John Deere Break In Oil

[Pick]

Rebuilding my JD 2520 engine. Mechanic at the dealer strongly recommeded using JD's "Break In Oil". Found this on another website:
After an engine overhaul, fill the engine with John Deere Engine Break-In Oil. If John Deere Engine Break-In Oil is not available, use a diesel engine oil meeting one of the following criteria during the first 100 hours of operation:

* API Service Classification CE
* ACEA Specification E1

After the break-in period, use John Deere PLUS-50 or other diesel engine oil as recommended in the engine's Operator's Manual

Important
Do not use PLUS-50 oil or engine oils meeting API CH-4, API CG4, API CF4, ACEA E3, or ACEA E2 performance levels during the first 100 hours of operation of a new or rebuilt engine. These oils will not allow the engine to break-in properly.

What say ye learned ones?

 

[Don Stefanik]

JD2520.....loved those tractors.
Just use there straight 30 wieght oil for 100hrs.
Then change to the JD Plus 50 if you want a good oil.

 

[reyjay1]

Sounds like good advice, I think mainly you want to hone those rings during breakin to get them to seat well with the mating surface, otherwise you will have consumption issues later.

 

[LargeCarMan]

What does the
* API Service Classification CE
* ACEA Specification E1
Mean in laymans terms?

What classification does CE represent? Straight weight oil? non-detergent? Anyone know? and why does John Deere want this oil for the first 100 hours? ring seating and break-in?

 

[Don Stefanik]

C-Series classifications deal with diesel engines.
There are ten classifications: CA,CB,CC,CD,CD-II,CE,CF-4,CF,CF-2,CG-4. CA and CB are non-detergent oils and are no longer used.
The CC classification was designed for use in naturally aspirated or lightly turbocharged diesel engines operating under light to moderate duty conditions and running on low sulfur fuel. The CD classification is designed for use in turbocharged and supercharged diesel engines operating under moderate to heavy duty and running on fuels of various qualities.
The CD-II classification was developed to meet the specific needs of the Detroit Diesel Allison (DDA) two-stroke or two-cycle diesel engines. It is usually a single viscosity oil with additives designed to combat the effects of high sulfur fuel content.
The CE classification was designed for use in turbocharged or supercharged heavy duty diesel engines manufactured since 1987.
These classifications have been replaced in 1994 with CF, and CF-2.
CG-4 was also introduced in 1994 for the severe duty diesel engines, replacing CF-4.
Unlike the S-series classifications, the C-series classifications do not necessarily supersede one another. The C-series classifications have specific applications. Generally, CF, and CF-2 applies to automotive and light truck diesel engines; CG-4 for heavy duty diesel engines.
Follow recommended API service classifications from the engine manufacturer.

 

[CJWAUSTIN]

I'm a former Deere mechanic. Using the special oil does help with break in, the other otion is to use the tractor HARD, don't just play around with it. It helps with the piston rings, and helping to ensure the rings seat properly.

I've had rebuilt 4020s use lots of oil after rebuilding. The owners tended to baby these tractors after rebuild and they used oil. The way we fixed them was to hook them to a dyno and make then smoke BLACK for a couple hours or so. Worked every time.

 

[JR]

Yes I have to strongly agree with CJWAUSTIN. I believe that the worst thing for any engine gas or diesel during break-in, new or rebuilt, is to baby them. I believe that during breaking-in any fresh engine you should work the engine. You should have a load on the engine and work it good and make it brake a sweat. Donot take that as I am telling to just crank, load, rip, and go. Any engine, gas or diesel, new, rebuilt, or well seasoned it should be warmed up to operating temp. before working it for all its got. But I am not saying to let it idle away for ever to warm before working it. I am saying to warm it up after starting it by using the engine and gradualy increasing the load on the engine till it warm up to operating temp before loading it right up. After its warm you should work it as hard as it will. But I also have to say that I am not saying to load it the point of abusing it. But load it till it is labored. I have done this with all the new engine I have owned and have never had a problem. And I have rebuilt a few small diesel for people and a few gas engines to and I have told all of those people to break-in those engines that way. All but two of those people have done what I had toold them to do. And I have only had one engine that i have had a problem with. And that engine was a small three cylinder diesel that the guy babied the **** out of it and it did use oil. He brought it back after about 70ish hour and complained. I asked him if he did what I told him and he didn't. I kept it for a weekend and I had to load it till it started smoking black and I ran it under load for about 20 hours dumped the oil and returned it to the man. Since then he hasn't had a oil usage since.

 

[JR]

I forgot to say that I use Mmbil Delvac 1300 Super 15w40 in all the new engines I have used and thats what I fill alll the engines that I have rebuilt. And I haven't seen any reason to warrent the stop the use of this oil during break-in.