Posted by karl f on January 15, 2011 at 18:17:40 from (172.129.180.194):
In Reply to: engine oil posted by Mike from Wisconsin on January 14, 2011 at 16:52:55:
ah the oil discussion :) Grab a bottle of detergent oil and read the back. The brands I have dealt with at work say on the back (slight paraphrase) "Not for use in engines built after 1955/1960." The years seem to vary a little but they're pretty close. Use that basic information, information from this site, and good specific information from technical oil websites to make your own educated decision. Also remember that the engine was likely overhauled (no guarantees however) at least once in its life if it's more than 40-50 years old and gasoline fueled. With used old machines, you run the risk of catastrophic failure every time you move a moving part regardless of you best intentions and efforts. Generally, oil pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets are cheap and easy to obtain or duplicate for that inspection, so to be sure about internal engine situation, bite the bullet and open 'er up. It likely needs valve lash adjustment anyway :)
There is some history on oil ratings/development available on the web. If I recall, the current Sx gas and Cx- diesel rating style have been in place since the late sixites. (currently we're at SM [with N supercession on the way] and CI-4) Prior to the current system they used a Mx (ex. MS) for gas and Dx (ex. DS) for Diesel for a few years; it's been a constant evolution. The current system has probably been in place the longest however. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the link, but it was likely the api.org website. The oil specification revisions have seemed to make the most changes since the 1990s--and those changes have been more about environmental impact than lubrication improvement. The latest controversy has been the removal of the zinc additive...(IMHO it is a bigger war than detergent vs non-det). That's another discussion ;)
Some suppliers offer cheap oil that really is cheap oil, as its ratings are a few years/letters behind current (not neccessarily an issue for 20+ year old tractors). check the label, YMMV and remember you get what you pay for.
basically, use clean quality oil, keep it clean. change filters regularly. Work the tractor often to keep the condensation out.
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