Oil & Fuel What type oil ?

[IslandTractor]

I would suggest some of the threads here on TBN concerning oils and lubricants.

Just be aware that there is a bias towards "ultimo synthetic" oils etc on that forum and there is a lot more hot air than science behind many of the stated preferences. Data is thrown around by folks who are not qualified to interpret it and all manner of strongly held but poorly documented opinions fly around. IMO, changing oil/filters at manufacturer specified intervals and using any decent diesel rated oil (I use Rotella dino) is way way more important than worrying about what oil they use on the space shuttle.

 

[TrippleT]

LOL, When I posted that I wondered how I would be taken to task. I agree, I posted on that thread and suggested RotellaT. I got the works from the experts. Some, are very knowledgeable about oils on that thread. Now, here is my suggestion. First, get your manual, and see what the manufacturer says. Means much more than my opinion. I agree some oils are better than others. Just yesterday, I got an email reply from a real expert on oils, here is a part of what he said, "Rotella is a good oil however AMSOIL is superior. I have attached the data sheets so you can review them." That said I still use the Rotella T but have thought about the synthetic version. I called NH and their statement was, "if it meets CG-4 you can use it." If an oil meets the API standards that your manual calls for it will work. Now, lets sit back and watch the fireworks.

 

[IslandTractor]

"Rotella is a good oil however AMSOIL is superior. I have attached the data sheets so you can review them."

But no one seems to have real world comparative data done in unbiased experiments. There are all manner of data documenting "superiority" of one oil vs another but little data I have seen is correlated with real world performance. I'm sure that companies like JD and Caterpillar have run tests and if they are still recommending dino oils then there is unlikely to be a major benefit to routine use of synthetic. The question I would love to know is what the US Military uses in their diesels. They have strict and generally evidence based criteria for selecting most of their supplies...do they even use synthetic over dino much less focus on some highly marketed brand of synthetic?

There are some real world benefits to synthetic if you are in very cold temps etc for starting purposes. I wouldn't for a moment suggest the synthetics are not as good as the dino but it is hard to get real world data to back up the superiority claims for synthetic. I still think that regular oil/filter changes with manufacturer approved oils is about as reasonable as any of the enthusiast recommendations.

 

[Steverino]

The question I would love to know is what the US Military uses in their diesels. They have strict and generally evidence based criteria for selecting most of their supplies...do they even use synthetic over dino much less focus on some highly marketed brand of synthetic?

Here is your answer. Sort of
FEDERAL SUPPLY CLASS 9150 PRODUCT COMMODITIES*************************
A lot to digest here.
I have to add that all you need do is find an oil that conforms the the military spec you desire.

 

[IslandTractor]

Here is your answer. Sort of
FEDERAL SUPPLY CLASS 9150 PRODUCT COMMODITIES*************************
A lot to digest here.

Interesting. The specify synthetic for jet engines and helicopter transmissions but just mention oil for diesel engines. Betcha it's dino.

 

[Steverino]

Interesting. The specify synthetic for jet engines and helicopter transmissions but just mention oil for diesel engines. Betcha it's dino.

Here is the spec I feel is most apropos. SAE J2363 (R) Lubricating Oil for Wheeled Military Vehicles with Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines - IHS, Inc

 

[TrippleT]

I realize that unbiased data is something that is desired. I will probably use the RotellaT or the synthetic version. That said, I still think the manufacturers recommendations in the owners manual won't lead you wrong. As far as oil experts, I want to put this link in here and there is a free ebook you may download and phone no. to call.

Motor Oils and Engine Lubrication Book: Motor Oil Engineers

 

[IslandTractor]

Motor Oils and Engine Lubrication Book: Motor Oil Engineers

Interesting read as a primer but I have some concerns: 1) the guy hypes himself in a rather non professional manner that makes me wonder why, 2) he talks almost exclusively about AMSOIL products of all kinds including filters, grease etc etc and has nothing but good things to say about them. I would not dispute that AMSOIL products are good but why does this book focus on them to the exclusion of almost all others (Mobil1 gets a little play historically). 3) he talks of fleet testing data but never presents any and continues his focus on lab testing. No doubt AMSOIL does well in the lab but where are the real world tests? 4) this is a "vanity" press ebook that costs nothing to download and I am left wondering just how independent the author really is. Additionally, you can buy the printed version or the CD ROM version including postage for costs that could not possibly be above production plus handling charges. Did he get a grant or ongoing support from some (???can anyone guess) motor oil manufacturer? In this era where even the NYTimes gets caught having reporters getting paid to generate stories as publicity pieces, I really have my doubts about the "independence" of this author.

 

[Steverino]

If you are concerned with America’s dependence on foreign oil you might want to consider recycled oil such as America’s Choice. http://www.ac-rerefined.com/
This product is acceptable by all major car and truck manufactures and complies with SAE J2363 http://www.pri-network.org/resource/attach/30/LRIQPL8302006.xls
Suppose to be Available at wally-world at a slight discount to virgin oil.

 

[TrippleT]

I T, you do have a valid point about the book. And, I would say that if you talked to a rep from any oil company you could get the same story about their oils. I just thought, for the price, the book is basically very informative. SO, do you think that the manufacturers recommendations are suspect? I would say, as I have, that if you go by the owners manual you won't go wrong. Do you place any credence in the API specs? If the manufacturer says any oil that meets a certain spec is fine, I think that is sufficient. However, it is good to have a multitude of ideas, and I think TBN is very good for that. In that email, even if he is paid by, or in league with Amsoil, he admits that Rotella is a good oil. I still recommend the book, even if he is biased.