Mobil 1 in a Yanmar (John Deere) diesel???

[Anonymous Poster]

John Deere requires API CD motor oil as specified in the manual. Mobil 1 exceed this spec. (currently CF).

Mobil 1 is not designed for diesel engines so I'm wondering if I would be better off switching to diesel dino motor oils such as Delo, Longlife or Rotella or stick with Mobil 1. (is the diesel oil additive package that critical for tractors?)

I'd really like to use Redline 15W40 or Delvac 1 but it's too hard to get and by the time you include freight it's about double the price of Mobil 1. So it's between the dino's or good old Mobil 1, which would be better?

 

[Pacesetter300]

There's another thread going on Amsoil. Basically, Shell Rotella Synthetic is available in Wal-Mart. Mobil 1, while great oil, is NOT for diesels. Amsoil has diesel specific synthetics, but they are expensive, Sounds like the Red Line is for diesels too, but not sure. For the hours a typical home/land owner puts on a CUT the ultra expensive oils don't pay because you have to change based on time, not hours use.
Pacesetter

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">...change based on time, not hours use... </font>

Ummmm.... I'll have to ponder that... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[djradz]

<font color="blue"> Mobil 1, while great oil, is NOT for diesels. </font>

Why not? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif It carries the CF diesel rating, which is superior to the CD rating required by Yanmar. I think if you read the back of the bottle, the text will say it's suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines, but regardless of what it says, I always thought the rating system was "the bottom line". <font color="blue"> </font>

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> Mobil 1, while great oil, is NOT for diesels. </font>

Straight from the Mobil1 website;

As a CF rated oil, Mobil 1 with SuperSyn™ can also be used in diesel engines calling for a CD oil.

 

[RobS]

FWIW, I'm using John Deere oil per the owners manual and easily available at my dealer. It's more than Walmart dino oil, but less than synthetic. I may change down the road but for now I'm comfortable with it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'll have to ponder that )</font>

By time on the calendar instead of hours on the meter? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Pacesetter300]

Thanks Bird, I meant calendar time vs. hours of use. I guess I should clarify. First, no more posts right after my mid day nap /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif . The additive package in Mobil 1 isn't designed for the specific requirements of a diesel engine. CAN it be used in a diesel, sure. Can Delvac be used in a Chevy truck with gas 350 sure. You defeat the puropse of using a premium synthetic oil if you don't use one designed for the requirements of the application. You won't get the maximum benefit - that you pay for - from it. With money in pocket, going out to buy oil for my tractor, I wouldn't buy Mobil 1. Hope this helps somewhat /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Pacesetter

 

[JerryG]

I asked these questions on the Rotella Oil site about Rotella synthetic vs Mobil 1.
<font color="red">Question:</font>
I have used Mobil 10-30 in a small high rpm diesel for some time. I am currently looking at changing to Rotella synthetic. What are the differences between the two both pros and cons?
<font color="red">Answer:</font>
Even though it's a 10w30, the Mobil 1 will probably have somewhat better low temp properties than the Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 because of its lower pour point. However, Mobil 1 only meets the light duty API CF service rating. Rotella T Synthetic is a CH-4 rated Heavy Duty oil and has a much more rubust additive package than a CF rated oil.
Whether you choose to go with the Rotella T Synthetic or not, if it were my diesel, I wouldn't use a CF rated oil in it. I'd use a CH-4 or CI-4 oil for sure.
<font color="red">Question:</font>
Tell me if I have this right. The Mobil 1 will make the engine start better at a lower temperature, but the Rotella will last longer and protect better.
<font color="red">Answer:</font>
No, it's not quite that simple. You'd have to be operating in very cold weather before I think you'd see any difference in the PAO-based Mobil 1 and Rotella T Synthetic--say below 0*F. And the Mobil 1 may perform a perfectly adequate job of protecting your diesel engine and ensuring a long engine life. What it boils down to is that Rotella T Synthetic is a heavy duty oil which meets the tougher CH-4 diesel performance specs, and one would expect it to protect better than an oil that is rated CF.

 

[fractal]

I asked the same question to several diesel mechanics. They all gave the same answer. Yes, Mobil 1 carries a diesel certification. Yes, it is ok to use in a small tractor. On the on the other hand, there are other oils that are just as good if not better for a fraction of the price.

Mobil-1 oil costs 4 bucks a quart at costco, 4.75/qt at wallmart. Rotella is 1.61/qt in gallons at wallmart. Now the 12 dollars difference between the two per oil chainge won't kill me but it seems silly to pay more for a motor oil that "will work" in a diesel than one that is "specifically formulated" for a diesel. That and my new/used truck is a diesel and wants 10 qts of oil per change making me stock a diesel grade oil..