Oil in Gas Cats?

Jason,I was told by an old timer that in the gas tractor the newer type oil will ruin the main bearings.I know it a pain in the ass to use quarts but it better than replacing an engine.If i find it in 1 or 5 gallon pails I will let you know. MIke

Out here in SD, you can buy non detergent a gallon at a time i know at least, I'm not sure about 5 gal buckets. I have seen the gallons at Campbell's Supply if anyone has one of those nearby the brand is Harvest King I think, but not for sure. Runnings might have them too, but i'm not positive. Jeremy

Jason - Don't run detergent oils in old gas cats. The detergent oils were first produced .. and have always been designed for, diesels .. where there is a massive increase in carbon, gums, varnishes, and other undesirable pollutants .. as compared to the relatively clean fuels such as gasoline.

The detergent is designed to dissolve large quantities of carbon, gum and varnishes, to keep the diesel engine internals clean.
Some detergent oils are aggressive enough to attack and etch babbitt bearing surfaces. Gasoline engines produce only relatively small amounts of pollutants, and don't need detergent oils.

Using detergent oils in old gas engines will lead to glazing of the cylinder bores, particularly under light load .. and the detergent will attack all current build-ups of beneficial carbon, such as on piston ring grooves and around seals .. that are currently assisting with sealing.
Thus, after a short period of detergent oil use, you'll find that oil consumption will increase, and leaks will appear, where there were none before.

If it's a brand new overhaul, you might get by with detergent oils. .but if it's an older engine with a few hours on it you'll get leaks in a short time. I can't say about taking bearings out with the detergent oil but any gunk/carbon will get cleaned out and seals will start leaking with probably a lot of the gunk getting into the bearings as well. Once that happens the only cure seems to be a complete engine rebuild. Trust me on that. .been there and done that many years ago with a flathead Ford V-8.

Sometimes your local Feed Mill carrys Motor Oil for the convienance of "One-Stop Shop" for the farmers.

Thanks Guys for the info am going to try and track down some non detergent in 5 gallon buckets and use the detergent oil for my diesel cats. Thanks again Jason

Jason, tractor supply in westminster has non-detergent oil 30&40wt in 2gal jugs

Thanks Russell they also have 30 wt in 5 gallon buckets went thismorning so I know where to get it now. Thanks to all that replied. Jason

How do you know if an oil is detergent or not?
I generally use Delo 400 in everything and I guess I don't know if it's detergent or not. I even use it in motorcycles and other small engines. I thought it was detergent.
I was told by a lifelong oil company chemist to use Delo or Shell Rotella in ALL engines. He says it's the toughest and best oil out there.
He said to use it in large, small, gas or diesel engines.