Synthetic Diesel Oil...

[JeffRey30747]

knowledgeable? Well, I'm not an engineer. All those calc courses at Ga Tech prevented that from happening. I'm now an accountant instead.
Back to the issue at hand. Given that I haven't been able to any diesel rated oil in 10W-30 anywhere I have looked (including the dealership that I bought my tractor from) I would wager that a huge majority of all diesel engines in service in North America are using 15W-40 with no dire consequences. Sure the oil companies make 10W-30, but no one stocks it on their shelves. My point is if it made a difference, the lighter weights would be more available because of demand for them.
As for the synthetic issue, I run Mobil 1 in my vehicles (in order to feel a little better about running my drain intervals out manufacturer's max) and since Rotella synthetic isn't really that much more than dino oil, I'll make the switch next time I change the oil. It can't hurt anything and the cost increase is negligible, so why not?

 

[JohnMiller3]

Ok... Guys... today was the day... the synthetic test begins... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/forumfiles/28-206708-JDRotellasyntheticoilchange-800.jpg>I used our built in lift /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif and changed the 8 quarts over to Shell Rotella Synthetic 5w-40...</A>

Now, I am expecting easier starts this winter... say down to -17 below zero (no glow plugs mind ya... just DI!)... but let's see if we get another 3 mpg, 20% increase in torque, 17% horsepower gain... and just plain more work done faster... gonna test for all those synthetic oil claims... this is the tractor wonder drug they tell me.../w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

In a few months, by Spring of '03... we should know the results... /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[MikePA]

John, did you crawl under that tractor when it was only supported by the FEL? /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...did you crawl under that tractor ...</font color=blue>

Hi Mike,

You guys are always trying to catch me at something... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Actually, I can reach from the side to remove the drain plug... I raised it with the loader more for "dramatic picture purposes" and maybe just a little to drain the "last drop"... /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[MikePA]

Whew! Just thought I'd better check and get an explanation. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Never know what conclusions those who don't know your safety focus might think after seeing that picture. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[GregH]

John Miller,
I have been a VERY strong advocate of synthetic oil. That said, I now have my doubts about its wonderful benefits. It is supposed to have more lubricity etc, etc. Lately cruising some oil test lab sites, none state that synthetic is better. Matter of fact one of them, which one I can't remember, stated they don't recommend any oil and found the same wear whether synthetic or conv. oi was used.
One company did say that if your intent was extended change intervals, you might benefit from synthetic. The only real advantage I see is as the engine gets older and produces more blowby and deposits junk in the oil, the synthetic might, possibly, allow less gunk and sludge to accumulate due to its supposed less volatility.
I also saw in one of the older Shell sites where they discussed pros and cons of conv. oil versus the Shell Synth. Blend. The person from Shell advised to use the Synthetic Blend in the colder weather and to switch to the "less expensive but excellent conventional Rotella T" for the rest of the year. Sooooo, now I am beginning to rethink my expensive oil purchases. But at least the low price of Rotella T synthetic make s it a little better. What is best , who knows. Just satisfy yourself I guess.
Happy tractorin'
Gret H

 

[GSS]

I was going to ask the same thing, b/c just yesterday I was "trying" to lay under my finish mower to scrape it and was too uneasy. Even with jackstands etc supporting it. I think all the safety talk on TBN has made me too careful. Is that even possible?

 

[Darren]

For what it's worth, Mobil was selling a fully synthetic Delvac for diesels at least 17 years ago and probably a lot earlier than that. It wasn't at retail outlets. You had to buy it from distributors. Smallest jug available was a gal.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...when at operating temp., which oil has a higher viscosity...5w-40 or 15w-40? ...</font color=blue>

At operating temps... they are both the same...

40=40

 

[OkieG]

I've followed this thread for a few months now. My poor tractor has been (unknowingly) subjected to crankcase abuse from the oil I've selected for it.

For the past three years (Penz 30w), my tractor has had as hard a time starting in the winter cold as I have (I don't like the cold much). After enlightenment late this summer I changed to Rotella 15-40w...used it a few months and then changed again to my winter choice, Rotella 5-40w synthetic.

Cold here in Oklahoma is nothing like you get up in the north country, but we have had overnight temps below 20 degrees this week and that's pretty cool for us.

With the temp in the 20s, I used my tractor to move a little snow a couple days ago. It started as easily as it would with temps in the 70s. Wonderful! Noticeably better.

Thanks,

OkieG