SAE 30 or 10W-30 for older IH FARMALL

[superstevek1]

Recently acquired older 1972 IH Farmall 140, manual states SAE 30 oil ok to use 10W-30 or 10W-40 or stick with SAE 30 or does it eve matter? Thank you!

 

[RickB]

I would use 15w-40.

 

[oosik]

I agree with Rick.

 

[milkman636]

Personally, I’m curious why you both recommend 15w-40 for a 20 hp gas tractor? I’m not saying that recommendation is right or wrong, just wondering about the why.

 

[flynlow8740]

Modern 10w30 oils do not have the zinc needed for old engines with flat tappets. Most cam companies recommend a 15w-40 diesel oil for the higher zinc content.

 

[RickB]

Modern 10w30 oils do not have the zinc needed for old engines with flat tappets. Most cam companies recommend a 15w-40 diesel oil for the higher zinc content.

Exactly.

 

[tomplum]

Those who are concerned about zinc in something like this should consider buying outdoor power equipment oil. I'm no expert on your tractor, but I would think a multi grade would be better for cold weather.

 

[RickB]

Those who are concerned about zinc in something like this should consider buying outdoor power equipment oil. I'm no expert on your tractor, but I would think a multi grade would be better for cold weather.

OPE oils are typically formulated for air cooled engines operating at higher temperatures and carry a higher price point than a generic C rated 15w40 oil.
But if it trips your trigger, that's fine.

Like I posted, I would use 15w-40. Whatever you guys use is fine with me.

 

[marhar]

Recently acquired older 1972 IH Farmall 140, manual states SAE 30 oil ok to use 10W-30 or 10W-40 or stick with SAE 30 or does it eve matter? Thank you!

This is a copy and paste "SAE 30 and 10W30 aren’t the same. SAE 30 is an oil that has a viscosity of 30 at overly high temperatures. The 10W30, on the other hand, has a grade 10 viscosity at low temperatures and grade 30 viscosity when the temperature is high. "

 

[IH3444]

All my older gasoline engines get M1 15w-50. The added zinc, as stated above is necessary for flat tappet lubrication.