turbo & engine oil

big bubba · May 22, 2008

Members: I seem to recall some discussion of tractor turbos and engine oil type? Or was it a fuel related precaution? Am upgrading from a Kubota M7040 to an 8540 w/a turbo. Broke in the 7040 w/ dyno (rotella 15/40) then @150 hrs switched to rotella syn 5/50. Plan to do the same on the new engine. any turbo related advice in terms of fuel/oil and general break in procedures specific to the turbo? thanks in advance bb

Soundguy · May 22, 2008

Turbo specific? just use a good HD C rated oil.

Vary the rpm and laod during brake in.. just the usual stuf.. etc.

soundguy

Patches · May 22, 2008

Soundguy said:
Turbo specific? just use a good HD C rated oil.

Vary the rpm and laod during brake in.. just the usual stuf.. etc.

soundguy

And allow a couple minutes idle at shut-down to cool turbo and help prevent oil "coking" in turbo; they get HOT

Stimw · May 22, 2008

There is a specific class of oils for turbo engines. I forget the letter code that tells if the oil is approved. Turbos can turn 100,000 to 150,000 RPM. They screem, that's why oil must be rated.
I have always tried to use Castol because way back when, it was one of the few that was turbo rated.

big bubba · May 23, 2008

can anyone tell me if Rotella 15/40 conventional, or R 5/40 synthetic are turbo rated? thanks bb

Patches · May 23, 2008

Rotella 5W-40 synthetic is CL-4+ rated but doesn't specify turbos. I would expect it covers turbo-charged engines, although there is a caveat on the new jugs stating,"not for use in '07 model year diesel engines"???? Even with a turbo rated oil, it's a good idea to idle them before shut-down,

john_bud · May 23, 2008

Stimw said:
There is a specific class of oils for turbo engines. I forget the letter code that tells if the oil is approved. Turbos can turn 100,000 to 150,000 RPM. They screem, that's why oil must be rated.
I have always tried to use Castol because way back when, it was one of the few that was turbo rated.

That is true, but more applicable to gas engines with turbo vs diesel engine with turbo. Any diesel rated oil will be fine in a turbo diesel engine. Remember, most diesels are turbo charged.

RonMar · May 23, 2008

I sent the turbo from my Toyota truck in for overhaul about 10 years ago, and once they inspected it, they called me back with an estimate. The lady who called, also said that I should stop running Penzoil. It was a second or two before it clicked, and I asked her how she knew what oil I was running. She said that the formulation of Penzoil leaves a residue in the hot turbo bearings... She said shift to Castrol or Havoline.

RalphVa · May 23, 2008

I'd definitely recommend use of a synthetic, diesel-rated oil, for a turbo diesel engine. The synthetic will take the heat a lot better than any dino oil. The first engines I converted to synthetic were my air cooled ones, because they run a bit hotter than water cooled.

Ralph

Rebel · May 23, 2008

Shell Rotella regular or synthetic is fine and meets the requirement's of most if not all of the heavy diesel engine manufactures. Any oil rated for diesel engines will work with a turbo.

Like others have said idle for a couple of minutes if you have been running hard, this cools the turbo and prevents coking of the turbo's bearings.

When in doubt check your owners manual for the specific SAE oil rating required buy the manufacturer.