Pump oil?

[RyanH 14]

I think it's time to replace the oil in my pump, but I've misplaced the papers and don't recall what I put in to begin with. What suggestions do you guys have?

AR pump, 4gpm, shaft drive.

Thanks,

Ryan

[squirtgun 122]

Ryan,

Any 30 weight NON detergent motor oil will work in your pump.If you aren't comfortable with that you can get pump oil through a PWing suppier.

[RyanH 14]

cool. Thanks.

[Pams Pressure & Clean 64]

Ryan,

In our area I have found that Advance Auto Parts and/or Napa usually keeps a few quarts in stock.

My pump holds right at 1 quart from empty to full (1/2 way up the sight glass if yours does not have a dipstick)

[RyanH 14]

Pam,

Thanks. I've got to go by there in about 10 minutes anyway to pick up some gutter cleaner. I'll grab a quart.

[One Tough Pressure 580]

So who is the oil expert? Cat & General spec their oil with an "ISO 68". I have yet to see that on any store bought oil, so what does it mean in relation to the "S" codes such as SI, SJ, SL and the like?

[Pams Pressure & Clean 64]

ISO is just an international standards system.

Basically ISO 68 certified oil of a particular grade/weight would be the same thing anywhere in the world.

The Cat oil with that label means that Cat paid a heap of money to certify 'officially' that their particular oil meets the same standard as set forth in the ISO standards book.

It does not necessarily mean that oils bought elsewhere do not meet the standard, just that the company that mfg'd it did not pay to have the oil certified and labeled thusly.

[One Tough Pressure 580]

So is there a "S" code that equals the ISO 68?

[beyoungsr 14]

I use MOBIL DTE 26/ISO 68. This was recommended to me by General Pump engineers.

I was having severe starting problems with a 13 HP HONDA engine during cold weather. Would nearly rip your arm off pulling the rope.

I had been using standard non-detergent oil prior to the switch. It does not perform well below 30F.

Anyway made the switch per G.P.'s recommendations and you can start that Honda with ease on the coldest of mornings.

Switched all my machines over to this oil. I can purchase it in bulk for $5.00 a gallon if I bring my own container. This oil really holds up well under extreme conditions.

[One Tough Pressure 580]

Bruce,

Let me make sure I read this right. Mobil makes a 30 wt non detergent oil with an ISO of 68 and your use of it in the pump, makes it easier to start the engine?

[beyoungsr 14]

DTE 26 is actually an industrial hydralic pump oil that meets ISO 68 standards.

Yes the engine cranks easier because the DTE 26 oil is designed to run at lowwer temps.

The 30 weight non-det. oil thickens in weather below 30F. As a result starting was very difficult. Low temperature has the molasas effect on the 30 wt.

Some of the problem was related to the pump crank shaft bearing design being of the ball bearing type. An AR pump on an identical engine was not affected by the 30 wt. because the crank had roller bearings.

The GP engineers kicked the problem around for two days. They personaly called me with their recommendations and I made the switch. I could have waited and ordered GP oil but they said this would work equally as well. The differance in starting amazing.

I now use MOBIL DTE 26 oil in the three direct drive and one belt drive pumps.

[VanDiesel99 14]

Thats good information, thanks! I too had a problem starting my smalled 13.5 horse machine(pull rope start), in which I run the 30wt ND. Haven't yet made the switch but will be doing so soon. Probably change the oil in both machines so that the other machine's electric start isn't stressed too much.

[Aplus 525]

I guess the bottom line depends on the temperatures you operate in. Myself, I don't operate in low temp situations, so the ND 30W works well for me.