synthetic oil

425trailer · Sep 29, 2004

Those of you who have switched to a synthetic hydraulic oil, have you experianced lower operating temperatures/increased performance in cold weather? I have no experiance with synthetics in hydraulics or engines, but at work I've seen the difference it made in air compressors. The cooler operating and lower amp draw made the conventional oil obsolete. I am usually rather skepticle about product claims and would like to hear of solid proven results. Thanks!

BobRip · Sep 30, 2004

I have been using synthetic oil in the engine and transmission. I can't say that I notice a difference. With the engine you don't have to change the oil if the outdoor temperature changes. With the transmission, I once sprung a leak in the stump grinder shaft seal and pumped out a lot of Mobil 1. $100 of Mobil 1 later I am back in business. I have not done any temperature measurements.

MuncyBob · Oct 8, 2004

I just switched over to Mobil 1 in our 1998 Jimmy with apprx 56k miles on it.....drove it for the first time yesterday since the change 2 weeks ago(mainly the wife's car) and I did see a definate drop in engine temp..at least that's what the dash gague indicates......and I was thinking of switching over the PT @ 100 hours to the same oil but I read today in a previous post by Jack @ Robin that he does not think synth. oil is a good idea in the Robin engine although he did not indicate why(I've sent him an email for explanation).

Phils · Oct 8, 2004

Please pass on what he says about synthetic oil. I'm currently getting my 422 order together with Scott (and only back to June in previous posts, still reading). But I've used synthetic oil for 25 years in everything from a weedeater to a Kenworth. It has saved me many thousands of dollars over the years (I could write a book) and I can't imagine NOT using it in this little green tractor that I've already started bonding with (it'll get worse when I actually GET it!!).

J_J · Oct 8, 2004

If you are going to switch to synthetic oil, at least wait until the warranty is over on the engine.

tracdoc · Oct 8, 2004

( I was thinking of switching over the PT @ 100 hours to the same oil but I read today in a previous post by Jack @ Robin that he does not think synth. oil is a good idea in the Robin engine although he did not indicate why )

I can't think of any technical reason NOT to use synthetic oil in these engines. They work hard at 3600 +/- rpm, and I've never seen any evidence (as opposed to pipe smokin' opinions) that would implicate syn oil as a cause of engine failure.

Take a look at the following thread in the BOBISTHEIOLGUY forum:
Synthetic Oil in small gas engines
It appeared back in May this year. The specific query was about a smaller Robin engine. There was a similar opinion by the dealer, but no hard facts from Robin to support the opinion. The Oil Forum has an entire section devoted to lube of CUT,LT, etc. engines, and some pretty knowledgeable petro engineer types frequent the forum. If you look around, you will probably come up with the same information time and again. Synthetic (PAO based) oils can not harm any engine. Before I get dumped upon, I will clarify by noting that older, high hour/mileage engines may develop leaks w/ syn oil.

It may be that the mfrs want to CYA, expecting that owners who use syn oil will neglect regular interval oil changes. As indicated in that thread, B&S originally had a negative attitude toward syn oils, but changed, adding a caveat to underscore regular interval oil changes.

MossRoad · Oct 8, 2004

I doubt you will get dumped on. Most folks are very impressed with the synthetic lubes.

JJT · Oct 8, 2004

( If you are going to switch to synthetic oil, at least wait until the warranty is over on the engine. )

JJ why wait for the warrantee to expire? My dealer said I could switch right away. Easier cold starts, less wear, long drain intervals. It's all upside in my book.

425trailer · Oct 8, 2004

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It seems to me that concerning the best lubricants there must be many more opinions than real answeres, (not in this string, but in general) , I still welcome more results on using other than motor oil for the hydraulics, cooler running and easier cold starting would both be a plus. I have 120 hrs on the 425 with no real problems thus far. I just want to keep it that way.

FOURTEEN · Oct 9, 2004

“”switching over the PT @ 100 hours “”

That should give the engine a sufficient break-in period.

"" I did see a definate drop in engine temp ""

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifYou did!!??!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Your Jimmy has a water cooled engine that is thermostatically controlled. The thermostat should maintain engine temperature at 195 degrees during normal operation, unless it is overheating!! If your engine temperature varies after warm up and under normal conditions, your thermostat may need replacing! The synthetic oil may very well help the engine produce less waste heat, but the operating temperature and gauge should not change if the thermostat is working properly!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

“” he does not think synth. oil is a good idea in the Robin engine although he did not indicate why “”

Perhaps because the synthetic oil would delay your purchase of a replacement PT or engine!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif