bx oil changes

[Ifixcars]

I've been reading some old posts about syn/dino oils and viscosity, and I am still undecided about my next oil change. My manual basically says use 10w30 cf rated oil. This year I went with Mobile 1 10w30 for my oil change, but I sorta feel like I should be using an oil with a higher rating, like CI 4, just because I want to think I'm protecting my motor better. I thought 5w40 was the latest and greatest weight, but now I don't know. I live too far from the Kubota dealer, so I will probably just hit pep boys or the local parts store. Isn't 5w40 a better all around choice than 15w40 for a once a year oil change( 4 season PA weather)? For that matter, why not use it even in hot climates? Is the thinness at the low end ever a problem? My manual also lists straight weights or 20 or 30 but I'm not going to go there. We always used 15w40 in heavy duty trucks but their manuals specifically called for it. I like to go with what the manual calls for but I'm not sure I like buying old technology.

 

[MikePA]

I've been reading some old posts about syn/dino oils and viscosity,

This was your first mistake.

If the manual calls for 10w30 for your climate, that's what you should use. If it calls for an API rating of CF, then use that, or newer. BTW, neither 10w40 nor CI4 will protect your engine 'better'.

Life's too short for all this debate about oil. My advice is;

1. Read your manual.
2. Pick an oil weight that meets the requirements in the manual.
3. Pick an oil that meets, or exceeds, the API rating the manual recommends.
4. Use it.
5. Change it according to what the manual recommends.

 

[KICK]

IFUFIXCARS, quit thinking too much.

buy a good diesel engine oil and use it.

I'm always amazed at the amount of braincells wasted on picking an oil.

I know people who use the best/most expensive oils and filters and I know people who use the cheapest no name generic oil/filters and as long as either group changed it on a regular basis none of em had oil related engine problems.

I don't think I've ever seen an engine wear out because someone used a different weight grade of oil from what is specified.