Syn, con, or blend I try to make sure it's ck4 api rated I believe the ck rating supercedes all other ratings and can be used on all previous generations of diesel engines with or without pollution controls and ultra low sulphur diesel. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Should I use conventional oil, or synthetic oil in my tractor.
- Thread starter Reddogs
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Ford about had a coronary when the new CK4 rating came out, replacing the older CJ4. It's thinner. Ford refused to recognize it. Still something of a battle going on with that.
Whenever the criminals at EPA get involved, you always have to watch out. Always. They wanted thinner oil for fuel economy purposes. No other reason, fuel economy. Your engine blows up? Puts a smile on the EPA's face.
Back in the day, the EPA forced refiners to stop putting ZDDP (a zinc additive) into their SI oils. They found that it destroyed catalytic converters. Which it does. funny stuff right there
But in those days, a lot of engines still had flat-tappet camshafts and still needed the ZDDP. Which is what it's for. Been there, done that. Trust me.
So they held off enforcing the rule for a while until most newer engines had roller cams. Then, they don't need the extra lube help.
But nobody told NAgmAR (aka; nascar). Who ran (might still, lost interest years ago) exclusively flat tappet cams in what passes for race cars with them.
They started blowing up engines like nobody's business. You'd have to be a fan to remember it and it was a few decades ago, so.... But they didn't tell anybody about the missing ZDDP. The Refiners like Mobil, Shell, etc who sponsor teams?? ....they didn't bother to tell their own Teams.
Point being is this -- Just because there is a new oil rating, do NOT assume it is better because..... Very often, it isn't. In fact, usually it isn't.
One of these days when I have several beers sitting next to me, I might tell you about the 454 Big Blocks we had rebuilt for my buddy's 40 Foot Scarab. Went through hell with the camshafts. Long story and be sure to bring a violin
LouNY
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LouNY
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The full API motor oil guide;
https://www.api.org/products-and-services/engine-oil/documents/motor-oil-guide
A shot of the current diesel oil guide;
https://www.api.org/products-and-services/engine-oil/documents/motor-oil-guide
A shot of the current diesel oil guide;
Well darn I opened up a can of worms but thanks for the insights. I'll continue to use semi synthetic api rated ck4 because it's what's readily available around me at a decent price, and my 30+ yr old tractors continue to run great using it, plus I change it seasonally weather I put 50 hrs, or 300 hrs on them.
LouNY
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When you get into the semi-synthetic or full synthetic diesel rated oils I think it's hard
to get a poor oil. I've been running either Amsoil or Rotella T6 in both my 7 year old tractor and my 50+ year old tractor
for quite some time.
to get a poor oil. I've been running either Amsoil or Rotella T6 in both my 7 year old tractor and my 50+ year old tractor
for quite some time.
OP
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Question, what in the world does oil have to do with exhaust emission standards?
LouNY
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The good oils formulated for old flat tappet cams had higher concentration of zinc and other pressure additives
for sliding surfaces. Zinc and it many derivatives would or could poison catalytic converters on engines that used oil
especially as they got older and burnt a bit of oil. And then some additives in the oils were not compatible with engines that used a EGR system.
for sliding surfaces. Zinc and it many derivatives would or could poison catalytic converters on engines that used oil
especially as they got older and burnt a bit of oil. And then some additives in the oils were not compatible with engines that used a EGR system.
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For me I have been using syn oil never have to
worry about changing oil because of the drop in
temps below 20 degrees *F" and no leakey problems
willy
worry about changing oil because of the drop in
temps below 20 degrees *F" and no leakey problems
willy
Torvy
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Um, I'm like, you know, a vegan, so I'm going to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is so much better for the environment and it is renewable and tastes great, too. Plus, you can grow and press your own olives. Pretty sure we should insist that everyone does.
