Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine Oil Advice

[FosterW]

Ok guys,

Heres my situation.

I'm going school now thats why I have a few concerns regarding my oil change. I only drive my truck once in the morning to classes and then once in the late afternoon or night back to my appartment. its a long enough drive where my truck gets up to temp. and I have plenty of time before to let the ol girl warm up. But my concern is all the sitting it does in between driving. Would it be safe to put oil in there that would normally be for winter driving? (even though its not quite cold enough yet)? and if so what should I use. Any other suggestions?

 

[SHobbs]

As far as oil choices the options are nearly endless. Most here use Delo, Rotella or a synthetic such as Amsoil. The weight is usually 15W-40 although some up in the northern states use a lighter weight such as 5W-40 if memory serves me right. Your choice, your money just change it regularly with the filter and it will be fine.

 

[rjrkihap]

For what it's worth, I run Valvoline PBX 5w-40 year round. It's full synthetic. I believe Amsoil is 5w-30 and people use their oil year round. I haven't had any problems and personally have never heard of any issues running 5w vs. 15w oil in the warmer months.



Ron

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Wes,

What oil are you using now?

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[FosterW]

15w40 now and Ive heard that I should switch to 5w40 for winter time but im not sure if its too early to put 5w40 in now.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Look in your owners manual for the grade of oil for the temps you will see. If I remember correctly 15w40 should cover any temps you have in the North East. Rotella 15w40 has been the only oil in Black Sheep and at 678,000 miles it has suffered naught for it and has seen below 0* temps many times.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[EDankievitch]

On 5w-40 or 15w-40 oils or any motor oil for that fact the first number is how the oil will flow when cold about 0, (when compaired to a stright oil like a 10 wieight oil will flow when cold) the 2nd number is how the oil will flow when hot (about 200 degrees?) So I ask whe would you not want an oil that will flow as fast as possable when the engine is cold? Use the 5w-40 synthetic and don't worry about summer or winter.

 

[AStrand]

On 5w-40 or 15w-40 oils or any motor oil for that fact the first number is how the oil will flow when cold about 0, (when compaired to a stright oil like a 10 wieight oil will flow when cold) the 2nd number is how the oil will flow when hot (about 200 degrees?) So I ask whe would you not want an oil that will flow as fast as possable when the engine is cold? Use the 5w-40 synthetic and don't worry about summer or winter.

That's what I would say also. I use the 5w40 Rotella up here for just piece of mind in the winter. Run it year round. Although a lot of guys run 15w40 up here with no problems.

 

[FosterW]

Blacksheepdiesel do you give your truck a "high idle" warm up time on the cold mornings? I think I just have an overestimated bad picture in my head of how thick 15w40 would be on those cold mornings. . 678,000 miles don't lie though

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Nope.

Start it, let it build oil pressure and then some, take off. Maybe 20-25 seconds or so.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[WestTN]

These engines don't warm up well when idling. During this time they put a lot of moisture into the oil. You're better off to drive it and not idle it.

 

[VHolloway]

would the 5w40 be ok in lets say south florida

where it's hot

or hotter

 

[Whiskey]

I used 5w40 the six years that we lived in AZ,with no problems in triple digit weather!!

 

[FosterW]

Im talking about extreme cold though. I don't even want to think of tripple digits right now...

 

[MSimes]

Delo 400 but I did run Tractor Supply Traveler oil once as times were tight. ran fine, good pressure. I have no idea who bottles the stuff though. I'm pretty sure it's all good as the are all class II and up for motor oil