webbmeister
Gold Member
Having read these threads in some depth, I decided to switch to synthetic at today's oil change. The product purchased was Amsoil 15-40 HD Deisel Marine oil. Before draining the existing oil, a pint of Amsoil engine cleaner went in and ran for about 20 minutes.
The tractor just hit 250 hours, and in spite of having had 4 previous oil changes, what came out of the tractor was black and thin. Some of the thinness can probably be attributed to the cleaner, and the blackness to the cleaner and soot.
So, in went a new oil filter and 4.2 quarts of the Amsoil. The engine started up, let the oil disperse through the engine, and shut it down. Oil level check showed just right. Started the engine again, and just let it run for awhile. Then put it in gear, engaged the MMM, and did three acres of hills. Here are some subjective observations:
1. Engine quite a bit quieter.
2. Checked max RPM - "seemed" like it was topping out in the low 2900's - previous (from memory - getting old - could be wrong) was mid 2800's.
3. Engine definitely ran cooler - low to mid green on the steep hills, rather than high green.
4. Engine seemed to bog less, requiring less backing off of the hydro pedal, going up the steepest hills.
5. When finished, after disengaging the MMM, dropped RPMs to minimum. Definite difference here, too. It ran a smooth and consistent 1100 - about 100 higher than before. Shut down engine.
6. Three hours later, started engine again. Just a tiny puff of black smoke then exhaust became invisible. Previously, there was more smoke and it was blue before it would clear up.
7. Shut her down, checked the oil. Amber, no hint of darkening, and the same consistency as when it went in.
Again, these are entirely subjective observations - nothing scientifically measured. I'm skeptical by nature, though, so it takes a bit to sell me on something. Not sold yet, but surprised at the up front difference. I'll keep an eye out as time passes, and at 300 hours, I'll change the oil again and see what the drain looks like, and I'll switch all the hydraulic fluid to ATH from Amsoil and see how that goes.
Bottom line for now: Pleasantly surprised at degree of difference.
Jim
The tractor just hit 250 hours, and in spite of having had 4 previous oil changes, what came out of the tractor was black and thin. Some of the thinness can probably be attributed to the cleaner, and the blackness to the cleaner and soot.
So, in went a new oil filter and 4.2 quarts of the Amsoil. The engine started up, let the oil disperse through the engine, and shut it down. Oil level check showed just right. Started the engine again, and just let it run for awhile. Then put it in gear, engaged the MMM, and did three acres of hills. Here are some subjective observations:
1. Engine quite a bit quieter.
2. Checked max RPM - "seemed" like it was topping out in the low 2900's - previous (from memory - getting old - could be wrong) was mid 2800's.
3. Engine definitely ran cooler - low to mid green on the steep hills, rather than high green.
4. Engine seemed to bog less, requiring less backing off of the hydro pedal, going up the steepest hills.
5. When finished, after disengaging the MMM, dropped RPMs to minimum. Definite difference here, too. It ran a smooth and consistent 1100 - about 100 higher than before. Shut down engine.
6. Three hours later, started engine again. Just a tiny puff of black smoke then exhaust became invisible. Previously, there was more smoke and it was blue before it would clear up.
7. Shut her down, checked the oil. Amber, no hint of darkening, and the same consistency as when it went in.
Again, these are entirely subjective observations - nothing scientifically measured. I'm skeptical by nature, though, so it takes a bit to sell me on something. Not sold yet, but surprised at the up front difference. I'll keep an eye out as time passes, and at 300 hours, I'll change the oil again and see what the drain looks like, and I'll switch all the hydraulic fluid to ATH from Amsoil and see how that goes.
Bottom line for now: Pleasantly surprised at degree of difference.
Jim
