Engine Oil for F14

California · May 30, 2014

There was a similar conversation with a Brit a few months back. As I recall, the conclusion was 15w40 has become the US standard for nearly all diesels here, highway and off-road, while you guys have better and more specialized lubricants available there - at correspondingly higher prices. I think the 'common knowledge' in the US for any Yanmar in ordinary conditions is just use 15w40.

I think your oil specialist guy is over-analyzing this. For fleet use across many vehicles covering many miles, sure, the issue deserves careful study to try to minimize overall operating cost for the fleet. For the way we use these Yanmars - generic 15w40 is an optimum 'good enough' answer proven by broad experience. Especially if any alternative is more expensive.

As for latest spec diesel oil - it is required by vehicle manufacturers in order to not foul the most recent smog controls. (catalytic converter?). For equipment over 10 years old without the smog devices, the new spec is irrelevant and the previous spec oil may be less expensive if you can find it. I bought a few gallons on closeout at Tractor Supply last year, so saved a little money on oil changes for a while.

Bluest · May 30, 2014

I wouldn't disagree with any of that California. I do have an unhealthy interest I think! I buy my oil from a dealer called Opie Oils. It's worth a look at their online store for the bewildering array of grades and blends and OEM approvals. I'd be surprised if it isn't the same on your side of the Atlantic.

Straying a bit off topic here, but since it came up.. We run a mixed fleet of diesel 4x4s where I work, and for warranty purposes have to use the manufacturers recommended spec. Guess what? We have to keep stock of three different motor oils, one for each brand of car. My own personal car requires, diesel again, requires BMW LL04 spec, but no grade specified. Oils with that spec can be 0w30, 5w30 or 5w40. It's bewildering how the market is so subdivided.

Anyway, I'll let you know how the 10w30 goes...

normde2001 · Jun 2, 2014

Curious as to who wrote your op's manual. You can bet it was not Yanmar.

Bluest · Jun 2, 2014

normde2001 said:
Curious as to who wrote your op's manual. You can bet it was not Yanmar.

It's the Hoye generic one that covers all the F-series. Manual is clear, SAE20.

normde2001 · Jun 2, 2014

Like my OEM YM240 manual, written from info available before 15-40w oil invented. Mine says 50-68*f
20wt, 68-95*f 30w or 40w. 15-40w supercedes.

clemsonfor · Jun 2, 2014

What does everyone else use on an F14...probaly 15w 40 or 5w 40 in the whole civilized world. In some of the rice paddies elsewhere and in your tractors previous life...probably whatever they got thier hands on. Weather that be that be 15w40 , 30,40wt and those are coming from NON SAE certifeid manufactures i bet. In some cases i bet there putting oil drained out of something else into it!!!

We all here are useing either a deisel 10w30, 5w40 or 15w40.