Oil weight change question.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 513
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From: Lincoln NE
Oil weight change question.
Hello all. I have an '85 Ford F-150 with a 351w HO with about 121K on the original motor. I'm currently and have been using Shell Rotella 15W-40 in it for over a year, just cause my dad said it the Shell would be a good oil for my older motor. With the gas prices going up, I've been thinking about switching to Valvoline 10W-30 to see if my fuel milaege would get a little better.
My question is: After burning the heavier oil for a while, will switching to 10w-30 be a bad decision, as in ruining my motor quicker? Or should I stick with the Shell Rotella? It doesn't really burn any oil.
I know, I know, try it and find out.
I just wanted to see if anyone has had this experience and how it worked out.
Thanks all for your opinions!!!
My question is: After burning the heavier oil for a while, will switching to 10w-30 be a bad decision, as in ruining my motor quicker? Or should I stick with the Shell Rotella? It doesn't really burn any oil.
I know, I know, try it and find out.
I just wanted to see if anyone has had this experience and how it worked out.
Thanks all for your opinions!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
The mileage will improve, but it will most likely be by 0.01mpg or less. It wont hurt anything to go to Rotella 10w30, I would, since lighter oil is better for your valvetrain. I have a '92 explorer with 194,500 miles on the original motor that I still use 10w30 in. Unless you get some rod or main noise, stay with 10w30.
I would stay with the rotella though, for it's better diesel rated additive package.
I would stay with the rotella though, for it's better diesel rated additive package.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 1
From: Des Moines, Iowa
i use the rotella T 15w-40 in my truck after years of 10w-30 and see no change in my gas mileage. but i like the rotella alot more. i wouldn't change unless you are changine to Rotella T syn. 5w-40. thats some good stuff.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: East haven ct
with my 2001 f-150 5.4 auto extcab tried 5w30 and lost over 1mpg went back to 5w20 and got it back. may not effect an 85 the same way . i am a fannatic about milage driving 700 miles per week . and 125k just broken in
