15w40 ok for both I.C. & Diesel engines?

[J.D.]

I run a service facility taking care of all types of Forklifts most run LP powered 4 cylinder engines indoors. The outdoor equipment is mostly diesel power.
I would like to stock all of my service vehicles with a quality oil that would be ok to use in both type applications. I'm considering using Shell Rotella 15w40.
I have checked the service manuals on the majority of equipment. Most LP Forklifts recomend a 10w30 motor oil.
The manufacturer's will not comment on anything except to follow the manuals specifications.
Is there any reason Shell Rotella 15w40 would not work in these applications?

 

[Pablo]

I have no problems with Steve's anecdotal information. And I have zero problem with the 15W-40 viscosity. It's the additive amount I question.

It is unfornunate the mfr. won't comment further. They say nohing about low ash oil? Isn't LOW ASH important to NG/LP motors? Or only NG motors?

I'm posting this not to try to make a sale, just to show what Amsoil says:

Amsoil NG motor oil

 

[Pablo]

It may work, but you really don't need such an additized (HDEO) oil for an LP engine.

Is buying two oils a huge ordeal, or are you worried about misapplication?

 

[Steve S]

This is fact and not an opinion due to 5 years at an independent shop and 17 years at a forklift dealership. Use the hdeo in every thing.

 

[Steve S]

Pablo, you have been reading without thinking .I have seen the insides of more lpg and diesel and for that matter gasoline engines than you have posts

. I have torn down for inspection lpg engines with 25,000 hours that run on Delo 400
"the best oil" I know what they look like and how they run. If you carefully read the Amsoil literature mentions 2 cycle deposits.Bet that fact was glossed over in your reading huh? . The 2 cycle engines are Detriot diesels converted to run on nat. gas since diesels are "can" be considered multi feul. I have never run across a deposit problem on lpg engines ,Continental flatheads,Ford ,G.M. ,Mitsubhishi ,Mazda,Perkins and Volkswagon commercial engines. A last tidbit most n.g. engines are backup power . I went through a Clark Forklift traing on n.g.engines about 10 years ago and there wasn't a change in the oil or service requirements. Wierd isn't it.

[ January 22, 2006, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: Steve S ]

 

[Pablo]

I really dislike it when people assume I don't know what I'm talking about because I sell Amsoil.

#1 please don't say I haven't been thinking - insults belong on the playground and don't help your discussion. Yes I have read the 2-stroke part, so strike 2 against you. And strike 3 - yes I know many NG (and lots of LP with no NG in area) engines are for backup power. Dude - I used to build backup power generator systems. Hint: Heavy additized dino 15W-40 was NOT the oil of choice in these situations, especially in cold climates.

Now - I'm not arguing at all with your findings. With well used and run forklifts there probably would be no issue with 15W-40, but still I wonder why the mfr's don't recommend it?

 

[Steve S]

Pablo see my smilie? generators and marine engines usually run at a set rpm no? That is where the low ash oils come into play not in forklift engines that vary the rpms. Most of the mfgs.are recommending 10w/30. I'm sorry Pablo, I have no problem with you or Amsoil.Read the last line or two on the bottom of the Amsoil literature on the nat. gas oil.

 

[Pablo]

OK makes sense. Sorry for being so sensitive.

Yes - for sure don't use that (or most other "NG oils") in converted gasoline engines.

 

[Steve S]

Thankyou Pablo.

 

[Pablo]

Now that's settled

how about looking at this from a different viewpoint. Why not study using a HDEO 10W-30 in everything?

 

[Extreme-Duty]

Yes, listen to Pablo!

Forklift = often a lot of low temperatur operation => Not necessarily a good idea to use a higher viscosity than recommended by the manufacturer.

Sorry, only my 2 cent..

ED

 

[J.D.]

Thanks for your input guy's!!
When I 1st started to manage this Service dept. The guy's were using the cheapest 10W30 oil in all equipment they serviced. I was concerned at Lumber yard applications during summer months on trucks running Cummins diesel engines.
Due to the lack of storage in our service van's I hoped to have 1 type oil that would work OK in both LP & Diesel.
Today we are using a 10W30 that has a blend of synthetic oil. Rotella in the diesel engines.
I am concerned about misapplication. Sounds like you both agreee 10W30 is a good choice for both ?

 

[Pablo]

I would use a HDEO 10W-30 only, but in the summer a HDEO 15W-40 is fine.

 

[Lawrence Richards]

Lp engines will require a special oil (almost ashless) or you will have a problem with sticky valves.