Time for a change in my 97 F350

[IcutMetl]

It's time for another oil change in my 1997 F350. It has a 460 gas engine and the ZF-5 manual transmission. It now has just over 21,000 original miles and I want to change the oil again before winter. I did the last change with Rotella T5 and a Motorcraft filter, but would like to go full synthetic this time and more than likely keep it that way. I don't mind paying extra and changing oil more often than I should; I bought the truck in March off of ebay, flew out to get it and drove it 1200 miles home- paid more than I should've for it and want to keep it as nice as possible. It's not a daily driver, but drive it just because on the weekends or to haul a bed of stone or wood, pull a boat or trailer 3k-9k, etc.

I have been considering Rotella T6 5w40 or Mobil 1 Truck & SUV 5w30. The T6 is 19.xx for a gallon at Wally World, while the Mobil 1 is 24.xx for 5qt jug, so they're right about the same price.

What would you suggest? I know both are good products. Thanks!!

 

[Hemi426]

Nice truck. What does the owners manual call for. I would probably just run Pennzoil conventional 10w-30 with a Motorcraft filter. Pennzoil Platinum or Ultra 10w-30 would be my synthetic choice.

 

[IcutMetl]

Manual calls for 10w30. I always ran 10w40 Castrol GTX in the 393 I had in my F150 4x4. Figure a lower winter weight will help low temp flow in that big piece of iron. Thank you for the compliment.

 

[Steve S]

Nice!!!!!

 

[wayniac]

Wow, that has always been my favorite body style! I have an 04, but everytime I see one of the pre-swoopy-taurus style trucks I just fall in love! If you ever tire of it, you should let me know...

I used to have the 390ci and I used PYB 10-40, lots of abuse back then and the truck held beyond expectations.

 

[Boczech]

WOW !!! What a Sweet Looking Truck....

Have you considered a 10w30 HDEO from Shell or Chevron


Bo

 

[Texan4Life]

If it were me I would stick with the Rotella T5 10w-30

 

[dnewton3]

I know we discussed this when you first got the truck.

That 460 is a "Lima" engine series. It lubeds the cam first, then the crank. For that reason, I prefer the ligher grade to get oil around as quickly and easily as possible.

At the (incredibly low) rate you're accumlating mileage, that truck will rot long before it ever quits running, anyway. There is no logic to running a pricey syn when a good performing dino or semi-syn will do everything you ask.

I suggest sticking with T5 in 10w-30. Correct grade, easily attained, at good price. What's not to like?

I applaud your acknowledgement that your emotions are in charge; at least you're honest with yourself, and us. If you choose a synthetic because you'll sleep better at night, that is exactly what you should do.

 

[addyguy]

A little bit of a 'left-field' rec., but how about Amsoil ACD 30/10W-30??

Stout synthetic HDEO, no VII's, good low-temp properties, and is very inexpensive for what you get.

If Amsoil is not on your radar, I'd definetly go with the T6 5W-40.

 

[IcutMetl]

I ended up going with another Motorcraft filter and the T6 5w-40. Did a complete coolant flush/fill at the same time. I wouldn't call it an entirely new truck now, but it definitely has a smoother & quieter idle as well as a being bit smoother under acceleration now. Thanks; guys, for your insight.