Is this a good oil for cold winter mornings? Been having some teens and single digit mornings and the 15-40 dino is quite thick on startups it seems.

this is about the only diesel rated oil around here I can find with a lower viscosity or in a synthetic (wich normally is not as affected by temps).

 

I've been running it this winter because I can't plug in at work and I just felt bad starting the truck cold with the 15W-40. (I know, I have issues ) So far so good, it does seem to crank better this winter than last winter after work on cold days.

The Rotella synthetic is one of those "sorta-synthetic" oils like Castrol, it's a really a doped up dino oil so I wouldn't suggest running it longer than you run normal oil.

On a side note: How long does it take to get rid of the smell with this stuff? I put it in in November and I still smell it when I get out.

 

The smell must be part of the additive package

I figured it was not a true synth, but I can't find the diesel rated Mobil1 around here and Amsoil is just to darned expensive at $9 a quart for my blood.

I would like to go the the local Case dealer and send in a oil test with this change just out of curriosity, unless there is an online place I can request a kit from?

 

There's Blackstone Labs, the only thing I don't like about them is that they don't list soot seperately from other particulates, they just give a PM count. And with these injectors, soot is going to be the determining factor on how long I can run the oil.

 

The idea is that 15w40 is better for cold starts than the straight 30 that use to get recommended for diesels. I feel 5w 40 would be ok if the engine ran on that from the beginning, but if you switch to it later in life, it'll probably get used more or blow by a bit more, until you get up to operating temp. Same with any leaks. Mine uses 15w40 synthetic a lot quicker than dino. Also, there should be enouph residual oil from the 15w40 synthetic to get you by until the oil starts flowing on those really cold mornings. I use synthetic mix to reduced consumption but still have SOME residual synthetic on the moving parts till the blood gets pumping.

 

I run Rotella 10W30. It's not synthetic, but makes starting in the winter alot easier. It's kind of tough to find though. I had been buying it form my Shell bulk oil dealer, but I just got some at Menard's a few weeks ago on sale.

 

I'm running the 5w40 Rotella and am happy with it so far. No new leaks, excessive consumption, etc.

And it seems to crank over a little easier when it is below zero -- though I try to plug in below 5 degrees for the initial start-up.

Dave: the real question is, do you wait to turn the heat on until you are up to full operating temperature, and the battery is charged . . .?

 

Anyone know if the additive package contains moly?

RJR

 

Jeez, I'm not that bad. I don't kick the fan on until the temp gauge hits the first line, but that's just because I don't like the cold breeze on my ankles. I feel kinda bad on the days that the thermostat never opens, but I think I can live with myself.