Oil

[JRJ04]

I crunched the numbers on synthetic oil vs. conventional and it just doesnt seem worth the money to switch over, but i would still like to reap the benefits of better oil. (i assumed changing the oil every 10k instead of 5). are there any additives I can use for the oil that will improve its lubricity? I already am using 2 cycle oil in each tank of diesel, and just put royal purple in the tranny. Any ideas?

 

[bartman]

I asked Blackstone what they thought, and here is the reply:

BART: The Navistar 7.3L is one of the best wearing diesels we have seen and yours is certainly no
exception. Universal averages show typical wear after a 5200-mile oil change interval in this type of
PSD. This oil was in use for 6730 miles and all wear metals read very close to those averages. No
water or anti-freeze was found and the oil's viscosity was normal. Oil and air filtration (see insolubles
and silicon) looked good. Petroleum or synthetic: it doesn't usually make much of a difference. This oil
is working for you, so we suggest sticking with it. Try 7200 miles next.

I don't use oil additives and most of my mileage comes from city traffic.

 

[JRJ04]

bart, what kind of oil are you using? i use the chevron delo 400

 

[bartman]

Rotella T

 

[bushpilot]

im of the same school...i subscribe to changing the oil and filter OFTEN
(5k or as close as i can)...ive tested almost EVERY oil change and havent
had an issue...

i cant even justify the added expense of a by pass oil filtering system...
even at 40 bucks per oil change (using costco rotella 15/40w) id have
go more than 50k miles on a single dose of oil just to break even...

i just dont see the added benefit (and blackstone labs supports my
decision scientifically)

 

[stroker21]

How do you send the oil to Blackstone and what bottles do you use? Can yall give me a website for them or info on how yall do it. Thanks

 

[bartman]

Blackstone Laboratories

Blackstone Laboratories - Free Test Kit

I think that this is money well spent. It sure is nice to know that the truck is doing well, and that the oil change interval is being tweaked to optimum.

 

[bushpilot]

blackstone labs testing does alot to shut up all the FORD nay-sayers
and to give me me COMFORT in knowing my 6.0L isnt as bad
as the forums would have us believe

 

[dpantazis]

i change to syn in the winter and regular the rest of the year. call me crazy. i want the lower visc. in the cold for easier starting. remember, rotella's anti foam 'wears out' after about 3500 miles.

rotella says you can switch between syn and dino. ???

Rotella.com Q & A

"
My 1999 ford 250 7.3 diesel has been using Rotella® Synthetic Oil, can I change back to Rotella® T without problems?

As long as the synthetic motor oil product and conventional motor oil product meet the viscosity and performance requirements outlined in the vehicle's owner's manual, you may interchange them with each other.

With ROTELLA® T, you should be good to go."

 

[JRJ04]

rotella's anti-foam will wear out after 3500 miles? is this only in the winter or just in general? if so, is is not safe to go 5000 before changing?