Rotella syn. 5w-40

[cptdave]

I finally got a reply from the tech.rep at Kioti. I asked if Kioti recommends or approves the use synthetic engine oils.
The reply went like this." I haven't read any studies or facts about synthetic oils so I suggest you follow the manual supplied with the tractor." There you go!

 

[GerardC]

Thanks for the info. I most often "go by the book" and now I know for sure that I should. G

 

[DK35vince]

The manual calls for motor oil with a API CC /CD rating.
I'm not sure you can find deisel oil that uses these ratings any longer. (can't say for sure)
I will keep right on running my Rotella T synthetic oil, thanks.

 

[jyoutz]

I've been running the same Rotella-T synthetic in my truck (Dodge with Cummins) for lots of miles now. I think I get better fuel economy and I'm told -less engine wear. I'm not afraid to run it in my $40K truck and I sure wouldn't be afraid to run it in my $15K tractor. But I'm waiting till I get 200 hours on the tractor before switching to synthetic to ensure proper break-in.

 

[pilonidal]

Isn't 5w a little on the light side. Does it even matter if you use 5, 10, 20w during the summer. Cept in winter of course, then a lighter wt.

 

[EastTexFrank]

Last Saturday it was pouring rain and I decided to change the oil on my tractor for something to do. It was time for its service anyway. I didn't have enough Rotella 15W40 on hand but I did have a couple of quarts of Rotella Synthetic 5W40. Since I didn't want to run to WallyWorld in the rain, I mixed them. I used 2 quarts of Rotella and 1.2 quarts of Rotella Synthetic. I guess that puts me firmly on the fence on this discussion, at least for the next 100 hours. I don't think It'll do it any harm or at least I hope not.

 

[lablovers]

Frank,
You can mix the two? I was told by a friend who sold for oil for Chevron that if you switch from regular oil to synthetic you can never go back. The std oil will gum up your engine. Never thought about mixing the two. I will be interested to see how it works over the long haul. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[DK35vince]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Isn't 5w a little on the light side. Does it even matter if you use 5, 10, 20w during the summer. Cept in winter of course, then a lighter wt. )</font>

Rotella T is 5w-40
I'm no oil expert but as I understand it the 5w is how the oil flows in cold weather.
40 is the weight of the oil.

 

[pilonidal]

A little oil viscosity info I found - http://www.vtr.org/maintain/oil-overview.html

 

[Kiohio]

Generally, you should never mix 2 different types of oil, or even brands of the same visc. You could call the manufacture though to make sure before draining it.

KO

 

[EastTexFrank]

It didn't really occur to me that mixing the two would be a problem ....dduuuuhhhh!!!! Don't some manufacturers make a semi-synthetic oil that is a mixture. Also, I know that I've read on some of the synthetic packaging that it can be mixed with petroleum based oils without creating a problem.
Thanks for the input guys and for pointing out my potential mistake. I better do some research before I get too many hours on this oil change.

 

[EastTexFrank]

I did what you said, I pulled up the Rotella website and emailed their technical department. I told them exactly what I had done and asked for their recommendation as to whether to drain the tractor and start again. I got an answer in a matter of hours. I was impressed. Those guys at Shell are really responsive.
Suffice to say that I don't think they were too impressed with what I had done but in short here is their reply.

<font color="blue"> </font><font color="blue" class="small">( While I do not recommend mixing two separate oils, there are no compatibility issues that would warrant draining the oil before your next scheduled change.
)</font> </font>

So I guess I'm off the hook but I don't think I'll be doing that again. No more mixing for me. Thanks to you guys for pointing out the potential problem. Lets get back to the either/or discussion before I start felling stupid again.
I think I'm leaning towards using the Rotella Synthetic in the tractor from now on, after all, it's just a little over 3 quarts and continueing to use Rotella T in the truck.

 

[Kiohio]

Glad to hear that. Better safe than sorry. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

KO