what oil for winter?

MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT · 10-08-2009, 07:59 PM

i know there is lots of old posts on this topic and lots of opinions. most of the posts i found were for the newer trucks. i was thinking of switching to a full synthetic like amsoil 5/40 also petro canada makes a full synthetic 0/40 just for the extended drain intervals. i dont think i will put 20000 km on my truck in a year with my current job.
so i dont think i can justify the expense of the full synthetics. someone told me to run a diesel rated 10/30 or 0/30 for the winter? can i run this in the summer as well? will proabably go with whatever 5/40 i can get a good price on or possibly the petro can duron e full synthetic 0/40 if i can get a better price on it. does anyone run a 0/40 or0/30 year round?

__________________
92 extended cab 4x4 230000km, 2 inch lift, b.d.exhaust brake, banks power pack (intercooler turbo) 3'' sraight pipe, boost pyrometer oil temp gauges and tachometer. workin on installing b.d. fuel pin and a gov. spring and a few pump mods

Thundercraft · 10-08-2009, 08:59 PM

The ams 5/40 is a CJ oil, so that wouldn't be a first choice.

Their 15w-40 (AME) is a CI-4+ oil & has a pour point of -42C

If you want a better pour point, then their 5W-30 (HDD) has a pour point of -50C.

I've had my AME oil in for about 15 months (a little over 20,000KM) and it is doing just fine. Had an oil analysis about 6 weeks ago & looking good.

__________________
01 2500 SLT Laramie LB
6-Spd 4X4 LB 3.55s
Synthetic bumper to bumper

peobryant · 10-08-2009, 09:27 PM

We use John Deere 15W-40 in all 4 of our trucks all year round.

__________________
'91.5 D350, 2wd Dually, 4" Straight Pipe, 366 Spring, DennyT Stage II Fuel Pin, Isspro Boost, Pyro, Tranny and Fuel Pressure Gauges
Brothers: '97 2500, 12 Valve, 4wd, 5spd, 716rwhp, 1200+rwtq, Single turbo, Fuel only

MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT · 10-09-2009, 01:22 PM

only reason i want a lower viscosity oil is for the colder winter starts when i cant plug my truck in -15 -20 may see a few weeks of-30 usualy not to cold though so regular 15/40 isnt realy an option. if i do switch to a lighter oil can i run it year round the petro canada engineer i talked to at work said he doesent know why more people dont run a 0 weight oil in every vehicle year round thats what it is designed for. im a bit skeptical but this guy definately knows his oils and greases but maybe not the aplication i am using it for? if i switch to a lighter regular oil i will proabably be ready for a change in the spring but with the real synthetic it would be in there for the year.

__________________
92 extended cab 4x4 230000km, 2 inch lift, b.d.exhaust brake, banks power pack (intercooler turbo) 3'' sraight pipe, boost pyrometer oil temp gauges and tachometer. workin on installing b.d. fuel pin and a gov. spring and a few pump mods

diaric · 10-09-2009, 01:52 PM

the oilfield company i worked for used 0/40 year round in their big trucks. i use it all winter long and it makes a big difference starting. at -30 you would still need to be starting every few hours. at temps around freezing you can tell the difference when you switch, turns over and builds pressure faster- i usually switch back to 15/40 in the spring cuz i've got enough miles on it by then

Thundercraft · 10-09-2009, 03:14 PM

Don't forget, a 0w-40 & a straight 40 are the same viscosity at operating temp, so there is no benefit of going to a "thicker" oil in summer.... it isn't any thicker at operating temp.

__________________
01 2500 SLT Laramie LB
6-Spd 4X4 LB 3.55s
Synthetic bumper to bumper

kingof_boggle · 10-09-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peobryant

We use John Deere 15W-40 in all 4 of our trucks all year round.

the temperature difference between kentucky and golden bc is huge.

Richard LeBar · 10-09-2009, 08:52 PM

I run the amsoil 5w-30 HDD stuff and like it so far. I switched over back in June and have put 7000km on it so far. Wasn't cheap though. Actually what costed the most was the bypass system but I don't regret buying any of it. We'll see how the old beast likes it in the winter. I suspect the truck will like it a whole lot more than the 15w-40 that was in there before. Last winter the truck just seemed to groan at the heavier oil in the cold weather, even when the block heater was plugged in. -20 to -30C or colder weather is not forgiving.

__________________
1991.5 W250 3.55 Auto CTD. DDP4, modified DennyT pin

, 366, He351, 4" turbo back straight pipe, ASA intake, Amsoil 4091 air filter ~ 251.4hp/562.5 tq corrected (with #1 fuel & bumped timing) ~ Borgeson shaft, Valet, Amsoil 5W-30 synth. w/ bypass.

Thundercraft · 10-10-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard LeBar

I run the amsoil 5w-30 HDD stuff and like it so far. I switched over back in June and have put 7000km on it so far. Wasn't cheap though. Actually what costed the most was the bypass system but I don't regret buying any of it. We'll see how the old beast likes it in the winter. I suspect the truck will like it a whole lot more than the 15w-40 that was in there before. Last winter the truck just seemed to groan at the heavier oil in the cold weather, even when the block heater was plugged in. -20 to -30C or colder weather is not forgiving.

What 15w-40 were you running?

Anyway, your truck should be a lot happier this winter.

The block heater doesn't do much for all that oil sitting in the pan at -30....

__________________
01 2500 SLT Laramie LB
6-Spd 4X4 LB 3.55s
Synthetic bumper to bumper

MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT · 10-11-2009, 02:42 PM

im thinking the amsoil 15/40 would proabably work for me. it sounds like it has good pour point even in cold weather compared to a regular oil? is this correct that a synthetic 15/40 has better low temperature properties than regular oil. is this due to a lack of thickening agents required to make it a certain viscosity? i dont realy see the extreme cold like they do in more northern climates it still gets damn cold but not for extended periods. -10 average in winter

__________________
92 extended cab 4x4 230000km, 2 inch lift, b.d.exhaust brake, banks power pack (intercooler turbo) 3'' sraight pipe, boost pyrometer oil temp gauges and tachometer. workin on installing b.d. fuel pin and a gov. spring and a few pump mods

ratrod72 · 10-11-2009, 03:10 PM

I live in Canada's North (north of the 60th paralell) I run 15W40 in the summer and 10W30 in the winter and it can get to -50c here. Truck has block heater and 150watt oil pan heater- Starts no problem pluged in at any temp.

Thundercraft · 10-11-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT

im thinking the amsoil 15/40 would proabably work for me. it sounds like it has good pour point even in cold weather compared to a regular oil? is this correct that a synthetic 15/40 has better low temperature properties than regular oil. is this due to a lack of thickening agents required to make it a certain viscosity? i dont realy see the extreme cold like they do in more northern climates it still gets damn cold but not for extended periods. -10 average in winter

The synthetic doesn't have the waxes & other impurities that petroleum oil has, that is why it has a lower pour point.

__________________
01 2500 SLT Laramie LB
6-Spd 4X4 LB 3.55s
Synthetic bumper to bumper

10-08-2009, 07:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT Cummins Fan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: golden b.c. Posts: 53 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT's Truck Pics	what oil for winter? i know there is lots of old posts on this topic and lots of opinions. most of the posts i found were for the newer trucks. i was thinking of switching to a full synthetic like amsoil 5/40 also petro canada makes a full synthetic 0/40 just for the extended drain intervals. i dont think i will put 20000 km on my truck in a year with my current job. so i dont think i can justify the expense of the full synthetics. someone told me to run a diesel rated 10/30 or 0/30 for the winter? can i run this in the summer as well? will proabably go with whatever 5/40 i can get a good price on or possibly the petro can duron e full synthetic 0/40 if i can get a better price on it. does anyone run a 0/40 or0/30 year round? __________________ 92 extended cab 4x4 230000km, 2 inch lift, b.d.exhaust brake, banks power pack (intercooler turbo) 3'' sraight pipe, boost pyrometer oil temp gauges and tachometer. workin on installing b.d. fuel pin and a gov. spring and a few pump mods

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10-08-2009, 08:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Thundercraft Cummins Nut Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fraser Valley - BC Posts: 338 Thanks: 10 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Thundercraft's Truck Pics	The ams 5/40 is a CJ oil, so that wouldn't be a first choice. Their 15w-40 (AME) is a CI-4+ oil & has a pour point of -42C If you want a better pour point, then their 5W-30 (HDD) has a pour point of -50C. I've had my AME oil in for about 15 months (a little over 20,000KM) and it is doing just fine. Had an oil analysis about 6 weeks ago & looking good. __________________ 01 2500 SLT Laramie LB 6-Spd 4X4 LB 3.55s Synthetic bumper to bumper

10-08-2009, 09:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
peobryant Diesel Head Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Goshen, Ky Posts: 1,053 Thanks: 0 Thanked 81 Times in 64 Posts peobryant's Truck Pics	We use John Deere 15W-40 in all 4 of our trucks all year round. __________________ '91.5 D350, 2wd Dually, 4" Straight Pipe, 366 Spring, DennyT Stage II Fuel Pin, Isspro Boost, Pyro, Tranny and Fuel Pressure Gauges Brothers: '97 2500, 12 Valve, 4wd, 5spd, 716rwhp, 1200+rwtq, Single turbo, Fuel only

10-09-2009, 01:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT Cummins Fan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: golden b.c. Posts: 53 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT's Truck Pics	only reason i want a lower viscosity oil is for the colder winter starts when i cant plug my truck in -15 -20 may see a few weeks of-30 usualy not to cold though so regular 15/40 isnt realy an option. if i do switch to a lighter oil can i run it year round the petro canada engineer i talked to at work said he doesent know why more people dont run a 0 weight oil in every vehicle year round thats what it is designed for. im a bit skeptical but this guy definately knows his oils and greases but maybe not the aplication i am using it for? if i switch to a lighter regular oil i will proabably be ready for a change in the spring but with the real synthetic it would be in there for the year. __________________ 92 extended cab 4x4 230000km, 2 inch lift, b.d.exhaust brake, banks power pack (intercooler turbo) 3'' sraight pipe, boost pyrometer oil temp gauges and tachometer. workin on installing b.d. fuel pin and a gov. spring and a few pump mods

10-09-2009, 01:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
diaric Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bentley, Alberta Posts: 126 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts diaric's Truck Pics	the oilfield company i worked for used 0/40 year round in their big trucks. i use it all winter long and it makes a big difference starting. at -30 you would still need to be starting every few hours. at temps around freezing you can tell the difference when you switch, turns over and builds pressure faster- i usually switch back to 15/40 in the spring cuz i've got enough miles on it by then

10-09-2009, 03:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Thundercraft Cummins Nut Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fraser Valley - BC Posts: 338 Thanks: 10 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Thundercraft's Truck Pics	Don't forget, a 0w-40 & a straight 40 are the same viscosity at operating temp, so there is no benefit of going to a "thicker" oil in summer.... it isn't any thicker at operating temp. __________________ 01 2500 SLT Laramie LB 6-Spd 4X4 LB 3.55s Synthetic bumper to bumper

10-09-2009, 08:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Richard LeBar Diesel Freak Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Posts: 653 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Richard LeBar's Truck Pics	I run the amsoil 5w-30 HDD stuff and like it so far. I switched over back in June and have put 7000km on it so far. Wasn't cheap though. Actually what costed the most was the bypass system but I don't regret buying any of it. We'll see how the old beast likes it in the winter. I suspect the truck will like it a whole lot more than the 15w-40 that was in there before. Last winter the truck just seemed to groan at the heavier oil in the cold weather, even when the block heater was plugged in. -20 to -30C or colder weather is not forgiving. __________________ 1991.5 W250 3.55 Auto CTD. DDP4, modified DennyT pin , 366, He351, 4" turbo back straight pipe, ASA intake, Amsoil 4091 air filter ~ 251.4hp/562.5 tq corrected (with #1 fuel & bumped timing) ~ Borgeson shaft, Valet, Amsoil 5W-30 synth. w/ bypass.

10-11-2009, 02:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT Cummins Fan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: golden b.c. Posts: 53 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post MOUNTAIN MILLWRIGHT's Truck Pics	im thinking the amsoil 15/40 would proabably work for me. it sounds like it has good pour point even in cold weather compared to a regular oil? is this correct that a synthetic 15/40 has better low temperature properties than regular oil. is this due to a lack of thickening agents required to make it a certain viscosity? i dont realy see the extreme cold like they do in more northern climates it still gets damn cold but not for extended periods. -10 average in winter __________________ 92 extended cab 4x4 230000km, 2 inch lift, b.d.exhaust brake, banks power pack (intercooler turbo) 3'' sraight pipe, boost pyrometer oil temp gauges and tachometer. workin on installing b.d. fuel pin and a gov. spring and a few pump mods

10-11-2009, 03:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
ratrod72 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Whitehorse, Yukon Canada Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts ratrod72's Truck Pics	I live in Canada's North (north of the 60th paralell) I run 15W40 in the summer and 10W30 in the winter and it can get to -50c here. Truck has block heater and 150watt oil pan heater- Starts no problem pluged in at any temp.