I've been searching without success for an independent/unbiased study that shows there is a performance benefit to using a synthetic oil in the PSD 6.0. I'm getting ready to do my first oil change in my 2005 F350 and plan to use Motorcraft 15W40 unless I see evidence why I should use something different...synthetic or not. I know brands and types of oil people use are based a lot on personal opinion and preference, but it would be helpful to read some documented test studies. Please point me to any studies you're aware of. Thanks.

 

If you need hard documented proof to change to anything then you should stick with what you got.

No matter the facts, either way, it will boil down to a personal choice.

 

I agree. If you ask 10 people you will get 10 differnet answers. As long as it has the proper rating for the application it will do the job.

 

There's those same ding dang 10 people again. Where are these people and why can't they ever seem to get on the same page?

Why isn't it ever the same 8 people? Or the same 7,326 people?

Is it these same 10 people that keep creating havoc and mayhem?





Sorry...slow day.

 

OK, OK. If you ask 25 people and you will get 25 different answers.

 

If I had a gasser, I wouldn't care about test data because I know gas engines and have my own knowledge base relative to good oils and viscosities. This is my first diesel and I keep reading and hearing that diesel engines have certain sensitivities when it comes to oil. I would think most folks who venture outside the manufacturer's recommendations on something as expensive a a diesel motor would do so based on some solid data...perhaps I'm wrong. I guess I'll use the FMC-recommended 15W40 and keep looking for some test data. Thanks to all.

 

Delo oil change costs me about $35; synthetic about $95.

I go 8,000 miles on Delo; will would I go 21,000 miles on synthetic? It costs three times as much, so I'd better get three times the "value".

The answer is no - I'm skipping the synthetics for my diesel. In all my other cars/trucks (gassers), they all get Royal Purple.

 

It's not about miles and / or money. It's about which oil you think is best for your engine. Value is typically a state of mind and usually doesn't have much to do with cost.

There are a number of reasons why I feel syn oil is a better value for my engine. The difference in the cost of an oil change is not among them.

If I was worried about the cost, I wouldn't have bought a diesel in the first place.

hi-jacker, I do not mean to be flippant. You asked for evidence and documented case studies. You probably will not find that here.

What you will find here is any number of individuals who have done their own research, much like you, formed an opinion, and made a decision.

Oil is a very sensitive subject here and at other sites. Some feel they either have to fight for or defend their oil decision. I choose to do neither.

Not only do I use syn oil but, I change it every 5,000 miles. Not because I read a case study somewhere but, because I want to...and I can. It certainly cannot hurt my engine to do so. Geeez, some do what I do plus,...they install a secondary oil filter system (search Oilguard).

I also use a quality fuel additive at each and every fuel up. Again, because I feel it is best for my overall engine performance and longevity.

So there you have it. Syn oil and fuel additive. 20,000 miles and no engine related trips to the dealer.

The 6.0 is a high tech engine. I try to give the mechanical side every opportunity to shine as I can't do much about the software side.

Good luck with your decision and safe trucking.

 

Thanks, KW. Like you, I'm not searching for the most bang for my buck out of the oil I use. I want to use what has shown to be the best for the engine...both in performance and mechanical safety. Being new to the diesel, I suppose I'm a little paranoid. What weight synthetic do you use in hot weather and when towing? Thanks for the help.

 

I use Mobil 1 Truck & SUV, 5W-40 year round since I am in the DFW area. In addition, it is readily available and I get a pretty good price @ Walmart.

See http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...SUV_5W-40.aspx for more info.

I am also a first time diesel owner since March of '04. I wouldn't call it paranoia. Just wanting to do what you think is best for your relatively high end investment.

Stick with us here at FTE. While we tend to get into a spirited dialog from time to time but, there is much to learn here.

CI-4+ ratings in dino or syn are also highly recommended for the 6.0 as it is specifically designed for EGR Valve strategy engines.

FYI: Mobil Delvac 1 is the same a Mobil 1 T & S. Mobil Delvac 1 however, has a CI-4+ rating. Since they are the same I would venture to guess that the Mobil 1 T & S will display the plus rating on the labels and Mobil spec sheet soon. Just a guess though.

 

I haven't found any objective test data either, but I agree with kw...go with what you are most comfortable with using. There's been a number of threads on this site and on others talking about oil and you'll find all kinds of opinions...personally I use Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w-40. Engine 'seems' to run smoother with it and it stays fairly clean on the dipstick....doesn't turn pitch black like dino oil. I change every 5,000 miles. The cost is worth it to me (my subjective opinion!)
There has been some talk about the sensitivity of the 6.0 to oil...some suggest using the new C-I4 plus rated oils....maybe I will look into that down the road, but right now I'm happy....33k on my truck.

 

Since the Ford manual recommends 15W40 or 10W30, I'm a little hesitant to go with 5W40. I'm sure you all must have had that same concern in the beginning, but it seems 5W40 has worked out well for you. Thanks for all the help.

 

i am going to be switching out of castor oils and going to Amsoil 15w-40 synthetic. its like $86 for 5-gallon bucket i beleive, enough for more then 2 changes. plus the filter cost, i estimate at $40.

 

Just started using shell rotella 5w40 w/ the + rating (syn). Sounds good and looks good after 2000 miles. Looks a helluva lot better than FMC oil after 2000 miles. I think if I were towing alot, I would use 15w40 and switch to 5w40 in the winter only. My 2 cents what its worth.

 

Hmmmm....did I loose a post in here somewhere? Daryl?