Engine oil for hot temps

[Hockey Puck]

I have the Kioti CK2610 and wondering which weight of oil is best in the Arizona heat. Also, how many quarts does it take. I don't have my owner's manual handy.

 

[marhar]

I use conventional Shell Rotella. For the extreme heat I would go to the Shell Rotella Full Synthetic.

​

 

[Roadworthy]

If you lack the manual you should probably consult with the dealer. I suspect the full synthetic Shell Rotella in 15W-40 would be appropriate. Add five quarts and check your dipstick. If it's low add as required.

 

[CalG]

Last I knew, Those wild dog tractors were Water cooled, with the engine temperature controlled by a THERMOSTAT.

If the engine coolant heat exchanger is inadequate for the task due to ambient temperatures or debris fouling of the air passages, Clean the unit or add additional capacity as required.

Pure water is a better heat transfer medium than is typical coolant mixes. Add "waterwetter" for additional heat transfer.

The oil should never see "above normal temperatures" .

What is the typical thermostat opening temp these days? 90C? 195F ?

 

[RalphVa]

Water cooled diesels can use 0w, 5w or 10w30 oil at any outside temperature. Oil temperature is set by the coolant thermostat, which is usually about 190 F.

Kubota even specifies SAE 20 for normal temperatures as an option in its B2301/2601 owner's manual.

 

[dadohead]

Oil temperature is set by the coolant thermostat, which is usually about 190 F.

Oil temperature is NOT just set by the thermostat. Tractors get put in numerous situations where the screens get plugged with debris and limit cooling. Then the thermostat is open and you're running on whatever cooling capacity you have left.

Many tractors don't have much cooling headroom. I used to put some competitor's machines in the.hot room for testing. Typically failed JD's heat goals in a few minutes.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

Shell Rotella T1, 30W, is what Shell recommends for operating temperatures of 70F and above.

 

[4570Man]

Last I knew, Those wild dog tractors were Water cooled, with the engine temperature controlled by a THERMOSTAT.

If the engine coolant heat exchanger is inadequate for the task due to ambient temperatures or debris fouling of the air passages, Clean the unit or add additional capacity as required.

Pure water is a better heat transfer medium than is typical coolant mixes. Add "waterwetter" for additional heat transfer.

The oil should never see "above normal temperatures" .

What is the typical thermostat opening temp these days? 90C? 195F ?

My Kubota lawnmower that’s pre emissions has a 165 degree thermostat.

 

[dadohead]

If the engine coolant heat exchanger is inadequate for the task due to ambient temperatures or debris fouling of the air passages, Clean the unit or add additional capacity as required.

I'm a retired tractor engineer. Your statement not only does not address the OP's "oil in hot weather" question but doesn't even pass the 'smell test'.

Tractors live in an environment where they will often get fouled during a session. It's not if they'll get hot it's when they'll get hot. NOBODY will stop to 'clean the unit' unless warned (gage or dash light).... and that's when temperatures rise (way above thermostat setting). "Add additional capacity... "??? LOL! How? A tractor's air management is central to it's design and locked in on day 1: push/pull? Draw in at the front/operator side? The tractor's size limits intake/screen area so cooling air often creates a 'Hoover' effect and vacuums debris to the machine... temps go up. 99.9% of owners wouldn't have a clue how to 'add additional capacity'.

I don't understand these comments on diesel engine oil at all: 0w, 5w, 10w30... in Arizona??? OEM's typically spec 15w40 or 20w50 in high ambients as a safety factor against the environment the machine will live in.

Hockey: find your manual, use a DIESEL rated oil of whatever weight your manual says 'for hot environments'. Know the weakest link in your tractor is typically the transaxle so fuss over those services too. You'll get lots of advice here so you'll have to follow your own judgement.

 

[CalG]

Some people run oil coolers, both air and water exchange. Such capacity is an easy add on.

Careful though! Don't over cool the oil, it will thicken and you might spin a bearing. .