Newbie alert: Non OEM oil choices

cbgb00 · Apr 24, 2011

Newbie stupid question: '07 JD3320, what's the right oil to use?

In reading online and through the manual, it specifies to use oil that meets CI-4 or CH-4 specs....(if you're not using JD PLUS 50), so now the stupid part....I've been reading too much info about fuel type and CJ-4 and sulfur and so on, and the end result is I'm confused as to what is the right oil to go with?

I get my diesel fuel from the local gas station and really never looked to see about sulfur and all that, so I'm wondering if I'm really over thinking this and just need to go get me some oil that meets the CJ-4 spec....as it supersedes the CI and CH specs, right?

Can anyone tell me what they use in their JD3320?

Any help would be most appreciated....when you're all done laughing.

lostcause · Apr 24, 2011

don't worry about anyone laughing at you. most likely anyone laughing doesn't know anywhere near as much as they think they do. lately i've been trying to research oil, and the more i read, the less i know. there are so many specifications that it's so hard to tell what is right and what isn't. not to mention, what is right today may not be right next year.

i have a european car that is now several years old, and i'm about to do the first oil change that i've done on it myself - third since i got it, but i always had it done somewhere else due to time constraints before. the car was shipped with mobil-1 and it's always had mobil-1 at all the oil changes, even before i acquired it. originally it was 0w-30 or 5w-30 as the default oil, but if you now buy those weights of mobil-1, it doesn't meet the specs. i found that mobil-1 in europe is different than what you buy in the united states. best i can tell from my reading, in 2005 when the car was new, mobil-1 0w-30 and 5w-30 in the us met (maybe?) the gm-ll-a-025 specification required by the manufacturer, but it was changed at some point after that. i believe it's a sulfur content/emissions related issue that brought about the change. currently, the only mobil-1 oil sold here that meets gm-ll-a-025 is the 0w-40, which is acceptable for the vehicle, but the average joe who knows that the car always ran mobil-1 0w-30 or 5w30 will likely use an oil that is not approved.

a little bit of a sidetrack from your question, but it's the same idea. i'd think that if the spec you are looking at supersedes the listed ones, it would have to be ok. i'm sure the next time i do an oil change i'll have to look for one that meets dexos1, because i think that is what is superseding gm-ll-a-025

Storm56 · Apr 24, 2011

Any name brand such as Shell Rotella, Mobil Delvac, Delo 400 etc should be fine. 15W40 is about standard as far as viscosity goes. Unless you live in an extremely cold climate, any of these oils are excellent. Synthetics rein supreme when the mercury dips below 0 degree F.

daman1 · Apr 24, 2011

Simple,

CI-4 is a older non current spec(still available but very hard to find locally), CJ-4 is the current updated API spec for diesel engines new and old and what you should use in your engine.

cbgb00 · Apr 25, 2011

I appreciate the replies.....

I guess in reading all the threads about API specifications and bits and pieces about sulfur, filters and engine damage I got lost. I plan to use a 15w-40 CJ-4 (Jeep keeps popping into my mind....duh) oil....

Looking forward to more seat time. Thanks again.

PoorMansCat · Apr 26, 2011

Without too much blah-blah-blah... CJ oil is the current rated oil, CI/CI+ is the former. CJ was developed for use with "regen" engines due to DOC's, etc... CJ is backwards compatiable to older engines. CI is NOT for use with regen engines. Unless you have a tractor with an aftertreatment system, you can use either. As others stated, pick your weight by ambient temperatures and your favorite major brand... you should be ok.
With all that said, the debate seems to come from the removal of most all of the ZDDP... a high pressure additive. Seems to be mainly related to camshaft wear. Personally, I use CI rated Caterpillar branded engine oil. (manufactured by Mobil for Cat)

zr2blz · Apr 29, 2011

I use Shell Rotella 15w40 in mine, have 928 hours on it, bought new Dec '06.

MrFoPow · Apr 30, 2011

I've seen UOA's from T6 Rotella CJ-4 and Mobil 1 Turbo diesel truck CJ-4.

Both provide excellent wear rates and are ok for extended intervals.

sixdogs · Apr 30, 2011

Yes on the newer oils but what about the lower zink----ZDDP---content on older ag engines. Is there a risk in that?
Can I safely use the newer CJ4 in my 2002 Deere 5520 even though it has less ZDDP than the oil it replaced? What about an 8N?
I know the newer oils are playing havoc with older and antique auto engines but don't know about tractors.

PoorMansCat · Apr 30, 2011

Yes, you can use the newer oils in the older engines. They are backwards compatiable. If you are worried about camshaft protection, IF you have a Caterpillar dealer local, drop by and purchase a can of Camshaft and Lifter Follower Lubricant... P/N 8T-2998. It comes in a can with a brush applicator. Just pour an ounce if it in with your oil.... Im sure there are other manufacturers that make good products, but I KNOW this one works.