Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What Wt. Eng. Oil For N WI. Winter?

[RHestand]

I'll be spending my first full winter here in WI. and I need some advice about this, from experienced cold weather guys. ( for my 98 12V. )

For the most part it will be parked overnight in my non insulated mtl. pole building,then driven dailey as my primary vehicle.

I'm getting ready to drain my 15/40 wt. dino, and would like to go with something lighter, but not too light.

Also, synthetic or dino ?

Thanks for any info. on this,

Ray

PS. I can also plug in the block heater if needed.

 

[LandShark]

Switching to full synthetic will make the biggest difference in cold starting. Doesn't matter what brand. I use synthetic Rotella (5w40) because I think it's the best value and it's easy to find (WallyWorld). Previously used Mobile 1, but it's a bit pricey.

 

[AH64ID]

I run Amsoil HDD w-30. Its a heavy 30, so don't let that scare you. Its not cheap, but it also can be run longer.

 

[EKlem]

I would highly recommend a full synthetic. I have run both 15w40 and 5w40 and had good luck with both and I never plug in. For your situation, I would think a good synthetic 5w40 would be the key when coupled with plugging your truck in for a few hours once it gets below 10F or so.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I personally run Amsoil 15w40. When I was driving OTR I ran Amsoil 5w30 some of the time in the winter. I can tell you that the lighter oil made a pretty noticeable difference in cold starting. The cost of the oil isn't a problem as I run extended drains with a bypass filter and UOA. I would recommend a light weight full synthetic in the brand of your choice.

 

[JacobsD]

I ran 15w40 Mobil Delvac in my 12 valve in all weathers. Never had a problem with it as low as -5* unpluged starts. It always seemed to turn over fine and get oil pressure fairly quickly.

 

[icman95]

I run Amsoil 5w30 heavy duty diesel all year long. Seems to work well for the truck. Again, doesn't matter what brand, but some sort of synthetic will do you right.



Something to consider if you're going to use the block heater. It draws about 750 watts per hour-that's a lot! It will run up your electric bill rather quickly. Get a plug in lamp timer-digital prefered-and program it to go on about 2 hours before you use the truck each day. Plug the block heater into this. That way the engine is warm when you need it, but you don't throw your money away keeping it warm all night long. Except for your lower electric bill, you won't notice the difference.

 

[Flinty]

I agree with the syn. recommendation. I use amzoil in the '97 and delo in the '92. HUGE difference in the way they start in comparison to one another. The '97 spins like a top in the coldest of weather. While I'll plug in the '92 in 25* or less. Good advice on the timer.

 

[Hammer]

I run Schaeffer Oil's 15w40 Moly Bond X200 in mine all year long. I really like how it performs in the various PA weather conditions... ..... Andy

 

[BDaugherty]

I second the advice on the timer. Make sure that it's rated for the amp draw of your block heater. I never plug in due to a non heated but still insulated and connected garage... plus my warmer climate. I think the Amsoil is the best, but I wouldn't hesitate to run the slightly thinner 10W40 Rotella for any weather conditions.

 

[Batphreak]

When I was in WI (Watertown area) I always ran Rotella 15W-40 dino stuff. I plugged the truck in on a timer anytime it was supposed to get below 10 outside. Never had any problems with it, oil pressure takes a little longer to come up when it gets cold, manual says it's perfectly normal. The owners manual has recommendations on when to change to a lighter oil, if I remember righ tit's extended exposure to artic conditions defined as -10 and below.

 

[KOG]

Rotella Synthetic or Delvac 1 both come in 5W-40 only. Use one of these. I use them in my gas engine cars. My Cummins use conventional Rotella 15W-40 because they are rarely cranked in winter and the climate in GA doesn't require a thin oil for starting. I'm retired, my trucks are used only for work and I don't work when it's cold outside. If I used them everyday they'd have synthetic too, as would my backhoe and bulldozer.