Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cold weather oil?

[dennis Mcf.]

What is the best weight oil to use for winter. the manual calls for 10w30. temp. around here is usually between 10 to 30 degrees. does anybody use anything else?

 

[TxDieselKid]

paybacks are not fun but....

Murry's Mystery Oil! :-laf :-laf It will also help you with another 30hp, and gets 26mpg!!! Dean [Weir(d)Cummins] I think sells it!!!



Andrew

 

[sberrio]

I use

In the past, both with my 93 and now with my 01, I've used 15w-40. I've NEVER had a problem. This winter I'm trying out the 5w-40 from rotella. Never had a problem, either way. Hopefully the "serious oil experts" will chime in to help you out.

simon

 

[Blackcloud]

I have my asbestos firesuit on 'cause I'll proll get flamed for this. I have always used Shell Rotella 15w40 in all the Cummins trucks I have owned(4 different ones to date). I have had absolutely no problems starting my truck during any time during the winter months,yes you will need to plug it in when it gets real cold out.

 

[dpetre]

cold weather oil

I agree with BlackCloud. Shell Rotella 15w40 Year round after all once it gets so cold you are going to plug in and your block heater and oil pan heater are going to warm up the oil. Been running Ford,GM, and Cummins diesels in an Artic Environment for over 25 years and no problems.

 

[ccsial]

Some years ago a friend that lives in Alaska told me they found the best oil for constuction diesels is Mobil Delvac one. I have been using it in my farm tractors and RAM ever since. I have checked some reviews and it gets good ratings. It not be cheap though.

 

[illflem]

I've also used 15-40 year round in the cold north in many diesel rigs without a problem, plug in under 30°. Tried Delo 5-40 synthetic last winter, can't say I noticed any difference.

 

[Cooker]

IMHO,



If you live in an extremely cold climate (ie below zero temps for more than a few days/year), I think conventional 15w40 is not the best choice of oil (ubless you have your truck plugged in the majority of the time) Synthetic 15w40 or even better a 5w40 (like Mobil Delvac 1) are preferred.



You may or may not notice the truck starting any easier, but it may sound a little quiter upon startup. Also if you perform oil analysis you will likely notice less wear. Again this applies if your truck is not plugged in before cold starts.



I'm not a fan of conventional 10w30 for use in the Cummins, even in the winter. If you plan on working the truck in the colder temps (towing or plowing snow) the 30 weight oil could shear down to less than 30 weight, and this may not provide as much protection as necessary. On the other hand, basestocks have gotten much better and this is not likely as big of concern as in the past.

 

[JJW_ND]

15W40 no good below -15.

The benifits of any 15W40 oil go out the window when starting Not Plugged in below -15. Oil pressure takes for ever, lots of extra drag just to get started with the thicker oil. Higher wear metals in analysis. Been there done... .



I know we say well will always plug in, but I have had a few cold starts plugged in (power went out, breaker blew, bla bla bla). Still need to start and go.



If you live were it will get below -15 I would run a 5W weight oil. There are more to pick from now then 5 years ago. No 15W oil (Even Sythetic) will match the flowability of 5W like Amsoil 5W30 or Mobil Delvac 5W40. They are awsome below zero.



I have test oil in my truck for the last 200K and I know what works for me. Plugged in or not.



I also try to always plug in below zero BTW!



jjw

ND