I couldn't believe it...

Submitted: Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 01:30
ThreadID: 82338 Views:4019 Replies:3 FollowUps:4
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Whilst I was snooping around in a sea container at work (exploration camp) I saw 2 5L containers of oil with 20w-50!! Out here they drive 70 Series V8s which to my understanding most commonly use 15w-40 for engine oil.

What the ....?

So I get on the 2 - way and alert this to the Department 'Superdude'. They had no clue what I meant about mixing different oil viscosity/ grades.

One container only had half left so I guess one LV may have engine issues down the track.

Or am I wrong??

cheers

matthew



Matthew Clements
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Reply By: Holiday Maker - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 07:44

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 07:44
Sorry Mathew,

You are wrong.

You can mix oils of a different viscosity but do not mix mineral/vegetable/or synthetic oils together.

If mixing any oils I would tend to keep to the same brands and for the same purpose. e.g. Diesel, Rimula, etc.

I trust that this has been of some help.

Dusty (ex mechanic with very bad back)
AnswerID: 435237

Follow Up By: Holiday Maker - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 15:01

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 15:01
Forgot to add:-

It is most important not to use synthetic oils in a newly rebuilt motor, the rings will not bed in.

ALSO do not change from a mineral based oil to synthetic in an older engine otherwise you will think you have blown the engine up with the amount of smoke you will be seeing coming from the exhaust.

Cheers

Dusty
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Reply By: Fab72 - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 08:05

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 08:05
As Holiday Maker has said, mixing oils is fine. Mixing coolants IS NOT.

I'm not sure where you're from, but a slightly higher grade oil might be better suited to the vehicle application if the climate is warmer, the engine has a few kms on the clock, or the engine is running for long periods of time.

Fab

AnswerID: 435240

Follow Up By: Fab72 - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 08:07

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 08:07
Forgot to add.... Concerns me that the "Superdude" had no idea what you were on about though. Isn't it his responsibility to maintain the vehicles?
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Follow Up By: CruisinDub - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 13:26

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 13:26
Agree with comments of Fab72,
On my vessels we ALWAYS use the same oil, when topping the oil levels....never mixing.
Also as mentioned, oil will be changed to what conditions we are operating in though. This should be standard.
ie, if we are using for Rimula X for instance, we will always use Rimula X for oil top ups, but do a complete oil change when operating in various conditions. (hot/cold environments)
We would never mix brands/makes/viscosity of oils.

Likewise, good oil is cheapest form of insurance for your engines. If in doubt, change oil and start from fresh containers. Oil will begin to breakdown once the container is opened.
Using old oil is probably fine if your not intending to keep the vehicle, or attempting to cut costs in the wrong areas.....

The cost of changing oil is irellevant, our main engines run on 280 litres of oil each. Alot, for vehicles, but nothing compared to other vessels.

As also mentioned, its much, much worse to attempt to mix 'coolants'.

For the cost of new coolant and the amount of coolant a vehicle holds,.... buy new every 2 years. Its nothing in the grand scheme of things.


No comments on the 'superdude', I dont know anything about the actual situation, maybe its what the provisions officer purchased rather than what is actually required.
Perhaps a good chat with the maintenance department.
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Reply By: mike39 - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 17:33

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 17:33
Mathew.
First thing I would have done was to get in one of those vehicles and look at the recommended oil specification.

I suspect you would find that for certain ambients, certain oil viscosities would be appropriate including 20w-50.

Also, and more important would be the oil duty, a3 - b3 which is the requirement for my vehicles engine.

The "tighter tolerance" concept for todays engines is pure myth. Look at the big end/main bearing/gudgeon pin/piston to bore clearance, they are no less than they were 50yrs. ago.

The reason: oil reqires space to lubricate, dissimilar metals expand at different rates. Close the gap to zero and siezure is certain, dont worry about how much oil.

That new Toyota v8 is still only a diesel donk, mass produced with sufficient bearing bearing etc. slack that it will still run when the oil is like treacle.

Only 2 bobs worth, but have been around engines a while.
mike
AnswerID: 435276

Follow Up By: Diesel 'n Dust - Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 21:13

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010 at 21:13
Thank you Gents,

I just got back from out bush today and checked the next service sticker and it mentions on the last service 15w - 40 was used.

I'm not sure what brand as these LVs are serviced by Hertz. So I guess if the driver doesn't know what brand was used that may cause issues.

I've taken this info on and will share it around.

thanks

matthew

Matthew Clements
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