Hey everyone, Just drove my first 3000 miles on my (new to me) 1997 f350 psd dually. Im not really not sure what oil and filter to use. I have heard on the forums people use all kinds, My question is this: Wich one will make it quieter? not that it is that bad although, If i could make it quieter id like that!!

 

The type of oil and oil filter ain't really gonna make the truck quieter, but some people swear by the lubricating qualities of the synthetics. If you're doing this every 3000 miles, which is frequent for a diesel unless you're doing lots of towing, then just using regular oil is fine. Shell "Rotella" heavy-duty is a good brand and fairly economical at $7.98/gallon (at Advance Auto Parts).....and since you're gonna put about 3 1/2 gallons during the change, that's about $34.00 for 4 gallons. Regarding the filter, just use whatever the book says fits your year/make/engine (Fram?...Purolator?....Autocraft?)........You're keeping fresh oil in your truck at every 3000 miles, so don't overpay for synthetics, etc. (although I'm sure there's guys on this site that don't put anything BUT synthetic oil in their trucks). Also, keep a gallon of oil, towels, and a funnel on hand in the truck and EVERY time you fuel up, go ahead and check the oil level (about once per week) and add as needed. You won't have ANY problems if you do this (I change every 5000 miles....moderate towing......had to add a quart about 2500 miles after my last change.....getting ready to change the oil and filter again).

Other guys here could advise you best on how to make the powerstroke "quieter", but most of us like the aggressive, thumping "growl" of the 'stroke.....

p.s. Got my "new" powerstroke last June (2000 F250) and am loving every minute of it.......

Steve

 

the oil should be diesel rated oil ... usually 15W40 oils are diesel rated. the filter is something YOU will have to be comfortable with as is the mileage for the changes. YOU may be comfortable with dyno oils or synthetic oils ... your preferrence.
Good maintainance is the best policy for the diesel engines. Do some reading in the diffenent forums and get acquainted with your scooter. Good luck ;and enjoy your ride.

 

The oil filter is Motorcraft FL-1995. Anything that cross references that number will be fine with a 3000 mile change interval, but the 1995 is not any more expensive than the rest.

Shell Rotella T 15w-40 is a good oil that doesn't cost much.

 

I suggest delo 15-40. It is a little higher than rotella but I believe it is worth it. We've been running it in tractors for ever and so it was just natural to use it in our trucks too. I have 180,000 and my oil is still exactly at full at 4000 miles when I change the oil. This is with frequent towing from utility trailers to goosenecks weighing up to 14,000 lbs. Good luck. Just my .02.

edit: You can get the fl-1995 at many places and it is cheaper than many. That is what I use. I figure if it is good enough for Ford to put in the truck at the factory than it should be good enough for me to use too.

 

I have also used delo 15-40. So far 222,000 miles and running strong.

 

One mistake I made that others here have made also is when you change the filter remember it holds a lot of oil and if you try to remove it full it will problably get very messy, So I recommend you loosen the filter then poke a hole in it to drain it before final removal. If you loosen first it will not colapse when after yuo drain it. Enjoy your truck, I use Delo 15-40

 

delo 400 15-40 (highest molybdenum oil out there good for the bearings)

motorcraft from walmart for 10 bucks fl1995

 

1997 Welcome Back to the West Coast

 

I use either Rotella or Delo 400. Get at either Costco or Sam's club(one of them sell both brands and the other only sells Rotella) Last time I bought a couple cases it was $36 for 6 gallons. Stocked up with FL1995 filters at Wal-mart for $9.95ea. Fleetfilter.com (site sponsor) has them for $8.39ea (Wix #51734)

I throw a 5 gal bucket under the truck, poke a hole in the filter with a screwdriver, position bucket carefully, remove drain plug. Go inside, have a beer. Should be done draining by time beer is gone. Remove old filter, prefill new filter (about 2 quarts), put everything back together and add the other ~13 quarts to the truck.

Good luck, and remember to have fun.

 

Might try Shell Rotella"T" synthetic 5W/40. I just switched to it from dyno 15W/40. My truck does run quieter. It starts a lot quicker and I'm getting better mileage. I'm going to stick with it from now on. Just my $.02

 

Thanks, Cookie88.....When I responded to him, couldn't remember "Motorcraft FL-1995"....That sounds a lot better than "Get the one that fits on the thing that goes with the do-hickey".....(haha)....

 

But that's exactly what it says in the owers manual except that they add that you should have a Ford Certified Master Mechanic install your thing on the do-hickey. (Retail cost: $99.95 plus thingy disposal fees)

 

Any of you guys ever use John Deere's 15-40 Plus-50 in your truck? I believe its a little more expensive than Rotella, but its the only thing we use in our diesel equipment.

 

I'm using it now. Little less than $900 for a 55 gal drum (about $4 a quart.) It pays for itself with about 1.5-2 better MPG. And yes, my truck runs quieter, cooler and starts easier. Another 2¢.

jimbo