which oil too run?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
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which oil too run?
Hey guys i live in Laramie,Wy. I have a 99 7.3 and really not sure what type of oil to run but not really wanting to switch to synthetic. we have pretty cold winters and im running rotella t 15w/40. the truck has stage ones with a chip and is origanilly from il.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 94
From: Delta, CO
I like you did not want to use the Syn oil for years & I didn't until this year. All I can tell you is that I have been kicking myself in the *** ever since I put the Syn oil in my truck, the cold starts are not even compareable at all & no sign of romps. I got the Valvoline Blue 5w40 for $19.99 a gal at NAPA & plan on using it year round. JMHO here but I wish I'd have gone to the Syn years ago
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
I'd put a quality 5W-40 diesel-rated synthetic in it for at least the winters season (which is a long where you are). Starting will be much easier and the wear & tear on your batteries/starter will be reduced dramatically.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
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From: Temperance, MI
Youll get mixed opinions on what brand of oil to use but I personally like Amsoil, it was great stuff when I was running it but I moved and the oil change place is about 45 mins away now and I cant find a dealer closer to me who has it, plus $180ish is a lot for an oil change but I can do justice for it because I would go 10K miles between changes and it looked ceaner than 100 miles with the Rotellas I have run
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: SoCal/Wyoming
I grew up in Cheyenne and many people run Rotella synthetic. My father retired from Wyoming Machinery Company Caterpillar and he swears by the stuff so it kind of rubbed off on me. When I go back home I never have cold start issues and often don’t even plug in the block heater anymore. Can even park the truck at the old Happy Jack ski resort and be out innertube’n all day and not have to worry about a cold start issue.
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ok thanks guys i guess ill have to give synthetic a try but i just hear from others that switching after 150,000 will mess up the seals and i dont reallt wanna have to replace alot of seals so has anyone had high miles and switched? if no problems thats what ill run and ill run year round, and can you change the oil less with synthetic? I'm new to synthetic oils so just questioning. And im looking at getting into wyoming Cat in cheyenne when im done with schooling.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,874
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From: SoCal/Wyoming
I have heard people say the same thing but I have yet to meet anyone that actually had an issue. I have been running it in my truck for 10 years with no problems and I have guys on the dive team that have purchased used trucks(2002 and a 2006) with over 200K and they have switched with no issues. You must be at WyoTech, I use to help my dad run parts and fix stuff in the 70’s and 80’s at CAT. Good luck in school and maybe I will see you down there the next time I get to town
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,298
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From: Delta, CO
ok thanks guys i guess ill have to give synthetic a try but i just hear from others that switching after 150,000 will mess up the seals and i dont reallt wanna have to replace alot of seals so has anyone had high miles and switched? if no problems thats what ill run and ill run year round, and can you change the oil less with synthetic? I'm new to synthetic oils so just questioning. And im looking at getting into wyoming Cat in cheyenne when im done with schooling.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,193
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From: D.C. but heart's in TEXAS
You may want to buy a flushing type additive to put in your old oil to help flush out the 'sludge.' I know Amsoil has a product they recommend using the first time. Basically, you put it in your old oil, run it for 10 mins or so, then drain it. Fill up with regular oil and new filter, run it for 10 mins or so (probably driving around), then dump it too. Then fill up with synthetic and a new filter.
However, this isn't necessary as the sythetic itself will clean up that sludge in the first one or two oil changes. You will want to change the oil at a "normal" interval at least the first time (in case you are thinking extended drain intervals). I know you will be A-OK with Shell Rotella T synthetic. Heck, I'm probably going to switch to it myself (been running Amsoil for 8+ years). My only real advice is that you should think about putting an oil bypass filter of some sort on your truck...even if you don't use synthetic oil. Filtration is the key. Clean oil means a happy truck.
Best of luck!
However, this isn't necessary as the sythetic itself will clean up that sludge in the first one or two oil changes. You will want to change the oil at a "normal" interval at least the first time (in case you are thinking extended drain intervals). I know you will be A-OK with Shell Rotella T synthetic. Heck, I'm probably going to switch to it myself (been running Amsoil for 8+ years). My only real advice is that you should think about putting an oil bypass filter of some sort on your truck...even if you don't use synthetic oil. Filtration is the key. Clean oil means a happy truck.
Best of luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,658
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From: Walpole, MA
ok thanks guys i guess ill have to give synthetic a try but i just hear from others that switching after 150,000 will mess up the seals and i dont reallt wanna have to replace alot of seals so has anyone had high miles and switched? if no problems thats what ill run and ill run year round, and can you change the oil less with synthetic? I'm new to synthetic oils so just questioning. And im looking at getting into wyoming Cat in cheyenne when im done with schooling.
Personally, I run a rotella t5 10w-30 in the winter and whatever brand name 15w40 is on sale at the time in the spring, summer and fall.
stinson 108-1
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,015
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From: south jersey
i to use synthetics, changed out what ever ford puts in at about 1000 mi. run Mobil one turbo diesel ever since. actually all the fluids are mobil synthetics except the trans, JW told me to us Schaeffers in his trans. but did say if i can't get Shaeffers, use Mobil syn. atf.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
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From: Wellington, Co
I changed to syn, Rotella 5-40 when we bought the truck in Dec '10. Previous owner used 15-40 dino. No issues with the switch. 191k at the time, 205 now.
You should be able to find it at the Wally world in Laramie, 21 or so a gallon.
By the way, love Laramie. Cool little town.
You should be able to find it at the Wally world in Laramie, 21 or so a gallon.
By the way, love Laramie. Cool little town.
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