Group 4 oil?

[Ken_CT]

Can someone explain what the different groupings of oil mean? I've read references to Group 3-5 oils and have no idea what that means. I went on the API motor oil site and they explained the catagories, but said nothing about group. I'm want to change to a synthetic oil for diesel for a BX23 at 100 hours. I'd like some info on what to look for and what I can get without having to order it online and pay shipping. According to the API site it looks like I should get something with a CI-4 plus rating. I don't want to start a war here, just get some info.

BTW It just started snowing so it looks like some seat time plowing the expected 1' +. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gsxr1100]

GI- solvent refined petroleum base stock. It is common belief that no SL rated oil uses 100% GI basestock, but some of them do have some GI in them.

GII- hydrotreated petroleum base stock. More refined, with less gunk in it. More stable, and usually with a higher viscosity index. Chevron and pennzoil oils use nothing but this group in their oils. Common belief that all SL oils use this in a certain amount.

GIII- "hydrocracked" or severely hydrofinished base stock. Castrol won the right for oil blenders to call this group "synthetic". Most OTC synthetics are made from this base. I think they use the same process to make it as GII, but take it a step further.

****Groups 1 to 3 are petroleum base stocks. ****

G-IV PAO base stock. Chemically produced from ethelene gas. True synthetic oil, and primary basestock used in mobil, amsoil and most top tier synthetics. Much more stable and has higher VI index than GIII. Can handle more extreme temps.

G-V ester base stock. used in most synthetic oils for miscibility, and is primary base used in redline and a few others. Extreme natural detergency and cleaning ability. Strong attraction to metal. Can withstand more extreme temps than PAO.

Also I would change to synthetic from hour zero; hence, would not wait. You will hurt nothing adding it in from day or hour zero.

 

[Ken_CT]

Thanks Mike,
It looks like I should be using a group 4 or 5 oil. Because of the temps in CT (it was 0 this morning) I probably should go with a 5W-30 or something in that range. I will probably only be putting on about a 100 hours a year as I don't use the tractor for mowing. Extended drains aren't important to me as I will probably be changing only once a year. Should I be looking for the CI-4 Plus category? Sorry if these are dumb questions, I'm new to this.

 

[gsxr1100]

I group 3 should provide down to like –30 F. If you factor in pumping temps, you will be fine down to like –10 F. Around here that is boarder line.

If you are using a dino a 5w-30 would be the way to go. With a synthetic, any oil (ie.15w-40) will be fine. I use 15w-40 in my BX22. You could also use a 5w-40 or 5w-30. In synthetic world (above 3) most are like -45 to -60 F.

You do not need the CI-4 rating on your BX. I believe that the only ratings in the book are CD, CE or CF ratings, that is it.

No questions are dumb. I still ask oil related questions to this day.

 

[Ken_CT]

OK. Now that I've learn a bit, I've been looking at different sites and I'm still confused. I can't seem to find any info telling me what oil is in what group. For example Rotella-t synthetic 5W-40 says it is a "fully synthetic" oil, yet I thought I read on other posts that it's a group 3 oil. How can I tell one from the other?

 

[gsxr1100]

the manufacture will not tell you this. You need to do some homework.

I would go on BITOG http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ and spend about 24 years learning! There is a lot of info out there...have fun.

RotellaT is a group 3 oil. That is why every shop in the world has it. It is the same as Castrol, Valvoline, Penzoil Synthetics...all group 3.

 

[RickB]

The initial 100 hour OEM oil spec is to promote piston ring seating. Today's superior oils, both synthetic and "dino" do not promote proper ring seating, especially in light load applications. Hence the use of 'break-in' oil as factory fill by major manufacturers and the need to use it for the specified drain interval.

 

[gsxr1100]

There are a few cars ( I think like 6) that use synthetic from day 1. All the auto’s and tractors I have bought since the early 90’s have synthetic from day one. Engines are perfect and veryt clean.

I also know about the ringing seating and using any oil they will seat fine. Using a synthetic will take longer and more oil ,from burning, but far less wear. I will use it from day 1.

My BX22 had Amsoil 15w-40 installed at hour mark 000.1 and burns about 8 oz within its yearly oil changes.

 

[RickB]

I willl not debate this issue. My post is accurate and factual. Your experience and opinion may differ.

 

[gsxr1100]

Not debating anything. Stating a fact.

If your post was "accurate and factual" then these cars are not seating piston rings correctly.

Chevrolet Corvette
Mercedes-Benz
Dodge Viper
all Porsches
Some Ford Mustang Cobra's
Aston Martin's

***These cars have a PAO based oil from mile zero! "My opinion", I do not think so.