Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 18, 2016, 11:56:51 am

Title: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 18, 2016, 11:56:51 am
I have the Kubota engine on the Genset.  Yesterday I read the owner's manual and used
10W30 as one of it's recommendations for the temps it's operated  in.

Today, after replacing the fuel filter and putting the cover back on the Genset I noticed a small sticker saying to use only 15W40.

I suspect that the PO used the 15W40 as there were no other containers on board for top-offs.

Nowhere in the owner's manual is reference made to 15W40.  What are y'all using?
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: craneman on September 18, 2016, 12:05:27 pm
Delo 15w40 Be sure you are using diesel recommended oil.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: John Duld on September 18, 2016, 12:13:37 pm
I bet the local Kubota dealer could tell you what to use.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Bob & Sue on September 18, 2016, 12:14:37 pm
Warmer weather 15/40 and cooolder weather 10/30 would be my guess. Kubota' are bullet proof so either are prolly ok until you get into temp extremes.

 We use the same for geny and cummins 8.3. Rotella 15/40.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 18, 2016, 12:14:54 pm
Diesel it is. 
Shell Rotella T5 10W30.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: craneman on September 18, 2016, 12:22:34 pm
I wouldn't change it just to get to the 15w40 until next oil change.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 18, 2016, 12:32:35 pm
That's what I'm thinking Chuck. Plus winter is coming.

Just curious as to why no mention of 15W40
in the manual.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 18, 2016, 12:43:25 pm
On our coach, it's easy to remember (fortunate, in my case):  everything on the coach uses the same oil - Rotella 15w40.  Big engine, generator engine, hydraulic pump for fan motors, hydraulic pump for power steering - all the same oil.  I also use it to lube the entry door hinge...  8)
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Bob & Sue on September 18, 2016, 12:55:04 pm
Chuck.
  I've yet to need to top off the hydraulic fan, but I notice it does say" delo "15/40. I'm wondering when the time comes for topping or replacing the fan motor oil that Rotella 15/40 will be compatible with whatever is in it  ?
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: propman on September 18, 2016, 01:37:30 pm
T-Man I also have 03/295. In my Foretravel owners manual also right on the Generator it indicates 15/40.
I would think 10/30 you used will not hurt it. If it was me, I would do the next oil change for the half the required oil change time.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 18, 2016, 01:50:10 pm
In my Foretravel owners manual also right on the Generator it indicates 15/40.

I didn't think about looking in the FT owner's manual,  only the Powertech.  I guess FT wanted to keep it simple,  like Chuck & Jeannie
said.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 18, 2016, 01:56:12 pm
I've yet to need to top off the hydraulic fan, but I notice it does say" delo "15/40. I'm wondering when the time comes for topping or replacing the fan motor oil that Rotella 15/40 will be compatible with whatever is in it  ?
Bob,

I wouldn't sweat the difference between Rotella and Delo, especially in a hydraulic pump/motor system.  As long as it is oily, clean and the correct weight, I'm pretty sure it will work.  If you decide to change the oil, be sure to do the filter (or filters) at the same time.

Questions: 1993 U280 Hydraulic System (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=21416.msg159389#msg159389)
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: Barry & Cindy on September 18, 2016, 05:00:04 pm
Same oil we use in our Cummins: 15w40.  Both are diesels.  But I assume you can leave your 10w30 in there, just change before 100 hours, then switch  to 15w40.
Title: Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum
Post by: RvTrvlr on September 18, 2016, 05:13:00 pm
This is a common thing. Kubota specs 10w-30 because that is a popular diesel oil grade in japan. Its actually becoming more and more popular here, but kubota themselves says 15w-40 is OK. Went thru this with the dealer when buying an L3130.

Kubota Engine America - FAQ (http://www.kubotaengine.com/support/faq-2)

If you used T5 10w-30, you are fine. that is an excellent diesel rated oil. You would not want to use a gasoline engine oil 10w-30 in a diesel though.