Synthetic diesel oil? Case 580B backhoe

ironandsteel · Dec 7, 2018

I'm changing oil in my old Case 580B backhoe. I'm thinking of going to synthetic, primarily for ease of cranking in cold weather. This machine is from the early 1970s I believe. Any issues with running SAE approved 15w40 synthetic in an old diesel?

SVcummins · Dec 7, 2018

Might spring a leak or two . Other than that no

sotxbill · Dec 7, 2018

15w40 will be simi syn blend... and any hd diesel 15w-40 oil will do the same. Made to work at the primary oil in your case.

5w-40 now must have much more syn blend to work. So a 5w-40 in very cold climates will crank easier.

Bob · Dec 7, 2018

I've switched quite a few vehicles, tractors, and various other engines to synthetic oil over the years with NO issues, and no more (or less) leaks.

That being said, "oil threads" usually get quite a few knickers in a knot, it will be interesting to see how many "nays" get posted! ;-)

ASG · Dec 7, 2018

Might as well switch to 5W-40, it will start a lot easier than 15W-40.

Mike M · Dec 7, 2018

I'm seeing lots of 10w-30 diesel rated oil now in stores. Never used to before for some reason ?

INCase · Dec 7, 2018

NO problem

I would go full synthetic like AMSOIL or stay with what you have. not much point in synthetic blends in my opinion. how "semi-" is it 5% synthetic 10% 2%?? 50% ??? it still counts as "semi-" or "Blend" at 1% technically

you'll be amazed how much better they crank over in the cold with synthetics.

Note: you will want to keep an eye on the oil pressure. a good thing about synthetics is they will clean your engine. the down side to that is the gunk and dirt will end up in your filter (were it belongs). no problem just keep and eye on the oil pressure and put a new filter on part way between oil changes if there seems to be any issue. of course that depends on how many hours you put on it. if you have good seals you should not have an issue with leaks. if you do have leaks after switching to synthetics its probably due to bad seals the the dirt was the holding the oil in

the older pre 1960 hemp seals are NOT compatible with synthetics and could leak. but if its from the 1970s you should be fine.

send an email if you'd like more info.

SVcummins · Dec 7, 2018

Fuel milleage I think Is the reason for the light weight oil . I like synthetic oil run it in the pickup but not the tractors I tried 5w 40 In the 4020 but the engine seemed more noisy

ironandsteel · Dec 7, 2018

Holy moly- I just found Rotella T6 5w-40 synthetic diesel oil for $19.97/gallon at Amazon. AND a $7/gal rebate- so $13/gallon! Weirdly, the 3 pack is $87 and a 2.5 gallon jug is $99...

Bob Harvey · Dec 7, 2018

I'll be one of the 'yays'. I have run full synthetic in all my 'stuff' for 20+ years. Less need for oil changes in vehicles - 15,000 miles, change filter (add whatever) and go again. Oil is always clean on the dipstick. A university study showed that 100,000 miles (with filter changes) was feasible. Just sayin'.

Geo-TH,In · Dec 8, 2018

Synthetic won't make it easy to crank in cold weather. You need a first number of 5 w.

All my gas cars and truck call for 5w30.
The hydraulics on my terramites call for 10w30 in winter. I use 5w30 synthetic blend form RK, $2 qt. I can tell a big difference when it's cold.
I use 5w30 full synthetic in Jubilee. It my snow pusher. Starter spins the engine with ease.

showcrop · Dec 8, 2018

(quoted from post at 14:54:53 12/07/18) NO problem

I would go full synthetic like AMSOIL or stay with what you have. not much point in synthetic blends in my opinion. how "semi-" is it 5% synthetic 10% 2%?? 50% ??? it still counts as "semi-" or "Blend" at 1% technically

you'll be amazed how much better they crank over in the cold with synthetics.

Note: you will want to keep an eye on the oil pressure. a good thing about synthetics is they will clean your engine. the down side to that is the gunk and dirt will end up in your filter (were it belongs). no problem just keep and eye on the oil pressure and put a new filter on part way between oil changes if there seems to be any issue. of course that depends on how many hours you put on it. if you have good seals you should not have an issue with leaks. if you do have leaks after switching to synthetics its probably due to bad seals the the dirt was the holding the oil in

the older pre 1960 hemp seals are NOT compatible with synthetics and could leak. but if its from the 1970s you should be fine.

send an email if you'd like more info.

Incase, I have never heard of a hemp seal. Rope seal yes, but just because they call it rope doesn't mean it really is made of rope. They used to have a high asbestos content. Do you have any substantiation of any seals being made of hemp?

Synthetic diesel oil? Case 580B backhoe

ironandsteel

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SVcummins

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sotxbill

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Bob

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ASG

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Mike M

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INCase

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SVcummins

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ironandsteel

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Bob Harvey

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Geo-TH,In

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showcrop

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