I have a 2005 Ford F-350. I t has 51,800 miles on it. I am very new to owing a diesel engine. I pull a loaded 4-horse trailer at least once per week. I am need of quite a lot of information. First, what do y'all think about changing the factory air filter out with a K&N Cold Air Intake? Also, what type of oil to use if I wanted to change from Motocraft 15W-40 to a synthetic oil? Is is worth the money?

Any help with preventative maintenance tips would be greatly apprecaited!

Thanks,
BgDg66

 

Opinions vary on oil brands, proper viscosity and change intervals. Brand loyalty in engine oil runs deeper than brand of truck to own or even gender bride to have.

Her's my opinion ... take it for what it's worth.

Living in Texas, we can see ambient temperature swings of 70 degrees over a couple days. So a multi-viscosity oil is a good choice. I too chose a 15W40 in my 07 F250 PSD. I pull a 12K enclosed car trailer once a month ... more often in the Summer, less often in the winter.

I moved to AmsOil. Not because of an magic claims, but because I have a sponsor that ha stepped up and helps me in my racing effort. This is part of that sponsorship.

Interval? I change the filter every 4-5K and change the oil every 15K. Blackstone reports indicate no problem in doing this.

Next ... cold air induction. The consensus I've read on this site is that they offer no performance or economy gains.

This is a single data point. I fully expect to be flamed, but hey, it's the internet and not real life.

 

I personally like Shell Rotella 15W40 oil I change it and the filter every 3000/4000 miles somewhere in that range. I never put more than 13.5 quarts in my engine and I run a stock air filter. If it aint broke don't fix it! I also change the fuel filters ever fifth oil change, if I do not get much water out of the seperator. (haven't been getting any water since I quit buying WalMart diesel). These are just the things I do, you don't have too, nobody else does either, but I want to and I can.

 

I don't think you'll see any improvements with the synthetic oil over the dino oil. Either Rotella or Delo are the popular brands in the 15-40 wt. Make sure whatever oil you use does have the anti-foaming agent, most major brands do. I've run both Rotella & Delo changed every 5000 miles, & fuel filters every 15,000 miles for the last 235,000 on my 02 without any problems. The only difference I've noticed in the oils is the Delo "looks" thinner when draining. The engine has never complained with either one.

 

If you read into the 2004-2007 forum, everyone says dont change your air filter unless you surpass 500 hp on your engine. The original one you have now works great. Regular oil changes like F350-6 says will be fine for your truck. Have you thought about upgrading your exhaust?? My .02 cents worth...