BX and Amsoil

[Anonymous Poster]

I've been reading all the posts regarding Amsoil and synthetics with great interest. I'm pretty certain that I want to switch to synthetics, but am researching which brand. I've noticed that all the posts mention using Amsoil 15W-40 synthetic heavy duty deisel oil. The BX manual recommends 10W-30 or 10W-40. Amsoil sells a 10W-40 synthetic high performance oil that is rated and recommended by Amsoil for gas and deisel. It seems more appropriate to use the 10W-40 versus the heavier 15W-40 in the BX, especially since the manufacturer specifies it. I am a little concerned about using a heavier oil. What are your opinions? Thanks

 

[Boner]

Ditto. I too was wondering the same thing. Was reading the manual for my ZD21, and it reccomends 10w30, or 10w40. I was going to go with Castrol Syntec 10w30, but I did notice Amsoils "diesel" oil is 15w40. Hope to heaf from folks who know more than I.

Ben

 

[Bird]

In my humble opinion, the only problem is the fact that Kubota is behind in updating the specs in their manuals. The manual for my B2710 also specifies 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil. Of course, it also specifies API Service Classification CC or CD, which are obsolete classifications. So . . ., I sure don't see anything wrong with using 10W-40, but I'll just stay with the 15W-40 that seems to be the most common for diesels./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

If you would feel more at ease using the 10W-40, by all means do so. They are both in the 40 range at operating temperature (tested at 210 F). The 10W-40 has a pour point of -48 F, the 15W-40 -44 F. While both have anti-rust additives, the 15W-40 has a bit more for stuff that may sit idle for extended periods.
I really think you'd have a hard time telling the difference in use.

 

[gsxr1100]

I would use the 15w-40 but that is me. Since Amsoil has three diesel oils, Series 3000 5w30, 15w40 and the 10w-40. The 15w-40 is the best deal for the money and it passes the most specifications (Scania Long Drain, MIL-L-2104G, M.A.N. 271 etc). The additive package is great. I use the 15w-40 in all my diesel engines and it works wonderful. The Series 3000 is a little better but at almost twice the price!

15w-40 has been the oil weight to use for many years. Engine manufactures are promoting it because of emmisions. Stay with the 15w-40. Call up Cat or Internationsl and they will tell you the same.

**Plus the 15w-40 has the smallest scar on the Four Ball Wear Test. Better protection...

Also the pour point is the max but in general the pour point is not temp you are looking for. Again, in general the pumping temp is what you care about. It is usually 20 degree warmer then pour point. So Series 3000 is (-40) and 15w-40 is (-27). The cold flow properties of the 15w-40 and 10w-40 are so close that there is no benefit to using the 10w-40 in this case. The 10w-40 is a better oil for use in gas engines, so if you have a mixture of gas & diesel vehicles and equipment, it would be the better choice.


Thanks
Mike