Synthetic Engine Oil

[bp fick]

When synthetic oils were first introduced, there was some fear of changing to them. Concerns that it might leak through seals and such were noted.

That was then and this is now. One can change to synthetics safely at virtually any time, if one chooses to do so. More and more engine builders from trucks, autos and other vehicles even come with synthetic from the factory. I suspect the future will see increasing use of synthetic oils of all types. I really like synthetic gear lube, for example.

Word is that synthetic hydro fluids are the next big thing. We shall see.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I run Mobil Delvac 1 (5w40) in most everything from my Duramax trucks to 3720 and 445 Deere, Honda Rincon, Polaris Ranger, Honda generators, etc.

Saves having a whole bunch of oils on hand.

 

[LaVerne]

The engines on premium compact tractors have a design life far beyond that of the tractor itself. We'd kinda like to make a big deal out of which engine oil we use... but it's not a big deal. As long as we use a premium quality engine oil rated for diesel engines, we're fine. Moisture from condensation is probably the biggest risk, because these tractors don't rack up a lot of hours, and sometimes sit outside for extended periods. Once moisture gets in the oil, it modifies some of the additives in the oil, reducing their performance. and even if the moisture gets boiled out, the damage is done. i'd rather use Castrol plain GTX oil in my tractor, and change it yearly...... than to run Delo 400 and change it in 4 years when I hit the hourly interval. Use a good quality diesel rated oil and be happy. If using synthetic oil makes you more happy, by all means use it. Either way, when the tractor is wore out you can use the engine on a genset or log splitter!
For all the fluids in the tractor, it's not the best idea to run them more than maybe 2 years unless your tractor is stored in a dry shop with a dehumidifier!

 

[RalphVa]

The oldest engine I switched to synthetic was my 1960ish Gravely. I always used a little bit of oil, but by the 3rd change on Mobil 1, it was using hardly any. Switched our 1983 240D at around 190k miles to synthetic. Its last changes were on Mobil 1 0w30. It gave about 1.4 mpg higher vs. 5w40. The old Benz would use about a quart of synthetic oil between 6-7k yearly changes. It had always used about a quart of dino oil between 3k changes. Dino oil is more volatile on the front end than synthetic. Therefore, synthetic oil use will likely be lower.

Any 0w or 5wxx oil is going to be more viscous at startup, even in the summer time, than it is at operating temperature. So, why would you have any problem with using a 0w30 or 5w40 in the summer? The 0w30 is gonna be 30w at operating temperature, and the 5w40 will be 40w at operating temperature. They'll BOTH be heavier at startup temperatures in the summer time.

Ralph

 

[KennedyDiesel]

The engines on premium compact tractors have a design life far beyond that of the tractor itself. We'd kinda like to make a big deal out of which engine oil we use... but it's not a big deal. As long as we use a premium quality engine oil rated for diesel engines, we're fine. Moisture from condensation is probably the biggest risk, because these tractors don't rack up a lot of hours, and sometimes sit outside for extended periods. Once moisture gets in the oil, it modifies some of the additives in the oil, reducing their performance. and even if the moisture gets boiled out, the damage is done. i'd rather use Castrol plain GTX oil in my tractor, and change it yearly...... than to run Delo 400 and change it in 4 years when I hit the hourly interval. Use a good quality diesel rated oil and be happy. If using synthetic oil makes you more happy, by all means use it. Either way, when the tractor is wore out you can use the engine on a genset or log splitter!
For all the fluids in the tractor, it's not the best idea to run them more than maybe 2 years unless your tractor is stored in a dry shop with a dehumidifier!

Delo 400 was petroleum based last I knew. That was several years ago though. I run the synthetics in my work stuff because I can go longer and it protects better if neglected.

If I were in a warm climate and cold starts were not an issue and I was using my machinery hard I would use a 20w50 petro. I run Cenpeco in my HP Duramax as it pushes the limits and can sit for extended periods. Extended sitting with synthetics can create dry starts as it tends to settle back to the pan more readily.

 

[V1Rotate]

Is there any problem with mixing synthetic and non-synthetic oils?

 

[bp fick]

Is there any problem with mixing synthetic and non-synthetic oils?

It's been done for years and years. Of course, you can buy semi synthetic, but whether you do it yourself or buy semi, the benefits are somewhere in-between, of course.

I used to add a quart of syn to my wife's car at each oil change. 150K miles and running perfectly, with zero oil usage 11 hard years later. FWIW.

 

[Rob-D]

I've used synthetics for years and just to be clear synthetic is modified dino oil. I think a lot of people aren't aware of that.
I use synthetic (M-1) in my Subie but the Subie has hydraulic chain lifters and the synthetic runs out of them when I idle at a light and the engine gets noisy. Doesn't damage it though but it did take m awhile to figure out what was going on.
I ran synthetic Amsoil in my tranny and engine on my 2320. The tranny oil smelled and the rate of expansion must have been greater than the Deere oil because I would have to break the oil lines once and awhile to get the quick connects off.
On my 3320 I am sticking with Deere oils. I heard they are semi-synthetic. I remember reading that synthetic has smaller molecules than dino, I think the jury is still out whether that is good or bad.
So far my 3320 has started well in the subzero temps it's seen and my dealer just gave me 5-w30 for my next change coming up soon. Remember the 'w' = winter in oils guys.
I think synthetic is good for a lot of apps but i think you can't go wrong with Deere oils and Deere might be stodgy old company but I'll be they pick their oils supplier very carefully.... Good enough for me!

Rob

 

[jim2210]

I used JD 15w-40 during the break-in period (about the 1st 100 hrs.) then switched to Mobil One 5w-40 Turbo Diesel Truck. Start ups in cold weather were greatly improved. I just changed the oil for the winter and filled it with JD 0w-40 synthetic. Again, noted improvement in cold weather (currently daytime highs about 25*F) over the 5w-40. I used the 5w-40 year round and plan on using the JD 0w-40 year round as well. The JD 0w-40 is a great oil.

Hop on over to the forums on www.bobistheoilguy.com and you'll learn more about oil and lubes (among other topics) than you ever cared to.

 

[AKfish]

I used the proscribed break-in oil for the first 50 hrs or so and changed to synthetic Mobil 1 - 5w40 Turbo Diesel.

Have used it for the past 4 years. Great oil! Cold starts and warmup are a monumental difference from the conventional oils that I've used in the past!

Just this past year or so - I switch over to John Deere 0w40 synthetic. It has been just as good a performing lubricant as the Mobil 1 - IMO.

Planning to convert every engine on my place to the JD synthetic.

AKfish