I just had my second regular oil change done and am planning on switching to synthetic from here on out.
Considering our harsh climate ranging from -50F in the winter to +90F in the summer, what brand and/or weight of oil would you recommend??

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

That's like asking what kind of peanut butter is best.

Serious though, there are numerous threads about oil. Synthetic vs non, Mobil 1 Truck and SUV vs Delo vs Rotella (and more), CI4 vs CI4+, when to switch from one to another etc etc.

Do a search on oil, and you will see a lot of information/opinions.


-50f? Jeez, no wonder I don't go to AK!!

 

Thanks, I have read other threads, but none really address colder climate issues. The other threads were very helpful, though I'm just fishing for some specific info.

When it's -50 or so people stay inside, very similar to +120 in Phoenix...lot's babies born in Alaska during the fall months...

 

i would recommend 5W-40 for winter, and 15W-40 for summer. 5W-40 is good for cold running.

 

I have been very happy with MD1, there are numerous brands out...that are good.
IMO find what is in your area and easy to buy...stick with it.

 

In AK you must leave the trucks plugged in 24/7 in order to start in the winter. In that harsh climate I would go with a 5W30 CI4 rated I would check with a local ford teck in the area take him aside and just flat out ask. they would be more in tune with the local conditons than us southern U.S. folks.

 

If I must keep it plugged in 24/7, I'd better go out and buy a pretty long extension cord so I can get to work!

Actually, I only plug mine in extensively when it gets below -20. Warmer than that and being plugged in for a 3 or 4 hours in the morning is fine.

Besides, when it gets below -40 it idles... unless it's in my warm garage.

Thanks for your input, went by Wallyworld and they have cases of Rotells 5w-40, looks like I'll go that route. Summer I'll look at switching over to a 15W.

 

Oh yeah....man this site is awesome. Whoever maintains this deserves a huge pat on the back!

 

Just curious........how much was your Rotell 5W-40 @ Wally's in AK????

 

Ford Is Actually in the process of changing there diesel engine oil to 10W30 to deal with some of the cold weather starting conditons. Just a thought.

 

Don't worry about it. When hot, you're concerned with the 40 number anyway. There are many of us who run 5W40 synthetic year-round (personally, I run Mobil1 Truck & SUV 5W40 synthetic 100% of the time, and that's in Texas heat).

There have been some discussions on here about some of the Mobil1 Extreme formulations... 0W30 and similar... in use by the pipeline guys. If I were going to alternate oils, I'd be looking at something like that for the depths of winter, and the 5W40 synthetic for the rest of the time.

 

Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! Please read the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand FTE.
Must read if you own a 6.0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=325000
See you on the boards.
Enjoy FTE …..