Rotella Synthetic Oil --- Bad?

SailorBob · Jun 5, 2006

I know this may be contraversal but, about 50 hours ago I switched from dino 15w40 Rotella to their "so called synthetic 15w40. I noticed that tractor started using oil...just a little about 1 pint every 15 hours or so. Now that summer got here I also noticed the tractor running warmner than normal. I have heard some rumors about other people having problem with that oil too. To make a long story short I changed the oil and filter. I changed the oil to Mobile Delvac (dino) 15w40 and went out and worked the tractor pretty hard bush hogging. The engine ran 20 degrees cooler. Maybe these little Yanmars don't like synthetic oil. I won't know anything about the oil usage for a while yet. I am going to stick with the dino since I like to change the oil every 50 hours anyway. It has been so dusty this year.

Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?

SailorBob · Jun 5, 2006

I know this may be contraversal but, about 50 hours ago I switched from dino 15w40 Rotella to their "so called synthetic 15w40. I noticed that tractor started using oil...just a little about 1 pint every 15 hours or so. Now that summer got here I also noticed the tractor running warmner than normal. I have heard some rumors about other people having problem with that oil too. To make a long story short I changed the oil and filter. I changed the oil to Mobile Delvac (dino) 15w40 and went out and worked the tractor pretty hard bush hogging. The engine ran 20 degrees cooler. Maybe these little Yanmars don't like synthetic oil. I won't know anything about the oil usage for a while yet. I am going to stick with the dino since I like to change the oil every 50 hours anyway. It has been so dusty this year.

Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?

JJT · Jun 5, 2006

Bob, Any chance you did more than change the oil and filter? Clean the radiator screen for example? I cannot believe 20 degrees hotter and burning oil on syn vs dino. I've spent some time on the bobistheoilguy site and never heard anything negative on syn, (other than cost). I've heard the normal rumors - it will cause oil leaks... But nothing like what you're reporting. Let us know if this switch solved the oil usage.

JJT · Jun 5, 2006

Bob, Any chance you did more than change the oil and filter? Clean the radiator screen for example? I cannot believe 20 degrees hotter and burning oil on syn vs dino. I've spent some time on the bobistheoilguy site and never heard anything negative on syn, (other than cost). I've heard the normal rumors - it will cause oil leaks... But nothing like what you're reporting. Let us know if this switch solved the oil usage.

Doc_Bob · Jun 5, 2006

Switch back and see if problems comes back. What have you got to lose? Some money for oil and filter?
Bob

Synthetic is great in cold weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And hot.

Doc_Bob · Jun 5, 2006

Switch back and see if problems comes back. What have you got to lose? Some money for oil and filter?
Bob

Synthetic is great in cold weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And hot.

PineRidge · Jun 5, 2006

I've used the synthetic oil since my 1st oil change with no problems. Maybe it's a Yanmar kinda thing. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

PineRidge · Jun 5, 2006

I've used the synthetic oil since my 1st oil change with no problems. Maybe it's a Yanmar kinda thing. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

hudr · Jun 7, 2006

I have experienced the leakage, but it is on an 86 Bronco II that was already leaking a bit of dino, seems the syn is slick enough to find more ways out of the motor. The temp thing is new to me, though, my BII and 6.5TD Chevy seem to run cooler, if anything. I know my 6.5 doesn't have as much diesel clatter on syn. (even my buddies who don't drive diesels notice it is quieter).

hudr · Jun 7, 2006

I have experienced the leakage, but it is on an 86 Bronco II that was already leaking a bit of dino, seems the syn is slick enough to find more ways out of the motor. The temp thing is new to me, though, my BII and 6.5TD Chevy seem to run cooler, if anything. I know my 6.5 doesn't have as much diesel clatter on syn. (even my buddies who don't drive diesels notice it is quieter).