specific winter oil question
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
specific winter oil question
im currently using rotella 15w40 in my 5.0 engine but winter is right around the corner and where i live the average winter temp is from -5 to 15 degrees. i know 15w40 is too thick for that so i was wondering if i could switch to the rotella 10w30 T5? would that be good enough for temperatures that low?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 7
Where I live the temps sometimes go down as far as -10. But our average winter temps usually 10-30 degrees.
And we've always used 10w-30 in all our trucks and we've had a 302, and currently have a 351 and a 460 and have never had a problem starting them in the winter.
And we've always used 10w-30 in all our trucks and we've had a 302, and currently have a 351 and a 460 and have never had a problem starting them in the winter.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
Where I live the temps sometimes go down as far as -10. But our average winter temps usually 10-30 degrees.
And we've always used 10w-30 in all our trucks and we've had a 302, and currently have a 351 and a 460 and have never had a problem starting them in the winter.
And we've always used 10w-30 in all our trucks and we've had a 302, and currently have a 351 and a 460 and have never had a problem starting them in the winter.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I thought Shell made a 5w40 diesel? I run 10w40 in my truck year round, it usually gets down to 20 here in winter
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
the 5w40 is expensive as hell here. the 10w30 is not too bad. i might try the 10w40 if it works well with you
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
Likes: 5,565
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
<p>i use valvoline all fleet 15-40 in everything i own, been using it for over 40 years.</p><p>never had any problems with any engines, and it gets down to -10 on occasion here. but usual winter temps is between 0 and 15</p><p> average engine mileage is between 180 and 225k miles, with the exception of the 99 crown vic(73k), 04 F-350(17k),</p><p>and 88 F-Superduty diesel( 494k)</p><p> </p>
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
<p>i use valvoline all fleet 15-40 in everything i own, been using it for over 40 years.</p><p>never had any problems with any engines, and it gets down to -10 on occasion here. but usual winter temps is between 0 and 15</p><p> average engine mileage is between 180 and 225k miles, with the exception of the 99 crown vic(73k), 04 F-350(17k),</p><p>and 88 F-Superduty diesel( 494k)</p><p> </p>
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: NC
The winters for me usually don't get lower than the 20's on a regular basis, but I blend my usual Havoline 5W30 with a quart or two of 5W20. That's just me though, I know it's not a necessity.
I would say a thinner oil trumps higher zinc levels in this case. The 10W-30 T5 is a synthetic blend IIRC, and should do better that the 15W40 conventional Rotella as it relates to cold starts. Unless you're seeing high oil temps, the10W30 Rotella would be better suited for your truck that the 15W oil year round. No need for such a long warm up unless you just want a warm cab.
Keep in mind a 5W30 flows still flows better than a 10W30 at 100*F all things being equal, which is something you may want to consider.
I would say a thinner oil trumps higher zinc levels in this case. The 10W-30 T5 is a synthetic blend IIRC, and should do better that the 15W40 conventional Rotella as it relates to cold starts. Unless you're seeing high oil temps, the10W30 Rotella would be better suited for your truck that the 15W oil year round. No need for such a long warm up unless you just want a warm cab.
Keep in mind a 5W30 flows still flows better than a 10W30 at 100*F all things being equal, which is something you may want to consider.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,548
Likes: 71
From: Calhoun GA
You can install a heater in lower radiator hose to keep the block/coolant warmer, though you have to drain the cooling system to install it. I've had these in my previous vehicles (all gas engines) when I lived in colder climates. Makes for easier startups and I ran the same weight of oil all year round.