Engine oil

[J Hamilton]

What grade (weight) engine oil is everyone using in their older 30's 40's 50's (classic) tractors. I know originally they didn't have multi grade oils and used a straight weight oil. I've read many people are using 15W-40 or 20W-50. What are the advantages or disadvantages of multi grade oil in these machines? I've been using SAE 30 in all of mine and they are still working tractors, not just for show or light work. They still do their part, plowing, disking, and haying. So they see several hours of work on a regular basis. Would I be better off using a multi grade oil or just stay with good ol 30 weight?

 

[Janicholson]

Multi Wt oils allow easier starting, build oil pressure faster, stay thicker when at operating temperature, and contain the following additives (or more): detergents that clean the engine, Surficants that help float particles into the filter, dispersants that help keep material from pooling or clotting, Viscosity stabilizers that keep the oil within a range of viscosity, and corrosion inhibitors that do just that. Far superior to oils formulated when antique tractors were new. Oil quality is one reason modern engines are working well at 200,000 miles. If your old tractor has been run using only non detergent oil, it is recommended that the oil pan be and valve cover be removed and cleaned. there will be sludge and nasty pudding like goop in them. that is bad (even if you mistakenly went back to the old non-detergent oil). Jim

 

[Dave BN]

I run Qauker State 10W30 in all my old engines. I buy the 5 quart jug wich is exactly what my Farmalls hold. On sale it's about $12.
If changing from non detergent I would do as Jim said then change the oil and filter after 5 or so hours of using the modern oil for the first time.

Dave

 

[J Hamilton]

The engines have all been completley rebuilt within the past 5 years (total tear down) block, head and oil pan cleaned in a hot tank to get all the nasty crud out.

 

[INCase]

I run straight 30weight still. haven't had any trouble and still starts in the NE Ohio winters.

 

[dpendzic]

I use straight 30w in all my old machines

 

[Janicholson]

I would use 15-40 diesel grade in it, or if I change the oil in other vehicles I would use that (unless it was 5W30 or)w 30 oil Jim

 

[MarkB_MI]

I run 10W-30. I tried 15W-40, but I found my tractor didn't want to start below about -20F. In a warmer climate I'd be running 15W-40.

 

[DeltaRed]

15/40 fleet diesel is what I use in about 20 old tractors,combines,grain trucks,pickups,cars,ATV,lawnmower?..One oil for all.For the last 40 year,never had an 'oil related' failure.BTW,I use Tractor supply oil.

 

[gblj]

I use Shell Rotella, only use the 8n Ford in the fall for brush hogging.

 

[Russ from MN]

15-40 Delvac, because it's top rated and inexpensive!

 

[showcrop]

I use 15-40. Just because I can outwork new young guys all the time it doesn't mean that old type oil will outwork the modern stuff.

 

[Olyj1947]

I use Valvoline 10-30 in my Farmall M and Valvoline VR-1 20-50 in my mowers, tiller, and snowblower. Have followed that program for years.

 

[M Nut]

15-40 in all farm equipment with an engine.

 

[J Hamilton]

Thanks everyone, it's sounds like 15W-40 is the favorite which will work good since that's what I already use in all my diesel tractors.

 

[dr sportster]

30 weight

 

[Bret4207]

(quoted from post at 20:47:41 04/20/20) 15-40 in all farm equipment with an engine.

Same here, diesel grade 15-40. I'd buy it by the 55 gal drum if I could afford it, but the 5 gallon buckets go on sale every now and then and I try to stock up.

 

[fusion]

I use str8 30 W in all my older stuff

 

[agonair]

I use Low Ash 30 weight in the gasoline engines. I use 30 weight in the diesel.
I have a high mileage vehicle and use the Valvoline 30 in it.

Different oils for different uses.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My old tractors are 1950 and 1953 gassers.
Why not use detergent oils?
I'll use 5w30 in tractor that I use in winter.
Or 10w40 if only use it in summer.
The lower the first number, better for winter.

No Idea why diesel oils seem to be 15w40 or 20w50 then they use engine heaters?
George

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 06:22:36 04/22/20) My old tractors are 1950 and 1953 gassers.
Why not use detergent oils?
I'll use 5w30 in tractor that I use in winter.
Or 10w40 if only use it in summer.
The lower the first number, better for winter.

No Idea why diesel oils seem to be 15w40 or 20w50 then they use engine heaters?
George

Some trucks that I drive have no engine heaters and they start when pretty cold on 15-40. I don't know if they would with heavier oil. I don't know of any trucks that run anything other than 15-40.