Great input Jeff. I have not had the lope issue, but I could tell that she wasn't happy in Lubbock when we had our first winter storm and I was running Travellers 15w-40. I am sure that Rotella 5w-40 would have made the difference as well, but the Triax had the numbers I liked, so I gave it a shot. I am not disappointed at all.

 

Fellas...

I was notified of a problem in this thread, so I unapproved all posts from the reported post forward, as a temporary cool down measure, because I did not have time this afternoon to digest the drama and review the posts for what is appropriate for our forums. Later tonight I will revisit the missing posts to make a final determination. (Done, with on topic content now restored.)

There aren't a whole lot of rules that restrict posting on FTE, but there are a couple, and it is time to call attention to one FTE Site Guideline in particular:

While I haven't read the temporarily removed posts, at a cursory glance, a majority of the content appears to be personal... and whether it is attacking or defensive, it is not about the topic. The observation that the content is not about TRIAX oil impressions, or anything tangentially related to it, is reason enough for post removal(s) from this thread. However, since the removed content may also be insulting of another member(s), this message is being written as a reminder to all that personal insults are not consistent with FTE guidelines, and as such, will not be tolerated, nor restored.

 

Glow plugs only this morning. He was not happy at all, but fired up. Fuel pressure gauge dipped lower than I felt comfortable seeing, which reminded me, I gotta dump in anti gel additive to make it happier. Oops....

 

I hate to ask this, but is one oil filter better than the other when using a 5w like Triax? I have been holding off swapping my oil to the 5w till it gets a bit warmer, not using the truck much right now anyway as I am working from home.

 

Just stay away from the BIG BLUE Donaldson filter in the link below... I like the the white K&N filters, but that is only because they come with a handy 1" nut welded on the end. So, when I travel, I can change the oil in any of my vehicles with a simple 1" wrench. I have the Fumoto drain valve installed on my vehicles, so draining is easy.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19695672

I usually buy the K&N on sale in quantities that work for me with online coupons from places like Advance Auto, AutoZone, etc... The last K&N filter I bought at Advance was for the VW Beetle my wife drives and it cost me $6 with an online coupon. Shop smart and when you don't have to for things like filters and oil and you can usually find great deals.

EDIT: The vast majority of Donaldson oil filter users never see a problem.

 

You forgot to mention to stay as far as possible from those orange filters!

I feel without extensive testing it’s hard to ascertain definitive results. That applies across a variety of vehicles as well. From what I’ve always seen OEM filters tend to be at or near the top, which is what I always use in all my vehicles.

I had a bypass system I put together from
some cheap kit a few years ago with an adapter that threaded on to the filter housing and ran back to a two filter block with Amsoil filters. A homemade version of their kit, basically. I stopped using it because I would have needed custom braided lines or something to stop the leaks, and it would usually stumble a little first start in the morning like it was starved for oil for a second. I didn’t like this. I may try again one day using the pressure ports, maybe even a check valve to make sure it only flows if it has adequate pressure.

We all have our choices!

 

I assume there is nothing wrong with the Motorcraft filters?
That’s all I have ever used on my 02, and even use them on my old Ranger.

 

Are the orange filters your referring to the long one that has been known to hit the sway bar? If so, I did forget to mention that, my mistake sir. I will have to look up the brand so that I can recall it easier in the future, unless you know off the top of your head.

We all have our choices, that is absolutely right. A friend of mine asked me via text last night "what is wrong with Big Blue". I asked if he saw the image in the link, he said he did. He also said "plenty of daylight" between his Big Blue and oil pan.

I believe him and don't doubt his is fine, but obviously the member in the picture had an issue. I believe it was Y2KW57 who mentioned the expansion of the oil pan and filter casing when the engine oil is hot and that being a possibility. I could be wrong on that and should go back and read it again.

We all have our choices, and just like any other free advice, mine is worth what someone pays for it.

I do not recall complaints about them, but I am not an engineer, just good at Google-Fu. I'd say use what you prefer and are accustomed to, that is why I like the K&N, because I find it easy.

----------
Speaking of Google-Fu, I have been doing some reading on the Volvo VDS 4.5 certification that George at Triax says is the gold standard or benchmark. There is some good information out there available from the oil and engine manufacturers.

 

Pretty sure he's referring to Fram

Speaking of Fram..

 

At that temp a heavy dose of power service white bottle would be a good idea.

 

Yeah, unfortunately every single store in the area is sold out of any brand of anti gel. And we don't get the pre mixed stuff at the pump down here

 

I use motorcraft filters on mine in the past, I remember that big blue thread and seeing that picture which prompted me to ask as I was wondering if bigger is better when it comes to 5w weight?

 

It’s an extended drain filter with larger surface area and maybe a slightly finer micron filtration but the stock 1995 filter is perfectly adequate for reasonable oil change intervals. The rubbing on the side of the pan is a deal breaker for me though.

 

Plenty of 7.3s with 300-500k mile running Motorcraft filters. $10 and you're good to go.

 

Good to know.
I Learn something every day on here!