5w40

good temp range on it...

 

[k0ua]

I read it as change at 50, then change at 100. Then every 100... So that is what I did.. Getting close to the 200. I have been using Rotella 15W40, our winters are mild.

 

[ritcheyvs]

The important thing is to use a API C-rated oil (C for compression ignition i.e. Diesel) with the right viscosity. Diesel engines produce lots of soot that gets in the oil so the oil must have the additives to keep the soot in suspension. Oils rates S only (for spark) may be wonderful in gas engines but are not suitable for use in Diesel engines. Also unlike gas engines, you cannot extend oil change intervals for Diesels, no matter how good the oil is (unless you have special soot filters like some large commercial Diesels). The main benefits of synthetics are easier cold-weather starting (even with 15W50) and the oil sticks to the metal longer. In fact, you usually need to wait some time after stopping the engine to get an accurate reading on the dip stick.

Personally, I use Mobile 1 or or Rotella T6 in all my engines, even the lawn mower (5w30 in the gas engines and 0w40 (M1), 5w40 (T6), or 15w50 (M1) in Diesels). The cost savings with a conventional oil just isn't very great and if the synthetic can improve engine life, why take the risk. My Kioti manual says 10w40 is OK for all temperature ranges.

 

[rider7767]

What do you all think about using Lucas additive? I used it in my old Yanmar tractor. Heck, I have used in everything for years. I am coming up on my 50 hour as well and was planning on using it. Any thoughts?

 

[DK35vince]

I don't use additives.
If your using a good oil you shouldn't need additives.
May do more harm than good in my opinion

 

[k0ua]

Vince, I am thinking about going to the Rotella synthetic T6. Other than the cold weather start advantage, which is not all that important here, What other benefits could I expect over the dino Rotella I have been using.

James K0UA

 

[murphy1244]

Vince, I am thinking about going to the Rotella synthetic T6. Other than the cold weather start advantage, which is not all that important here, What other benefits could I expect over the dino Rotella I have been using.

James K0UA

You could go farther on oil changes but you have to test your oil. I use the same oil as you James and I'm sticking to it cause I change my oil every year which is about 100 hours or so.

 

[DK35vince]

I think cold weather starting is the only real advantage you would see with the T6.
The Dino 15w-40 Rotella is a very good oil.

 

[k0ua]

You could go farther on oil changes but you have to test your oil. I use the same oil as you James and I'm sticking to it cause I change my oil every year which is about 100 hours or so.

I think cold weather starting is the only real advantage you would see with the T6.
The Dino 15w-40 Rotella is a very good oil.

Thanks guys..

James K0UA

 

[Soundguy]

The important thing is to use a API C-rated oil (C for compression ignition i.e. Diesel) .

ironically C stands for 'commercial'.. not compression.

Likewise S stands for 'service' not spark.

I think they should have uses S for spark.. and C for compression.. but.. API thought differently

 

[murphy1244]

I use the Mobil 1 in my Merc but I go 7500 to 8000 on a oil change.And I have 96000 on a 09. I change my tractor oil every year and that's about 100 hours or less so why have the expense is my thinking.

 

[ritcheyvs]

ironically C stands for 'commercial'.. not compression.

Likewise S stands for 'service' not spark.

I think they should have uses S for spark.. and C for compression.. but.. API thought differently

You are right. I always heard it spark/compression but never actually looked it up.

 

[grm61]

Thankyou everyone for your responses, I think I will be using the 5-40, T6.
We get some weeks of single digits and many in the low teens.
Cold weather starting is hard on things, I think The oil getting to where it needs to be in a timely fashion is important, and the motor not having to try and pump syrup will certainly make it start easier
and run smoother upon startup.

Not a tractor, but two identical duramax pickups fired up at 18 degrees one with T6 and one with Rotella 15-40, My Rotella T6 cold start experience... - Bob Is The Oil Guy

 

[BethelHntr]

Anyone have any thoughts good or bad about running the 15/40 Chevron Delo in their diesel tractors? I'm a complete noob when it comes to diesel engines and am approaching the 50 hour mark. Thanks.