Engine Oil Choice 2012 6.7L

[lincmercguy]

This may be a topic that has been beaten to death before, but I'm new to the 6.7 world (had a 5.9 years ago). The manual says 5W40 synthetic for under 0 deg F and 15W40 otherwise. I'm in Colorado, so it does get that cold a few times a year, and I don't have a place to plug the block heater in at work.

I did quite a bit of internet searching before this with mixed results. However, most results were from when people's trucks were brand new. Mine has 100k miles on it. I know that's not a lot for a diesel, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any oil pressure issues with 5W40 during the summer with higher mileage engines.

I'd probably go for Rotella 5W40 T6 Synthetic because that's what my Liberty CRD runs as well. I just want to make sure I'm not going to have summer issues.

 

[SyN]

You will have Zero issues with running T6 5W-40 year round!

I have a similar scenario: My Ram is garage kept most of the time - except at work for 12 hours & we do see many days & nights 20°F & colder with many nights of wind chill below 0.

Something to ponder: If you have access to T6 15W-40 - Think about using 1 gallon with your 2 gallons T6 5W-40.
(Same Formulation - just fewer viscosity improvers (Good Thing) & a bit stronger additive package (As of last VOA I witnessed)!

One actual data fact - That I always fall back on -----> Over the years hundreds of Diesel UOAs have shown that the 15W-40 viscosity produces a bit lower wear #'s when compared to the 5W-40 viscosity. (Granted PPM measurement)

5W-40 was (Blended/Formulated) for cold climate pumpabilty & faster flow - NOT Less engine wear!

Good Luck in your Quest!

SyN Disclaimer: This is Only my Personal Opinion!

One thing I will say - If your 2012 was previously well maintained & driven all those miles by a civilized/intelligent human being - @ 100K miles your 6.7L is just now getting good & broken-in!

 

[lincmercguy]

Thanks for the info.

One thing I will say - If your 2012 was previously well maintained & driven all those miles by a civilized/intelligent human being - @ 100K miles your 6.7L is just now getting good & broken-in!

That's why I didn't have any issues buying one with 100k. My '03 5.9 had 280k when I traded it. I had replaced one injector, and it was probably time for the rest as well. However, I couldn't complain at the time. (never should have traded it though).