just wanted to get some opions on running 5w-40 synthetic Rotella in a 2005 f-250 6.0 powerstroke. Also, is this a year round oil or just a winter oil. I live in SC. ALso, what should my change interval be? I am running a amsoil bypass filter now so that should help with the synthetic. Ford reccomends 7500 under normal driving conditions and Conventional oil. I was thinking 10,000 change intervals but I know the 6.0 shears oil pretty quickly
5w-40 Synthetic in a 6.0 powerstroke
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dnewton3
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RTS is a very good product. Probably not up there equal to Mobil Delvac 1 or Amsoil, because of the group III vs. IV issues. However, the actual performance of RTS often belies its composition; typically it performs very, very well. Many of us, myself included, consider it a "best buy" among "synthetic" fluids. You can absolutely use it year round. In fact, because you're using bypass filters, you might even consider using a quality conventional fluid. Your area (SC) isn't known for any extreme cold or hot temps. Dino would serve you very well. But that's your choice to make.
I would suspect that with RTS and the Amsoil bypass system, you should be able to blow way past the OEM OCIs. However, used oil analysis are an absolute must when doing as such. For us to recommend an OCI length, without you using used oil analysis as confirmation, is a bit risky on your part.
Extended OCIs (typically with byass/synthetics) is a good plan, and the only way to get your money's worth out of the investment. But you still have to UOA to confirm the oil health, and inferred engine health. To not do so, is not good maintenance on your part.
The best approach in my opinion is to start running your oil/filter combo, and taking used oil analysis every 5k miles, all the way up until an OCI. Then, repeat. Do this for several cycles, and then you can establish a pattern, and find your comfort zone for the OCI length, and perhaps reduced UOA frequency. The only thing is, it can be costly initially to use this methodology. And there's the rub in all of it. Most people want to use bypass/synthetics, and then not go to the effort/expense of frequent used oil analysis. But that is the only TRUE way to establish a reasonable operating pattern. Often, people shortcut the used oil analysis and start guessing. Then, they end up shortening the OCIs, to give themselves a "safety factor" in the OCIs. By then, they've just negated the main benefits of bypass/synthetics. It's a vicious circle if you're not careful.
My advice is run the RTS and bypass, do used oil analysis every 5k miles through a few OCIs, and track the progress. And you might even give conventional oil consideration when using bypass filtration; that is a very cost effective combination.
You should be telling us how far you can go based upon facts, not asking us based upon guessing ...
I would suspect that with RTS and the Amsoil bypass system, you should be able to blow way past the OEM OCIs. However, used oil analysis are an absolute must when doing as such. For us to recommend an OCI length, without you using used oil analysis as confirmation, is a bit risky on your part.
Extended OCIs (typically with byass/synthetics) is a good plan, and the only way to get your money's worth out of the investment. But you still have to UOA to confirm the oil health, and inferred engine health. To not do so, is not good maintenance on your part.
The best approach in my opinion is to start running your oil/filter combo, and taking used oil analysis every 5k miles, all the way up until an OCI. Then, repeat. Do this for several cycles, and then you can establish a pattern, and find your comfort zone for the OCI length, and perhaps reduced UOA frequency. The only thing is, it can be costly initially to use this methodology. And there's the rub in all of it. Most people want to use bypass/synthetics, and then not go to the effort/expense of frequent used oil analysis. But that is the only TRUE way to establish a reasonable operating pattern. Often, people shortcut the used oil analysis and start guessing. Then, they end up shortening the OCIs, to give themselves a "safety factor" in the OCIs. By then, they've just negated the main benefits of bypass/synthetics. It's a vicious circle if you're not careful.
My advice is run the RTS and bypass, do used oil analysis every 5k miles through a few OCIs, and track the progress. And you might even give conventional oil consideration when using bypass filtration; that is a very cost effective combination.
You should be telling us how far you can go based upon facts, not asking us based upon guessing ...
IMO a used oil analysis every 5,000 miles is a waste of money, any good oil should be capable of going 5,000 miles. If you planned to go 10,000 miles, go 10,000 miles and send in for a used oil analysis at that time.
If Ford recommends 7,500 miles you can bet that's on the conservative end so 10,000 miles on a synthetic should be no problem.
If Ford recommends 7,500 miles you can bet that's on the conservative end so 10,000 miles on a synthetic should be no problem.
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I believe he is recommeneding that for two reasons. 1) to establish a pattern and 2) the 6.0's possibility of oil shearing. It shouldn't be a problem to go longer, but why not establish the pattern to be sure of what you are running and how it's holding up before going about it blindly?
Originally Posted By: jdw1222
I am planning on doign a used oil analysis anyway, i was really just trying to get an idea of what mileage I shoudl send in for the used oil analysis and what you guys expected woudl be the average mileage between OC.
I would pull a sample at 5-6000 miles and see what it looks like.
I am planning on doign a used oil analysis anyway, i was really just trying to get an idea of what mileage I shoudl send in for the used oil analysis and what you guys expected woudl be the average mileage between OC.
I would pull a sample at 5-6000 miles and see what it looks like.
You need to put your year PSD in your sig. If you have C94 injectors, very rare, you need to either change them out ASAP or monitor your oil constantly. Fuel diltuion is a problem with c94's and extended oil intervals are not possible.
5k-7.5k is all we get out of our 6.0L before it shears. At 7.5k it is almost shot. Granted, we do short trips and long trips, and lots of cold starts. 5w-40 is a life saver when it comes to the single digit temps. It would hardly crank at 5 degrees F with factory batterys with 15w40. 5w-40 made it possible.
5k-7.5k is all we get out of our 6.0L before it shears. At 7.5k it is almost shot. Granted, we do short trips and long trips, and lots of cold starts. 5w-40 is a life saver when it comes to the single digit temps. It would hardly crank at 5 degrees F with factory batterys with 15w40. 5w-40 made it possible.
I am almost at 6,000 miles noe, so I will pull a sample and send it in to see what everything looks like. Part of me is wondering if it wouldn't be cheaper and easier to use Conventional oil and stick with the 5,000 oil changes. What years did the C94 injectors come in and how do I tell if I have them?
Also, the Rotella Synthetic I am using is CI-4 Plus rated, i think they have a different rating now. Is the oil I am using OK?
Also, the Rotella Synthetic I am using is CI-4 Plus rated, i think they have a different rating now. Is the oil I am using OK?
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dnewton3
Staff member
Please allow me to go into some further detail; hopefully so that my comments will make more sense.
I suggested used oil analysis every 5k miles to establish trends and ranges. I do statistical quality process control for a living. I understand sample points and such. If you were to do used oil analysis every 10k miles, you'd be at 10k, 20k, 30k, etc. It's very likely you'd blow right past the "need to change it point" when sampling every 10k; that's why I suggest every 5k. It allows for establishing trends and ranges with more accuracy. I'd actually like it every 2.5k miles, but I surely understand that most of us (myself included) don't have infinite funds to spend that kind of money every 2.5k miles. So 5k miles hopefully gives enough info, while not breaking the bank; it is a good compromise. This is part of the reason I often suggest people not even try longer OCIs. For some people, they want to "save money" by using a longer OCI, but then they are not willing to put the money up front to establish a good operating methodology. For some, it's just cheaper to OCI every X,xxx thousand miles, and forget the used oil analysis cost. The upside is that you're postive you have good oil in the sump. The downside is that you don't know what ELSE might be in the sump ...
After a good operating pattern is established, it's probable that you could focus on a single used oil analysis point, and use it as a final determination. For example, if you found that at 18k miles was your breakover point, you might used oil analysis at only 15k for a verification, and then dump at 18k. But you surely need to establish trends and ranges BEFORE you make that determination. Also, let's not negate the usefulness of used oil analysis in finding other problems such as coolant, fuel and air contamination. Running for 15k or 20K miles for an OCI, with no used oil analysis, is asking for an issue to bite you without warning. Even Amsoil, who offers normal service 25k miles oil/filter changes, recommends used oil analysis to verify along the way.
Further, we all understand that the HEUI systems do shear oil. But what some don't realize is that PSD's seem to shear down to a certain level, and then taper off. I say this because my nextdoor neighbor runs HDEO Rotella 10w30 year round in his 6.0 PSD. His used oil analysis haven't shown near as much shearing. Perhaps the HEUI prefers a lighter grade oil, and a 15w40 gets torn down a bit, while the 10w30 changes little. Ever notice that the 40 grades wear down to a 30 grade, but the 30 grades rarely drop much at all? I believe it's accurate to say that PSDs do shear oil, but they may not all shear at the same rate. Further, they may stop shearing once they reach some magical prefered level. Since the OP is interested in a 40 grade (RTS), then shearing is something he'll have to keep an eye on. used oil analysis every 5k miles allow this to be tracked. Every 10k miles is a bit of a stretch.
used oil analysis really make sense for large sumps (big rigs) where the cost of a used oil analysis is incidental to the cost of an oil change. But for small sump systems, it's possible that the cost of the used oil analysis can actually outweigh the cost of OCI. You still get good info from a used oil analysis, but the cost really drives down the payoff at times. If you're into bypass/synthetics, you can drive that savings back up, but you still have to "pay to play" along the way.
I suggested used oil analysis every 5k miles to establish trends and ranges. I do statistical quality process control for a living. I understand sample points and such. If you were to do used oil analysis every 10k miles, you'd be at 10k, 20k, 30k, etc. It's very likely you'd blow right past the "need to change it point" when sampling every 10k; that's why I suggest every 5k. It allows for establishing trends and ranges with more accuracy. I'd actually like it every 2.5k miles, but I surely understand that most of us (myself included) don't have infinite funds to spend that kind of money every 2.5k miles. So 5k miles hopefully gives enough info, while not breaking the bank; it is a good compromise. This is part of the reason I often suggest people not even try longer OCIs. For some people, they want to "save money" by using a longer OCI, but then they are not willing to put the money up front to establish a good operating methodology. For some, it's just cheaper to OCI every X,xxx thousand miles, and forget the used oil analysis cost. The upside is that you're postive you have good oil in the sump. The downside is that you don't know what ELSE might be in the sump ...
After a good operating pattern is established, it's probable that you could focus on a single used oil analysis point, and use it as a final determination. For example, if you found that at 18k miles was your breakover point, you might used oil analysis at only 15k for a verification, and then dump at 18k. But you surely need to establish trends and ranges BEFORE you make that determination. Also, let's not negate the usefulness of used oil analysis in finding other problems such as coolant, fuel and air contamination. Running for 15k or 20K miles for an OCI, with no used oil analysis, is asking for an issue to bite you without warning. Even Amsoil, who offers normal service 25k miles oil/filter changes, recommends used oil analysis to verify along the way.
Further, we all understand that the HEUI systems do shear oil. But what some don't realize is that PSD's seem to shear down to a certain level, and then taper off. I say this because my nextdoor neighbor runs HDEO Rotella 10w30 year round in his 6.0 PSD. His used oil analysis haven't shown near as much shearing. Perhaps the HEUI prefers a lighter grade oil, and a 15w40 gets torn down a bit, while the 10w30 changes little. Ever notice that the 40 grades wear down to a 30 grade, but the 30 grades rarely drop much at all? I believe it's accurate to say that PSDs do shear oil, but they may not all shear at the same rate. Further, they may stop shearing once they reach some magical prefered level. Since the OP is interested in a 40 grade (RTS), then shearing is something he'll have to keep an eye on. used oil analysis every 5k miles allow this to be tracked. Every 10k miles is a bit of a stretch.
used oil analysis really make sense for large sumps (big rigs) where the cost of a used oil analysis is incidental to the cost of an oil change. But for small sump systems, it's possible that the cost of the used oil analysis can actually outweigh the cost of OCI. You still get good info from a used oil analysis, but the cost really drives down the payoff at times. If you're into bypass/synthetics, you can drive that savings back up, but you still have to "pay to play" along the way.
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Originally Posted By: jdw1222
just wanted to get some opions on running 5w-40 synthetic Rotella in a 2005 f-250 6.0 powerstroke. Also, is this a year round oil or just a winter oil. I live in SC. ALso, what should my change interval be? I am running a amsoil bypass filter now so that should help with the synthetic. Ford reccomends 7500 under normal driving conditions and Conventional oil. I was thinking 10,000 change intervals but I know the 6.0 shears oil pretty quickly
I don't know why you would have any problem running a 5w40 year round. Only way to know the drain interval is thru used oil analysis, and even then, the cost of the UOA may not make it worth it.
I run a 5w40 year round in a Cummins ISX 15L in a truck that usually is gross weight of 75,000 lb or more, running a lot of two lane roads and pulling a lot of hills. I am using bypass and go for at least 50,000 before a full oil change. Nary a problem with oil not holding up. I sample the oil at about 15K intervals. I also use the same 5w40 in a New Holland ag tractor and my Jeep Liberty diesel that gets a pretty good workout pulling trailers around the farm.
I would not lose any sleep about running a 5w40 diesel oil in your pickup.
just wanted to get some opions on running 5w-40 synthetic Rotella in a 2005 f-250 6.0 powerstroke. Also, is this a year round oil or just a winter oil. I live in SC. ALso, what should my change interval be? I am running a amsoil bypass filter now so that should help with the synthetic. Ford reccomends 7500 under normal driving conditions and Conventional oil. I was thinking 10,000 change intervals but I know the 6.0 shears oil pretty quickly
I don't know why you would have any problem running a 5w40 year round. Only way to know the drain interval is thru used oil analysis, and even then, the cost of the UOA may not make it worth it.
I run a 5w40 year round in a Cummins ISX 15L in a truck that usually is gross weight of 75,000 lb or more, running a lot of two lane roads and pulling a lot of hills. I am using bypass and go for at least 50,000 before a full oil change. Nary a problem with oil not holding up. I sample the oil at about 15K intervals. I also use the same 5w40 in a New Holland ag tractor and my Jeep Liberty diesel that gets a pretty good workout pulling trailers around the farm.
I would not lose any sleep about running a 5w40 diesel oil in your pickup.
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