Even though I changed my oil less than 800 miles ago I might change again. I've noticed that there is a 8-10 sec delay from startup until pressure begins to show on the guage (at 25 degree temp.) This lag cannot be good for my engine. Current oil is Rotella (dino) 15w-40. Do those of you running syn 5w-40 see a significant decrease in this lag time to oil pressure? Thanks for your insight.

 

Well, the dealer I went to wouldn't put in a lighter weight when I asked for it. They said they only put 15w40 in diesels year round. This past week there were a few mornings in the negative double-digits so it was mostly cross my fingers and hope it started. It took a couple tries and I had to keep the starter engaged longer than I wanted to keep it going but it started with a plume of black smoke. It ran rough for quite a bit but then smoothed out. I plan to call the dealership tomorrow and see if I can get them to do that flash for the injectors. I'm sure it doesn't help having frozen 15w40 in the injectors with starting. That said I'm also going to ask why they don't follow the reccomendation in the manual and on the motorcraft 15w40 bottles that say to use 10w30 below 20 degrees. On the -12 day it was maybe 5 seconds give or take before the oil gauge went up. 8 to 10 seems long to me for 25 degrees, the parts that need oil do retain a bit of oil on them though.

 

I can see 15-40 being too heavy for -12 for sure--sounds like your dealership has their head somewhere it doesn't belong. 8-10 seconds is long for sure and 25 just isn't that cold for 15-40. What kind of oil filter are you running? If you run aftermarket then they can allow your bypass to open and all the oil drains back to the crankcase resulting in longer pressure up times. Remember.........it only takes 7 1/2 lbs for the gauge to respond--it's basically a glorified idiot light and doesn't really show any kind of measurement of pressure besides that you have some.

 

IMOH there would be to many variables to tell exactly if any of the oils would have a delay of 5 to 10 seconds…so much …I’m not sure if the margin of error in the test would not invalidate the hypothesis.


...and I am not busting anyones chops here...just wondering if your worry is needed.

 

Fram (of USa manufacture)
Actually counted time to registering on guage this AM, was 5 seconds in 25 degree temp

 

There's nothing wrong with 5 seconds to register on the gauge cold cranking. I'd say that's pretty typical.

 

Thanks for your insight!

 

Well, I called the local dealership to see why they don't use the recommended motorcraft 10w30 diesel oil in winter months and got put on hold for a few mins. They then came back and said they'd have to call me back about it. I'm sure the 15w40 isn't going to kill it, right off at least, but I doubt it does the motor and injectors any good. It was 6 degrees when I started this morning and it just seems like a lot of unhealthy noise.

 

They called back and said they've always used the 15w40 year round in diesels for like 16 years or something without issue. Apparently if you request the 10w30 diesel oil they'll put that in. He also mentioned they have a synthetic they'll put in on request. That for me rules out any warranty related issues with use of synthetic so long as it's diesel rated. I'm just gonna stick with the 15w40 for now as it's fresh and good till march when the temps should be a little nicer. Next winter though I should be past 10k miles and set for a synthetic.

 

They obviously don't or haven't read Ford's recommendations for oil usage in a 6.0. How many miles do you have now??? I've been waiting for Jeff "Beachbum" Cook to chime in. He's our resident oil guru and can probably quote you all the specs on every oil for a 6.0.

 

I have about 4500 miles now. The oil was just changed on the 18th. I had asked for 5w-40 and they said they never heard of it and the auto stores they "called" didn't have any and 15w40 was what they always use and never have issues with it.

 

Now I wanna ask where you are as I don't ever want to go to your servicing dealership. I would DEFINITELY find someone else to take care of my truck. There are several different brands of 5w-40 around--Rotella probably being the most popular synthetic. Every major auto parts dealer I've ever been into has 5w-40 and I've been in a lot of them--even in the small towns. Sounds like someone's feeding you some serious BS. The oil is really really easy to change in these trucks.........more so than most cars. Please don't go to a quicky lube or walmart as they are notorious for messing these up, although Walmart is an excellent source for the oil and filter. I'm sure anyone on this forum would be glad to answer any question concerning oil/oil changes. Invest in a Fumoto valve as it will make the oil drain plug obsolete. All you need is a 36mm socket to unscrew the oil filter cap under the hood and a 15qt drain pan. BTW--where do you reside if you don't mind me asking?

 

keith1984 you should have a engine block heater. pulg your truck in wnen it gets cold 15-40 is to thick where you live in winter-20+.change your own oil its easy,use 10 -30 or syn.

 

I've already got a drain pan and stuff from previous vehicles. I change oil no problem in the warmer months but come winter it's tempting to pay a little extra and make it someone elses problem as I got to lay on the ground outside to do it, lol. The dealer didn't order the block heater cord option so it can't be plugged in. For a laugh I may inquire what their price is to put it in. I'm sure they'll try to tell me it needs the element too, lol. I'll probably end up just buying the cord, crawling under there in the freezing snow and try to blindly plug it in the element. The oil change was $122 and change total and an hour and 15 mins of my life in the waiting room so I'm not too keen on draining it all out after 2 weeks. It hasn't been too much of a concern to me as it really hasn't been cold that much this year until this past week. I usually go to an independant shop in the winter where I stand right under the lift and watch them do the work. I live in Vermont.

 

You can get the cord from an International dealership for less than $50. It takes about 30 minutes to install. Ford Doctor has some good pics on his site on how to install it correctly. 10W30 or 5W40 would be a much better choice for your given climate if you don't got the block heater route. BTW if the oil has the API CI-4, CI-4+, or CJ-4 rated donut on the back it is safe to use in your truck, no matter what the dealership says.