What type of oil for my Ford F250 Diesel?

[BeerBrewer GDsponsor]

Pretty soon I'll need to do my first oil change on my 2023 F250 6.7L Diesel and I am a bit confused about what type of oil to use. The manual says to use 10W-30 for normal usage between O degrees F to over 100 degrees F.. Then further below it says to use Motorcraft® SAE 10W-30 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil XO-10W30-QSDF that meets the WSS-M2C171-F1 specification.

Is this same 10W-30 that I'd use in my car of is this something different?

Your input is appreciated.

 

[NB Canada]

What does it say on the filler cap to use

 

[Riverbug]

As long as mine is under warranty I am using OEM for maintenance. I buy from O'Reilly but I'm sure you can get it other places too.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/motorcraft/motorcraft-motor-oil-10w-30-5-quart/mot0/xo10w305q3sd

 

[BeerBrewer GDsponsor]

What does it say on the filler cap to use

The cap says 10w30 (Diesel), 15W-40, 5W-40 and 0W-40, but there's no mention of temperature ranges on it..

I used Shell Rotella in my 2018 RAM CTD, but I forget exactly which one.

I was just wondering what others use in their Fords, meaning do they stick with Ford's brand or use something else.

 

[jjbbrewer]

 

[dbarks]

You should use the 10W-30 Ford Diesel oil in the link above that meets WSS-M2C171-F1. Do not use regular 10W-30.

 

[nprario]

Shell Rotella T6 in the viscosity your truck calls for is my suggestion.

 

[TimtheToolMan]

Per Manual the search function in manual works well
Specific page see bottom of page

Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance - Diesel​

• If you tow a lot then follow severe/special maintenance schedule, Oil and other maintenace

"If you operate your vehicle primarily in any of the following conditions, you need to perform extra maintenance as indicated. If you operate your vehicle occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance: Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier"

Alternative Engine Oil for Severe Duty Service (I use Shell Rotella T6 5W-40, is approved, Walmart)

Name	Specification
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil XO-5W40-5Q3SD

 

[TimtheToolMan]

It is critical to change the two fuel filters sooner than basic schedule. This is mentioned in the manual but frequency is a bit confusing. I would not go more that 10k miles if primarily towing and no more than one year. Some like to change them every oil change.

I like to change fuel filters in the Fall to remove any collected water in either filter before regular freezing temperatures that could cause water to freeze and clog lines and then cavitate high pressure fuel pump. This is even considering low temperature rated fuel and possibly anti-gel additive (if used). Changing in Fall likely is an overkill, though, and I have not heard of anyone else doing that, so that is not a recommendation from me. It happens to be when my oil is changed at one year mark.

 

[msutoad]

I run AMsoil in my 2020 F450 PSD (10W-30) Heavy Duty Oil because of all the pulling I do with my setup. Not sure I can tell the difference, but it makes me feel good running it

 

[Tony_in_AZ]

I run Rotella T-6 in my 2021 truck , 6.7 diesel. Winter is 5w-40 with 15w-40 in summer. I send samples for testing to BlackStone Laboratories . The oil testing which is now 40 dollars

 

[Skilletface]

“The manual says to use 10W-30 for normal usage between O degrees F to over 100 degrees F.. Then further below it says to use Motorcraft® SAE 10W-30 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil”

“Is this same 10W-30 that I'd use in my car of is this something different?”

Your input is appreciated.

What viscosity range you go with depends on your usage.
If you are a weekend or several week long trips a year and a grocery getter the rest of the time, then a 10-30 diesel specific oil will meet your needs.

The difference as I understand in 10-30 and 10-30 diesel oil is in the additives to control acids and soot from the diesel combustion. I do not believe it would be an issue to use the diesel oil in your car.

I personally choose 5-40 diesel specific oil, because when Tonka Toy is in the wind it’s totin something. Also, changed to Rotella T-6 full synthetic because I did not want to afford Motorcraft oil anymore.

 

[Riverbug]

Per Manual the search function in manual works well
Specific page see bottom of page

Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance - Diesel​

• If you tow a lot then follow severe/special maintenance schedule, Oil and other maintenace

"If you operate your vehicle primarily in any of the following conditions, you need to perform extra maintenance as indicated. If you operate your vehicle occasionally under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the extra maintenance: Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier"

Alternative Engine Oil for Severe Duty Service (I use Shell Rotella T6 5W-40, is approved, Walmart)

Name	Specification
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil XO-5W40-5Q3SD

That is a good reminder to review the manual more closely. I'm going to switch from 10-30 to 5-40 at next oil change. I don't tow heavy for the truck I have, but I do tow a high percentage of miles. Changing to 5-40 would cover the bases all around, including the few times I need to drive when it's sub-zero at home. Thanks for sharing that.

 

[BeerBrewer GDsponsor]

That is a good reminder to review the manual more closely. I'm going to switch from 10-30 to 5-40 at next oil change. I don't tow heavy for the truck I have, but I do tow a high percentage of miles. Changing to 5-40 would cover the bases all around, including the few times I need to drive when it's sub-zero at home. Thanks for sharing that.

You just raised a very sore with me...very. The manufacturers are charging $80,000 to over $100,000 for these trucks and they are too cheap to give manual with the truck! I am aware that they load the manual into the computer in the truck, but if the truck is totally dead you've got nothing. This happened to me several times with my old RAM 2500 CTD.

I basically only use my truck when I need a tuck, meaning I don't typically use it for causal driving, like trips to the store. I use it to tow our trailer or carry lumber or materials around. Now if it's been sitting awhile unused I will it for a ride, but it won't be a short ride. So I think I am going to heed your advice and I too am going to shift to fully synthetic 5W-40 as well. As for the brand, I am going to use Shell Rotella T-6 5W-40. According to the Shell web site this oil meets Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1 specification. Below is the link Rotella spec sheet.

https://www.shell-livedocs.com/data/published/en/3b8749b5-338a-4f6e-976d-8b4da2269f9c.pdf

I know I am still under warranty, but Ford still can't dictate what oil I use, The oil we use just needs to meet their specifications. They also can't void my warranty for doing some of the required maintenance myself. I keep detailed records of all the maintenance that I do, when I do it and and what mileage . I also keep all the receipts.

 

[Riverbug]

You just raised a very sore with me...very. The manufacturers are charging $80,000 to over $100,000 for these trucks and they are too cheap to give manual with the truck! I am aware that they load the manual into the computer in the truck, but if the truck is totally dead you've got nothing. This happened to me several times with my old RAM 2500 CTD.

I basically only use my truck when I need a tuck, meaning I don't typically use it for causal driving, like trips to the store. I use it to tow our trailer or carry lumber or materials around. Now if it's been sitting awhile unused I will it for a ride, but it won't be a short ride. So I think I am going to heed your advice and I too am going to shift to fully synthetic 5W-40 as well. As for the brand, I am going to use Shell Rotella T-6 5W-40. According to the Shell web site this oil meets Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1 specification. Below is the link Rotella spec sheet.

https://www.shell-livedocs.com/data/published/en/3b8749b5-338a-4f6e-976d-8b4da2269f9c.pdf

I know I am still under warranty, but Ford still can't dictate what oil I use, The oil we use just needs to meet their specifications. They also can't void my warranty for doing some of the required maintenance myself. I keep detailed records of all the maintenance that I do, when I do it and and what mileage . I also keep all the receipts.

I agree with respect to the brand of oil, it shouldn't make a difference in warranty claims. I also keep all receipts and detailed spreadsheet of maintenance. I don't know why I've stuck to Motorcraft oil, it's just there on the shelf and easy enough I guess. I'll have to compare prices again. The last time I compared it was because my nephew said T-6 was cheaper, but he didn't account for T-6 being sold in 4 quart bottles (at the time anyway) vs 5 quarts for Motorcraft. So it was the same price per quart. Might not be the case today though. That was two years ago.

My 2022 actually did come with a printed manual in the glovebox. When I ordered the truck I did not expect to receive one based on what I was hearing but there it was. They must have made good on going exclusively electronic since then. I agree, the paper manual is just nice to have handy. Although it didn't help me pick the best oil viscosity in this case, I don't remember reading that at all at the time.

Edit: Ok, wow! Just checked pricing. Rotella and Motorcraft per quart are still priced equally for 10W-30. But move to 5W-40 and the price is a shocker! Motorcraft is $15/quart, and Rotella is $7/quart. That's enough to make me change brands.

 

[jjbbrewer]

Whatever oil you decide to use, I would suggest having it analyzed when you (or whoever) changes it. I've been doing this for the last 4 changes I've done and it's been quite informative.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

 

[Riverbug]

Whatever oil you decide to use, I would suggest having it analyzed when you (or whoever) changes it. I've been doing this for the last 4 changes I've done and it's been quite informative.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

How many miles do you go between changes based on the analysis?

 

[jjbbrewer]

How many miles do you go between changes based on the analysis?

I've been increasing it based on the analysis I get. I've been using Shell Rotella T6 5w40 with decent results so I've been sticking with that (except the one noted below)

My first interval was 6300 miles and they said there was no contamination or viscosity concerns and the TBN (a measure of oil longevity) was quite high @ 5.0, so I should go 8000 miles.

So then I went 8000 miles. That report was also good with a TBN of 3.8 (>1.0 is good) with no contamination concerns. It did drop the SUS and cSt Viscosity a little which they said was "harmless" and told me to now go for 10,000 miles.

I was getting ready to go for a longish trip with the 349M, so changed it at 7500 before leaving. That TBN was 3.7 and the SUS and cSt were again within parameters so they repeated to try for 10,000 miles.

I just changed it again @ 8,000 miles and I'll be sending the sample in this week. I kind of expect the same results, although this time I'd had the dealership change the oil and they used MotorCraft Synthetic Blend 10w30. We'll see if that makes any difference.

 

[jjbbrewer]

I like to change fuel filters in the Fall to remove any collected water in either filter before regular freezing temperatures that could cause water to freeze and clog lines and then cavitate high pressure fuel pump.

I totally agree with your advice of changing both fuel filters often. OTOH, if you're getting so much water in your fuel lines that it'll freeze up and clog the line, I'd say you probably need to find another source for diesel fuel.

I would also suggest replacing the cheesy OEM drain valve for the bottom filter with one of these ..

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Billet-Drain-2017-2020-Powerstroke/dp/B08Y5ZT6ZX

 

[Riverbug]

I've been increasing it based on the analysis I get. I've been using Shell Rotella T6 5w40 with decent results so I've been sticking with that (except the one noted below)

My first interval was 6300 miles and they said there was no contamination or viscosity concerns and the TBN (a measure of oil longevity) was quite high @ 5.0, so I should go 8000 miles.

So then I went 8000 miles. That report was also good with a TBN of 3.8 (>1.0 is good) with no contamination concerns. It did drop the SUS and cSt Viscosity a little which they said was "harmless" and told me to now go for 10,000 miles.

I was getting ready to go for a longish trip with the 349M, so changed it at 7500 before leaving. That TBN was 3.7 and the SUS and cSt were again within parameters so they repeated to try for 10,000 miles.

I just changed it again @ 8,000 miles and I'll be sending the sample in this week. I kind of expect the same results, although this time I'd had the dealership change the oil and they used MotorCraft Synthetic Blend 10w30. We'll see if that makes any difference.

Would be interesting to see the results of 10W30 after the last change just to see the comparison. I'm going to order an analysis kit for my next change. Looks like the extra $10 for TBN is well worth it if it can help extend the milage (currently every 5,000 for me) without basing it on a "hunch". I know the manufacturers recommendation says I can go longer, but I tend to accelerate my maintenance for everything vs what they recommend. Not very cost effective, but I'd like to have this truck in 20+ years like my last one.