Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum  (Read 660 times) previous topic - next topic

Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

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?

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #1 –
Delo 15w40 Be sure you are using diesel recommended oil.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #2 –
I bet the local Kubota dealer could tell you what to use.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #3 –
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.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #4 –
Diesel it is. 
Shell Rotella T5 10W30.

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #5 –
I wouldn't change it just to get to the 15w40 until next oil change.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #6 –
That's what I'm thinking Chuck. Plus winter is coming.

Just curious as to why no mention of 15W40
in the manual.

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #7 –
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)
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #8 –
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  ?
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #9 –
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.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #10 –
Quote from: propman –
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.

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
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
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #12 –
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.
 

Re: Genset Kubota Oil Change Conundrum

Reply #13 –
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

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.
95 U300SE