Oil & Fuel Anyone use Synthetic oil from your local parts store for oilchange?

[PAPPASMURF]

I'm not far away from my second oil change on my L3200. First one (at 50 hours) I used Kubota oil and filter, but I have wondered what would be wrong (if anything) with using synthetic oil in my tractor like I use in all my vehicles. Kubota service said it would be fine to do this, but I wanted opinions / input on the advantages or disadvantages if any. I know that synthetic has always protected my gasoline engines very well and seems to hold up longer in case I go a little over in mileage between oil changes, so I assumed the same would stand true with a deisel engine, plus I would probably save or break even in the cost of the oil change and in my opinion have a better oil in my tractor seeing that "Kubota" brand oil is about 4.99 to 6.99 a qt. which is around the same price I would pay for synthetic oil at Auto zone or Advance Auto parts.:cool2:

 

[Travelover]

Just be glad that you don't have to fill your tires with "Kubota brand air". I think it is $100 a gallon. :laughing:

 

[94BULLITT]

I don't think it is worth it. I would use a quality oil that meets or exceeds the api spec for your tractor. I am going to use the kubota filter throughout the warranty then switch to a wix filter like a napa gold.

 

[WilliamBos]

Pick your favourite brand of synthetic that meets the diesel spec and use that.

 

[Bluegill2]

I can't tell any difference between synthetic and regular oil in my vehicles and one has 265k using Castrol 20-50. I used Kubota oil for the first change on the L3800, but will likely use Rotila next time and once a year.

 

[PAPPASMURF]

I have done alot of research regarding synthetic vs regular oil and I have found that synthetic will coat cylinder walls to prevent the metal to metal contact wear during start up (no friction) where traditional oil all falls to the oil pan and takes a few seconds to pump up to caot the engine. This is the primary reason I have used it plus it doesnt burn up as quickly allowing for a 5000 to 7000 mile stretch between changes (in gas engines). I dont think its a noticeable difference as far as performance but after 38 cars and trucks I've owned and used synthetic oil in...not one has had major engine problems.

 

[PAPPASMURF]

LOL! yep, you pay for the name.

Just be glad that you don't have to fill your tires with "Kubota brand air". I think it is $100 a gallon. :laughing:

 

[PAPPASMURF]

Pick your favourite brand of synthetic that meets the diesel spec and use that.

Thanks Will! Thats probably what I'm going to do.

 

[Bluegill2]

I'm sure there are benefits to using synthetic oils, I've just not had any problems with long term use of regular oils. But I might look into synthetic for the new Kubota, for once a year change.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Be aware that some synthetic oils are NOT rated for diesel, they are for gasoline only.

From the API website:

Performance Levels
The top of the Donut shows the oil's performance level for gasoline and/or diesel engines. The letter "S" followed by another letter (for example, SM) refers to oil suitable for gasoline engines. The letter "C" followed by another letter and/or number (for example, CI-4) refers to oil suitable for diesel engines. These letters officially stand for "Service" and "Commercial." The current API performance categories that can appear in the top part of the Donut are listed in the API Motor Oil Guide.