Rotella T6 5w-40 Synthetic?

[Infinity]

I have been using the Rotella T4, 15w-40 engine oil with Motorcraft FL-1A oil filter.... in my 2014 ZR409 engine, from what I have heard, that is the recommended oil for most of the PCM engines. I change the oil/filter myself every 40hrs or so. My question is if anyone has been using the newer Rotella T6 synthetic oil that is 5w-40?

To be clear, the reason is NOT to extend oil changes or because I don't think the regular oil is good enough, clearly changing it every 40hrs, its fine. The biggest reason I am asking about the 5w-40 is for running the boat in colder weather since a 15-40 is really only rated for good flow at 50 degree or higher temps. Since I take the boat out occasionally in colder temps and know that a heavier oil takes a while to warm up and properly circulate, which can cause engine damage...I do not want to risk any issues and am thinking that using this oil would help with the faster flow rate (I may just start using this oil year around). I noticed in my PCM manual it has an option for 5w-30, so I assume there is no issue here, but I prefer to run a heavier duty oil than 5w-30, since these engines do some work while ballasted out and the Rotella seems to check all the boxes for me. Since surfing is about all I do, I want to take care of my engine so it keeps taking care of me. A lot of people on here with a lot more experience than I have, so love to hear some opinions and/or thoughts about this.

I assume if I switched to the T6 synthetic, I would want to use a different oil filter designed for synthetic oil. Would that be true, or not matter if its being changed at 40hrs anyway?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

[Nautiquehunter]

I use Mobil 1 15w50 in all my boats 84 to 08 . The 15w50 is the only weight recommended by Mobil for both roller and flat lifter engines.

[Evening Shade]

I don't think it would be a problem using the 5w40. You may notice slightly more oil consumption because the 5w viscosity. I've begun using the Rotella T5 15w40 synthetic blend because its only a couple dollars more for a gallon than the T4.

I've never heard of oil filters designed specifically for synthetic oil. There is nothing wrong with the FL-1A, although I think there are better filters available (K&N, Royal Purple, Mobil, and the higher end filters from Purolator and Fram).

[shag]

To my knowledge there are no 'synthetic specific' filters. I also would only use synthetic. I don't care for the synthetic blends.

[scottb7]

I stick with 15w40, but since i change every 50, i just usually buy store brand 15w40.

[Infinity]

All good info, thanks for the comments. I have found it interesting to see how oil has been changing over the last few years and getting better....a lot of vehicle brands are recommending oils like 0w-20/0w-30 and claim better mileage due to less engine friction and less engine wear cause the thinner viscosity flows to the cylinders and valves a lot faster, yet is still heavy enough to protect the engine once warmed up. I have 2 trucks (16 Chevy and 19 Ram) and a car (16 Chevy) that all use the 0w-20 Pennzoil Platinum. In my 2019 Ram, I switched the oil to the 0w-20 platinum at 1000miles and noticed that engine smoothed out MUCH faster after startup and no "valve tick"....rather than hearing it smooth out approx 30 seconds after startup with the factory oil (and this was summer months), it was more like 5 seconds or less with the 0w-20 full synthetic. I also switch my generators over to a 0w-40 in wintertime and its noticeable how much easier they start when cold, they also run smoother a lot quicker with that oil in them when temps are below 40-45 degrees outside. I know this is much more important in the Northern areas where it gets significantly colder, but a good thing to consider no matter where you live.

Rotella has been running rebates on the T5 and T6 synthetic oils, Rebate offers end on 12/31/18. $7 rebate per gallon and $17.50 rebate for the 2.5 gallon. On the T6, I can get a 2.5 gallon jug for $53 right now at Advance Auto, getting a rebate back for $17.50 (up to 4 rebates per household), takes the total cost to $36...making the end cost at roughly $14.50 per gallon, which is less than a gallon of the Rotella T4 at WalMart which normally sells for around $20. "Normal price", is up to $30 for a gallon of the T6 full synthetic.

I found out the Motorcraft FL-1A filter is a 20 micron which is pretty good and no need to get synthetic specific filter, especially with oil changes happening so frequently.

Anyway, I think I am going to make the switch. Cost will end up being more down the road (tho I just bought enough T6 to make it thru the next 2 years) but with how these engines are run, spending another $10 per oil change is nothing and since I intent to keep this boat for quite a while, anything that will keep the engine happier, makes me happy!

I saw this video this morning that someone posted to the Centurion/Supreme facebook page....very interesting! Posting the link below for anyone interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWiQ...cg7tqhI3L9j1Ic

[Helmsmn]

Wix oil filters claim that their XP line is designed for synthetic oil.
A Motorcraft FL1a would cross to a
Wix 51515 or a 51515XP for synthetic oil.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[thejean]

I contacted PCM and they said to stick with 15W or 25W for these boats. Frankly I don’t see why a 5w40 I use in my Superduty wouldn’t be just as good. Anyway, I decided to use Amsoil Max Duty 15W40 synthetic as it’s better cold starting, better over winter protection, and easier on the catalytic converters. I still change every 50 hrs. I actually feel like the best oil will be the Amsoil marine 10W40 but again, it seems most dealers wants us stick with 15W minimum. Makes no bloody sense to me because as long as the 40 hot weight is adhered to, a lower W rating should in theory be better, especially when a boat has been sitting for a week or more. Whatever, it’s more important to me to keep the warranty intact rather than fight a losing battle.

[greggmck]

You may find these threads relevant to the questions about oil and filters...

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url...3&share_type=t

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url...3&share_type=t


Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[charlesml3]

Here we are in 2019 and I can't think of a more controversial maintenance subject other than "Which oil should I use?"