Oil & Fuel Switching from synthetic

   / Switching from synthetic #1  

jhortonvt

Silver Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2004
Messages
136
Location
Northwestern VT, On Lake Champlain
Tractor
John Deere 4310
I've got a 4310 eHydro with 460 hrs on it and I'm going to do a complete service soon.
I'll be changing:
-Engine oil
-Transmission oil
-Coolant
-all filters

Since the 50 hour service I have been using Amsoil Synthetic. Money's tight and times are hard so I'm probably going to switch to conventional fluids, most likely the JD brand for the engine oil and tranny fluid.

Besides, I hear more and more about a lack of a REAL difference in performance. With the exception of at startup in cold weather, one study showed no difference in wear. But I don't really want to turn this into a synthetic vs conventional discussion. I just want to know if I'm creating any issues.

Anyone see a big problem with that?
 
   / Switching from synthetic #2  
as long as what you use has the required specifications, I see no problem. Me, I prefer synthetic but understand your point. I'd get oil from Tractor Supply before using JD brand if cost is a major factor
 
   / Switching from synthetic #3  
Hiya,

If I was in your shoes, and I have been with various equipment over the years, I would keep using Amsoil in the engine for it's cold start performance and longer life but go with the lower cost petroleum in the hydrostat. My logic here is that the engine needs to start in the frozen winter, once it does, the rest of the tractor will warm up, without the engine starting, your not doing anything. Also, since the hydro holds roughly 5x more oil than the engine, you will get the most bang for your buck running amsoil in the engine.

Tom
 
   / Switching from synthetic #5  
I can't see any issue with changing back to mineral based oil. Of course drain completely, and do the filter too of course. One other idea to consider: If there is AmsOil full synthetic in it now, why not pay 8 bucks and do an oil analysis? You may find that the oil in it could run another year. Not changing is even cheaper than changing to cheaper oil. I am not saying abuse your tractor, just saying that the oil you have in it is extremely high quality and probably is not close to worn out yet, and may not be contaminated if your tractor is doing normal (not severe or all cold weather) duty. Larger operators do it this way and save uncountable amounts of money by not throwing out oil that is still working fine. The hourmeter does not tell the story.
 

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