Proper oil for GM 2-53

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JD440ICD2006
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Proper oil for GM 2-53

Post by JD440ICD2006 » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:11 am

I know it looks like I am making a career out of this topic :o , but, I just want to be sure since I am brand new to this little engine.
The JD SM-2028 for the GM 2-53 states on page 110-20-1, "Satisfactory long-time operation of HEAVY-DUTY ENGINES requires use of highly detergent HEAVY DUTY LUBRICANTS".
The fourth paragraph down states that "multiple viscosity oils such as 5W-20 or 10W 30 should NOT be used".

The concensus on the board so far has been to use straight 40W.

Can someone help us get this straight?
1959 JD 440ICD w/64 Power Angle Tilt Blade
1959 JD 440ICD w/63 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 440IC w/602 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 730D W SE (many options)
1950 JD M S w/M-20 Mower
1952 JD M W
1955 FORD 640 (burns the most fuel)

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2-53

Post by Joe Iannitto » Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:56 am

I will check my detroit manual and post back later today

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BKahler
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Series 53 oil specifications

Post by BKahler » Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:22 pm

Below is some info I pulled out of my 53 Series Detroit Diesel service manual. It appears that straight 30 weight oil is what they recommend. You'll need to do some research on the MIL-L-2104B spec says to figure what it all means. Please excuse any typos, I didn't really proof read what I typed.

Brad


------------
Detroit diesel engines have given optimum performance, and experienced the longest service life with MIL-L-2104B, SAE30 oils. However, the additive concentration of some MIL-L-2104B oils has been substantially increased in order to meet 1968-1969 MS performance requirements. Some of these 1968-1969 MS/MIL-L-2104B oils have given unsatisfactory performance because of the execessive exhaust valve and ring-belt ash deposits. for these reasons our primary lbricant recommendations are MIL-L-2104B and Supplement 1 oils with the following limitations:

1. Zinc, as zinc diorganodithiophosphate, between a minimum of 0.07 and a maximum of 0.10 percent by weight.

2. Sulfated ash (ASTM D-874) of 1.00 percent maximum by weight, except lubricants that contain ly barium detergent - dispersants where 1.50 percent by weight is allowed.

MIL-L-45199B (Series 3) Lubricants

The use of Low Ash Series 3 oils (sulphated ash less than 1.65 percent by weight - ASTM designation D-874) may be necessary if the continued use of high sulfer fuel (sulfer greater than 0.5 percent by weight - ASTM D-129) is unavoidable. Consult a reilable oil supplier, obtain assurance that his products have been tested in Detroit Diesel engines, and select the best performer for optimum engine life.

Low Ash Series 3 oils do NOT have to meet any specific military low temperature performance reuirements; therefor, they may not perform as well as MIL-L-2104B lubricants in cold climates.

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JD440ICD2006
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Proper oil for GM 2-53

Post by JD440ICD2006 » Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:37 pm

At this point, my big question is DETERGENT or NON DETERGENT oil?
I think 30 W or 40 W will be fine, depending on operating environment temps and the amount of wear in the engine.
40W may be a little tough on starting in cold weather.
1959 JD 440ICD w/64 Power Angle Tilt Blade
1959 JD 440ICD w/63 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 440IC w/602 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 730D W SE (many options)
1950 JD M S w/M-20 Mower
1952 JD M W
1955 FORD 640 (burns the most fuel)

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Post by Lavoy » Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:53 pm

Look at the bottom of any page of your service manual, and I would bet that somewhere on there is is going to say something like 2-63 or whatever. This means Feb of 1963, so for the most part, you can disregard anything written there on the subject of oil, as it is irrelevant in this day and age. The API classification system most likely came in to use after your manual was printed, and it will be difficult at best to convert what it says to any modern oil.
Go to a Detroit Diesel dealer and speak to the service manager and ask what is recommened by Detroit. Or, if you have a reliable oil jobber, stop and ask them if they have a book with any recommendations.
Lavoy

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Post by BKahler » Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:34 pm

Lavoy,

I tend to agree with you on information from old manuals when it comes to oil specs.

What I found interesting was the mention of straight 30 weight oil and the reference to what happens if you use diesel with to high a sulfer content. However something all of us with crawlers that have the 2-53 might want to think about what happens when the new ultra low sulfer diesel hits the market next year. Wonder how that is going to impact oil consumption, engine running, etc.

Brad

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Post by Lavoy » Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:26 pm

I have heard the there is supposed to be some new diesel oils coming that are for the low sulfur diesel.
Lavoy

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lastchancegarage
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Post by lastchancegarage » Fri Sep 01, 2006 8:28 am

The guy in the Detroit shop I spoke with was so quick to spit out "Delvac 1340" it didn't seem like there were many options in his mind. He'd been working them for 20 years so I didn't question his knowledge on the matter. When I looked it up, Delvac 1340 is no longer being made. Delvac 1640 is its direct replacement. I ended up going with the DELO 400 because it was readily available and the hyd guy I deal with crossed it himself. He's also got a lot of years behind him with these machines. More than me, that's for sure. Hope this helps.

Scott
Keep the tracks down and the torque up!!

1959 JD 440 ICD dozer
1959 Case 310B backhoe w/belly grader option
195? ATC GT-25 dozer
19?? Stow 1 ton roller w/rare cooler option!

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JD440ICD2006
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Proper oil for GM 2-53

Post by JD440ICD2006 » Fri Sep 01, 2006 8:57 am

Scott,

I never doubted you nor your sources, but you can imagine being new to this engine and reading conflicting info in an official manual.
Thanks to Lavoy's input, I now understand that the manual was written prior to the oils available today. I knew that, of coarse, but just do not know enough about special oils.
So Delo 400 straight 40W (non detergent) is what you settled on? If so, that is what I am going with.
The DD shop that I called was more in tune with the later diesels, not this one.
Thanks for the patience of all on here during my "break in" period. :D
1959 JD 440ICD w/64 Power Angle Tilt Blade
1959 JD 440ICD w/63 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 440IC w/602 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 730D W SE (many options)
1950 JD M S w/M-20 Mower
1952 JD M W
1955 FORD 640 (burns the most fuel)

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Post by Lavoy » Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:55 am

That can be one of the problems with some of the Detroit shops, they are just not up on the two strokes. My local shop here has the tool for updating the blower seals, but the shop 70 miles away, same ownership, has no clue what it even is.
Lavoy

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JD440ICD2006
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Proper oil for GM 2-53

Post by JD440ICD2006 » Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:26 pm

Since I started this, I thought I would follow up and try to close it.
I contacted a different Detroit Diesel shop today. The guy I spoke with seemed to know and understand the old 2 cycle diesels like the 2-53. He says that most any known brand of oil is fine as long as it is straight 40W. The problems can occur when a multi-viscosity oil is used, such as a 15W- 40, typical in many 4 cycle applications.
He said their shop uses Mobil Delvac 1640, but, that was only because that is what is bought in bulk. He said that Rotella or any of the other known brands are fine, as long as they are straight 40W.
This has been an exercise but it will help guide those like me that own this unique 2 cycle diesel for the first time.
Thanks again to all for the help in ansering this important question. :D
1959 JD 440ICD w/64 Power Angle Tilt Blade
1959 JD 440ICD w/63 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 440IC w/602 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 730D W SE (many options)
1950 JD M S w/M-20 Mower
1952 JD M W
1955 FORD 640 (burns the most fuel)

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JD440ICD2006
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Post by JD440ICD2006 » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:42 pm

Lavoy,

The Delvac 1640 is a straight 40W detergent oil, so is the Delo 400 40W.
What was throwing me off was the "non detergent". They tell me you would only run that in a small engine with no oil pump or a few other exception engines. Every source tells me that the 2-53 needs detergent oil, but will not last if the oil is multi-viscocity.
I have to tell you, I have hunted rabbits in the snow and not had as many double backs as I have trying to find the correct oil for this engine. :lol:
1959 JD 440ICD w/64 Power Angle Tilt Blade
1959 JD 440ICD w/63 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 440IC w/602 Manual Angle Blade
1959 JD 730D W SE (many options)
1950 JD M S w/M-20 Mower
1952 JD M W
1955 FORD 640 (burns the most fuel)

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Post by Lavoy » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:49 pm

Okay, more interesting info:


Current data posted below reference Sulfated Ash content Posted 11/26/05

Rumors are that the Delo® 400 has been modified and there is no longer a need to use Delo® 100. The following is direct from the Chevron® Web Page

ChevronTexaco® Global Lubricants
Improves Market Leading Delo® 400
Multigrade Diesel Engine Oil
- New Formulation Reduces Wear,
Improves Soot Dispersancy and
Complies With CI-4 Plus Performance Requirements

Yes the 400 has been modified, BUT the Ash Rate is over the limit of Detroit Diesel® specifications (1.41% to 1.50%) and As of this date does not give the staying qualities of the Delo® 100!!!


Special Bulletin!
Re:
Scarcity of Availability
of
Straight 40 WT. Oils Information is now posted in at TEJAS OIL.

Instructions where to find Locations with MAP & PHONE links.



Detroit Diesel Allison® Lube Oil Recommendations for
Detroit Diesel® 2-Cycle Engines
DDC publication 6SA314 8901
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Function of Lubricating Oils


All diesel engines require heavy duty lubricating oils. Basic requirements of such oils are:


Lubricating quality

High heat resistance

Control of contaminants

Lubricating Quality


The reduction of friction and wear by maintaining an oil film between moving parts is the primary requisite of a lubricant. Film thickness and its ability to prevent metal-to-metal contact of moving parts is related to oil viscosity. The optimums for Detroit Diesel® two-cycle engines are SAE 40 grade oils.

High Heat Resistance


Temperature is the most important factor in determining the rate at which deterioration or oxidation of the lubricating oil will occur. The oil should have adequate thermal stability at elevated temperatures, thereby precluding formation of harmful carbonaceous and/or ash deposits.

Control of Contaminants


The piston and compression rings must ride on a film of oil to minimize wear and prevent cylinder seizure. At normal rates of consumption, oil reaches a temperature zone at the upper part of the piston where rapid oxidation and carbonization can occur. In addition, as oil circulates through the engine, it is continuously contaminated by soot, acids, and water originating from combustion. Until they are exhausted, detergent and dispersant additives aid in keeping sludge and varnish from depositing on engine parts. But such additives in excessive quantities can result in detrimental ash deposits. If abnormal ash deposits form on the exhaust valve seats, early engine failure may result. Oil that is carried up the cylinder liner wall is normally consumed during engine operation. The oil and additives leave carbonaceous and/or ash deposits when subjected to the elevated temperatures of the combustion chamber. The amount of deposits is influenced by the composition, additive content, engine temperature, and oil consumption rate.

Oil Quality


Oil quality is the responsibility of the oil supplier. (The term "oil supplier" is applicable to refiners, blenders, and re branders of petroleum products). Oil quality can also be affected by handling cleanliness, contamination, dirt, water, etc.

Lubricant Recommendation for Detroit Diesel® Two-Cycle Engines


SAE Viscosity Grade 40
API Classification: CD-II, (Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2)
Military Spec: MIL-L-2104D
Sulfated Ash: Less than 1.0%



Sulfated
Ash Rate

Comparison
Chart Delo® 100 40 WT = 0.76
(Delo® 100 is ONLY oil meeting and beating the benchmark! 24% BELOW benchmark)

Shell Rotella® 40T = 1.00
(Shell Rotella® 40T is borderline)

Delo® 400 40 WT = 1.35
(Delo® 400 currently 35% ABOVE and OUT of TOLERANCE of the benchmark)

This data is current as of 11/23/05 according to each Oil Producer's published web sites

This is the only engine oil recommended for Detroit Diesel® two-cycle engines. Lubricants meeting these criteria have provided maximum engine life when used in conjunction with recommended oil drain and filter maintenance schedules. (For additional oil selection criteria, see publication 7SE270.) The API category CD-II (CF-2)(Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2) is relatively new and may not be fully in use at the time of this publication. (NOTE: This publication was published in 1989) API category CD may be used provided the recommended military specification is satisfied. Oils with API designation "CE" are not recommended in DDC two-cycle engines unless accompanied by CD-II (CF-2) (Note: CD-II is an obsolete designation replaced by the current API Rating CF-2)

Single Grade-High Ash Content Lube Oils


High ash oils (greater than 1,000 mass % ASTM D-874) tend to form excessive deposits on engine parts, resulting in impairment of their function (exhaust valve closure, for example). These are NOT recommended, except where the continuous use of high sulfur content diesel fuels (greater than 0.5 mass %) is unavoidable and where a high TBN, LOW ASH oil is not available.

Multi-Vis Oils


Less than optimum engine life must be expected when using 15w-40 oils. Multi-vis oils tend to break down due to mechanical and thermal stress which results in a loss of viscosity and premature engine wear. Multi-vis oils do help cranking when temperatures are below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). However, once the engine starts, the major advantage of the multi-vis oils is exhausted. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the internal engine temperatures and pressures vary little from an engine operating in much warmer climates. This is when the 2 cycle engine benefits from the superior protection of a 40 wt.

Starting aids such as automatic ether systems and /or on-board auxiliary heaters provide more reliable starting without sacrificing engine life.

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Post by Lavoy » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:54 pm

Well that is clear as mud isn't it??????????????????
I think that for the majority of users, the statement about less than optimum life does not apply. I believe that they are referring to engines that basically run all day, every day, and virtually never are cold started.
I also believe that the above statement applies only to the two stroke diesels in this type of application. If this were true, virtually all manufacturers of heavy diesel engines would not recommend 15W-40 oil. The two stroke diesel engine is kind of unique in this way, and obviously has some different quirks about it than does a 4 stroke diesel.

So, given what I copied above, it appers that a straight weight oil meeting CF-2 specs is the one to run.
Lavoy

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lastchancegarage
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What...no atomic weight comparisons???

Post by lastchancegarage » Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:55 pm

Oh...sure...thanks Lavoy...NOW you post the ash content, now that I'm blowing carbon deposits the size of Monarchs!! :lol: :lol: Actually, after reading that last bit of info, I'll look into getting Delo 100 for the next oil change. :wink: Once again Lavoy, you've outdone yourself. This site has to be approaching accreditation for at least 1 college credit in some form of mechanical studies. :lol: If anyone reads much of this site and still doesn't understand any of the functions of these machines, you might as well unplug the breathing apparatus. :lol:
Keep the tracks down and the torque up!!

1959 JD 440 ICD dozer
1959 Case 310B backhoe w/belly grader option
195? ATC GT-25 dozer
19?? Stow 1 ton roller w/rare cooler option!

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