need cold (-20-30) break-in oil, is factory OK

[AKDrifter]

Man is cold where I'm driving in the Yukon, -20 to -40. I've driven 1500 mi. on factory oil and would like to change to something a little lighter that would still let the engine break in well. Any suggestions?

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2001 2500 QC 4x4 HO 6 speed, 4. 10 LSD loaded enough.

 

[pwr2tow]

For what ever my opinion is worth I think you would be O. K. to change to something liter unless you tow real heavy, but what i have done is put one of those heat pads on the oil pan and leave it pluged in all the time when it gets below 10 above. I had to start my truck once at 20 below after setting for quit sometime not plugged in and it made me sick to watch and watch for the oil pressure to come up. Regards, Ron

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1999, 3500, 6x6, slt, auto, 3. 54, Qd cab, ISB cummins, towing 2001 26RKSS Tahoe 5th wheel, 1999 120hp 1800 bayliner.

 

[AKDrifter]

I use one of those oil pan heater pads for for only 30 min. or so when it's cold. I herd that you can "burn" the oil with them. They do get hot hot hot in a hurry! Toooo hot?

 

[MikeR]

Put in 10w30... rated for diesels of course.

-Mike

 

[DocStressor]

Petro Canada markets an excellent CH-4 rated 0W-30 oil called Duron Synthetic. It is a Group III/POA mix that should give you fine cold weather protection. They also make a 5W-40. I think you are right to be concerned about very cold starts and low running temperatures during break in. They are really rough on a diesel. You can go back to a conventional 15W-40 once the weather gets warmer to complete your break in. After 10K miles, go to a 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic year round. They the only oils designed to handle Alaska/Yukon winter temperatures.

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1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags




[This message has been edited by Lee Weber (edited 02-24-2001). ]

 

[AKDrifter]

Does Cheveron make a 10W-30 rated for diesels like this?

 

[DocStressor]

Originally posted by Paul Stiller:
Does Cheveron make a 10W-30 rated for diesels like this?

They make a 10W-40, but it is only for passenger car diesels.

Chevron either makes or licences the Petro Canada Oils, since they developed the Group III technology. . They sell the same grades of "synthetic" (actually Group III hydrocracked petroleum) themselves. The specs are great, but it is sometimes hard to find the Chevron product. But maybe in Alaska you may find it more readily than in the lower 48. I just mentioned Petro Canada because you said that you traveled to the Yukon. You can read about the Chevron products here:
http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/ehl/docs/chv_delo400syn.pdf

BTW, I would not worry about Cummin's warning about not using synthetics until after 10K miles. The worse thing that can happen is that you will delay the break in process a little. You will do more damage to your engine starting at -20 with 15W-40 than you will by running a synthetic until the weather warms up.

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1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags

 

[amsoilman]

I have to agree with Lee Weber. You will do more damage to your engine starting at -20 with 15W-40 than you will by running a synthetic until the weather warms up.

Try the Amsoil 15W-40, it has "pour point" of -47 F. OR the Amsoil 5W-30 it has a lower "pour point" of -68 F. Both are Heavy Duty Diesel oils rated as CH-4/SJ oils. I have seen regular petrolium 15W-40 oil at -25 F that will not even pour from the container! Not good at that cold of a tempoerature!

Wayne

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94'SLT 4X4 AT/White in color. Factory Tow Hooks & Running Boards. Amsoil By-Pass filter, Amsoil Air cleaner,and all fluids are Amsoil. Optima "Red Top" batteries.
BD exhaust Brake, BD Torque Lock, BD Torque Converter, Dr. Performance Stage II Injection Pump. Mag-Hytec Diff Cover,Mag-Hytec Transmission Pan, Isspro Pyro, Boost,Oil temp Gauges mounted in 3 Gauge post mount. One gauge monitors Engine Oil, Trans, Diff. Temps.
Wayne Owen

[This message has been edited by amsoilman (edited 02-25-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by amsoilman (edited 02-25-2001). ]

 

[Cooker]

Mobil Delvac 1300 Super (a non synthetic) has a pour point of -44 degrees Farenheight. It seem like this would work well for you also, especially if you are seeking a non synthetic. BTW in my area this is the number one choice of oil for OTR fleets.

 

[AKDrifter]

Thanks all for your replys, I'll change over to a lighter oil as soon as I find one thats right. I've shyed away from the synthetics because my engine has only 1500 mi. on it. I'm going to continue to use the oil pan heaters even though they get scary hot. I run them for up to 30 min. , I guess breaking down the oil and having to change it sooner is OK, better than hearing your engine cry, ya know these things have feelings too! Ballpine's tough but I still haver in my arms all the way!

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2001 2500 QC 4x4 HO 6 speed, 4. 10 LSD loaded enough.