Every one of the 7.3l trucks I own (three currently, soon to be four) and have owned (three previously) as well as the eight 7.3l (and two 6.0l) at work are this way. Then again, I'm an oil change fanatic and never exceed 3000 miles on changes.

 

After 560,000 miles on my 02 at 5k intervals, my oil is still honey colored after 3k when you check the dipstick. Haven't drained it at that interval since it was less than 15k so I can't comment on the color while draining other than it's black at 5k (but usually black on the dipstick by then too)

 

I've always done 5k intervals with it being black, but I'm sure the 2k difference certainly helps.

On another note, talked with Shell today. According to the man I talked with, the Rotella T4 is the same as the former Rotella T Triple Protection we have known and loved. They apparently changed the naming for it to better fit their lineup (already had T1, T3, T5, and T6 oils) and it made sense to call it 'T4' as it is their Tier-4 oil.

I also spoke with him a bit about compatibility with our engines, and he stated that while the new oil (their CK-4) isn't currently OK'ed by Ford, they are trying to get in contact with them about the situation. He said that he cannot say if it will meet Ford's new spec, but it does meet the specification that is called for in our 7.3s.

 

anyone talk to chevron by chance?

 

Based on the information from Charlie and what he has been gracious enough to research for us, the 7.3 is yet again a great choice for now and years to come. The 6.7 is quieter, stronger and rides better, but with all of the fandangled tech they have and the very specific needs (fluids, parts, etc) they call for I am glad I decided on the 7.3.

Thanks for everyone that has done the hard work for us and gotten us the word directly from the horses mouth.

 

Since day one, my truck has only had Motorcraft oil.
Motorcraft/Ford, Motorcraft/Ford, Motorcraft/Ford, Motorcraft/Ford.
Is it a safe bet that Motorcraft will continue to have an oil available that is CJ 4 ?
According to the video in post 51 , the answer is yes.

 

This is what I just purchased today from TSC. Does not say CK-4. Also, it was on sale, $14.99 for 2.5 gallon.

 

Fine to use, you happened upon some very old stock. That has to be pre 2017 all the TSC is CK-4 now.

 

Could be why TSC is having the sale... to clear out old stock, even while some new stock (at some locations) is being "cleared out" with the same bath water, due to the logistical impossibility of expecting employees to distinguish the difference, and/or expecting customers to tolerate a distinction. Sell it all on sale, and it will all be cleared out, making room for fresh (and API updated stock) that can be used in the most recent crop of pollution controlled diesel engines manufactured during the last couple of years which call for CK-4.