Oil: I'm Not Convinced It Ever Needs To Be Changed

[CBW1999]

Crazy al- SYnthetic 5w30 for our area works best?

More than once I've had to put the propane burner under the oil pan before trying to start it. I usually look at the coolant- if it is syrup, I don't even try to start it before warming the block for a while.

I am surprised that there isn't more of a push for synthetic if it is better for our colder area.

 

[mike69440]

Gas turbines driven machines use two separate oil tanks. The hot part use synthetic and the colder part such as load uses mineral oil that is much cheaper. The oil gets changed only during major overhaul and it can take quite few years of continuous operation. Sometimes additives are added. Steam turbines use mineral oil in both the driver and the load.

IC egines, especially oil burners really contamiant their oil, and have all sorts of chemical reactions and acid form when the oil collects moisture. Thats why oil needs to be changed.

 

[94BULLITT]

Does this include POS B+S push lawn mowers ?

I've never ever changed the oil in those.

As far as that goes, same with the rider.

I did not know a briggs was capable of running long enough to need the oil changed.

 

[OrangeBeast]

Crazy al- SYnthetic 5w30 for our area works best?

More than once I've had to put the propane burner under the oil pan before trying to start it. I usually look at the coolant- if it is syrup, I don't even try to start it before warming the block for a while.

I am surprised that there isn't more of a push for synthetic if it is better for our colder area.

I run synthetic in my Truck but never thought about the tractor, I always thought you should use oil engineered for diesel as they are dirty engines! I change my tractor's oil every fall before winter hits, and when it needs it. Oil is cheep, new engine is not! And speaking of slushy tractor anti-freeze that reminds me that I need to change mine this year before winter comes. Have a feeling that it's going to be a bad one.

 

[CBW1999]

I run synthetic in my Truck but never thought about the tractor, I always thought you should use oil engineered for diesel as they are dirty engines! I change my tractor's oil every fall before winter hits, and when it needs it. Oil is cheep, new engine is not! And speaking of slushy tractor anti-freeze that reminds me that I need to change mine this year before winter comes. Have a feeling that it's going to be a bad one.

Sorry - I may have confused you. I was referencing using the synthetic in our Cars. We can get as low as -40 f in mid February for a short time during the overnight hours.

I hate leaving block heaters plugged in all the time. The tractor however can be plugged in for a short time with an appreciable increase in temperature. For the cars, I was hoping that by using synthetic would alleviate the slow groan of moving pudding and lessen the time I may have to plug it in.

Is there a synthetic diesel oil available?

 

[OrangeBeast]

Sorry - I may have confused you. I was referencing using the synthetic in our Cars. We can get as low as -40 f in mid February for a short time during the overnight hours.

I hate leaving block heaters plugged in all the time. The tractor however can be plugged in for a short time with an appreciable increase in temperature. For the cars, I was hoping that by using synthetic would alleviate the slow groan of moving pudding and lessen the time I may have to plug it in.

Is there a synthetic diesel oil available?

Oh ok got ya!! Don't forget the wind chill factor that can effect car/truck or for that fact anything outside, could be as bad as -60!! Anything will be stiff subjected to those temps. As for synthetic diesel oil I know that Amsoil makes some but I don't know if anyone else does. I dont know if I would see any benifit of synthetic. I think with diesel a good quality filter would be of bigger importance.

 

[SeymourBota]

Oh ok got ya!! Don't forget the wind chill factor that can effect car/truck or for that fact anything outside, could be as bad as -60!! Anything will be stiff subjected to those temps.

Wind chill is a 'feels like' phenomenon. Wind blowing over your skin removes heat. To something metal or plastic, -40 is -40 no matter what the wind speed may be.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Mobil delvac is syn, but I have only seen it in 5w-40. I may run that in my diesel plow and Kioti this winter....I know all about starting in -40f!

Wind chill only matters if the object is wet, it is the cooling from evaporation that makes it "feel" colder. Inanimate objects are not affected by wind chill

Edit: beat me to it, plus it is covection that removes heat faster from an object that is hotter than the air around it.

 

[ray66v]

Oh ok got ya!! Don't forget the wind chill factor that can effect car/truck or for that fact anything outside, could be as bad as -60!! Anything will be stiff subjected to those temps. As for synthetic diesel oil I know that Amsoil makes some but I don't know if anyone else does. I dont know if I would see any benifit of synthetic. I think with diesel a good quality filter would be of bigger importance.

Rotella also makes a synthetic diesel oil, among others.

Longer intervals aside, extreme temperatures are where you get the maximum benefit from synthetic oil.

 

[megaboz]

Sorry - I may have confused you. I was referencing using the synthetic in our Cars. We can get as low as -40 f in mid February for a short time during the overnight hours.

I hate leaving block heaters plugged in all the time. The tractor however can be plugged in for a short time with an appreciable increase in temperature. For the cars, I was hoping that by using synthetic would alleviate the slow groan of moving pudding and lessen the time I may have to plug it in.

Is there a synthetic diesel oil available?

Schaeffer's makes diesel oil that is full synthetic.