Oil change interv running pto gen

liberty2701 · Dec 7, 2012

I have a MF GC2610 running a Northstar 13kw pto gen. I use rotella 5w40 and normally change the oil and filter at 100 hrs as per the manual. Is it critical that I change it at 100 hr. I just put a 100 hrs on with hurricane sandy. it seems that running the tractor in these conditions would give the oil a much longer life being that tractor trailers on the road run way longer between changes. Yes i know its cheap insurance just to change it and a UOA would tell alot. just curious if anyone else has the same situation? Thanks

Gary Fowler · Dec 7, 2012

My tractors is every 200 hours and so is my RTV 900 diesel. As long as the oil is full, I wouldnt be afraid to run it to 200. Most of the bigger tractors go to 500 per oil change but lots depends on the amount of oil in them to start with. Smaller reservoirs require changing at fewer hours.

90cummins · Dec 7, 2012

With today’s high quality oils and low sulfur fuel you can easily double the hours between changes.
I have a 1720 Ford which recommends 100hr oil changes but I typically go 200hrs and the oil still looks good.
Constant operation is quite easy on the engine & oil provided the engine is operating at the proper temperature, meaning not cold or too hot.
If the oil becomes thickened or loaded with excessive soot it needs to be changed.
One method you can use to check the condition of the oil to take a new 3x5 card and put a couple to several drops of oil in the middle and let it set for a day or two where it’s warm.
If the oil wicks into the card and leaves no shiny residue that indicates there is little to no soot in the oil.
If on the other hand there is a thick shiny deposit left behind change it NOW!
Yes oil is cheap insurance but why change it if it's good?

buickanddeere · Dec 7, 2012

Many of the factors that used to figure a100hr change do not exist. Running 24/7 or even at 8-12hr stints. There is not the cold start/cold engine oil contamination with unburied fuel. The new ULSD does not deplete the lube oil anti-acid additives. Water is not condensing in the crankcase with hot cold cycles.
The oil will be in better condition after 500hrs of 24/7 operation without a change. Than uncle Putz using his diesel for 15 minutes every couple of days to dump a bale of hay in the feeder all fall, winter and spring. With just 50 hrs of operation.

liberty2701 · Dec 7, 2012

I think I will go longer based on my usage. I am going to wait till 200 hrs since 100 was on the gen. Thanks for all the replies

some zilch · Dec 7, 2012

i used to work on a fleet of 300+ portable light towers; all 3cyl kubota diesels. since these engines run for long periods at constant speed, constant load, constant temp; we were changing oil at 500hr intrevals. no engine related issues ever; most units had 5k+ hours and many were approaching 12k hrs. 100hr intrevals on long-run units would mean weekly oil changes........

Soundguy · Dec 7, 2012

setting there running a pto genset would be almost ideal situations.

no idling to fuel load the oil.. running atrated power band.

and no dust from field work to get in the filter and oil and fan / cooling system.

if I was running a syn on in that setup.. I would not be fearfull to extend the interval. keep an eye on oil pressure. if anything.. change filter and add 1/2 quart makeup oil.. etc..

Diamondpilot · Dec 7, 2012

Part of me says oil is cheap and just change it. The other part of me says just let it run with good quality oil and filter. Its easy running with no dust and a constant RPM.

Chris

Soundguy · Dec 7, 2012

the rotella 5w40 may be cheap enough to change out often.. not sure.. havn't priced any lately.

ok.. i see walmart has it for 21$ a gallon.. if it's a 5qt machine.. that's not too bad.. I'd change it..

the valvoline I use is 38$.. that's not so friendly in a 12-15qt change

liberty2701 · Dec 8, 2012

Soundguy said:
the rotella 5w40 may be cheap enough to change out often.. not sure.. havn't priced any lately.

ok.. i see walmart has it for 21$ a gallon.. if it's a 5qt machine.. that's not too bad.. I'd change it..

the valvoline I use is 38$.. that's not so friendly in a 12-15qt change [/QU

Is the valvoline a big improvement over the rotella?