One More Oil Question.

RalphVa · Jan 17, 2005

I'd be using 0w40 or 0w30 synthetic in Michigan.

The recommended oil for my JD diesel is 5w30. That's what I plan to switch to at about 20 hours. If I had it in Michigan, think I'd go to 0w30 though unless you always start it inside a garage attached to a heated house or in the basement of one like my tractor is. You need the 0wxx for good lubrication to the top end (valves, etc.) for cold starts.

I switched to synthetic on my Gravely at about 150 hours and recently switched to synthetic on all 3 vehicles with 70k, 129k and 188k miles on them. ExxonMobil claims 4% fuel mileage (and hp) increase with Mobil 1. I was estimating 3% on my vehicles. On a 20 hp tractor, that's another 0.6-0.8 hp. THAT'S A LOT!

Ralph

gsxr1100 · Jan 18, 2005

These low temps 99% of the time are only true for dino. Most synthetic are good up to a pour point of -40 F to over -60 F. Subtract in the pumping temp, and you are fine. Also I did not know they made a 0W XX for diesel yet. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Also I have ony used synthetics for 11 years and never have see mpg increases. Most times these "tests" are on a dino and not real world. I am not saying Mobil 1 is a bad oil, but they have lots of product. I would make sure you are paying for a good oil that is PAO based and lots of ZDDP.

RalphVa · Jan 18, 2005

Most of Exxon (& Imperial Canada affiliate) work on oils was done on real cars in real driving situations. Only test work requiring special conditions (like those -40 F/C starts) with transparent overhead valve covers were done in laboratories.

Don't know how Mobil did their tests though.

Mobil 1 is PAO and is diesel rated.

gsxr1100 · Jan 18, 2005

My point was that I never have seen increases using a synthetic oil (group 4 or 5).

Next is what Mobil 1 diesel oil is 0w-XX?

Lastly is have you every see the unsead #'s of Mobil 1 oils?

BobCorazza · Jan 18, 2005

If your use is limited to +20 deg F the 15w40 Diesel/Marine will serve well. My choice is 5w30 HDD. I ran the 10w40 AMO last summer with excellent results also.
I have (2) used oil analysis' at about 100h oil time & 200h oil time that are exceptional in wear numbers, TBN, & soot/solids. As the 5w30 HDD is on the thick end of a 30 weight oil I plan to continue with this oil year 'round.

SkyPup · Jan 18, 2005

Penokee, I've been using Amsoil 10W-40 in both our Kubota's year 'round (L-3130 with LA723 FEL and ZD21) with excellent results, also using their synthetic hydraulic fluid in both as well since the GST and HST work so much better and last so much longer with the synthetic tranny-hydraulic oil. Changed everything over in both machines at 50 hours and plan on doing the same thing with our new LTB-39.