Higher Mileage, 200K+, Oil Recommendations

[ab85435]

I bought a 97 F-350, 223K, a year ago and have done 2 oil changes since using Motorcraft 15W-40 and Motorcraft oil filter with no issues, not sure what the previous owner used. Without the block heater plugged in, she's a pain to start in the winter under 20 degrees (usually a few attempts followed by plenty of smoke). I live in Michigan and would love to have some feedback on good oil/filter to use year round. I'm changing the oil every 3000 miles right now. Just curious if I should change to Rotella (since everyone seems to use it with good results) or something else. Just want to hear some recommendations from some owners will higher miles like mine.

Thanks everyone!

[08spartan250]

i've heard a ton of good things about rotella and thats what i use.

[Lawrenceu]

2x on Rotella. There is a reason that so many high mileage fleet trucks use it.

[ab85435]

Yeah, maybe I will give it a go. Any thoughts on synthetic vs. conventional? Motorcraft oil filter or aftermarket filter ex. Mobil?

Any recommendations on a service manual besides the Ford manual which is $$$$$?

Any recommendaitons on good, low price upgrades to the engine or truck itself?

Thanks for replies!

[08spartan250]

Originally Posted by ab85435

Yeah, maybe I will give it a go. Any thoughts on synthetic vs. conventional? Motorcraft oil filter or aftermarket filter ex. Mobil?

Any recommendations on a service manual besides the Ford manual which is $$$$$?

Any recommendaitons on good, low price upgrades to the engine or truck itself?

Thanks for replies!

Synthetic is always a great choice.


As for mods, ditch the stock downpipe and get a full exhaust, 6637 intake, and a TS chip with custom tunes.

[elrojo63]

I'm runnin mobil delvac. It's a bit cheaper and IMO just as good. As for winter I run stock filter and synthetic rotella 5w-40. You're hard starts are probably caused by bad glow plugs. If it cranks slow that will also cause a hard start.

[96F350KID]

Mobil Delvac and 1qt of Lucas synthetic additive. Runs great.

[bkeeton281]

I like Mobil Delvac as well. Never had any problems runnin it in our trucks or pickups.

[ab85435]

Originally Posted by elrojo63

I'm runnin mobil delvac. It's a bit cheaper and IMO just as good. As for winter I run stock filter and synthetic rotella 5w-40. You're hard starts are probably caused by bad glow plugs. If it cranks slow that will also cause a hard start.

Thanks, I'll replace the glow plugs before winter. Should I just buy the standard Motorcraft, or are there better aftermarket? Would a crank slow issue be the battery?

[ab85435]

So if I choose to go synthetic, would I use a 5W-40 or something else? I don't put a ton of miles on my truck so I would like something that I can use year round. My next oil change might not be until January so I need an oil that will work well for cold starts also.