7.3 Oil Change questions

[Thomasbeau]

My TV is a 2002 F-250 with the 7.3. I have owned it since it was new and it’s just shy of 150k. It used to be my everyday driver but now it only takes me to bank on weekends and pulls the Hideout for about a dozen camping trips a year.

Since it was new I have always used Rotella T4 15w-40 in the engine but in the last year started using Mobil Delvac 15w-40 and the truck seems to like that as well. But since I don’t drive it much anymore I am doing a lot less oil changes. I think I would like to switch to a full synthetic but I’m not certain when it comes to weights. If I switch to Rotella T6, should I use the 5w-40 or the 15w-40? There is a difference in price but since I only do two changes a year now I’m not concerned. Any opinions, is this the direction I should be going with this engine?

Also, I was planning to try out the Archoil on my next oil change but if I go synthetic is that a waste of money?

Thanks,

[Frank G]

Does T6 come in 15W40? I thought all synthetic Diesel oil comes in 5W40. Personally I would not switch with 150 on the clock, stick with the 15W40. There are thousands of old farm trackers that only see a oil change every year or two or three and they seam to keep on running. Twice a year oil change should be just fine, just let it stretch it's legs once in a while.

[travelin texans]

To be honest I'd just stick with the dino 15/40, Rotella or Delo are both good brands, that the old girl is use to. You won't realize any benefit switching to synthetic other than lightening you wallet.
Both my Duramax GMCs suggested oil changes at 10k or at least once a year. On my '05 I tried synthetics, Royal Purple, Amsoil & couldn't tell any difference in mileage or performance, but a big difference in prices. The '13 recommended synthetic.

[Thomasbeau]

Yes, it appears that there is a T6 15w-40. Here is the Amazon link...

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PSVLF6G/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07PSVLF6G&pd_rd_w=smU2P&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=lkUpy&pf_rd_r=7KBDPNF5R5DQ9NX668ZF&pd_rd_r=c586dc85-9c85-438d-be06-bc0c0807c2ca&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOVVI3VVpTT1dRTksmZ W5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5MzIzMDYyUFNCRDdPVUVCS1FLJmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDg4OTMyQzRXSzZaTkJMMDZIJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmR vTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[Frank G]

Yes, it appears that there is a T6 15w-40. Here is the Amazon link...

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PSVLF6G/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07PSVLF6G&pd_rd_w=smU2P&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=lkUpy&pf_rd_r=7KBDPNF5R5DQ9NX668ZF&pd_rd_r=c586dc85-9c85-438d-be06-bc0c0807c2ca&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOVVI3VVpTT1dRTksmZ W5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5MzIzMDYyUFNCRDdPVUVCS1FLJmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDg4OTMyQzRXSzZaTkJMMDZIJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmR vTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Never to old to learn, I run Valvoline 5W40, 3gal for about $60 on Amazon in the Cummins.

[gearhead]

As a Shell retiree I'm a bit biased. Switching brands supposedly is no big deal. I run Rotella T6 5W-40 but will probably switch to the new 15W-40. I live near Houston so cold start ups are not much an issue. I can't from your profile where you are but if you're in cold country you might stay with the 5W-40 unless you have a heated barn or a crankcase heater. Any of the name brand synthetics are good. I think Shell is using base oil from the Pearl Natural Gas to Liquids plant in Quatar. Good stuff.
If you really want to dig deep, look at:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

[Badbart56]

I've used nothing but Motorcraft oil in my Fords forever and never suffered a lubrication issue. 15W-40 or 10W-30 depending on time of year, where you live dictates that. Over 250K miles on my 1997 7.3, never even had a leak. 184K on my present truck, no issues.

[Thomasbeau]

My location is up in the northeast corner of Connecticut. So it can get pretty cold here in the middle of the winter. This time I decided to give the Rotella T5 15w-40 synth blend a try. I also picked up a bottle of Archoil to throw in too. My regular diesel mechanic also told me that switching to full synthetic now would not help me out much but the synthetic blend prices have dropped so it's not a bad upgrade for the money.

[travelin texans]

My location is up in the northeast corner of Connecticut. So it can get pretty cold here in the middle of the winter. This time I decided to give the Rotella T5 15w-40 synth blend a try. I also picked up a bottle of Archoil to throw in too. My regular diesel mechanic also told me that switching to full synthetic now would not help me out much but the synthetic blend prices have dropped so it's not a bad upgrade for the money.

Not sure what you expect by switching to a synthetic, it won't hurt anything, but fairly certain you will not notice 1 bit of difference in mileage or performance.

[Thomasbeau]

Not really expecting better performance, my true goal is longevity. My ‘02 still looks showroom new and I want to keep the engine running like new as long as possible. If the synthetic blend cuts down wear just a bit I’ll be happy. It was only about $2 more a gallon compared to the dino. I figure it can’t hurt.