Rotella for cold climate Winter use

[3930dave]

I use and like T6 in 5W40.

In looking at options for this Winter, I found that Shell's T5 in 10W30 has pretty much the exact same Pour and Flash Points as T6.

If I can find a deal on that T5, I may run it this winter here.

Rgds, D.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Looks like the T6 is thicker at higher temps and a bit thinner at lower temps (same viscosity index but -30C for T6 vs -25C for the T5). It looks like you would be going to a thicker oil in low temps and thinner when it gets hot, both of which conditions is worse for your cold temp operation.
I don't know why you would want to switch from a 5W to a 10W for winter use. The 30 in the 10W30 is the oil weight at 100C so that is irrelevant to your winter use.

Stick with the T6 oil and use it year round.

 

[3930dave]

Just balancing cost vs. needed performance Gary.

I understand your points about the relative specs of the 2 oils. In my 3930 I have a somewhat undersized Optima battery, so there I actually run a 0W40.

I'm considering this 10W30 for my 7.3. Ford originally spec'd 10W30 for use down to about -25C, and I'd expect that factory recommendation was for conventional 10W30, not synth. In northern Canada, I'd probably run a 0W40 in my 7.3, but in the relatively warmer south here, we don't normally see that many days below -25C.

Batteries and GPR on the 7.3 are new. Plenty of folks here make a truck run to Florida in the Winter, so those with a vacation budget see higher Winter temps.

I know guys here running conventional 15W40 through our winters - mostly they get by OK, but starting is definitely harder than with T6.

Rgds, D.

 

[grm61]

I run the 5w40 T6 year round.
I am very pleased with the cold weather performance, and pumpability.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If it is cost only consideration, then go for the conventional oil in the same 5W-30 or 5W-40. I seem to recall that they also have 0W-30 or 40 in conventional oil but I rarely see it here in the Southern USA. 0W-XX was common up in Canada when I was there.

 

[grm61]

I know guys here running conventional 15W40 through our winters - mostly they get by OK, but starting is definitely harder than with T6

No doubt, and its hard on **** when it is really cold, some folks just don't get it.

 

[3930dave]

If it is cost only consideration, then go for the conventional oil in the same 5W-30 or 5W-40. I seem to recall that they also have 0W-30 or 40 in conventional oil but I rarely see it here in the Southern USA. 0W-XX was common up in Canada when I was there.

I wouldn't say cost is my only concern.... just sharpening the pencil a bit......

Our dollar is off parity a bit, but that doesn't explain the cost difference in oils - same products here are almost 2x USA list pricing, so I want to shop carefully.

In my application, 10W30 is a little more versatile in terms of the factory viscosity chart. 5W30 is only spec'd for below freezing (32F) use, while 10W30 is indicated for up to 90F use - there's that Florida run in the middle of Winter I need to save up for !

Other than 15W40 and 5W40, the next most common diesel oil I find on the shelf here is 10W30. For a viscosity spread beyond 5W30, in this market you typically will find only synthetics.

When I find T6 5W40 on sale, I snap it up. The specs on this T5 are good enough that I'll probably add it to my Sale Watch list....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

No doubt, and its hard on **** when it is really cold, some folks just don't get it.

Synth has a good story at both temperature extremes..... extreme cold being the more physically obvious to many..... when the truck starts turning over a lot more slowly.....

As temperatures drop, synth means that you can delay plugging in a block heater, if you so choose..... nice as electricity rates continue to ratchet up, or BHtr use means firing up a generator.....

But you're right, some people won't pay for low temp oil performance, even in climates where it's really needed....

Rgds, D.

 

[TomSeller]

I use Rotella T5 10W-30 year round. It is a good balance of price and quality. About the only thing I buy at Wally World.

 

[Copperhead]

Not specified what you are using the oil in, but it really doesn't matter if you have an oil pan heater. I use them on all my tractors and such that have to sit i the cold. The oil flows just fine, like a warm summer day, and has been stated by Gary, the oil is going to be whatever the spec is, 30w or 40w, at the operating temp of the engine. The oil pan heaters are truly great. They not only keep the oil at around 70F, the heat from that rises into the lower block and helps starting. And they are relatively inexpensive and last the life of the vehicle and don't use a lot of juice to operate. I got sold on them in Alaska when I lived there, and still use them in Iowa during the winter.

This brand isn't the only game in town, but it is a good starting point to see what if available....

Wolverine Heaters - The Most Trusted Engine Oil Heater For Cold-Weather Starts