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| | | | Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 328 | I'm sure this topic must have been covered a million times, but I will keep it short... Can I use Rotella 20W-50 (detergent) engine oil on a 216 engine with no issues or leaks? I live in a hot climate and wonder if the 20W-50 will make it a little easier on the engine... I'm using non-detergent Valvoline 30W at the moment.
Philippe Jeanneau
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,761 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,761 | I use 15W-40 in every engine at my place- - - -cars, trucks, tractors, lawn mowers, generators, and even a Harley EVO engine. No problems yet, and I buy it in 5 gallon pails from the local farm store at a considerable discount over quart bottles.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 328 | So, that would mean that the 20W-50 would be too heavy for the 216 engine?
Philippe Jeanneau
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,761 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,761 | Not necessarily- - - - -it would depend on how much clearance the connecting rods have. Multi-weight oils actually stay at the physical thickness of the minimum weight- - - -20W-50 flows like a 20 weight when cold (0 degrees F.), and lubricates like a 50 weight when hot. The oil doesn't "thicken"- - - -it just has better lube qualities when it's hot than a straight weight oil. Any multi-weight oil including 20-50 will be "thinner" than the 30 weight you're using now. Most 20W-50 "racing" oils are just outrageously expensive, compared to Diesel-rated 15-40. The Diesel oil also has additives that are kinder to your flat-tappet camshaft than the racing oil.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2019 Posts: 328 | Thank you very much for the insight... I will try the 15W-40 diesel oil...
Philippe Jeanneau
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