motor oil?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2007
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motor oil?
I have an 86 F150 with the 300 six. The motor has abit over 150,000 miles on it and runs great but has some of the typical oil leaks here and there but as I check the oil frequently it rarely requires much if any in between oil changes. I live in central NY so the truck rests inside all winter but is used all summer and into the fall mainly for moving the fishing boat. I have been using 10w40 the last number of yrs but am wondering if 15w40 would have any added benefits on engine cooling (during towing) and also on helping the old engine seals? Or would it be unwise to use an oil that thick on an old engine. I just want to do the best I can on my maintenance to keep it going strong as long as possible. Just a thought I wanted to run by and see what other guys do. thanks
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2013
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You'll get as many opinions as responses on oil weight. My take is that NY would be a climate where a multiweight would be best....10W30 my choice.
Don't expect any change in oil weight to solve the leaks. In fact, a thinner oil might aggravate the leaks some.
Don't expect any change in oil weight to solve the leaks. In fact, a thinner oil might aggravate the leaks some.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2013
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Because you don't use the truck in winter the "winter" viscosity performance (10w, 15w etc) doesn't really matter as much. But saying that the 10w will flow better on initial startup, so I'd stick to it.
What you are looking for is the oil performance when hot, as towing is a high load scenario. Are you getting oil pressure drop off when hot? If so then you would want to move to a 50 weight oil (15w/50, 20w/50 etc). If the drop off is only under the harshest conditions you could try a synthetic 10w/40 as the synthetic will hold it's performance better at the limits.
As for the leaks, depending on whether they are static leaks or dynamic seals leaking, one of the snake oil additives for leaks may help in the short term. They have a heap of aromatics that soften and swell the seal material reducing leaks. But the proper and permanent fix is to replace the offending worn seals.
What you are looking for is the oil performance when hot, as towing is a high load scenario. Are you getting oil pressure drop off when hot? If so then you would want to move to a 50 weight oil (15w/50, 20w/50 etc). If the drop off is only under the harshest conditions you could try a synthetic 10w/40 as the synthetic will hold it's performance better at the limits.
As for the leaks, depending on whether they are static leaks or dynamic seals leaking, one of the snake oil additives for leaks may help in the short term. They have a heap of aromatics that soften and swell the seal material reducing leaks. But the proper and permanent fix is to replace the offending worn seals.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Where the Army sends me
I agree with installing new seals. Regarding the oil, might I suggest swapping to a diesel oil. Only do this if you are running an old school flat tapper cam (most likely case) as there is an additive that extends camshaft life. ZDDP I believe it is. There are some better experts on this on here.
I also think that 15-40 would work well for towing. It's the standard weight used by military grade vehicles towing regularly.
I also think that 15-40 would work well for towing. It's the standard weight used by military grade vehicles towing regularly.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2013
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Ah, good old NATO O-1236 (I think from memory), hey speaking of military lubes, do you have an online link for the latest Tardec lube book for the US Army? I don't work in the game anymore and I wanted to check something the other day but couldn't find it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Where the Army sends me
Give me a couple days. Going through inspections from Brigade this week. Although it will be good for me to have on hand as I am the POL supervisor. Petroleum Oils and Lubricants for those non-mil types.
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