Rotella T6 5W-40W for use from summer to winter???

[DOCatRU]

Folks:

I am changing fluids on a new-to-me CK 30 (415) hours. I anticipate that we will not put more than 100 hours on the tractor before next summer, so the engine oil will be in there from summer through winter.

We live in central Vermont where the temperature range will be from the 80's (now) to below zero in the winter. The tractor will live in an unheated outdoor shed. It will be used for moving firewood on pallets, loader and rototiller work prepping garden, plowing snow.

I do not know what oil was used in the tractor engine by the previous owner who lived in southern New Hampshire.

Does it make sense to use Rotella T6 5W-40W to cover the temperature extremes?

Thanks,

DOC

 

[mguitas]

Makes good sense, I know some people using mobil 1 turbo diesel truck or delvac. I think I will try mobil 1.

 

[brown40]

Makes perfect sense. I hope you will run it enough to get the oil up to temperature when you do run it, and make sure you keep the fuel from going stale. If it really will sit for long periods, you should stabilize the fuel with some power service or other cetane boost/anti-algae product. Enjoy!

 

[KubotaToy]

5w-40 will cover the temp extremes better than the other vendor recommended oils, just make sure it fits the API service classification recommended by the manufacturer. BTW- you can always use what the manufacturer recommends and never go wrong...

I have several tractors which results in none of them getting enough hours during the year to change the oil based on hours, so I change the oil every October to stay on a schedule. I use whatever 5w-40 is on sale when I buy. The only one that gets "conventional" oil is one that leaks a lot from the rear seal. It almost changes the oil over a year period by a feed and bleed method .

Just bought a Bobcat T770, and noticed that the dealer had Bobcat branded 5w-40 on sale for 19.99 gal. May have to stock up. I found Delvac on sale at Walmart for 17.99 in the spring and bought several cases.

 

[VictorW]

I've use the Rotella T6 5W-40 year round for the past 11 years in my CK30hst after recommendation by DK35Vince who has a DK35 with @2,000 hours. We have similar temps like you. 80-90 Summer and see single digits in Winter. Mine also sits in an unheated shelter and Winter starts are fine even without a block heater. I get mine from Walmart being that it's the least cost here.

 

[DOCatRU]

Thanks folks......that's what I thought. I appreciate the collective wisdom of the group. It really helps "newbies" like me.

I'm sure I will have other questions in the future.

DOC

 

[holeycow]

0W-40 year round for many in Canada. Not all 0/40 is created equal..

Simply the best winter option, especially if you punish your diesels by not using the block heater. It's just fine in the summer too. Why not?

 

[Ford850]

I use T6 5W-40 year round in all my diesels now, and most other small engines. Easier starts in the winter, and plenty of protection in the summer.

 

[RalphVa]

Makes perfect sense, since you cannot get 0w30 diesel rated oil much yet. I've 5w30 in my JD2025R now (free from VW). That's what multigrade oils are all about.

Ralph

 

[holeycow]

There's 0 weight multigrades all over the place here.

Lots of users of 0/30 and 0/40 in Canada. The difference it makes on cold starts, even over 5 wt multigrade is remarkable.

You could order it from the folks at any bulk station I bet.

Canada knows cold.

Oh; and so does North Dakota, lol.

 

[atsah]

At 50 hours I used Mobil 1 5-40 full synthetic and will from now on.. It's the best of both worlds IMO..

 

[Midniteoyl]

There are Rotella T6 and Mobil 0W-40 oils for sale at Walmart.. I would use a 0W-40 over a 5W-40 for much better starting and better start up oil protection.

 

[holeycow]

At least 2 of us get it.

 

[Midniteoyl]

At least 2 of us get it.

Ya, I think most people just arent used to the way synthetic oils work yet in that they start with a base oil that is at the higher number, and not the lower number like dino oil does. No need to use a 'heavier' cold weight to provide protection when warm. With synthetic, the lower the cold weight, the better off you are.. as long as the hot weight is still correct. If they would make a -10W-40 , I would switch to that.

 

[newbury]

Folks:

I am changing fluids on a new-to-me CK 30 (415) hours. I anticipate that we will not put more than 100 hours on the tractor before next summer, so the engine oil will be in there from summer through winter.

We live in central Vermont where the temperature range will be from the 80's (now) to below zero in the winter. The tractor will live in an unheated outdoor shed. It will be used for moving firewood on pallets, loader and rototiller work prepping garden, plowing snow.

I do not know what oil was used in the tractor engine by the previous owner who lived in southern New Hampshire.

Does it make sense to use Rotella T6 5W-40W to cover the temperature extremes?

Thanks,

DOC

First of all plan for the extremes and you will be ok for the averages. The record low for Wallingford is 36 degrees F BELOW 0. That's close to where Celsius meets Fahrenheit. That's 5 degrees warmer than what was my neck of the woods, Bakersfield, VT but still cold. Try and find some 0-40.

Also make sure you have a good hydraulic fluid, it's fairly useless to have the engine running but no PTO, 3pt or FEL.

Make sure you have a good block heater that works and make sure your fuel is winter blend. Summer #2 doesn't flow at 40 below.

Thanks folks......that's what I thought. I appreciate the collective wisdom of the group. It really helps "newbies" like me.

I'm sure I will have other questions in the future.

DOC

Keep coming back, I'm down in VA with 100 degree days, just reading and remembering about 40 below has a cooling effect.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Most critical is to be sure it is a "Cx" rated oil for Diesel engines. Some of the "Sx" oils for gasoline engines actually lubricate better but they won't handle the soot properly. Some oils are both C and S rated, that's OK.

Engine starting is the most critical phase for engine wear, especially for engines that sit un-run for long periods. You really need an oil that will stick to the metal and also flow quickly as soon as the oil pump turns. This is where synthetics excel. The operating temp of a healthy engine is pretty-much the same in any climate (hot or cold) so 30 or 40 weight will be fine after the engine is at operating temp. But a low (0W, 5W, 10W) cold viscosity is the key to cold-start lubrication (along with a block heater in really cold areas).

As a bit of trivia, the Russians (who have much Diesel experience in very cold areas) use oil pre-heaters and electric oil circulating pumps in tactical vehicles (like tanks) before attempting engine starts in really cold conditions.

 

[Patches]

Many engine rebuilders (gas or diesel) recommend Rotella in any of it's formulations due to it's additive package reducing wear factor on cam shafts, main and rod bearings etc.

 

[3930dave]

Even with synthetic, a block heater in the dead of a VT class winter is not a bad idea. Belt+suspenders.

While I have bought plenty of Rotella, I'd also be comfortable using any properly rated 5W40 Cx product from Mobil, Delo, Schaeffers, or Amsoil. Good choice, summer and winter.

Rgds, D.