John Deere D140: To change or not to change...

[Astro_Guy]

Okay, a quickie background on this question. Purchased a John Deere D140 lawn tractor mid season 2015. Changed out the factory fill at the prescribed 8 hours with Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10w30 and OEM filter.

In early December of 2015 there was a second oil change at 28 hours total, or 20 hours on the oil. At this point a larger Wix 51348 filter was added along with more Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10w30.

2016 has been a dry year in my area. The machine now has only 50 hours of run time, or 22 hours on the oil and filter. It is unlikely to exceed 25 hours on the oil and filter this season.

The owner's manual says to change the oil every 50 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first. Given the use of Mobil 1 Extended Performance, TBN shouldn't be a problem. Given the use of an over-sized automotive filter, filter capacity shouldn't be a problem either.

My thoughts are that this motor is still breaking in, and therefore, needs an oil change. What are your thoughts???

 

[FlyNavyP3]

I'd think you'd be more than safe to run for another season or 50 hours whichever comes first. You wouldn't hurt anything by changing it but wouldn't gain anything either.

 

[Trav]

Give the fact these small air cooled engines tend to shed a lot of particles early in life I would change it regardless if it has a filter or not.
When It comes to early OCI on new engines I believe what the guy who taught me said, oil is dirt cheap engines are very expensive, no brainer IMHO.

 

[walterjay]

You could probably go another 50 or more hours on the oil...but if you want to sleep well, change it.

 

[Slick17601]

I started changing my LT160 every other year with Mobil 1 10w30 high mileage. Averages about 75 hours.

 

[BrocLuno]

I'd change it. I do my small tractors no matter the hours. Once a year. Get a good look at all teh grease fittings and lube it before you put it away for winter

 

[Eddie]

I run a DEERE L111 with a 20 HP B&S twin which is also a 50 hour or once a year. I only get ~ 30 hours so will change out the oil and filter at ~ 50 hours. Running 10w30 Rotella T5 and OEM filter. I do the recommended greasing and blade check at 25 hours. Air cleaner looks like new at ~ 30 hours. Ed

 

[Rand]

I'd leave it in for winter.. get it nice and hot when mowing next spring.. then change it.

Oil is cheap it uses what 48oz?

 

[CT8]

Clean oil makes a happy engine.

 

[mattwithcats]

Two quarts of Shell Rotella T5 in 10w30, and a 3614 oil filter should cost around $10-$12...

No brainer...
http://www.autozone.com/external-engine/oil-filter/stp-oil-filter/61648_0_2373/

You may be able to squeeze a 3600 filter on there, it's nearly five inches long, the 3614 is three and a half...
http://www.autozone.com/external-engine/oil-filter/stp-oil-filter/62448_0_0/

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I change all of my small engines once a year, in the fall, before they're put away for the season. That way they're ready to go for the next season. Just a regular filter, plain old conventional oil.

The hour meter on my 757 reads just over 1,800 hours.

 

[lexus114]

id be more concerned about getting synthetic oil in that transaxle if i were you... just sayin.

 

[JR]

I personally change oil often, during break-in.
My latest kid to my ope family, cub cadet ss470 trimmer. It is near 25 hrs and will see 5hr oci's till it has 50hrs. It holds 2.03oz and no filter.
Yours has filter and will chance most of the bad.



harvey