Another Oil question
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New User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Another Oil question
Newbie to the Diesel world so please be patient with my ignorance.
I am getting ready to do my first oil change myself, have been having local kwik lube do it for me, but realized how much they were making off of me. ouch!
I did a search here and found so much discussion on oils and oil choices that I am confused. Note to readers: I am mentally more challanged (slower) than most.
Here is my question: I live in Houston, Tx., temp range is from 30F - 100F, I tow a appx 7000# travel trailer 3-4 times during the summer. I know that I am supposed to run a 15W - 40 CI4 or CI4+ oil. If I want to switch to a synthetic oil do I use a 5W-40 or stay with the 15W - 40?
Thanks
by the way this site is amazing!
I am getting ready to do my first oil change myself, have been having local kwik lube do it for me, but realized how much they were making off of me. ouch!
I did a search here and found so much discussion on oils and oil choices that I am confused. Note to readers: I am mentally more challanged (slower) than most.
Here is my question: I live in Houston, Tx., temp range is from 30F - 100F, I tow a appx 7000# travel trailer 3-4 times during the summer. I know that I am supposed to run a 15W - 40 CI4 or CI4+ oil. If I want to switch to a synthetic oil do I use a 5W-40 or stay with the 15W - 40?
Thanks
by the way this site is amazing!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 599
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From: Tucker, GA
Do some number crunching; unless you drive a lotta miles the synthetic is not worth it. I drive ~15k a year and dino works fine for me. I usually buy Motorcraft or whatever 15W-40 is cheapest that's rated CI-4 or better. Use only Motorcraft filters.
P.S. - it would help to know some basics about your truck, such as engine/tranny/year model.
P.S. - it would help to know some basics about your truck, such as engine/tranny/year model.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Coker Creek TN
I do not put many miles on my truck either. I decided going with 15w40 Synthetic was worth the added cost. It will or may help to control the injector stick on problem. I think it runs cooler. I found my oil pressure comes up faster. The oil does not degrade over time, thus I do not have a problem with going 6 months or more. I change based on miles.
I change at 5000 to 7000 miles and I use the MC or Racor 2016 filter.
Dino oil will shear faster then syn.. at least that's what I have read. When I ran dino oil I changed at 3000 miles.
But I have been using syn oil in all my trucks, cars, MH and other engines for 15 years.
I change at 5000 to 7000 miles and I use the MC or Racor 2016 filter.
Dino oil will shear faster then syn.. at least that's what I have read. When I ran dino oil I changed at 3000 miles.
But I have been using syn oil in all my trucks, cars, MH and other engines for 15 years.
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
You could go with 15W-40 dino or 5W-40 Syn in your situation. I hear it gets very hot in Texas so the synthetic may be a better choice for your 6.0.
I tow more frequently and heavier than you (12K) and, based on Blackstone oil analysis, I change the RotellaT 5W-40 synthetic at 4,000 miles.
Just as important as oil choice is making sure you're buying/using the proper oil filter. Avoid 'will-fit' filters which will let debris bypass the filter and can damage your engine. I always use Fram CH9549 oil filters which are a direct copy of the original Racor oil filter design. There are multiple threads on this subject alone!
The 6.0 is a high-performance Diesel engine and should be treated as such, IMHO.
I tow more frequently and heavier than you (12K) and, based on Blackstone oil analysis, I change the RotellaT 5W-40 synthetic at 4,000 miles.
Just as important as oil choice is making sure you're buying/using the proper oil filter. Avoid 'will-fit' filters which will let debris bypass the filter and can damage your engine. I always use Fram CH9549 oil filters which are a direct copy of the original Racor oil filter design. There are multiple threads on this subject alone!
The 6.0 is a high-performance Diesel engine and should be treated as such, IMHO.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 18
From: Henderson, NV
First go here, Fomoto Drain Valves at DieselManor and purchase one of these. They are great and eliminate any mess.
If you have a Walmart close by, purchase the Rotella Synthetic 5w-40 ($16.88 a gallon). Most auto parts stores carry it too. I live in Las Vegas, NV where summer temps are high. I use this oil year round. I have been using synthetic oil for years and wouldn't change back to dino. Cost... in my opinion you don't purchase a big diesel pickup truck to save money. These trucks are also a hobby... to some of us. Anyway, the decision you make on oil, Synthetic or Dino, will be the RIGHT decision for you. Really consider the Fumoto valve it makes oil changes a breeze.
If you have a Walmart close by, purchase the Rotella Synthetic 5w-40 ($16.88 a gallon). Most auto parts stores carry it too. I live in Las Vegas, NV where summer temps are high. I use this oil year round. I have been using synthetic oil for years and wouldn't change back to dino. Cost... in my opinion you don't purchase a big diesel pickup truck to save money. These trucks are also a hobby... to some of us. Anyway, the decision you make on oil, Synthetic or Dino, will be the RIGHT decision for you. Really consider the Fumoto valve it makes oil changes a breeze.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,924
Likes: 3,649
Inductive heat flash, synthetic oil, and proper oil and fuel changes (proper filters, proper intervals, proper procedure, etc) are the best things you can do for your injectors. Very well worth it. If you do not use synthetic oil, I would definitely not exceed a 5k change out interval.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Thanks to all,
I believe I will check into the Fomoto valve and go with the Synth 5w-40 and run a good filter be it motorcraft or fram.
Once again thanks to all.
Lyn
P.S. I have a 07' 6.0 with a 3.73 Rear end
I believe I will check into the Fomoto valve and go with the Synth 5w-40 and run a good filter be it motorcraft or fram.
Once again thanks to all.
Lyn
P.S. I have a 07' 6.0 with a 3.73 Rear end
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 54
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Bismic,
Can you please explain the new flash that you keep talking about? How do you know what flash you have or go about getting the new flash?
Thanks, new to diesels as well.
Stuart
Can you please explain the new flash that you keep talking about? How do you know what flash you have or go about getting the new flash?
Thanks, new to diesels as well.
Stuart
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 599
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From: Tucker, GA
Here is one thread singing its praises - I'd like to get it myself when I get time. Inductive heat reflash - Questions - Diesel Forum - The Diesel Stop.com
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