Engine Oil for F14

[Bluest]

I was all set to pick up some 15w40 when my operator manual arrived from Hoye. In there it says SAE 20 for my climate. Now that grade isnt readily available in the UK, except in vintage car circles! Is 15w40 the way to go?

 

[FleetMan]

I'd use the 15W40 diesel rated oil and not give it a second thought.

 

[winston1]

Unless your climate is 0 degrees F or colder I would agree with FleetMan.

 

[Bluest]

After doing a bit more research, I can get an SAE 20 grade commercial diesel engine oil from my usual supplier. Unfortunately, the minimum order quantity is way too high, as it is usually only bought by commercial users. So, I spoke to the their technical man, and he didn't sound very enthusiastic about idea of substituting a 15w40 instead, as when it is warm it is substantially thicker than SAE 20 would be. The concern is not so much engine damage, but such a small low power engine might suffer economy/power loss that you wouldn't notice on a larger motor.

Instead, he's suggested I try 10w30, which is closer to SAE 20 when hot, but thinner when cold. So that's what I'm going to do. I'll keep a close eye on oil consumption. This is a bit of an experiement, so I accept I might need to change again if consumption becomes unacceptable.

In case you are interested, the brand I'm trying is called Fuchs Universal HD.

 

[winston1]

Is it a diesel rated oil?

 

[Bluest]

It is diesel rated, although not t some of the very latest specifications

 

[Neat 1500]

use a reasonable quality diesel rated oil (15w40) and be done with it. change it and the filter once a year.

 

[Bluest]

I may end up at 15w40, if 10w30 doesn't work, but I fancy an experiment.

15w40 is miles out of grade when hot compared to SAE20 that the engine was designed to run on. The engine is essentially pumping a lubricant that is much thicker than intended. At the very least that'll cost a little economy and power. My feeling is that 10w30 is a better alternative when SAE20 is the specified grade. I am not suggesting there is anything wrong with 15w40 in itself, just that I don't think it is the right grade for this application. The oil tech guy, not a salesman, help me arrive at this conclusion. Trouble is, I've no idea what the tractor has been run on in the past, how often it has had the oil changed, so it might be worn to the point where SAE 20 would just burn, and it needs a thicker oil due to age.

Anyway it's just for my own curiosity, I'll be keeping a close eye on the oil pressure light and the level and for clouds of blue eminating from the exhaust. If anything untoward occurs I'll be heading to 15w40, same as everyone else.

 

[284 International]

I don't have any empirical support for this, but I think you are worrying about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. Fuel economy on these engines is very good, and for your engine will be under a gallon per hour at full throttle under steady state conditions. I don't think there would be any noticeable difference in power or fuel economy according to the type of engine oil used. I DO think, and anecdotally can support, that there is a difference in how quickly oil pressure is built up on cold starts amongst different types of oil. For me, the 5W-40 synthetic oils build pressure more quickly when starting the tractor initially, and I feel much better for that. While it may make no meaningful difference to the engine itself, it DOES buy peace of mind, and I'm willing to pay a bit extra for that. So, I would suggest that if 10W-30, or straight weight SAE 20, or synthetic 5W-40 or some other high quality oil makes you feel better, that is the best choice for your machine. Then follow Neat 1500's advice and keep it changed regularly with a good filter, and use it indefinitely.

 

[Bluest]

I know I come across as though this is stressing me out, that's definnitely not the case. I just have genuine technical interest in all aspects of engines. I have a degree in mechanical engineering (I haven't worked in that field for a long time though) and am just facinated by mechanical stuff. Cars have been my passion for 25 years.

Oil especially intrigues me as there is often very little science, and a lot of gut feeling surrounding it's discussion. I like trying to sort the facts and make my own conclusions. If the conclusion is that everyone else was right, then that's fine by me!