Synthetic Diesel Oil...

[MikePA]

Perhaps a petroleum engineer will jump in here...I was under the impression that the absolute number, while important, is less important than what happens as the oil approaches its pour point. This is where synthetics and conventional oils differ, with the synthetics out-performing conventional oils. This superiority appears before the absolute pour point of -33 degrees (Mobil1 is -49 degrees). IOW, pour points are a bit misleading. Synthetics continue to pour at the extremes whereas conventionals thicken noticably. As always, whether or not this is worth it to someone is a function of their climate, wallet and whether they believe these features to be important.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...Why pay so much more than that for synthetic? ...</font color=blue>

Hi Bill,

Actually this price is very good for 100% synthetic compared to what others have paid... upwards of $20-30/ gallon & many being "blends"... do a search on TBN... I think you'll fall out out your chair reading some of these posts... some of the prices borderline "insanity".../w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

Up until recently, most synthetics were only for "gas" units and diesels were a stretch... I'm from the old school myself and have used nothing but "dino" stuff... but I'm ready to give this a try... The last few winters have been mild... so this year I feel it in my bones... it's gonna be coooooolllllldddd... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

The only problem now... I'll get the darn tractor started @ 20 below zero... but the hydraulics won't work... /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

By the way, your price for Mobil /gallon is excellent.../w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[wdn]

Hi John,

I bought the Mobil Delvac 1300 Super at Costco warehouse club. Costco stores are kind of spread out around the country, nowhere near as many as Walmart. But $12.83 a gallon for synthetic Rotella is a great price. I am just somehow leery of putting 5W40 in there, maybe if they made synthetic 15W40 for diesels I would feel better. It's the 5 in the 5W40 that makes me nervous.

It's not like an extra $7 a gallon for synthetic is going to break the bank. Just sign me "the Old Yankee cheapskate".

 

[cowboydoc]

John,
Will you extend the change interval with synthetic?

 

[JohnMiller3]

Hi Richard...

No, I'm just looking at the easier cold start aspect... I'll run it through winter and come spring or next hour change (whichever occurs first) and change back to my regular "dino" Pennzoil or Rotella... until next winter... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

One key advantage of synthetic is the extended oil change intervals... if I was running a fleet of trucks or tractors then I would convert to that system... but not for only a few tractors... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[dgood1]

I wouldn't go changing back and forth between types of oil. Just my opinion on this one. I think that there might be problems going between different brands.

I would stay with mfg recomendation for change frequency and keep in mind all of the variables such as how hard you are using the tractor, how dusty, heat, letting the tractor setup for long periods etc.

This is also something for the Greenies to think about, if you change too often then you will be making more of an impact on the enviroment. I like to make some people think.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...I wouldn't go changing back and forth between types of oil. '. I think that there might be problems going between different brands....</font color=blue>

Old wives tale... a bunch of us guys go back and forth and basically buy whoever is on sale at that moment when we need it... /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

I've been doing it for many years and no ill or side effects... except I have more money in my wallet... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Now, I'll qualify my statement... we switch between major brands such as Pennzoil Longlife, Shell Rotella (the 2 most popular in my area)... you certainly don't go from Rotella to Lucky's "Unlucky 29 cent" rehashed, recycled motor oil... that Joe Smoe says "may be good for diesels"...

Also going from dino to synthetic and back again, I've yet to see or hear any poor results from end-users or working engineers (of course, not for the company in question /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif)

Two main benefits for using synthetic is easier cold weather starting and longevity between oil changes... Now somebody in Texas, Southern Calif., Florida, or in the southern sphere of the US that uses synthetic and "still changes" their oil by the book and not extended intervals... is strictly wasting their money... point blank... /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

They may have a "peaceful and easy feeling" in their head or heart... but that's about the only benefit... /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I use the synthetic oil for the high temperature rating. It gets hot down in South Louisiana!!! Have been using Mobil 1 in my bike for three years and will go with the Synthetic in the tractor at the next oil and filter change.
Bill in La.

 

[heehaw]

that seems like a good price...i use synthetic in my gas tractor, but its a little higher than that..i think i'll switch, but is it ok for gas engines too??
also, if you buy 10 gal of oil, how long will it still be good, 1, 2, maybe more years?? this is without opening the container.
heehaw

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...is it ok for gas engines too??...</font color=blue>

Yes, it's good for all engines...

<font color=blue>... how long will it still be good...</font color=blue>

Now... that depends on who and when you ask... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

If you ask the oil salesmen on day one... they will tell you a shelf life of 50-75 years and you should buy extra 'cause they will cut you a special deal...

Then next year... when the new "flavor" comes out and replaces this... that same salesmen will tell you "its old... throw it away now..."

So go figger... /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif