That question cannot be logically answered as asked. What type of engine? What type of service? At what temperature ranges? Flat tappets or roller tapppets (makes a big difference).
Considering this is an "old" tractor forum, let's consider oil for probably 99% of the tractor engines dicussed here, along with stationary engines.
If some chump goes to his local auto-parts store to get multi-visc motor oil - it is MOST likely that oil will not have the proper lube requirements. Especially for engines that do not have roller-tappets on the camshafts. That goes for the cams that operate the valves and also the cams inside in-line fuel injection pumps. Gas engine motor-oil formulated since 2009 has lowered the anti-wear additives that older equipment needs. And, it's not going to tell you that on the label.
Now - if you buy racing oil, or tractor oil, or most diesel oils - you'll be okay for your gas and diesel engine tractors. Even the "Traveller" brand sold at Tractor Supply and made by Warren Oil has a high level of anti-wear additves.
Chances are if you go down to NAPA and buy 30W, you'll get some sort of off-road of diesel rated oil. But, if you ask for a multi-viscosity, you'll likely get a highway gas-engine oil that does NOT have the proper protection.
Shell Rotella T straight-grade 30W and 40W has an excellent flash point, good level of ZDDP, and a high HTHS (high temp-high shear) rating.
To the other extreme, if you insist on using only one grade of oil regardless if 105 F or 25 below F - then any multi-oil is better then any single-grade 30W or 40W . That because of the damage you can do during cold starts.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Good As New - by Bill Goodwin. In the summer of 1995, my father, Russ Goodwin, and I acquired the 1945 Farmall B that my grandfather used as an overseer on a farm in Waynesboro, Georgia. After my grandfather’s death in 1955, J.P. Rollins, son of the landowner, used the tractor. In the winter 1985, while in his possession the engine block cracked and was unrepairable. He had told my father
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
2022 John Deere 5045E, 4wd, front end loader and 3rd function with grapple. 120 hrs, 55k new, must sell
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.