15w-40 in 0* temperature
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
15w-40 in 0* temperature
I have 15w-40 in my truck right now with total miles on the truck around 6700 and 2200 since the last oil change. The temperatures this week are going to be around the 0 mark. I will have it plugged in for a few hours before I start it but I just wanted to see if I am hurting the motor having 15-40 with the temps being this cold, or is it once the temperature comes up everything is fine.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Bridgewater, NJ
I have always used Motorcraft 15W-40 in my '03 which now has 27k miles on it. I have had it in Maine where the temps got below zero many times and had no problems. I do plug in the block heater and now have an oil pan heater also. The one thing you should do is let the truck idle for about 3-5 minutes before you drive away and then take it easy untill it's warmed up. You should have no problems if you plug it in and take it easy until it's warmed up.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
yea that is about what I do, I was wondering because last time it got almost as cold a couple weeks ago the truck just seemed more clackier and louder all the time even after I was running it for a while. It almost made me think oil wasn't getting where it needed to because of how clacky it sounded.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Mustangbru8
yea that is about what I do, I was wondering because last time it got almost as cold a couple weeks ago the truck just seemed more clackier and louder all the time even after I was running it for a while. It almost made me think oil wasn't getting where it needed to because of how clacky it sounded.
If you think the PSD sounds bad, you should hear my Detroit Series 60 trying to pull 45,000 lbs in 0-degrees. Even with the temp gauge at 180, it still sounds like it's running frozen.
-blaine
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,912
Likes: 3,624
An oil pan heater is a very good idea for 15W-40 oil in temps below 30 degrees. It is always a good idea to take it easy until the engine and oil system warms up. I've always been told that the oil system is the last thing to heat up. You certainly aren't going to break down if you do not have an oil pan heater, but every little bit helps for the LONG haul. Remember - most wear on an engine occurs on start-up.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
We can get pretty cool up here in Alberta. I always switch to 10w-30 for diesels in the cold months. It makes the starts easier when you can't plug it in. Fomoto valve makes doing the oil change easier as well.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
yea I plan on running 5-40 synthetic but I was trying to hold off until I had 10k miles. What do you guys consider taking it easy on it when it is cold. I try to not go over like 1800 with a light foot but maybe that is too much.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote