Changing oil types

[CMB]

Hi all,

I have 63k on the clock and have been considering switching oil types. I'm not trying to start a "which is best" war but more interested in the changing/ transition process if there is one.

Let's say I am currently running Rotella 15w-40 Triple and I want to run T-5 or T-6. Is it acceptable to just switch types? I know it's better practice to be consistent and once the change is made I will. I have only seen T-6 in 5w-40 but if I changed to this which I believe is full synthetic should I transition up through the "T" levels or just make the jump.

Thanks,

 

[Killer223]

really it doesn't matter, long as the oil you use is Diesel rated and of the correct grade for the climate you live. get what's ever makes you happy, or even what ever is on sale. these engines are not hard on oil like other makes. Ford and CAT.
switch it up as often as you desire.
you can jump back and forth the 15/40 to the 5/40 every change is you so wish, i do, summer i run 15/40, winter i run 5/40. no ill effect as long as my first statement is fallowed.

 

[CMB]

Thanks for the response. I guess as long as it's a Synthetic blend I can switch to full Synthetic with out issue. Weight according to season and climate makes perfect sense. Just to double check, We need the CK-4 wear test compliance?

Thanks again

 

[Killer223]

You can Run any modern diesel oil, it’d be to hard to find one out of spec for your truck. Cj+ or CK is fine. Buy what your pocket book and what feels good.
No worries about switching or blending oils, the manufacture do, hence you can buy blended oils from the store.
I think youlll be fine what what ever oil you choose. Long as it’s changed when It should be.

 

[TConver]

One warning, oils with different additive packages can cause leaks in seals. If you search there are quite a few reports of main seals leaking after an oil change.

 

[CMB]

That's kinda what I was thinking. I guess knowing which additives conflict is the hard part. One would like to think sticking with one manufacture would be a safe bet (I guess).

 

[Killer223]

I run tractor supply travellers in the summer and valvoline synthetic in the winter. No leaking seals for me...

 

[dougsram]

PQIA.org is a great site for new oil brand analysis. I don’t mix or alternate oil that isn’t similar in additive packages. Mobil Delvac, Valvoline Premium Blue, and Wal-Mart Supertech are similar in Calcium and Magnesium and all else. Shell Rotella and Castrol GTX are high in calcium and little to no magnesium. IMO, wouldn’t mix the above.