Winter Oil Question

[casanis]

Hey Everyone,

I know this might sound like a silly question, but I was wondering which type of oil to run during the winter. This will be my first winter with a diesel (1.6NA) and from what I've been reading, 5W40 is for winters here in Canada. I am currently running Rotella-T 15W40 this summer; sticking with the Rotella-T brand, the 5W40 is a synthetic (makes sense for better flow during the cold).

Should I be concerned about switching from synthetic to dyno and back again as the seasons change? Will this cause any issues with engine oil seals and development of oil leaks? I currently have no leaks, engine runs very strong, and a Giles pump has recently been installed...

Any insight would be most appreciated.

Many Thanks!
Adam.

[Vincent Waldon]

Just my opinion... but Rotella T 5W40 synthetic is darn near perfect for our diesels year-round... nice and thin on cold winter mornings and nice and thick during the summer.  And it goes on sale at Canadian Tire.  ;-)

And... by running the same oil year round you can change it on mileage intervals, rather than worrying about the seasons. 

I can't think of any advantages to running 15W40 in the summer if you've already got 5W40 in the crankcase.. both are a 40 when they're warm?

If you live in a really cold spot Mobil makes a 0W40 diesel-rated synthetic...for a little bit of extra insurance when it's -30C.  I run that in my MK3... again, all year round.

[casanis]

Thanks for the reply! That makes perfect sense... I'll be making the switch this coming oil change.

[Vincent Waldon]

No prob.

Enjoying your Giles pump??!!!   

[8v-of-fury]

Whitby!? I used to live there! Thickson and Taunton area.

Whitby has too much smog to ever get that cold Vince 5w40 synthetic would be a good choice all year for you.

[Dakotakid]

Winter oil? Wow...it is so VERY hot here right now, it is difficult to believe winter ever comes.
Very good rattlesnake hunting weather.......

[8v-of-fury]

We are seeing like low 50's here at night already. its COMING! I'm excited

[truckinwagen]

I run delo 400 15-40 year round up here in Alaska, it is a good, cheap, readily available oil that has nearly unsurpassed soot holding capabilities.

I never have issues with cold starts, all I do is make sure I don't lay the hammer down until the motor has had a chance to warm up a little(this is where a real oil pressure gauge comes in handy, it lets you see when the oil is starting to thin a little)

-Owen

[8v-of-fury]

a 15-40 in Alaska? What temps do you get to where you are? I mean I have read theoretically 15-** is good down to like -15C but i bet its dammmn thick at that temp. Its a Syn oil though so it may be a little better.. Dino 15-40 at -5C was worse than molasses lol

[truckinwagen]

nope, the delo 400 line is dino oil...

it is thick in the winter(usually about 10* F for much of the winter where I am at) but as long as you keep put of the throttle for a while it does really well.

-Owen

[8v-of-fury]

I dunno, judging by the thckness of the 15 weight I have seen at those temps.. I'd say the oil isn't getting anywhere in the engine for atleast 30 seconds on a cold cold start. Sketchy. lol