Oil Brands and weights

[dav]

Just wondering what brands of oil for diesel engines have the best track record. Is Rotella T any good? and what weights are reccomended for cold weather? Will 10-30 be much better in cold weather than 15-40? Also has anyone used one of those magnetic oil heaters that go on the oil pan? if so did it help?
Thanks....
Take Care...... Dav,

 

[gerard]

Nice timing Dav, I had an oil question now but I don't think I can answer yours except maybe the heater part. I'm in Syracuse NY (pretty cold) and got the block heater because of that. However I garage (unheated) the tractor and didn't use the heater all last year and never had a problem starting. Now for the oil question: I used the Amsoil 15w40 heavy duty diesel at my 50 hr. Specs call for 10w 40 or 10w30. I'm not real comfortable using a heavier weight oil but figured amsoil doesn't make a 1040 diesel for a reason. Any idea's and does anyone know if there's a problem using the 15w40?? I didn't think it would be a problem during the summer but with the snow approaching am considering going back to at least a 10w40. (May have to switch to Mobil 1 if amsoil can't help.....

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hello Dave, I dont think any of us have ever seen real data that can prove one oil is really better than another, at least not with firm figures. Some of us, and by the way havent heard from Mark lately hope all is well, think that synthetics are best. Some people think conventional is okay. My view is to use synthetics in everything. I dont use my tractor enough to really be hurt by the higher priced synthetics. I use Mobil Delvac 1 5w40 in my 4310. It costs about 21.oo dollars per gallon but I think it is worth it in case of say the motor overheats and you dont catch it immediately. The better oil might help reduce the damage, Hopefully at least. Probably the bottom line is that use quality oil, synthetic or otherwise , and keep the oil filter changed. Also use good air filter management. If you dont supply the machine with clean air nothing you do will keep it from eating its insides.
Happy tractoring
Greg