Oil change

[marine-mp]

I’m getting ready to to do a oil change on my “new-to-me” G5200 with 1610 hrs on the D600 motor. It was a trade-in at a dealer in Kentucky. I don’t know what oil was used in it but it has Kubota filters on it with dates on them, so I would conclude it was a well-care for machine. My question to y’all is what are the “dangers”, if I could put it that way, of putting synthetic oil in it, if it’s possibly been used to a diet of “dino” oil all it’s life. I’ve heard “the stories” of switching from Dino oil to synthetic and vice-versus. Any intel would be appreciated along with any other advice related to my situation. I live in western North Carolina, where the winter temperatures get pretty cold, but the tractor/mower will be parked in a heated garage and unused, besides a occasional starting till springtime. Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

 

[JRHill]

I've run straight synthetic (Mobile1) in everything, gas or diesel for a LONG time. Many years back I had heard cautionary stuff of converting over to synthetic on an old engine because it would dissolve sludge and buildup around seals, gaskets and even rings and bearing surfaces. The horror story is the engine would begin to leak and loose oil pressure. The oldest machine I had was my old Kubota B7100. I changed over to synthetic in it and experienced nothing of that precaution. I'm not saying it couldn't to some others but it sure didn't happen to me. I have no idea how many hours are on the Kubota as the meter was broken when I bought it 30 years ago but I'm sure its many more than your unit that was seemingly well maintained.

I would highly recommend synthetic. These days it can be purchased for only a slight premium over other oils and, to me, its highly worth the extra few bucks.

I'd be interested if others have had negative issues or contradictory comments.

 

[Roadworthy]

If it's been well cared for how do you know it's not been fed a steady diet of synthetic oil? I know of no dangers associated with switching to synthetic even if it's not been used. There can be problems on older equipment accustomed to non detergent oil switching to detergent. Regardless of which way you go be sure your selection is diesel rated and of a weight specified by the manufacturer.

 

[SinNH]

Rotella full syn 5-40 in my tractors since new and my excavator since I've owned it. The engines sound much more to my liking when starting on cold NH winter mornings. FWIW, full syn ( Mobil 1) in all my motorcycles too, one is a 84, no issues at all.

 

[Magicman]

Since it was a "dealer trade in", the dealership may have the service records if they did the servicing or you could possibly be able to contact the previous owner.

 

[torch]

There's synthetic and then there's synthetic. I think the problem ascribed to switching an older engine over was associated with early ester-based synthetics.

Modern "synthetic" oils range from highly refined petroleum based to truly man-made PAO and ester based. None of them are especially prone to causing problems.

 

[SidecarFlip]

There's synthetic and then there's synthetic. I think the problem ascribed to switching an older engine over was associated with early ester-based synthetics.

Modern "synthetic" oils range from highly refined petroleum based to truly man-made PAO and ester based. None of them are especially prone to causing problems.

Plus one on Torch's comment. The ONLY thing I'd keep an eye on would be oil consumption. The lighter API weight synthetic could get by the oil control rings depending on how worn they are but even if it did, it would be a small amount but would still behoove you to keep and eye on the oil level.

I've seen that happen in the past. Happened to me actually with a Cummins 855 inline 6. I went from Rotella T4 to Delo and the motor used oil. Went back to Rotella T4 and it quit consuming oil.

The motor may or may not use oil, you just need to watch it. I check my lube and gearcase levels before I start either tractor every time I use them. Good habit to get into.

 

[rut3556]

>>Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend<<

SFMF! ('62-'66)