OIl weight on Kubota GL5030

[5030tinkerer]

One of my guys put Rotella T6 5W40 in the crankcase of my Grand L5030 during an oil change today. What do you think? Is this okay or should I pull it and put in the dino 15W40 that's always had? Just concerned about the lighter weight, but mindful that many diesel engine manufacturers have come out later indicating that the 5w40 synthetic was fine when the 15W40 was originally called for.

 

[MHarryE]

At operating temperature both are the same - SAE 40. When the tractor is started cold the 5W is less viscous than the 15W but it is still a lot thicker than it either will be once the engine is warm. At first oil change all my tractors have gone to 5W-40 synthetic.

 

[Buppies]

Have used 5w40 synthetic in all our equipment and vehicles for years and no problems at all. Believe you and your tractor will be just fine

 

[two4spooky]

Been using a synthetic 5w40 in my L5030 since first oil change ten years ago. The tractor only has 900 hours on it but does not use any oil between changes, no other issues. Synthetic 5w40 is preferred over 15w40 dino oil.

 

[big bubba]

agree w/above members...bet your engine will turn over much easier in your iowa winters w/T6 than conventional 15/40. to me that would be the deciding pt. having the oil flow quicker during those crucial first few seconds of the start! been using T6 for years. what really changed my mind to switch over to it was when i changed oil in 30 degree temps...was amazed just how slowly the new oil (rotella 15/40) poured from the jug. same in the engine on those cold mornings! i use synthetic in everything i've got now and would not be at all concerned on the higher end of operating temps. :tractor:

 

[Gary Fowler]

I use Rotella T6 in all my tractors. I sure wouldn't worry about having the 5W-40 full synthetic vs 15W-40 Dino oil because you have the greater protection at low temps while having the same weight at operating temps. Looks like your "GUY" knew what he was doing or was lucky. My old boss use to say "Better lucky than smart"

 

[5030tinkerer]

Thanks very much, guys! What actually happened in this case was that we had some 5W40 in the shop for our Powerstroke 6.0's that we specialize in (we repair the fuel injection control modules on them through FICMrepair.com [if I can put a shameful plug in without getting into trouble]). Ford came out later in this case and said, 'yeah, we agree that 5W40 could work in our engines'. Like what you guys have said, we've experienced dramatically better results in cold starting with the 6.0's running the 5W40. Given that my 5030 needed a jump start for the first time EVER this winter to have enough torque to get the motor to spin over, I'm looking forward to seeing what the 5W40 does in this application.

When I went to the local Kubota dealer to get my oil filter, I made this same inquiry and was told that it would be completely foolish of me to run the 5W40. With that response, I decided to ask the true experts!

Have a great 4th!!