Winter oil Viscosity

[Racer11]

My new to me son n law has a 4240 and always has 15-40 wt oil in his tractor during the winter. We get temps down in the teens and minus degs in the part of the country where we live. It seems every year he has issues with the tractor starting during the lower temps. I have been helping him with this issue and I have convinced him to keep a Battery tender on the bats and that has helped.

My question is would 10-30 wt make a improvement with his situation and what about a 5- 40 synthetic as well and he could run the 5-40 all summer also and not half to change oil every season. I stopped using 15-40 in my 7.3 Ford PS and opted to use 10-30 and experienced good results and according to what I read the 15-40 shears down to a 30 wt anyway after some time in the engine.

I'm curious what others are doing in this situation,,,,,and before I forget to add the Bats. and voltage output are good and up to date.

 

[Deere Dude]

Is a block heater possible? I had 15/40 in Wisconsin and just plugged it in an hour before go time.

Once it hits zero anything will be a difficult start even with thinner oil, but thinner oil will help. Just make sure it is rated for diesels. I would try the 5w40 synthetic.

 

[oosik]

I use 15/40 year round. I keep a battery tender on the battery year round. I've never had the tractor not start - even in our coldest weather (-20F). I'm certain that a "thinner" oil and some type of engine coolant heater would help you in cold wx.

 

[beenthere]

I've read here on TBN that while starting, turning a bit on the steering wheel will help. I'd go with thinner oil too, as long as it doesn't cause a problem keeping the oil level up.

 

[bp fick]

My question is would 10-30 wt make a improvement with his situation and what about a 5- 40 synthetic as well and he could run the 5-40 all summer also and not half to change oil every season. I stopped using 15-40 in my 7.3 Ford PS and opted to use 10-30 and experienced good results and according to what I read the 15-40 shears down to a 30 wt anyway after some time in the engine.

I'm curious what others are doing in this situation,,,,,and before I forget to add the Bats. and voltage output are good and up to date.

Honestly, the 5W-40 full synthetic outperforms in both winter and summer. It's the year 'round oil of choice. Much easier starting due to improved low temperature flow rates. The price difference at Walmart is insignificant.

Typical WalMart stores carry in Rotella, Delo, Mobil, and other top brands for less than $20 a gallon. Why wouldn't you use them?
Not much beats a block heater and a good battery, but using the 5w-40 Full Synethic is a no brainer for us here. Excellent year 'round performance.

 

[oldballs]

From my Kubota OE manual: 10W-30 is an option for all temps, but other weight are listed as possibles. See OE manual

On the Troubleshooting page several possibilities are listed as to "Engine is difficult to start or won't start"

1. No or poor fuel flow............replace the fuel filter
2. Air or water in the fuel system.......a. Check fuel line coupler bolt and nut are tight
b. Bleed the fuel system
c. Remove water from the system and replace the fuel filter
3. Winter oil viscosity...................... a. See above comment about oil selection
b. Use engine block heater if necessary
4. Battery...................................... a battery cables and terminals need good connection
b. remove the battery, store indoors and install when ready to use

Cheers,
Mike

Well, the format layout that I entered didn't turn out in the final.....but it is readable.

 

[atsah]

Honestly, the 5W-40 full synthetic outperforms in both winter and summer. It's the year 'round oil of choice. Much easier starting due to improved low temperature flow rates. The price difference at Walmart is insignificant.

Typical WalMart stores carry in Rotella, Delo, Mobil, and other top brands for less than $20 a gallon. Why wouldn't you use them?
Not much beats a block heater and a good battery, but using the 5w-40 Full Synethic is a no brainer for us here. Excellent year 'round performance.

Yup, Mobil 1 5-40 in my tractor year round and I use a block heater..

 

[mguitas]

I started using amsoil 5w-40 which might be one of the best.

 

[CobyRupert]

I've read here on TBN that while starting, turning a bit on the steering wheel will help. I'd go with thinner oil too, as long as it doesn't cause a problem keeping the oil level up.

I might be wrong, but I think you're referring to how to warm the hydraulic oil once the tractor is started? -So that 3 PTH and hydraulics (FEL,etc..) are more responsive

My understanding is that cranking the steering wheel to max. will rapidly warm the hydraulic oil as it passes through the relief valve.

 

[DK35vince]

I run Rotella T6 synthetic 5w-40 year round