Oil recommendations
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 191
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Oil recommendations
I have been searching the forums looking at previous Oil recommendations. I've seen a wide variety of uses.
I'm getting ready to change my oil in my 02 F250 7.3L with 100,000 miles on it. Whats a good brand of oil to use and the weight? Granted, I live in Pittsburgh, Pa right now and its winter/cold. Also, whats a good filter, I heard stay away from Fram, which I usually do anyways.
I'm not sure if I'll change my oil this time or not. I was considering taking to Walmart as they use the Rotella 15-40w oil and its cheap to have it done there. Although, I always prefer doing my own work as I don't trust anyone elses. Its cold here and finding time to do things is hard... also, the truck won't come with in a mile of fitting in the garage....
I noticed the oil level is a hair below the add line. Can I use a 10w-30 or the like oil just to get me by the next week?
Also, sythentic or non?
Thanks!
I'm getting ready to change my oil in my 02 F250 7.3L with 100,000 miles on it. Whats a good brand of oil to use and the weight? Granted, I live in Pittsburgh, Pa right now and its winter/cold. Also, whats a good filter, I heard stay away from Fram, which I usually do anyways.
I'm not sure if I'll change my oil this time or not. I was considering taking to Walmart as they use the Rotella 15-40w oil and its cheap to have it done there. Although, I always prefer doing my own work as I don't trust anyone elses. Its cold here and finding time to do things is hard... also, the truck won't come with in a mile of fitting in the garage....
I noticed the oil level is a hair below the add line. Can I use a 10w-30 or the like oil just to get me by the next week?
Also, sythentic or non?
Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
If you don't want to change the oil yourself, yes go to Walmart but use Shell Rotella Synethic 5w40.. It would work great in your engine.. especially seeing you are in PA. It cost more, but you can stretch out oil changes to about 5000 mi. Been using synethic too eliminate my romp romp..(cold start rough running).
When adding oil, only use the same oil. Your 10W30 probably is not rated for diesel use. It must be CG-4 / SH (API Service categories).. or HIGHER.. (in aphabet letters). If your level is only about 1/2 quart low, I would not worry, if you are going to change it out soon.
When adding oil, only use the same oil. Your 10W30 probably is not rated for diesel use. It must be CG-4 / SH (API Service categories).. or HIGHER.. (in aphabet letters). If your level is only about 1/2 quart low, I would not worry, if you are going to change it out soon.
Last edited by clintbonnie; Dec 28, 2007 at 12:49 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
Agreed with Clint regarding the 5w40 syn. I've been using it for a year and love it, as does my truck. I can actually get a cold start at 32 degrees without waiting for the wait to start light to go off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
For your area and temps, I would definately go with a 5W-40. That's what I run year round, which Ford says is fine for these engines as well, and my temps aren't near as cold as yours.
As for brand, I prefer Schaeffer's. Lots of guys running Rotella around here too.
Clint is spot on with the adding oil comment. Only add what you've got in there. It's ok to mix brands and types of oil (syn vs dino), but you never want to mix weights of oil.
As for brand, I prefer Schaeffer's. Lots of guys running Rotella around here too.
Clint is spot on with the adding oil comment. Only add what you've got in there. It's ok to mix brands and types of oil (syn vs dino), but you never want to mix weights of oil.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Thank you guys! I remember reading about the romp romp on cold starts. I sometimes have this and also heard the 5w40 will eliminate the romps. If we get another nice winter day, I will change the oil myself... however, the forecast shows temps dropping to the mid 20-low 30s all of next week and throughout. I hate the cold...
As for a good oil filter, whats your recommendations? I heard WIX is a good one, any others. I usually go to Advance, Auto Zone, or NAPA for most of my parts as they are right down the street.
Also, I figured mixing would be a bad idea and I don't know what oil was previously used. I just bought this truck about 4 months ago. The owner did tell me he had Walmart always do the oil changes with the Rotella, not sure which weight.. probably 15w40 because I have the case of the every once in awhile romps. I'll just hold off on adding oil, it not that low (just barely below add line).
As for a good oil filter, whats your recommendations? I heard WIX is a good one, any others. I usually go to Advance, Auto Zone, or NAPA for most of my parts as they are right down the street.
Also, I figured mixing would be a bad idea and I don't know what oil was previously used. I just bought this truck about 4 months ago. The owner did tell me he had Walmart always do the oil changes with the Rotella, not sure which weight.. probably 15w40 because I have the case of the every once in awhile romps. I'll just hold off on adding oil, it not that low (just barely below add line).
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