Should I change to Synthetic?

[Smoky]

Just bought an 04 6.0 80,000 miles with no major problems with dealer providing servicing records. My question is, would it help to change the oil to synthetic oil? The Ford dealer always used 15W40 MC Diesel oil and MC filters. Would synthetic oil help to prolong the life of the turbo etc.....? I will only drive the vehicle about 5,000 per year.

I have used syn on my other diesels and got great service at 10k intervals.

The vehicle has a straight out 4" exhaust with not cat or muffler. No oil leaks etc.... Also should I change the tranny fluid and flush the cooling system and put in new antifreeze?

If servicing the tranny should I do it on a machine or drop the pan and hose drain?

 

[ckamp52]

it doesnt hurt to use synthetic but i dont think its necessary i think that you could get a few more miles outa synthetic but wth regular you get fresh oil more often which is a plus and overall cost wise i think it doesnt amount to much compared to having fresh oil....also proll wouldnt hurt to flush both the tranny and coolant and while youre at it throw a coolant filter system on there

 

[Smoky]

Is there anything to put into the radiator to help wash out the system before changing the coolant? Is Prestone yellow ok?

 

[DaveBen]

Is there anything to put into the radiator to help wash out the system before changing the coolant? Is Prestone yellow ok?

NO!! Use ONLY Gold coolant. Read your Manual!
Dave

 

[Jetpilot1]

Just my 2 cents worth. Synthetic oil is superior to dino any way you cut it. I believe any turbo engine should run synthetic as it stands up to turbo temps much better than dino. It also flows better in the cold than dino. I don't use synthetic to extend drain intervals, but thats my opinion. I believe regular oil changes using synthetic result in better protection than if I used dino. I plan on many many years with this engine, so the extra cost is worth it, especially when you consider how much the engine costs.

Change the Tranny fluid, a machine will do a better job as the simple pan drain doesn't change the fluid in the TC.

Only use motorcraft gold in the cooling system - nothing else!!!!!!

 

[MJ Synthetics]

You can also do a static flush on the trans yourself and get the TC changed out as well as the VB and all cooler lines. Its a pretty simple process to do yourself if you want to make the time but its a good thing to do like JP said.