cold weather operation poll
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
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cold weather operation poll
gents, i am new to this forum - lots of good stuff here.i am also new to a cold climate. i have a 2002 f350 crew 4x4 7.3 psd. i was attempting to comply with instructions in my manual and change oil to 10w30 for temps below 32 degrees. the local ford dealer told me not to worry about what the manual says and to keep using 15w40. i now have so much conflicting information that my head is spinning. i am asking all you guys that have cold weather operation under your belts to please state what types of oil you are using for winter. i think it will be very interesting to see how many people comply with manual instructions. thanks for your time.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
Welcome to FTE!
I also reccomend the use of 5w40 for winter use. 15w40 is awfull thick even at 30F.
I run Rotella 5w40 during the winter and then go back to 15w40 Delo for the summer. It does get pretty frosty here in South Dakota, and from what your talking about, it sounds like a similar climate.
I also reccomend the use of 5w40 for winter use. 15w40 is awfull thick even at 30F.
I run Rotella 5w40 during the winter and then go back to 15w40 Delo for the summer. It does get pretty frosty here in South Dakota, and from what your talking about, it sounds like a similar climate.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Dakota
I run Rotella 10W30 up here in ND with no problems in the winter, and trust me it gets pretty darn cold up here.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Utah County, UT
I am running 10W30 Delo this winter, so far I have noticed that it starts a little easier, but it hasn't got that cold yet, very mild still. Was going to last year but couldn't find the oil I wanted. Sucks when you want oil that is not a standard for everyone. Turns out local petroleum shop down the road carries about everything. 50 bucks for 6 gallons though. Ohwell, it will be worth it I am sure. If you are talking about -20s, I second everyone else above to run 5W40.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,854
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From: New Hampshire
i gotta say that my mule seems to like the mobile 1 SUV 5w-40 synthetic the best... i tried the rotella syn 5w-40, but my engine didn't seem to run as well.. i get the mobil 1 in the 5 quart contain... alomst $6 cheaper than buying it by the quart, and 3 of them equal 15 quarts which is what my engine takes... no measuring no muss no fuss...
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 549
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From: Connecticut
I use 15-40 delvac all year,but i also have an oil heater to which helps to keep the oil thiner.Even when i go to Canada i dont have a problem.Last year it was 30 below up there and truck started with no problems at all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Elverson, PA
Last winter I switched to Rotella 5w-40, and could not believe how much easier my truck started when it was really cold out! I'd definitely recomend it - especially if you won't have a place to plug your truck in!
