Going to be pulling my 35ft 5'er behind me in my 2003 6.0L F-350. From Grants Pass, OR to Denton,TX

For my 03 PSD i'm confusef on oil. I take it to my local Ford for regular oil changes. They say the oil they use will be fine for this haul, but i'm not sure. It's light weight oil in my book. They use there oil like 5/30 or 10/30. That oil would be for normal city highway use right?

what weight oil should i use for my 03 PSD for pulling weight though?
Should it be used only for that purpose or can I use it for everyday?

thnx..

 

You are new to diesels. Go to the Oil and Lubrication or PSD forums for your answer. Please only use the oil listed in your owners manual. Diesel engine oil is formulated differently than generic 5W-30 gas engine oil. Look for the gallon jugs of oil like Chevron Delo, Shell Rotella and Mobil Delvac. The conventionals are ususally 15W-40 and the synthetics 5W-40.

Jim

 

blk222, thanks for joining us at FTE!

Although your question is related to towing, it should generate greater discussion in the Oil and Lubrication forum. So it's been moved.

Hey fella's, let's help out the new guy!

Scott

 

I would check your owner's manual, but I'd bet they recommend 15W-40. I use Rotella, but there are several high quality brands out there.

 

I've used the 15W-40 both in Motorcraft and Rotella...I started using the Rotella just recently, but alot of the guys in the PSD forum use it or Dello religiously.

 

If you have researched the 6.0 you most likely are aware that some of the folks are having problems with the injectors after an oil change. There appears to be fewer problems with engines using the 10w-30 rather than the 15-40. Noting that heat should not be a problem as the weather has cooled, I would run the Motorcraft Diesel Oil that is CH-4 rated in 10w-30. This oil has been turning in some great Used Oil Analysis on the 6.0. UOA's with wear metals in the single digit range for a 4,000 mile sequence is pretty darn good. Expect your wear metals to stay elevated for the first 30,000 miles and then level off. Silicon levels for this engine are very high until about 50,000 miles as the Si is gasket material and the analysis does not reflect the difference between dirt and gasket material. Also, be aware that you may experience a sluggish engine after an oil change. This is normal until the turbo and the fuel system get pumped up with the new oil. Good luck on your trip!

 

BLK222,
There are several good synthetics on the market, that are a work around for using the 15W-40, wich is a must for towing, or so they say. Delo and Mobil synthetics are both 5W-40 and true full synthetics, unlike the rotella synthetic. I am using Delvac 1 with a by-pass filter. Cold here this AM started and ran fine. They flow much better than dino oil. Work much better than the 15W-40. I have yet to have any flash, and still have the BBRRAAAPPP at start up. Runs smooth, no rough or romping idle. Want to keep it that way too.
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