BX24 oil too clean

[PeterK]

I know this sounds a bit weird but I've always changed my own fluids, my BX now has ~600 hours. Usually the clean oil will turn black after a couple of hours use. But this time, it is staying much cleaner. I've put about 15+ hours on this oil change so far, mostly heavy snow blowing and winter work. But I can still see through the oil. Pull the dipstick, it's getting a little dirty but it is still clear, no black as I usually see. I expect after 15 hours it would be jet black.

Anyway, it's had me worried something is wrong. Could it be the filter is messed up some how. Always genuine Kubota parts and oil.

Any ideas?

-PK

 

[murphy1244]

I know this sounds a bit weird but I've always changed my own fluids, my BX now has ~600 hours. Usually the clean oil will turn black after a couple of hours use. But this time, it is staying much cleaner. I've put about 15+ hours on this oil change so far, mostly heavy snow blowing and winter work. But I can still see through the oil. Pull the dipstick, it's getting a little dirty but it is still clear, no black as I usually see. I expect after 15 hours it would be jet black.

Anyway, it's had me worried something is wrong. Could it be the filter is messed up some how. Always genuine Kubota parts and oil.

Any ideas?

-PK

What oil?

 

[Gary Fowler]

Sounds like you may have gotten a non-detergent oil instead of a diesel grade of oil.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I know this sounds a bit weird but I've always changed my own fluids, my BX now has ~600 hours. Usually the clean oil will turn black after a couple of hours use. But this time, it is staying much cleaner. I've put about 15+ hours on this oil change so far, mostly heavy snow blowing and winter work. But I can still see through the oil. Pull the dipstick, it's getting a little dirty but it is still clear, no black as I usually see. I expect after 15 hours it would be jet black.

Anyway, it's had me worried something is wrong. Could it be the filter is messed up some how. Always genuine Kubota parts and oil.

Any ideas?

-PK

Your engine is just clean. You probably change your oil more than necessary. How many oil changes have you done on this engine?
larry

 

[GolfAddict]

Sounds like you may have gotten a non-detergent oil instead of a diesel grade of oil.

This seems like a good possibility, except you mention that you always use genuine Kubota parts and oil. You are sure of the type of oil you used this time?

 

[Sodo]

Oil filter can't take enough color out to notice, in fact the dirtier it gets the better it filters (up until bypass mode).

Maybe a change in the type of fuel?

 

[PeterK]

All good suggestions. Funny we're trying to get my oil dirty with suggestions.

I change my fluids on the Kubota schedule + or - . I buy my filter and oil at my local Kubota dealer. 15W40 Kubota oil and filters. This was also my first antifreeze change and I used premixed in the cooling system.

Same fuel and I also have always used Diesel Power Service additive. Pour about 2 oz into my empty 5gal jugs and fill with diesel. Perhaps I double dosed a can and the additive is keeping it from getting dirty? I have a routine so it's doubtful but always possible. It runs strong. No changes at all other than the too clean oil.

So here's a Q. Has anyone else noticed this or is everyone's oil dirty almost as soon as you start it like mine used to be?

 

[vabiker23518]

Peter, I purchased a 1976 Bolens G-152 back in 2006, and every oil change it turned black the first hour! In 2010 I purchased a new TYM 233 and change the oil every fall (usually less than 50 hours/year). It is still clear when changed. To me, the frequency of changes makes all the difference in what the used oil looks like.

 

[kevin37b]

Good question . We farmed with LP minnies and that oil looked as good as gold at 100 hours as the day youput it in . The diesel engines were black as soon as youstarted it . Can someone explain this .

 

[SPYDERLK]

So here's a Q. Has anyone else noticed this or is everyone's oil dirty almost as soon as you start it like mine used to be?

It depends on several things; how dirty the former oil was, how thoroughly it drained [angle - hot or cold], state of ring sealing [break in issues at your hrs particularly], etc. ... The oil in my Mahindra does not become opaque for at least an hour. I dont know much after that cuz I dont usually check it for another 100hrs or so. Its black then.
larry

 

[SPYDERLK]

Good question . We farmed with LP minnies and that oil looked as good as gold at 100 hours as the day youput it in . The diesel engines were black as soon as youstarted it . Can someone explain this .

No soot combustion. ... Soot.

 

[PeterK]

Mine rarely if ever blows black out the exhaust. After a hot restart it might, but I really really have to load it to get any black puff. Even the hood is unstained after 600+ hours. I always figured it was the Power Service and maybe it is. Next fuel up, I'll try a differect fuel jug just to see if perhaps I did double up on the PS in the current fuel jug in error.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Peter, I purchased a 1976 Bolens G-152 back in 2006, and every oil change it turned black the first hour! In 2010 I purchased a new TYM 233 and change the oil every fall (usually less than 50 hours/year). It is still clear when changed. To me, the frequency of changes makes all the difference in what the used oil looks like.

The reason I mentioned that you may have mistakenly been given a non-detergent motor oil or even a light gasoline engine type of oil is because when I changed out the break in oil on my LS tractor after 50 hours (book says it is straight mineral oil), the oil was still clean and clear as new oil. I installed Shell Rotella T6 high detergent oil in it and within an hour of running it, the oil was black like diesel engine oil normally is.
I don't think you will hurt your engine any to run whatever you have now for a short duration, but take a look at your empty bottles if you still have them and see what the API rating is. If you are highly concerned, drain the oil and refill with a good high detergent motor oil. Personally

I don't use the dealer oil for engine or hydraulics as I believe it is way overpriced and of no better quality than any off the shelf oil that meets the Kubota spec. requirements. These oils can be found at many places at less than half the cost of Kubota oil. ANY major brand of motor oil of the correct API spec will work as good or better in your tractor than Kubota dealer oil. Filters are the only OEM thing I use in my tractors which is higher priced than after market brands but since they are long term items, to me it isn't worth the hassle of trying to find an equivalent off brand to save $5. Oils are a different animal, since Kubota doesn't own a refinery and likely buys their oil from the lowest bidder that will package it in a Kubota container(I know they have changed suppliers a few times over the years), I prefer to use a good major brand name oil that I can be assured of who makes it and that their reputation is put on the line rather than a low unnamed bidder's oil.

 

[GolfAddict]

I'm not positive of this, but I think that Kubota only sells engine oil with "C" API spec, in which case the type of oil shouldn't be the issue. It would be a good idea to be sure of this if you still have the container. If it is "S" oil, it is for gasoline engine. If it is "C", you can rule out this possibility.

I have to admit that I don't know how long it takes the oil on my BX24 to start turning black. It just seems like 15 hours is quite a while for it not to be turning fairly black...

 

[GolfAddict]

Actually, I should have said that I think Kubota only sells oil that meets both C and S specs...

 

[puckgrinder85]

Normally diesel oils blacken out from soot which was already said, different operating conditions might yield less of it. Also not all oils hold their color, some do. Oil color is not an indicator of anything, don't rely on it. Kubota may have changed suppliers or maybe something changed down the line in its manufacturing (different additive that may affect the color, etc..)