Favourite Engine Oil?
31 Oct 2012 19:24 - 31 Oct 2012 19:25 #1
by dandjcr
David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
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dandjcr created the topic: Favourite Engine Oil?
Forum Home > OKA Maintenance > Favourite Engine Oil?
Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
Hi all,
A search has drawn a blank - what is considered the best oil for the Perkins engine at about 300,000 k's? Currently doesn't burn any oil, and holds good oil pressure. The Castrol CRF30 seems to no longer be available.
Cheers, Paul (Oka 059)
October 14, 2011 at 4:07 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter & Sandra James Oka 374
Member
Posts: 412
Might be easiest to ring Castrol tech support and ask, they are very helpful and knowledgable when I've rung them with different queries over the years, not necessarily related to their products either.
I just use off the shelf multigrade oils, currently whatever Keith in 191 uses as I did the last oil change in his backyard and bought the oil from him. The previous changes were all Castrol RX Super.
--
Oka 374 LT Van
October 14, 2011 at 5:20 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
Thanks Peter,
At the local Repco shop they showed me the Castrol spec sheet, which described CRF 30 as a 15/40 multigrade oil. They suggest I use a castrol oil called Tection monograde 30.
So, is (was?) CRF 30 really a multigrade, and if so, why would Oka specify a monograde rather than a multigrade oil, for a vehicle that could be used anywhere form stinking hot to freezing cold?
My real concern is that if I use an oil with too much detergent this can apparently cause problems. Maybe I am being too fussy?
Cheers, Paul
October 14, 2011 at 5:44 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Nomad
Member
Posts: 30
Interesting subject
Do your homework on this one, as it appears you are. The CRF30 seems to be a mono grade NOT multigrade oil. Have a look at it here, www.docstoc.com/docs/32748340/HEAVY-DUTY-DIESEL-OILS . Personnally I like to maintain an engine with the same lubricant throughout its life, however will concede that as an engine ages this may need to be reviewed. Try to get hold of a comprehensive specification for the CRF30 before deciding on a suitable replacement, as the saying goes, "oils ain't oils".
I have had the experience with a turbo'd subaru recently where a shift from dealer servicing to Ultratune servicing resulted in an engine misfire that could be traced back to a change in the oil used at service (3000Km prior). Both oils were Castrol and of the same grade, however the superior oil that had been used by Ultratune had in fact gone to work cleaning buildup within the engine and in turn choking the variable camshaft timing system, causing the misfire at lower revs.
When all else fails, consult the experts www.oka4wd.com/apps/forums/topics/show/3...e-straight-or-multi- .
--
David & Christina Wight - Nomad Refrigeration - OKA267
October 14, 2011 at 10:39 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Tony Lee
Member
Posts: 539
If you look at the Perkins motor manual it clearly shows a multigrade as being the best to handle the wide range of temperatures expected in Australia.
As I see it, a straight oil doesn't cover the high-temperature range you get in summer conditions..
--
Tony
picasaweb.google.com/114611728110254134379
October 15, 2011 at 5:01 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
Thanks Tony and David,
Yes, it is hard to see why anyone would specify a mono-grade in a country that has hot deserts and cold mountains, yet it seems that i what Oka themselves specify and I am very curious as to why.
I see from the link supplied by David that Robin Wade recommends a mono grade 40. Maybe it doesn't matter very much, certainly as Tony points out the Perkins book offers a pretty wide choice.
Has anyone used Penrite Diesel GS?
Cheers, Paul
October 15, 2011 at 7:31 AM Flag Quote & Reply
peter mills
Member
Posts: 7
hello, I have spoken to ROBIN WADE about this and he recommends a mono grade oil for the perkins engine other wise you will burn oil I was using a 15w40 diesel oil and my vehicle started using oil I am now using a mono grade 30 SF / CD low detergent oil for diesel engines it is made from virgin base oil it is made by BRIMROSE OILS AT ROCKHAMPTON QLD PHONE 07 49213800 AND ASK FOR JOHN TEN-BOHMER HE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT OILS EXPECIALLY FOR OKA TRUCKS. I HAVE BEEN RUNNING THE OIL IN MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS AND THE OKA USES 1/2 LITER EVERY 2000 KMS
--
peter mills
October 16, 2011 at 6:24 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Hal Harvey
Site Owner
Posts: 509
The oil below is what Robin Wade uses in Perkins-powered OKAs. That's a very high recommendation...
--
Hal
April 26, 2012 at 4:51 PM Flag Quote & Reply
joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
I hope it doesn't do to the engine what the brand implies!!
Cheers,Joe
April 26, 2012 at 7:38 PM Flag Quote & Reply
T & D Morris
Member
Posts: 29
Hal Harvey at April 26, 2012 at 4:51 PM
The oil below is what Robin Wade uses in Perkins-powered OKAs. That's a very high recommendation...
Hal
I used to use Castrol RX Super till they stopped making it.
I used to use 1 litre per 1000klms.
When Robin did a service on the vehicle he used and recommended FUCHS Titan HD 40.
I have used it ever since (2005 ) and I use less than half a litre per 1000klms.
In the west we don't get the very cold weather so this 40 oil it's not a problem.
Terry
--
April 26, 2012 at 8:21 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
I've used most brands over the years but recently I've been using good Aussie Nulon products, specifically their 15W40 diesel with no problems, and their grease is a very pretty red colour.
I really can't see how a mono-grade oil would be appropriate these days, despite what Oka and other respected persons might say.
I change the oil every 6-7000 km even when away from home, or whenever it gets really black and starts smelling dirty and our Oka burns no oil. I only top it up because I feel it deserves some now and again.
I doubt that there is much real difference between the top brands of oil these days, but I would avoid the K-Mart/Home Brand type products and I don't use Valvoline since I can't stand John Laws.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
April 26, 2012 at 8:21 PM Flag Quote & Reply
joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
Nulon manufactures excellent products,I have been using their products in diffs /trans/tranfer cases and even after water contamination they retain good lubrication properties,Valvoline also have a very good product (poor choice of advertising personality),Perkins is a very low tech engine,they rely heavily on the oil properties rather than good piston and combustion chamber design,personally I think is unrealistic to push these engines past 5000 km between changes,also if you run the vehicle on a stable temperature range a monograde will provide greater protection as you are not reliying on additives to widen the lubrication range but at the end of the day it all comes down to the oil that you have the best results with and with technology changing by the minute we may get 20,000k's plus oils.
Cheers,Joe
April 26, 2012 at 9:03 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
Joe, the Oka manual says change the engine oil every 10,000km and all other oils at 40,000km (inc hydraulic) but I wouldn't let them go anywhere near that.
Oil is not cheap but not as expensive as a new engine, gearbox etc.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
April 26, 2012 at 9:55 PM Flag Quote & Reply
joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
You are right David,it's easy for a third party to say do this, but the warranty is held by someone else,Toyota said to do oil changes on the Diesel Prado every 5000 km,that was a disadvantage compared to Mitsubishi,Engines were very similar,the point is that nothing is going to come up at warranty time and comsumers look at double the maintenance costs for similar vehicles......some times if you think somethink is too far fetch.......it is!!!!
Cheers,Joe
April 26, 2012 at 10:32 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Marc
Member
Posts: 1
I'm not a fan of John Laws either but when I was farming I used Valvoline super diesel multigrade in all my large diesel engines in 4wd tractors and trucks including 2 perkins powered ones and thats what I will be putting in the OKA when I get it going. As others have said oil isn't cheap but I always found it is cheaper than parts and a lot easier to put in!
Marc
April 27, 2012 at 6:06 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Tony Lee
Member
Posts: 539
I should have checked what sort of oil was in my Rover rideon mower. It mowed at least an acre of pretty rough lawn every week or so for nearly 20 years. Always started on the second pull of the starter cord and never had an oil change. Only maintenance was changing the blades and fixing flat tyres.
Still going according to the bloke that bought it.
--
Tony
picasaweb.google.com/114611728110254134379
April 27, 2012 at 7:32 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Pete Fox
Member
Posts: 140
Castrol Tection mono grade 30 is the replacement for CRF30, at least according to Castrol.
When I bought 266 Robin Wade filled it with Fuchs 40 oil as per Hal's post above and with this oil the engine doesn't use any oil.
We are touring Tassie at the monent and because it is fairly cool I replaced the oil with Tection 30 and are now using some oil, about 1 litre in the last 1500km
I think the 40 grade Fuchs seems to suit this engine.
Pete
--
Peter Fox
OKA 266 Multi-cab.
Photobucket album
April 27, 2012 at 4:17 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Greg #210 and Dean #366
Member
Posts: 58
Hi I tried Valvoline in in my 60 series cruiser and it started using 1 litre per day on a trip into the Flinders we nearly stopped the trip but added Pensoil after a week the usage stopped now the cruiser does not use a drop between changes. I think we might try this in #210 Has any one else tried this brand?
--
April 27, 2012 at 5:37 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Nomad
Member
Posts: 30
After five years in spare parts, one trade in electrical engineering, and another in mechanical engineering - I wouldn't touch Valvoline! If John Laws wants to discuss it over over a couple of bottles of Turkey, I will gladly supply some "economy" Valvoline product, and I defy him to prove it's not recycled oil. The bottle may defend itself and state that it is "new" oil, but I have opened may a "new" bottle and it certaintly smells recycled. Don't be a tight arse, spend the dollars and be confident in your choice of oil. If you're too tight to buy good oil, don't expect 1,000,000 Km's from your OKA, Don't expect 10,000Km from your oil, and don't expect any sympathy from me!
--
David & Christina Wight - Nomad Refrigeration - OKA267
April 27, 2012 at 10:12 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Nomad
Member
Posts: 30
OH YEAH, while we're on the subject, You'll find many dirt bike manufacturers recommend mono grade oil. And while you can't see a reason for this initially it becomes abundantly clear AFTER you screw things up (adding a multigrade oil) and need to replace the "wet clutch". Suddenly using the right oil seems the cheap and easy solution. RTFI....
--
David & Christina Wight - Nomad Refrigeration - OKA267
April 27, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Tony Lee
Member
Posts: 539
That's all very well Nomad, but some of us have read the Perkins Engine handbook and see that they provide a very wide choice of oils that can be used. Surely if any of these choices were less than satisfactory, why would they include them in the table.
--
Tony
picasaweb.google.com/114611728110254134379
April 27, 2012 at 10:53 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Pete Fox
Member
Posts: 140
This seems to settle the argument about what the correct replacement for CRF30 is.
Pete
--
Peter Fox
OKA 266 Multi-cab.
Photobucket album
May 23, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
Hi all,
A search has drawn a blank - what is considered the best oil for the Perkins engine at about 300,000 k's? Currently doesn't burn any oil, and holds good oil pressure. The Castrol CRF30 seems to no longer be available.
Cheers, Paul (Oka 059)
October 14, 2011 at 4:07 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Peter & Sandra James Oka 374
Member
Posts: 412
Might be easiest to ring Castrol tech support and ask, they are very helpful and knowledgable when I've rung them with different queries over the years, not necessarily related to their products either.
I just use off the shelf multigrade oils, currently whatever Keith in 191 uses as I did the last oil change in his backyard and bought the oil from him. The previous changes were all Castrol RX Super.
--
Oka 374 LT Van
October 14, 2011 at 5:20 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
Thanks Peter,
At the local Repco shop they showed me the Castrol spec sheet, which described CRF 30 as a 15/40 multigrade oil. They suggest I use a castrol oil called Tection monograde 30.
So, is (was?) CRF 30 really a multigrade, and if so, why would Oka specify a monograde rather than a multigrade oil, for a vehicle that could be used anywhere form stinking hot to freezing cold?
My real concern is that if I use an oil with too much detergent this can apparently cause problems. Maybe I am being too fussy?
Cheers, Paul
October 14, 2011 at 5:44 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Nomad
Member
Posts: 30
Interesting subject
Do your homework on this one, as it appears you are. The CRF30 seems to be a mono grade NOT multigrade oil. Have a look at it here, www.docstoc.com/docs/32748340/HEAVY-DUTY-DIESEL-OILS . Personnally I like to maintain an engine with the same lubricant throughout its life, however will concede that as an engine ages this may need to be reviewed. Try to get hold of a comprehensive specification for the CRF30 before deciding on a suitable replacement, as the saying goes, "oils ain't oils".
I have had the experience with a turbo'd subaru recently where a shift from dealer servicing to Ultratune servicing resulted in an engine misfire that could be traced back to a change in the oil used at service (3000Km prior). Both oils were Castrol and of the same grade, however the superior oil that had been used by Ultratune had in fact gone to work cleaning buildup within the engine and in turn choking the variable camshaft timing system, causing the misfire at lower revs.
When all else fails, consult the experts www.oka4wd.com/apps/forums/topics/show/3...e-straight-or-multi- .
--
David & Christina Wight - Nomad Refrigeration - OKA267
October 14, 2011 at 10:39 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Tony Lee
Member
Posts: 539
If you look at the Perkins motor manual it clearly shows a multigrade as being the best to handle the wide range of temperatures expected in Australia.
As I see it, a straight oil doesn't cover the high-temperature range you get in summer conditions..
--
Tony
picasaweb.google.com/114611728110254134379
October 15, 2011 at 5:01 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Paul Scherek
Member
Posts: 136
Thanks Tony and David,
Yes, it is hard to see why anyone would specify a mono-grade in a country that has hot deserts and cold mountains, yet it seems that i what Oka themselves specify and I am very curious as to why.
I see from the link supplied by David that Robin Wade recommends a mono grade 40. Maybe it doesn't matter very much, certainly as Tony points out the Perkins book offers a pretty wide choice.
Has anyone used Penrite Diesel GS?
Cheers, Paul
October 15, 2011 at 7:31 AM Flag Quote & Reply
peter mills
Member
Posts: 7
hello, I have spoken to ROBIN WADE about this and he recommends a mono grade oil for the perkins engine other wise you will burn oil I was using a 15w40 diesel oil and my vehicle started using oil I am now using a mono grade 30 SF / CD low detergent oil for diesel engines it is made from virgin base oil it is made by BRIMROSE OILS AT ROCKHAMPTON QLD PHONE 07 49213800 AND ASK FOR JOHN TEN-BOHMER HE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT OILS EXPECIALLY FOR OKA TRUCKS. I HAVE BEEN RUNNING THE OIL IN MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS AND THE OKA USES 1/2 LITER EVERY 2000 KMS
--
peter mills
October 16, 2011 at 6:24 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Hal Harvey
Site Owner
Posts: 509
The oil below is what Robin Wade uses in Perkins-powered OKAs. That's a very high recommendation...
--
Hal
April 26, 2012 at 4:51 PM Flag Quote & Reply
joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
I hope it doesn't do to the engine what the brand implies!!
Cheers,Joe
April 26, 2012 at 7:38 PM Flag Quote & Reply
T & D Morris
Member
Posts: 29
Hal Harvey at April 26, 2012 at 4:51 PM
The oil below is what Robin Wade uses in Perkins-powered OKAs. That's a very high recommendation...
Hal
I used to use Castrol RX Super till they stopped making it.
I used to use 1 litre per 1000klms.
When Robin did a service on the vehicle he used and recommended FUCHS Titan HD 40.
I have used it ever since (2005 ) and I use less than half a litre per 1000klms.
In the west we don't get the very cold weather so this 40 oil it's not a problem.
Terry
--
April 26, 2012 at 8:21 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
I've used most brands over the years but recently I've been using good Aussie Nulon products, specifically their 15W40 diesel with no problems, and their grease is a very pretty red colour.
I really can't see how a mono-grade oil would be appropriate these days, despite what Oka and other respected persons might say.
I change the oil every 6-7000 km even when away from home, or whenever it gets really black and starts smelling dirty and our Oka burns no oil. I only top it up because I feel it deserves some now and again.
I doubt that there is much real difference between the top brands of oil these days, but I would avoid the K-Mart/Home Brand type products and I don't use Valvoline since I can't stand John Laws.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
April 26, 2012 at 8:21 PM Flag Quote & Reply
joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
Nulon manufactures excellent products,I have been using their products in diffs /trans/tranfer cases and even after water contamination they retain good lubrication properties,Valvoline also have a very good product (poor choice of advertising personality),Perkins is a very low tech engine,they rely heavily on the oil properties rather than good piston and combustion chamber design,personally I think is unrealistic to push these engines past 5000 km between changes,also if you run the vehicle on a stable temperature range a monograde will provide greater protection as you are not reliying on additives to widen the lubrication range but at the end of the day it all comes down to the oil that you have the best results with and with technology changing by the minute we may get 20,000k's plus oils.
Cheers,Joe
April 26, 2012 at 9:03 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Dandj
Member
Posts: 367
Joe, the Oka manual says change the engine oil every 10,000km and all other oils at 40,000km (inc hydraulic) but I wouldn't let them go anywhere near that.
Oil is not cheap but not as expensive as a new engine, gearbox etc.
--
David and Janet Ribbans, Oka 148
April 26, 2012 at 9:55 PM Flag Quote & Reply
joseph baz
Member
Posts: 331
You are right David,it's easy for a third party to say do this, but the warranty is held by someone else,Toyota said to do oil changes on the Diesel Prado every 5000 km,that was a disadvantage compared to Mitsubishi,Engines were very similar,the point is that nothing is going to come up at warranty time and comsumers look at double the maintenance costs for similar vehicles......some times if you think somethink is too far fetch.......it is!!!!
Cheers,Joe
April 26, 2012 at 10:32 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Marc
Member
Posts: 1
I'm not a fan of John Laws either but when I was farming I used Valvoline super diesel multigrade in all my large diesel engines in 4wd tractors and trucks including 2 perkins powered ones and thats what I will be putting in the OKA when I get it going. As others have said oil isn't cheap but I always found it is cheaper than parts and a lot easier to put in!
Marc
April 27, 2012 at 6:06 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Tony Lee
Member
Posts: 539
I should have checked what sort of oil was in my Rover rideon mower. It mowed at least an acre of pretty rough lawn every week or so for nearly 20 years. Always started on the second pull of the starter cord and never had an oil change. Only maintenance was changing the blades and fixing flat tyres.
Still going according to the bloke that bought it.
--
Tony
picasaweb.google.com/114611728110254134379
April 27, 2012 at 7:32 AM Flag Quote & Reply
Pete Fox
Member
Posts: 140
Castrol Tection mono grade 30 is the replacement for CRF30, at least according to Castrol.
When I bought 266 Robin Wade filled it with Fuchs 40 oil as per Hal's post above and with this oil the engine doesn't use any oil.
We are touring Tassie at the monent and because it is fairly cool I replaced the oil with Tection 30 and are now using some oil, about 1 litre in the last 1500km
I think the 40 grade Fuchs seems to suit this engine.
Pete
--
Peter Fox
OKA 266 Multi-cab.
Photobucket album
April 27, 2012 at 4:17 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Greg #210 and Dean #366
Member
Posts: 58
Hi I tried Valvoline in in my 60 series cruiser and it started using 1 litre per day on a trip into the Flinders we nearly stopped the trip but added Pensoil after a week the usage stopped now the cruiser does not use a drop between changes. I think we might try this in #210 Has any one else tried this brand?
--
April 27, 2012 at 5:37 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Nomad
Member
Posts: 30
After five years in spare parts, one trade in electrical engineering, and another in mechanical engineering - I wouldn't touch Valvoline! If John Laws wants to discuss it over over a couple of bottles of Turkey, I will gladly supply some "economy" Valvoline product, and I defy him to prove it's not recycled oil. The bottle may defend itself and state that it is "new" oil, but I have opened may a "new" bottle and it certaintly smells recycled. Don't be a tight arse, spend the dollars and be confident in your choice of oil. If you're too tight to buy good oil, don't expect 1,000,000 Km's from your OKA, Don't expect 10,000Km from your oil, and don't expect any sympathy from me!
--
David & Christina Wight - Nomad Refrigeration - OKA267
April 27, 2012 at 10:12 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Nomad
Member
Posts: 30
OH YEAH, while we're on the subject, You'll find many dirt bike manufacturers recommend mono grade oil. And while you can't see a reason for this initially it becomes abundantly clear AFTER you screw things up (adding a multigrade oil) and need to replace the "wet clutch". Suddenly using the right oil seems the cheap and easy solution. RTFI....
--
David & Christina Wight - Nomad Refrigeration - OKA267
April 27, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Tony Lee
Member
Posts: 539
That's all very well Nomad, but some of us have read the Perkins Engine handbook and see that they provide a very wide choice of oils that can be used. Surely if any of these choices were less than satisfactory, why would they include them in the table.
--
Tony
picasaweb.google.com/114611728110254134379
April 27, 2012 at 10:53 PM Flag Quote & Reply
Pete Fox
Member
Posts: 140
This seems to settle the argument about what the correct replacement for CRF30 is.
Pete
--
Peter Fox
OKA 266 Multi-cab.
Photobucket album
May 23, 2012 at 11:28 AM
David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
Visit our technical and travel blogs: here.
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