Oil viscosity for BX

[TRUCK3]

I know oil related threads can go off the rails, but I just wanted to get some feedback from BX or other model owners in the colder winter areas of the country. I'm in upstate NY and getting ready for my 2nd oil change on my BX2680.

I bought it used late summer of 2022. I changed the oil after I got it and went with a 15W-40, either Delo or Delvac, I don't remember which. Since then, I got the maintenance records from the selling dealer and checked with my current dealer and both used/would use 10W-30. I figure up this way where temps can drop below 14F, the dealers use 10W-30 to cover the entire range of possible temperatures.

I'm planning on adding a block heater and even if temps drop below 14F, I won't be starting it at those temps with the block heater. So I was thinking I could stick with the 15W-40 or I could go with 10W-30 as the dealers do on this oil change.

I drive for a charter bus company part-time on the weekends. During my pre-trip a few weeks ago, I notice the oil sticker on the engine with 15W-40 recommendation and then 5W-40 for low temps. It was one of the older coaches, so it was a Series 60 Detroit. A big difference between a Series 60 Detroit and a 1 liter Kubota, but I wanted to see if anyone was using 5W-40. I think 5W-40 is synthetic only.

Not that it matters all that much I think, but I'm leaning towards going with the 10W-30. That way I'm covered at the lower temps.

 

[Lug66]

My LX2610 did snow plow duty at a cool 17F today and I always run 10W-30, year round. The block heater did its job as advertised. The quicker the oil flows is a plus for the engine and the battery will appreciate not having to push fat kids on the merry-go-round.

 

[Hkb82]

I just use what the manufacturer recommends. Not hard to find check your manual or call your local dealer and see what they say.

 

[Fordtech86]

but I wanted to see if anyone was using 5W-40.

yep

 

[85Hokie]

10w30 is perfectly fine, it is the go to range of oils for 90% of all situations.

But to add a bit more fluid to the proverbial fire ........ get some synthetic oil while you are out buying.

The pour points for both are down in the -20F range - jeeeeeez if it gets that cold - my ars is staying inside and that oil can gel!!!


When I can find it I too use 5w-40 Rotella.

 

[RCW]

Trust me - use a good 5w-40 diesel oil in your BX.

Spoken from upstate New York also.

I use Shell Rotella T6, but there’s lots of good options for diesel rated synthetic oils in 5w-40. I’ll never use another weight oil.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I've got Rotella T6 5W-40 in my L35. It sure spins over compared to the 15W-40 i ran before, and seems to run as good in our hot climate. I may go back to the 15.

But if I were you, OP, I'd use the 5W-40 synthetic or 10W-30 regular.

For some reason, 10W-30 diesel oil seems to be rare around me.

 

[Pau7220]

Trust me - use a good 5w-40 diesel oil in your BX.

Spoken from upstate New York also.

I use Shell Rotella T6, but there’s lots of good options for diesel rated synthetic oils in 5w-40. I’ll never use another weight oil.

X2

 

[DustyRusty]

I have been using Rotella T6 15w-40 year-round and haven't had any engine issues in almost 20 years.

 

[lynnmor]

I have been using Rotella T6 15w-40 year-round and haven't had any engine issues in almost 20 years.

I thought that the T6 15w-40 was introduced six years ago?

 

[TheOldHokie]

I thought that the T6 15w-40 was introduced six years ago?

BITOG tracks these things pretty closely and based on their chatter they first noticed it in very early 2019. Shell marketing was one of the participants in the thread I found.

Dan

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I currently use the Kubota 10w-30.

I am considering going to the T-6 5w-40, but part of me thinks its "a solution, looking for a problem" sort of thing.

 

[85Hokie]

I currently use the Kubota 10w-30.

I am considering going to the T-6 5w-40, but part of me thinks its "a solution, looking for a problem" sort of thing.

I find that statement .... almost funny

"a solution, looking for a problem" sort of thing."

coming from an imaginative person that designs and builds more goodies that most can imagine! (This is a compliment not a slight)

If a diesel can spin "faster" or "better" in the cold weather and start a bit faster with a less viscous fluid, yet be protected from the heat once warm, would this too is a "better solution?"

 

[TRUCK3]

I am considering going to the T-6 5w-40, but part of me thinks its "a solution, looking for a problem" sort of thing.

I agree with you there! I'm in the same spot - I guess when you have options you try to figure out which is the best to go with, when in this case, all of these oils are ok to use.

Thanks for all of the feedback - quite a few 5W-40 users. I haven't looked for 5W-40 so I'm not sure what i can get. As someone mentioned, 10W-30 (other than the dealer) can be hard to find. I do see my local O'Reillys has Rotella T5 synthetic blend in a 10W-30, that's probably a decent option.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

If a diesel can spin "faster" or "better" in the cold weather and start a bit faster with a less viscous fluid, yet be protected from the heat once warm, would this too is a "better solution?"

That's my thinking as well; However, I've never actually had a "problem" starting mine in the cold, and the manual says 10w-30 is fine.......hence the "solution looking for a problem" thing.

Either oil is fine I'm sure. I've got about 40'ish hours to kick it around.

 

[TheOldHokie]

That's my thinking as well; However, I've never actually had a "problem" starting mine in the cold, and the manual says 10w-30 is fine.......hence the "solution looking for a problem" thing.

Either oil is fine I'm sure. I've got about 40'ish hours to kick it around.

Either oil is fine.

But there is no doubt a grade 5W40 improves cold cranking and pumping along with better HTHS characteristics inside the engine. That translates into less wear (e.g. longer engine life) which has been well documented.

Downside is a little loss in fuel economy and a higher cost. IMO the downside is pretty negligible compared to the benefits.

THere are also plenty of brands to choose from.

Dan

 

[bbxlr8]

I'm in PA. Synthetic 5W-40 for me (choose your favorite flavor ) Mines Rotella T6

 

[ve9aa]

I am a bit farther North and East than NY. (colder by a bit)

I just went to the garage and asked my BX this burning question.

It said "I don't care"

I told it "thanks".

 

[85Hokie]

I am a bit farther North and East than NY. (colder by a bit)

I just went to the garage and asked my BX this burning question.

It said "I don't care"

I told it "thanks".

So when the BX spoke, was that tongue in English or Kubotese ?

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[number two]

Kubota factory fill is 10W30 conventional oil.
Good enough for them is good enough for me.
Sure,there is better stuff.
Will outlast me!
Good Luck!