Jim, i think without lots of cold starts and short runs with colder temps, the benefots of sn are limited like you say. All the syn does is give you the better cold pour at 5w for starts, colder weather and short trips. Especiallyp if not running longer oil changes. I do in my 6.0 for the cold starts.

 

I just had my free oil change and DEF refill at the dealer and they used motorcraft 10/30 diesel oil. They informed me It was good for year around including towing. Makes me a little nervous as I have always used Delo 400 15/40 with Good results. I would prefer to use 15/40 as always but they tell me this new engine is different. It gets down to 0 here in the winter so I guess maybe I should listen to them. The company I worked for used Delo 15/40 in everything including new including gas cars,trucks, and diesels and we had gas engines going 200 to 300 thousand miles. The dealer also said all of their motorcraft oils were synthetic blend.

 

Thanks Tom, very interesting post. That's why I love this forum. You guys are well read and intense about your trucks. All have done their homework. Like I said I just have NO experience with synthetics or blends. My dad sold oils and greases his whole life. I guess that's where many of my beliefs come from. One should listen to new ideas also. And, this is the place to read those ideas and ponder your own. I can change just wondered if I should. Thanks again a wonderful discussion on the topic.

 

Hey Cascade, I've heard about a free oil change and def fill here before. Tell me about it, my dealer sure didn't mention it to me. Free is always a good thing...

 

I ordered my truck From The Ford dealer in Selah Wa. I picked it up on September 30 2010 and at that time I was told by them that the first oil change and DEF refill were on them. I think the free DEF refill was a factory thing but not sure about the oil change. At the time I picked my truck up I seem to remember the factory offering the first DEF refill free. I would talk to my dealer. There is a possibility that there was a restricted time frame on the DEF refill offer but I don't think so.

 

I'm running Rotella t6 5w40 syn because:
1. The 5w pumps better in the cold weather at startup.
2. The 40 because I tow a 5'er.
3. Synthetic because it is more resistant to thermal breakdown than conventional oil and that is important when you have a turbocharger.

 

The DEF refill was a factory program...AFAIK, free oil changes were a dealer provided program. Seeing that I am 800 miles from my dealer, he still owes me an oil change.

 

5w40 rotella syn .doesnt make what your using your truck for.just change it at 7,500 miles and drive on. use a racor or motorcraft filter

 

Thanks Rick,Bob and Cascade I'll check with my dealer. I think I'm out of luck on both on account he never said a word but will ask. I guess if I don't get a bed some day I won't have to worry about oil changes. Could put some temporary cover over the duals. Otherwise take a big risk of rocks thru the back glass. I do have plexiglass over part of the rear glass, some protection. I have found one advantage I can see all the wiring and lines. Easy to see all the stickers on parts with the codes. Like the rear end, driveshaft and electric boxes. See that's one thing you guys with those fancy pickups can't do, ha, ha. And I can do it while sitting on the frame drinking coffee. Anyhow, thanks for the oil ideas, good info.

 

As Rick said, free oil changes are offered by some dealers, but not all.

The free DEF fill was offered by Ford for trucks purchased before 12/31/2010. I'm not sure if they had another program for more recent purchases, but I haven't heard of one.