Been using Rotella 5w40 synthetic. Just noticed Rotella makes a 0w40. How cold is cold enough to go to the 0w40? Manual calls for 5w40 but it was probably written before 0w40 even existed lol. Advice appreciated.
0w40 vs. 5w40 in central VT?
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atsah
Elite Member
I use 5w40 year round here in northern ME, I would consider it if I was planning on using my equipment in temps below 0-F, which I do a couple of times a winter but not often..
I do use the tractor all winter to snow blow. Total days below zero is probably in the dozens here. Are there any downsides to using it vs. 5w40?
atsah
Elite Member
If I used it I would switch back over to the 5w40 in the spring..
CobyRupert
Super Member
Don't know about the "diesel" version of oil, but wife's Subaru calls for 0W-something. Probably so they can get a fraction extra gas mileage.
One downfall is it runs like, and splashes like, water when you drain oil pan. A bit unsettling to see engine oil with such low viscosity. I have to make sure plug in drain pain cover is fully removed to handle flow.
Other downfall is at 40,000 miles it uses about 1/2 quart every 3000 miles. I try to convince her to use a heavier oil but then all I hear is "blah blah blah...manual says.. blah blah blah....warranty...blah blah blah..."
Oil is pretty good these days, especially synthetic, but I still like using a heavier oil, under the "mythconception" (perhaps) that it will stay on parts longer when you turn engine off and less likely to have blow by.
Does tractor have a block heater or coolant heater? Stored indoors?
I wouldn't worry about 0W vs. 5W. I've been out on days that where so cold, combined with wind, the hydraulics would barely stay working. Engine oil (once started) wasn't a concern.
One downfall is it runs like, and splashes like, water when you drain oil pan. A bit unsettling to see engine oil with such low viscosity. I have to make sure plug in drain pain cover is fully removed to handle flow.
Other downfall is at 40,000 miles it uses about 1/2 quart every 3000 miles. I try to convince her to use a heavier oil but then all I hear is "blah blah blah...manual says.. blah blah blah....warranty...blah blah blah..."
Oil is pretty good these days, especially synthetic, but I still like using a heavier oil, under the "mythconception" (perhaps) that it will stay on parts longer when you turn engine off and less likely to have blow by.
Does tractor have a block heater or coolant heater? Stored indoors?
I wouldn't worry about 0W vs. 5W. I've been out on days that where so cold, combined with wind, the hydraulics would barely stay working. Engine oil (once started) wasn't a concern.
thekkfan
Gold Member
Years ago, Ford back spec'd several models from 10w-30 and 40 to 5w-20. It specifically affected me/my motor home's 460. It was tough to think that thin of weight was going to be as good as the heavier stuff (for same myth you stated). The reasoning behind the change was a lot of top end failures due to low/insufficient lube running and startup.
So far I've experienced no issues and don't run it to 3k, it gets changed because of age. For the record - I use syn blend 5w-20. Kioti, wifes' RR, and my ATV all get 5w-40 T6.
atsah
Elite Member
JMO. Over time the 40W and 0W or 5W are going break down in viscosity, lots of study's done on this. Most people around here run 15W40 with a block heater on for 30 minutes..
sandyc
Veteran Member
I'm not being a wise a@@ but I always follow the user's manual.