Observations on Switch to Synthetic Oil

[kenmac]

hsdfcu,

There isn't many on your side here when it comes to Amsoil .I'am with you . Amsoil is an excellent oil for your tractor. you will have better wear #s & better soot control.I don't know the condition of your tractor engine but, 200 hrs shouldn' t be a problem at all with Amsoil.

 

[NewToy]

Course it will run plain old dino oil just fine for 200 hours or once a year as well. Which I am sure is what your tractor manual says. Mine does.

Later,
Dan

Dan, My manual also gives 200 hours for the change interval but it doesn't give a time factor other than the hours, no 6 mos or 1 year or anything. I went with the Amsoil from what I've read about it and the problem I had finding the proper grade of Mobil 1 around here. The thing that turned me off on Dino oil was after doing a change in the middle of the winter in my unheated shed, pouring that 15-40 Rotella Dino out of the jug at 15 degrees F, it was almost like Jello. The synthetics don't get that thick at lower temps, I figure that makes a big difference at start-up, IMHO.

John

 

[dmccarty]

Dan, My manual also gives 200 hours for the change interval but it doesn't give a time factor other than the hours, no 6 mos or 1 year or anything. I went with the Amsoil from what I've read about it and the problem I had finding the proper grade of Mobil 1 around here. The thing that turned me off on Dino oil was after doing a change in the middle of the winter in my unheated shed, pouring that 15-40 Rotella Dino out of the jug at 15 degrees F, it was almost like Jello. The synthetics don't get that thick at lower temps, I figure that makes a big difference at start-up, IMHO.

John,

You may have to look real close at the manual or ask your dealer. They may have left it out. I left mine in longer than one year once and the oil test found some diesel in the oil. Not much and wear was not a problem but I'll just change at one year. I don't put 200 hours on the tractor anymore in one year.

I run the Shell 5w40 in the truck and tractor for the low temperature performance. They both sound better with 5w40 than with 15w40.

I'm playing devils advocate a bit since I'm running the Shell semi synthetic since I think it gives the most bang for the buck for me. I have run various dino oils on the truck and did oil tests. Nothing to complain about. I went with the 5w40 because of the cold weather starts and the last test said to try to go to 10,000 miles on the oil. I'm not into extended drain times right now but I do run over the 5,000 mile change mark from time to time which is another reason I use the 5w40 since it gives me some wiggle room. And I don't like to change the oil when its cold or wet. I don't even have a shed much less a barn or garage.

My two cents is that if one uses synthetic in a tractor because they worry about wear they are barking up the wrong tree. The tractor is going to outlast most of us. With your cold weather its a different ball game but this has been beaten to death on TBN once or twice.

Later,
Dan