I've been using the Valvoline Heavy Duty 15w-40. It's on the approved list and is pretty cheap at wally world.

Mean to get an oil sample for a UOA on my last oil change but had a mishap with the drain plug bouncing and oil splashing that got me a bit distracted. I"ll do better next time.

 

You fellas running 15w40 see any hard starts in the winter seasons? I am in GA, so the winters are not really winter, just chilly for the most part. After I run out of my Rotella T6 stash, I am seriously considering going to the Rotella T5 synthetic blend T5 which is on the list blessed by Ford.

If that turns out not to work well for my application, I will search the list for an acceptable 5w40 that is easy to source locally.

 

24 deg F OAT, 15W-40 synth Blend (video link)

 

The truck said 4 degrees F but I think the actual was closer to -2F. 15W-40 syn blend, one of the few times I had to leave her out in the cold. She's in the garage most winter nights, but not a bad cold start without being plugged in.

 

not sure if some of my pics & videos are coming through anymore. Please let me know if the videos do not work when clicking the thumbnail. It seems that Photobucket wants big money in order to be able to share my pics with the forum......

 

A newer version than I mentioned in post 3? AS far as I can tell, Motorcraft went straight from CJ-4 to WSS-M2C171-F1.
My last oil change was Motorcraft WSS-M2C171-F1.

 

Ok, so I've seeing the threads regarding Rotella changing it's T6 formula. I've come across a lot of information, most are based on opinions of the individuals in the threads.
This link, although on a Subaru website seems to have some good information. The OP in this link, claims he spoke with a Shell tech and was told that the zinc levels actually are going up. Thought I'd post this up and let y'all be the judge. The more information we have the better decisions we can make. Hope this helps someone.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2820011

 

Sous, if the T6 is 5W-40, then going to a 15W-40 should have no effect for you unless it gets below freezing. It's the 40 number that you're running at most of the time down there. I've been running 15W-40 Valvoline (occasionally T4) up here forever (never tried a 5W-40), but it's very rare that it get's that cold up here.

Switching to synthetic was the big change for me. That made a difference in the winter. But I only get it when it's on sale, otherwise it's back to the regular stuff. Twice I had my truck in Mass during the winter, once with synthetic. Neither time with the block heater (hotel), big difference. Huge.

 

Resurrecting an old thread...

Three years on, what is the recommendation for older diesels like the 7.3?

I have many old trucks and tractors and have run some form of the CJ-4 oil in them for years. When the new oil specs came out several years ago, I bought 100 gallons of TSC Traveller CJ-4 oil. I'm just about out of that oil, and I see that now that same oil has been "upgraded" to CK-4. It was my understanding that the CK-4 oil was thin on some lubricants that older diesels need.

What's everybody running now?

 

There’s lots of options out there. I switched to Triax oil, it’s performed extremely well in all my vehicles. The only “con” if you wanna call it that is you have to plan ahead and order it online. You can buy it off EBay or Amazon but always check both occasionally one has a better price. I went with their bulk opinion, see link below, and you’ll see all their options...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264024088215

 

We have a member who just today bought 50 gallons of TSC Traveller's CK-4. This oil is Approved by Ford and meets Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1 specifications, and can be found on Ford's Diesel Motor Oils Meeting Ford WSS-M2C171-F1 specifications.

So you can continue buying the same oil.

The issue isn't CK-4, as much as it is some CK-4 oils also meet the API Gasoline Engine Oil Service spec SN concurrently. These newer so called "all fleet" or "mixed fleet" oils that that meet both SN and CK-4 concurrently may or may not meet Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1, depending on the oil viscosity. For example, with SAE 10w-30, the SN rating limits phosphorus to 800ppm to prevent poisoning the catalytic converters of gasoline engines. Ford's spec calls for at least 1,000 ppm, and up to 1,200 ppm phosphorus for it's anti-wear properties in higher compression ratio (tighter tolerance) diesel engines.

 

As everyone knows, the subject of oil can be touchy with some for various reasons.

I have been using Rotella T6 for the past 7+ years. I recently ran out of my stockpile as it was not like ArmyLifer has stockpiled and will be switching to Traveller 15w40 for a couple of reasons.

First it is on the Ford Approved oil list which Y2KW57 linked to in post #26 above.

Second, it is available online at good prices and at any Tractor Supply Store nationwide.

Third, if the 15w40 by Traveller cannot be located for some reason, another 15w40 can be substituted if that was required.

Fourth, a friend of mine who I trust has been using Traveller 15w40 for many, many years and swears by it even after many UOA's across many different manufacturers of engines.

Fifth, it is usually bought for a much cheaper price than the competitors.

Some oil manufacturers have a "data sheet" available to the public for their oils, usually. I would suggest you figure out what is important to you in an oil and find an oil that matches those wants and needs as closely as possible. Here are a couple of examples...

Traveller 15w40 - Traveller SAE 15W-40 All Fleet Diesel API CJ-4/SM

Triax Fleet (listed here only because it was mentioned above) - https://www.triaxlubricants.com/cont...Aug%202018.pdf

Some people are all about the additives as well in order to bring the oil or fuel into their comfort level.

Below is a very recent thread on stiction treatment and additives.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...treatment.html

People like to use products like ZDDP... It is up to you good sir to find a suitable oil or concoct your own. Find something that suits your needs and your budget that is easily available to you and roll with it.

 

The . PDF spec sheet here says that Rotella T6 15w-40 meets the F1 Ford spec: https://rotella.shell.com/en_us/prod...synthetic.html

 

Sir, if this reply was in response to my reasons from switching from Rotella T6 5w40 to Traveller 15w40, I apologize for the confusion. I was and am aware that T6 is on the Ford approved listing, but it is too pricey for my blood and current budget. Since my stockpile has run out and the next oil change will need to be something that not only treats the 7.3L engine in my truck well, but will also treat my budget well, this is why I am making the move to the Traveller brand.

I reread my post above and I can see how my thoughts did not properly make it from my mind onto the FTE forum. Again, my apologies sir.

 

Here is the statement from Ford.


While a cursory reading of Ford's quote in general appears to discourage SN rated oils, a more careful reading finds that 10w-40, 15w-40, 5w-40, and 0w-40 oils CAN have an SN rating, IF also approved by Ford to meet WSS-M2C171-F1.