Rotella T 5w40 synthetic oil

[Arnold]

I've used Rotella (non synthetic) in my tractor for a long time with good results. I was thinking about converting to synthetic oil. Does anyone have experience using synthetic Rotella in their tractor? The oil is 5w40. The 5 is low but not sure if it would be a problem.

[Norm]

The only problem would be destroying your engine. I would stick with the recommended oil.

[alan]

If you start frequenty in the extreme cold and run for short periods, then it would be worth the cost. Though synthetics maintain their properties longer they get just as contaminated so need changing as often as dino.

[Arnold]

Norm,
Do you think the problem would be 5w40 or that the oil is synthetic (or both)?

[Norm]

Norm,
Do you think the problem would be 5w40 or that the oil is synthetic (or both)?

For me, the 5w would be a problem, when 15w is recommended. When I was much younger I rode motorcycles, in which straight 40wt oil was recommended. I certainly was not going to try 30wt in them, just to see what would happen.

[Brijoe]

They do make 15w 40 synthetic oil that is made for diesel engines.
But it is not always good to switch to synthetic with older diesel engines.

[Brijoe]

I also should state that 5w40 is for cold weather use.
While the 15w40 is used more for general mild winter to summer use.
The 5w40 and 15w40 are a synthetic blend.
A pure synthetic is some what thinner but bonds to the metals better,
But if you have any kind of oil leak going from a blended oil to pure
Synthetic expect your leak to be worse.