winter oil change help

[BrettW]

Hi
I'm going to do an oil change for my Kubota B7800 Deisel tractor, because it needs it and with winter coming it seems like a good idea also.
My question: Can I or should I consider using a lighter grade oil for the colder winter months? My diesel engine seems to make a good bit of noise when first starting up and I'm just thinking that the colder temps coming will make the 15/40 oil I've been using get to the engine even more slowly.
I've got Rotella T Synthetic 5-w40 that I can use if it is OK. It exceeds the API CH4 rating according to the back label. Or I can get any oil that is really good. I want this machine to last for a LONG time. thanks , Brett W

 

[rameye]

After your engine is broken in...synthetic is the way to go for less wear. Rotella is one of many excellent oils, readily available.

One caveat would be that if you have any small leaks now, they may become larger due to the properties of synthetic. For the same reason it exploits and lubricates your engine it'll also exploit leaky gaskets in the same way.

All diesels are a little noisy when they are really cold. That noise is from the combustion chambers and most likely not from your rocker arms.

Cheers.

 

[gsxr1100]

In S.C, you should be fine with a 15w-40 group 3 or up oil.

 

[RalphVa]

Doubt your noise is from oil not getting to the lifters, but 0wxx oil will get up there quicker than a 5wxx or 15wxx. Exxon did some tests of engines with transparent valve gear cover starting at -40 F a few years ago. The only oil that would keep the valve gear from smoking was the 0wxx.

My JD manual recommends 5w30. That's what I plan to switch to at 20-30 hour level. Won't wait until 50 hours to do it. It'll be Mobil 1 5w30. That's what I have now in my VW with 75k miles on it and Toyota Tacoma with 125k miles. Haven't had any engine leaks show up. Even on my diesel Benz at 189k miles switched to 10w40 synthetic (50/50 mix of 5w30 and 15w50) hasn't shown any oil leaks nor excessive usage, essentially nil leakage on the VW & Toyota but they never did use any. Benzes are designed to use oil.

Ralph