Engine oils - using one for everything?

[mariner]

Hi Guys,

Like most of you, I have been using 15W40 for my diesel engines and then 5W30, 10W30 etc for everything else. With around a dozen different engines, I have found I have too many different types of oil in use.

I am thinking of using just one oil for everything - tractors, pickups, generators, snowblower etc. I asked this question on TBN and got quite a response and I am sure this year I will be using just one oil.

Anyway, what do you guys think and I would appreciate your comments. None of the engines have the latest equipment (particulate filters etc) so a good quality diesel oil should work well for everything. It sure would make life a lot easier.

Comment please.

mariner

[red]

Mariner-

I like Mobil1 but have to get different grades for different engines. Went with 15w-50 for the tractor (Rob (3rrl) has been using it) I doubled the mileage change interval 3>6k and it is still below the manufacturers recom. Changing oil isn't as much fun as it use to be! Let's us know what you decide -Ed

[GuglioLS]

Mariner,

Oh man, I know what you mean having so many different grades of oil. I suppose the correct answer is that you decide what is best for your situation. Personally I would continue to use 30 wt non detergent oil in air cooled non filtered engines. Other than that, I suppose if the minimum API service grade requirements are met for all the other engines, IMHO I see no reason why not to use 15W40 diesel oil in everything. For the most part oil is oil, it lubricates right? As you probably quickly discovered, Some people are deeply passionate about what Oil brands, grades, ratings, etc, etc. to use, in their mind, they are right and everyone else is wrong. It's one of those age old debates that no one ever seems to win.

Good luck with whatever you decide.


Larry

[Jake]

Personally, I have wittled it down to 2 types of motor oil that I keep stocked up on now.
1 for gas engines.. 10W30 Castrol
1 for diesel engines.. 15W40 Delo

(maybe I'll start a new thread on this...)
along the same train of thought, about 20 years ago, I started investigating oil filters.. and wittled them down to just 1 (until recently).
if there was room for it, I used a Purolator 30001.
it works on everything I've got (or have had) except my Dodge Cummins.
(will continue in a new thread)

[carld]

Since some time around 1980 I have used Rotella T 15w40 in everything. Lawn mowers, cars, trks and tractor. No problems so far.

[3RRL]

I've been using Shell Rotella T 5w-40 Synthetic in the old Blazer and the ATV but not in the Kama 554 nor the Harleys or Jeep. It is diesel and gas engine rated and has good low/high viscosity ratings. I'd consider using it in Loretta's tractor now.

I use Mobil1 15w-50 synthetic in the Kama 554 and in the Harleys, which, like Rotella, is also diesel rated but not specific for diesels. My main concern was having enough protection during the searing Summer months out here when temperatures sore over 110°F. The oil pressure would drop during those months when I used Rotella T 5w-40 synthetic. I thought going to Mobil15w-50 synthetic would help, and it does. However, since I use it year round in the tractor, I'm thinking a lower viscosity during the Winters would be better? So I'm now considering changing oils In the Winter to 5w-40 for that reason.

The other oil I'd seriously consider using is Mobil Delvac1 5w-40 for the same reason as the Rotella during Winter and even year round. It's also diesel rated and for use in gas engines. I might try that in the tractors? Maybe it won't have as much oil pressure drop during the Summer as the Rotella did. If that's the case, if it's better, I would use it year round in the tractors.
However, I doubt I'd switch it in the Harleys. The Jeep uses 5w-30 synthetic anyways...shees!
So I'll never be a one oil guy, I guess?
Rob-

[baknblack]

I've been using rotella 5w-40 in my bike since it was new. Suzuki VL1500. 41K on it and no problems to date. It still runs like new and doesn't use a drop between changes.

BTW it's for sale if anyone wants it, lol.

[biggkidd]

Mariner,

I have been using the EXXON 15w40 in all my engines except my ATVs for the last year or so. It seems to be fine. I use to be an oil snob using only Castrol. But since I started getting the 15W40 for free thats what I have been using. All of my vehicles are old with many hundred thousand miles each. I don't think I would use 15W40 in a new engine unless it called for something that heavy. When they are worn out like mine it probably helps.

Good Luck with the oil SAGA.

KIDD

[bracabric]

Rob, I earnestly suggest you let Lorreta's Tractor piston rings "bed in " before you use synthetics, like 100 hours maybe. Synthetic is so slippery the "bedding in " process does not develop as it should
Dick

[mariner]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the comments so far. I am still undecided, but I do have several oil changes due in the next couple of weeks/month, so what I have will then be used up. I am thinking 5W40 Delvac would work or Shell 5W40 Rotella. Haven't made up my mind as of yet.

Surprisingly though, just like the other board I posted this question on, there has not been much disagreement about it - mostly input of what you guys are using. Interesting if nothing else.

Thx

mariner

[3RRL]

bracabric said:

Rob, I earnestly suggest you let Lorreta's Tractor piston rings "bed in " before you use synthetics, like 100 hours maybe. Synthetic is so slippery the "bedding in " process does not develop as it should
Dick

Hi Dick,
I re-read my post above and see where you thought I was going to do that right away (now)...I should have said it differently so as not to mislead you. But I agree, running the motor to break-in is appropriate. This being a Chinese tractor, I am going to wait at least 50 hours before changing to synthetic. On the other hand, I have read several pieces of information saying that the real break in period occurs within the first hour of operation. Also, lots of the newer cars spec synthetic from the get go now. But unless I am mistaken, I don't think that goes for these tractors?
Rob-

[bracabric]

Yeah Rob, Lots of new cars in Europe spec synthetic from new because the oil will go 20,000 miles before first change and lower service costs are just what car hire and fleet owners (big buyers ) want they then bang them out to the trade, the informed motoring press over there and I believe in the LA Times think it a real bad idea and buying one second hand an even worse idea!?
Dick

Check this link
www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/04/01/mrjon01.xml

[bracabric]

Mt Chinglish destruction book for my Jinma 354 seems to suggest that the transmission oil is the same as the hydraulic oil (somewhere around a 20 weight) some how I've got it in my head that the transmission should have a heavier oil. What do you think?
Dick

[psj12]

I think most of the other manual type transmissions for the chinese tractors require 80W-90 or heavier. If it is hydrostatic then it may need lighter oil.

[PJ]

Hello Mariner, I'll give you the specs right out of my Fotons maintenance book.

Rear drive axle, hydraulic lift and front drive axle use;

MF1135 of Massey Ferguson co.

or M2C 86A of Ford co.

or J20A multi-service oil of the John Deere co.

I use the Massey 1135 in my 604 and also use it in the back hoe. It's easier for me to get at Tractor Supply and I don't have to drive 50 miles.

In the engine, a Perkins 60hp, I use Rotella 15/40.

These are the oils recommended by the manufacture. PJ