winter oil in new engines

[Jeremiah]

OK, this ought to clarify the question about which oil to use in very cold (but not Arctic-cold) weather. Here is an authoritative reply from a guy who knows what he's talking about. I'd quote him, but I didn't get his permission:



I'd suggest using the Rotella T until you get at least 10,000 miles on the engine, then switch to the oil of your choice. If you install synthetic oil too early, the engine will never get broken in. If you experience very cold weather, perhaps go to a diesel rated 10W-40 petroleum based oil for awhile to aid break in as well as cold weather starting. Be sure it has an API (the donut symbol on the container) of CH-4/SJ or better. The 5W-30 synthetic is only for temps consistently below 32 degrees F or less, so it is not for

warmer weather operation.



Best,



Jeremiah Joiner

 

[Prairie Dog]

Congrats on your new truck! I noticed you've got a bed rug, does it go up the sides and if you don't' mind me asking - how much was it?

 

[Jeremiah]

Bedrugs

Originally posted by Prairie Dog

Congrats on your new truck! I noticed you've got a bed rug, does it go up the sides and if you don't' mind me asking - how much was it?

Yup, it all zips together, is form-fitted, and goes up the sides, front and tailgate of the truck. It ain't cheap, cuz - I think I paid $300-$400 for it. I got it in conjunction with some other stuff and just don't remember exactly how much it was.



The prices are on the Internet, though, just enter "bedrug" in a search engine and it'll take you to the factory website. I called them directly and found them to be very helpful. You can order the Bedrug direct and install it yourself or go through a dealer.



It's not difficult to install but you will need an area the size of a pickup bed to spread it out on to zip it up, put the two-sided tape on, etc.



If you are going to use your truck bed like the trunk of a car, my other recommendation would be to buy an Access tonneau cover or truck cap to keep the Bedrug dry. However, it is waterproof and can be used out in the open too.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I plan on getting a can-o-pee before camping season starts next year. I rarely haul anything nasty so I think the bed rug is the way to go.

Thanks for the info!

 

[MidwestMotorman]

winter oil

I guess it depends upon how your truck is used and stored. Mine sits in an unheated shed or outside. So I run 10w30 non-synthetic oil all the time. I know a lot of people use the Rotella 10w40 or 15W40 oil, but I think that it would be too thick for my usage. I have had to start at -30* before. I also have the heavy duty cooling package, so my engine runs quite cool. I definitely don't want my oiling ports to plug with thick oil or fail to lube properly under cold conditions. I really do not tow heavy or tow frequently.

 

[Jeremiah]

Re: winter oil

Originally posted by nathanbush

I guess it depends upon how your truck is used and stored. Mine sits in an unheated shed or outside. So I run 10w30 non-synthetic oil all the time. I know a lot of people use the Rotella 10w40 or 15W40 oil, but I think that it would be too thick for my usage. I have had to start at -30* before. I also have the heavy duty cooling package, so my engine runs quite cool. I definitely don't want my oiling ports to plug with thick oil or fail to lube properly under cold conditions. I really do not tow heavy or tow frequently.

My source (OK, I said I wouldn't quote him but I'll be a bit more honest: he has a connection with the TDR) suggests that 10W40 is perfect for your application. The "10" relates to low temp viscosity while the "40" relates to high temp viscosity.



In other words, if you've got the "10" as a bottom number you're in good shape. 10W30 non-synthetic is probably fine, so is the 10W40. 15W40 might be too thick at -30 if you're outside in an unheated shed.



However, my source (there I go again) suggested that most people don't drive around CONSISTENTLY at below zero conditions, which is why he suggested 15W40 Rotella T.

 

[Rogue Ram]

Rotella is good oil, BUT for cold weather use, if its between the more common oils of the 15-40 persuasion, i. e. , Rotella, Delo, etc, Delo wins... ... hands down.



Prove it to yourself: go buy a quart of Delo 15W-40 along with your Rotella of the same weight. Pour some of both in a dixie cup and stick it in your freezer overnight (don't have a thermometer in mine, but everything is frozen solid). Check them out in the morning---swish them around (well, you can't exactly "swish" either at this point) and you'll see right away which makes more sense in cold weather.



It will also convince you REAL FAST to plug in the truck!



fwiw



Rogue

 

[dpetre]

I park my truck out side year round and use 15/40 rottella. I plug my truck in at 20 degree above zero and it has a block heater,oil pan heater, and battery heaters. If you are going out to the sticks and can not plug in then switch to a lower weight oil and install an espar heater. Diesels rule in Alaska. They run year round and in temps down to 70 below and colder.

 

[Jeremiah]

oil stuff

Originally posted by Rogue Ram

Rotella is good oil, BUT for cold weather use, if its between the more common oils of the 15-40 persuasion, i. e. , Rotella, Delo, etc, Delo wins... ... hands down.



Prove it to yourself: go buy a quart of Delo 15W-40 along with your Rotella of the same weight. Pour some of both in a dixie cup and stick it in your freezer overnight (don't have a thermometer in mine, but everything is frozen solid). Check them out in the morning---swish them around (well, you can't exactly "swish" either at this point) and you'll see right away which makes more sense in cold weather.



It will also convince you REAL FAST to plug in the truck!



fwiw



Rogue

Interesting ... I think I will do that. Actually, I was quoting an "authoritative source" (in other words, with connections to the TDR), so that's where the Rotella comment came from. But I'm sure he would agree with you that Delo is also good oil. In fact, he even said to use the oil of choice after 10,000 miles. He was specific that synthetic should NOT be used early on. Finally, I ALWAYS plug in my truck in the winter time. It didn't get below 30 last night and it was plugged in. Cold front is on the way and it will be below zero tonight. I might even have my Kerosun heater under the truck

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by dpetre

I park my truck out side year round and use 15/40 rottella. I plug my truck in at 20 degree above zero and it has a block heater,oil pan heater, and battery heaters. If you are going out to the sticks and can not plug in then switch to a lower weight oil and install an espar heater. Diesels rule in Alaska. They run year round and in temps down to 70 below and colder.

I'm still trying to find out what an espar heater is.

 

[dpetre]

http://www.lubespecialist.com/espar1.htm

Jeremiah the above site has the espar heaters. The are an oil fired heater that heats the engine coolant up that circulates in the block and the interior heater of your vehicle. When warming up a vehicle with a portable heater be careful as to much heat will melt the plastic in the vehicle. My wifes Lumina has a funning smile to the front grill after I tried to melt the snow from around the engine compartment.

 

[kbarlow]

Another one is Webasto. They are great systems. They are diesel fired water boilers and can be circulated through water tanks, heaters or whatever. I use the Webasto on my boat. It runs though 12 radiators with computer fans blowing across them for circulation.



Ken

 

[Jeremiah]

Espar heater

Originally posted by dpetre

http://www.lubespecialist.com/espar1.htm

Jeremiah the above site has the espar heaters. The are an oil fired heater that heats the engine coolant up that circulates in the block and the interior heater of your vehicle. When warming up a vehicle with a portable heater be careful as to much heat will melt the plastic in the vehicle. My wifes Lumina has a funning smile to the front grill after I tried to melt the snow from around the engine compartment.

I appreciate that! I've checked it out and can assure you that I've never seen one (probably nobody else around here either). I have seen heaters in radiator hoses, some that pump the water and others with just a paddle that moves the water around a bit. Then there are the magnetic devices you attach to the oil pan and blankets for batteries ($43 apiece from the Dodge dealer).



I will check further into the Espar heater. Some of the other applications seem kinda pricey. Thanks again! And stay warm up there in AK! We will be 10 or 15 below here in a day or two, thanks to an Arctic front you guys sent our way.



Best,



Jeremiah Joiner

 

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by kbarlow

Another one is Webasto. They are great systems. They are diesel fired water boilers and can be circulated through water tanks, heaters or whatever. I use the Webasto on my boat. It runs though 12 radiators with computer fans blowing across them for circulation.



Ken

My cup runneth over! Thanks! I've lived here in Colorado 25 years and never knew these things existed. Wait'll I spread the word around!



Jeremiah

 

[cmills]

Cen-Pe-Co oil

I have already asked this question, but it was in the 2nd gen forum and nobody answered, has anybody ever used Cen-Pe-Co oil?



Cory

 

[dpetre]

I have never heard of CEN-Pe-Co motor oil. I will check local stores and ask around. wed site. http://www.dieselfuelsystems.net/lubricants.asp

 

[cmills]

Cen-Pe-Co oil

Dpetre, I use Cen-Pe-Co oil and gear lubes in my truck and have for 120,000 miles and have had no problems with it and have had very good oil analysis results. I was just wondering if anybody else uses it. You can't buy it at any stores you have to go through a sales rep for Cen-Pe-Co. I really believe it is a real good product. Thanks for the reply.



Cory

 

[OHale]

I use 10-30w Rotella SB (Synthetic Blend). A lot of people around here (Maine) use 5-30w synthetic but that is too thin for our winters. The owner's manual is pretty specific about the temperature range. Using the 10-30w SB I am 'covered' if the temperature gets up into the upper 40s in the winter.



The Rotella SB doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. I use it in my diesel generator.