What weight oil would anyone recommend to use in Ford 850 gasser. Tractor has been converted to 12 v with alternator. Is used for snow plowing. I have been using 15 w 40 with no issues. Been doing a little research and finding that 15 w 40 is recommended for diesels. Actually states that on the bottles. Should I be using something different 10 w 30?
- Thread starter Ahalaca
- Start date
Russ from MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bemidji MN
Stick with the 15-40 it's the best. I believe the reason the 15-40 says diesel is because it shouldn't be used in a vehicle with a catalytic converter, but for an old gas tractor its fine. The 15-40 is way too heavy for a modern vehicle, our Subaru uses 0-20 full synthetic!
MarkB_MI
Well-known Member
- Location
- Motown USA
If you live someplace cold enough that you need to plow snow, you should probably switch from 15W-40 to something thinner. When the temperature gets below about -10F, you'll find your 850 won't want to crank over. More so if you haven't switched the original 6 volt electrical system to 12V.
In my experience, 10W-30 and 5W-40 both work well in subzero temperatures.
In my experience, 10W-30 and 5W-40 both work well in subzero temperatures.
Steve@Advance
Well-known Member
You could drop down to a lighter weight for the cold weather application if you want. That would get oil up to the rockers quicker.
But stay with the multigrade, and stay with the diesel oil.
The diesel oil is better suited for the older non-emission, flat tappet engines, be they gas or diesel.
Modern S grade (spark ignition) oils are designed around modern engines with roller cams, variable valve timing, close tolerances, and emissions controls. None of which apply to old tractor engines.
But stay with the multigrade, and stay with the diesel oil.
The diesel oil is better suited for the older non-emission, flat tappet engines, be they gas or diesel.
Modern S grade (spark ignition) oils are designed around modern engines with roller cams, variable valve timing, close tolerances, and emissions controls. None of which apply to old tractor engines.
I used Rotella T 10W-30 in 2-3 oil changes a year in my '96 F250 diesel when it was my daily driver. 15W-
40 the rest of the year. With 15W-40 it struggled to start at 15-18 degrees, 10W-30 it would start below
zero. It slept in my insulated & heated shop with the block heater plugged in, so always started in A.M.
Now SON is using 10W-30 T5 semi-synthetic Rotella in it year round. Starts at 5 degrees without the block
heater.
I use Rotella 15W-40 year round in my Farmall Super H I push snow with. It stays in the shop I can get
to 50 degrees in 30-40 minutes, plus block heater.
Today's oils are dual rated for gasoline or diesel engines. Actually have been for 25-30 years.
40 the rest of the year. With 15W-40 it struggled to start at 15-18 degrees, 10W-30 it would start below
zero. It slept in my insulated & heated shop with the block heater plugged in, so always started in A.M.
Now SON is using 10W-30 T5 semi-synthetic Rotella in it year round. Starts at 5 degrees without the block
heater.
I use Rotella 15W-40 year round in my Farmall Super H I push snow with. It stays in the shop I can get
to 50 degrees in 30-40 minutes, plus block heater.
Today's oils are dual rated for gasoline or diesel engines. Actually have been for 25-30 years.
Destroked 450
Well-known Member
- Location
- Harned, Ky
What's wrong with using 15w40 in gas vehicles with catalytic convertors?
Russ from MN
Well-known Member
- Location
- Bemidji MN
I think it's because the zinc will plug up the catalytic converters, hopefully someone more knowledgeable on the subject will give a more detailed answer. It's not an issue for me as we don't have any vehicles old enough to use that heavy an oil in anyhow, but I do use it in our old gas tractor.
Destroked 450
Well-known Member
- Location
- Harned, Ky
Was wondering, we use 15w40 in 7 tractors, my diesel pickup and 2 gas pickups with convertors.
Only thing we don't use 15w40 in is our lawn mower and 2018 F-150.
The tests on that engine in Nebraska in the late 50s used 10W in March and 20W or 20-20W in June and October. Two of my uncles had
those tractors (860 & 861) and they used 10W30 year round. Those tractors are still running although I have no idea what oil is
being used in them now. I think the reason they used 10W30 at the time is that was the time the multi-grade oils came out and 10W30
was the most popular around here (central Wisconsin). It's what the oil companies advised us to use. Maybe that's all they had. We
used 10W30 in everything. John Deeres, Farmalls, Alice Chambers, etc. Cars, trucks, you name it.
those tractors (860 & 861) and they used 10W30 year round. Those tractors are still running although I have no idea what oil is
being used in them now. I think the reason they used 10W30 at the time is that was the time the multi-grade oils came out and 10W30
was the most popular around here (central Wisconsin). It's what the oil companies advised us to use. Maybe that's all they had. We
used 10W30 in everything. John Deeres, Farmalls, Alice Chambers, etc. Cars, trucks, you name it.
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