Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Pressure

[Kraig]

On my 1998.5 3500, I notice that it take 15 - 30 seconds for the oil pressure to register on my gauge. Takes longer when cold outside. I'm in Wisconsin, so cold is less than 10F. Is this normal? I don't like to have the engine running and no oil pressure on my gauge for that long.
Thanks, Kraig

 

[NIsaacs]

What weight oil are you using? 30+ seconds is a long time, are you guessing or is the time for real? The oil pressure sending units are prone to fail, it might be getting weak.

Nick

 

[Kraig]

I use Rotella T 15w40. I probably should be running 10w30 in the winter. The time is an estimate. I'll time it when I start it today. I want to restore this truck, so I'm replacing parts, I'll add oil pressure sending unit to my list.

 

[NIsaacs]

Yes, 10/30 would be better where you live, 15/40 minimum temp is 10*

Nick

 

[JR]

If you run a 30w make sure its a diesel rated oil. Even so, I'd be leary about running it in hot weather under load as Cummins recommends a 40w. I'd personally switch to a 5w40 (or even a 0w40), good for sub zero temps and you can run it year round.

 

[gtwitch]

I have been using Rotella T-6 Syn 15-40 for about 8 years in my 99, and below zero, I see sometimes about 15 seconds lag but no more and if it is plugged in at zero and below, I still see some delay, I try to only let it idle during the delay time so as not to load the bearings in any way, I have never heard any noises associated with this lag in oil pressure and I feel this is probably not an issue with the Synthetic T-6. I have read a lot here on TDR over the last 10 years or so and this seems to fit with all I have read. My 99 CTD has over 220K miles and still seems to be doing good and probably 150K of that is with a 33 ft enclosed trailer behind.

gtwitch in wyoming

 

[JR]

Isn't T6 only available in 5w40?