Hydraulic System Oil

[phoenix94]

My Ingersoll 6020 calls for 20W40 motor oil in the hydraulic system. Trouble is nobody in town carries it. They've got 15W40 though. Would it be alright to use this instead? If so should I drain first or can I just add. Thanks.

 

[Egon]

I would think you could just add?

But that does not mean it is correct.

 

[DiezNutz]

20W-40 is most commonly a motorcycle oil, beyond that it's kind of an oddball. Did you try a motorcycle shop?
I know AMSOIL also makes it in synthetic, others may also.

If you're mostly using it in a warm climate, I wouldn't think 15W-40 would make much difference, it's only a slightly thinner base.
Also probably a heck of a lot cheaper since it's readily available most anywhere.

 

[bp fick]

The oil companies change their products with the times. Old machinery doesn't.

It makes for some creative substitutions as the decades pass.