Coolant & oil question

[gunner76]

Wanting to start getting some supplies on hand in case I need them and just wanting to see what everyone is using. Are you using AGCO branded products of something else?

For oil I've always been a fan of Rotella but it doesn't appear like it meets the API requirements for the engine.

The coolant also has me baffled. I plan on keeping the regular green coolant since running ELC is kind of a waste if it needs to be replaced every year like the manual says. Thing that gets me is that it just says to use regular green coolant and doesn't mention anything about adding(or even checking) SCAs, or is this not needed with these small engines like the large one's?

 

[ray66v]

I don't think too many are using AGCO oil, with the exception of Permatran.

About half are using Permatran in the transmission, the rest are mostly using Amsoil.

People are running all kinds of engine oil, of different weights.

The coolant issue, as far as SCA's has always been a question. If you want to be on the side of caution, you can get Fleetgaurd coolant at TSC, which has the SCA's in it. It's not very expensive. I've always used that. But, I no longer think it matters. And, I no longer change coolant every year.

 

[irvingj]

Rather than worrying about correct cross-referenced filters, I just get them from the dealer, except the engine oil filter (NAPA 1360). I use Rotella T4 10W-30 oil. But really, to me oil changes are not frequent enough to worry about saving a few bucks. The coolant? Still original; looks clean, so I leave it alone. No evidence of rust in the cooling system.

Keep in mind that Ray's & my tractors are older ones, like "Tier Zero" or something (?) as far as emissions stuff... Newer ones may require more specific oils.

 

[SteveM70]

What does tier 4 mean for our small (25hp and under) tractors. Were there any drastic changes made in order to comply?

 

[gunner76]

What does tier 4 mean for our small (25hp and under) tractors. Were there any drastic changes made in order to comply?

I've wondered that also, in the large stuff it means having DPF and SCR but I don't know what the smaller stuff uses to meet tier 4. My tractor sure doesn't look like a "clean diesel" with the puff of black smoke on start up.

 

[irvingj]

I don't know either, though I've seen references to "Tier 4" in some ads for larger tractors. Glad mine is simple! :thumbsup:

You should see the stuff on my 2015 Mercedes Sprinter-based RV! Amazingly complex, totally computer-controlled, about a zillion sensors all over the place, often a source of problems. (I've been fortunate so far, only one issue....where's that darned piece of wood I knock on??) The 3L V6 diesel in that thing will actually shut itself down if there's a problem and it isn't taken care of in a sufficiently timely (according to Mother Benz) manner.

R2D2, here we come....

 

[ray66v]

You should see the stuff on my 2015 Mercedes Sprinter-based RV! Amazingly complex, totally computer-controlled, about a zillion sensors all over the place, often a source of problems. (I've been fortunate so far, only one issue....where's that darned piece of wood I knock on??) The 3L V6 diesel in that thing will actually shut itself down if there's a problem and it isn't taken care of in a sufficiently timely (according to Mother Benz) manner. (

Sprinters are actually very reliable mechanically.

But, they do not do well as far as corrosion, in salt states.

Good thing most of your sprinter body was chopped off!

 

[Gary Fowler]

Wanting to start getting some supplies on hand in case I need them and just wanting to see what everyone is using. Are you using AGCO branded products of something else?

For oil I've always been a fan of Rotella but it doesn't appear like it meets the API requirements for the engine.

I don't believe that Shell Rotella wont meet your API requirements. The letter designation at the end changes with each new revision so if your old tractor requires a D and Rotella is API L then it is OK. I like the Shell Rotella T6 full synthetic because I can use it in everything I own from lawnmower, motorcycle, boat engine, cars, trucks and tractor. I like the superior protection of a synthetic even though I don't rack up the hours or miles on my equipment. Now rather than keep umpteen different kinds of oil, I only have to buy and stock one.

 

[madhatter]

I've wondered that also, in the large stuff it means having DPF and SCR but I don't know what the smaller stuff uses to meet tier 4. My tractor sure doesn't look like a "clean diesel" with the puff of black smoke on start up.

I agree. My 2006 GC2310 seems to start eaiser and did not puff black. My GC1710 tends to be harder to start and puffs black since new. Not sure what changed as the motor looks 100% identical.

 

[gunner76]

I agree. My 2006 GC2310 seems to start eaiser and did not puff black. My GC1710 tends to be harder to start and puffs black since new. Not sure what changed as the motor looks 100% identical.

I've noticed on the large class 8 trucks that the newer stuff starts harder than the old stuff. The one's I've had always act like the battery is weak but I think it's because the engines are choked down so much with the emission stuff and I think they run a higher compression ratio than the pre emission diesels.