5w40 in BX?

automech · Mar 29, 2009

Anybody running 5w40 in a BX? My manual says to use 10w30 cf rated which is what I've been using. I was given some 5w40 mobile 1 and was thinking of using it in my tractor. Is anyone against using 5w40 even though the manual spec is 10w30 or is the 5 40 better for the motor?

TPS · Mar 29, 2009

Howdy,
I have not used 5w40 in my BX but have read many posts where guys use the 5w40 Rotella T synthetic and it is a good rated diesel oil. I am thinking about trying it because I have read so much good about it ie.engines seemed smoother and quieter etc. especially in cold weather. It should still protect in hot weather as it is a 40 wt at operating temps. It can be had at most stores too. I have seen a few that use the Mobile one also. Be sure it has the diesel rating though. If you do try it let us know how it does for you. I wrote Kubota about 15w40 because my manual stated 10w30 or 40 or 30wt, they said 15w40 was fine but I did not ask about 5w40 at the time. Take care-TPS

RWEST · Mar 30, 2009

A guy here at work's been running Rotella 5-40 in his BX7800 since 50 hours. If the M1 has a "CF" or later rating, I'd have no problems with it.

WilliamBos · Mar 30, 2009

How much protection does 5w40 offer in hot weather? Our 1523 will soon be due for a change, and I am curious about the Rotella, or any other brand of 5w40 syn. MF calls for 10w30. We are still under warranty @ 138 hours.

DieselPower · Mar 30, 2009

Basically at startup it acts like a 5 weight oil and at operating temps it will act like a 40 weight oil. That's why they are called multiviscosity oils instead of single weight oils. Better viscosity characteristics over a broader temperature range.

RalphVa · Mar 31, 2009

If it calls for 10w30, 5w30 or 0w30 would be better than 5w40. The 5w and 0w grades are heavier at startup than the 2nd value grade. For instance, 0w30 is heavier than 30 grade at startup than 30 grade is at operating temperature.

I'm running 0w30 in my 4010 now; the manual calls for 5w30; so 0w30 is better. Mobil 1 came out with it last fall. Got a mixture of 0w30 and 5w40 left over from last year in my Benz diesel. The dealship said they use 0w30.

With dino oils there was concern with going to a very broad multigrade oil because to get there with dino oils required up to 20% additive. The additives would either break down or link together and make the oil more viscous over time. Mobil1 doesn't require any VI improver nor any pour depressant. There's probably some detergent and soot solubilizer, and that's about it.

Ralph

WilliamBos · Mar 31, 2009

DieselPower said:
Basically at startup it acts like a 5 weight oil and at operating temps it will act like a 40 weight oil. That's why they are called multiviscosity oils instead of single weight oils. Better viscosity characteristics over a broader temperature range.

So a 5w40 will flow better on start up than a 10, and will give better protection with a 40 than a 30?

So should not be a problem with warranty then, eh??

Orange 08 · Mar 31, 2009

At operating temperature the 40 will be thicker than 30 but it isn't always more protection. If the engine was designed for 30 you might want to stick with 30.

My understanding the lower number can be smaller with no problems, probably better. Upper number can be debated though.

DieselPower · Apr 1, 2009

The first lower number really only represents performance characteristics at start up. The 5W or 0W will have better flow characteristics than a 10W or 15W. The second higher number is what the oil acts like at operating temp. If your equipment calls for a 30W in your operating ambient air temps then use that. Your not really going to get any additional "protection" by using a thicker oil than called for. If anything you might see a very slight reduction in fuel economy using the thicker oil.

WilliamBos · Apr 1, 2009

DieselPower said:
The first lower number really only represents performance characteristics at start up. The 5W or 0W will have better flow characteristics than a 10W or 15W. The second higher number is what the oil acts like at operating temp. If your equipment calls for a 30W in your operating ambient air temps then use that. Your not really going to get any additional "protection" by using a thicker oil than called for. If anything you might see a very slight reduction in fuel economy using the thicker oil.

Thanks guys. We are running Red-Line 10w30 in it now, and I think I will stay with Red Line. We have stopped using Mobil 1 because it seems to be good for a while, the it drops like a rock. Red Line is base 5, so for the little extra money, it really is worth it.

How may hours are you guys going between changes??