I see alot of you guys saying how easy your start is with syntheic.
Im running plane jane rotella, this morning about 6 i think it was -1 out, or somthing liek that. 2 new batteries, maybe 2 months on them, heaters are working, newer fuel filter, and man does it not like to spin over. is it just my oil is that thick in this cold?

 

This is my 2nd year of diesel ownership. I did a test last winter between Shell Rotella (15-40) and their so-called Synthetic Shell Rotella (5w-40).

I took two clean peanut butter jars/w lids, and pour oil in each one.
Let the sit out overnight, then went out and turned them upside to see their "pourability". There was a big difference between the two.
Granted, this was no means a scientific test, but it made me believe there was a major difference in the first startup of the day. That is, it's easier.

Whether or not, it's beneficial, don't really know for sure. With that said, I am using Rotella Synthetic (5w-40) in my truck. It is -10 here in Des Moines, Iowa today and my truck is sitting out in the work parking lot. The real test will be when I go out to start the truck after work.

Later,

Bob

 

Even just switching to 5W40 Dino in the winter will make a big difference. 14W40 in cold weather like that is like corn syrup. Running your grid heater twice before cranking seems to help them light up quicker too.
Synthetic is said to be even better still in cold weather.

 

I have nothing to compare to since this is my first winter with a diesel - but I made the switch to synthetic Rotella 5-40 back in November. I run synthetic in all 4 of my vehicles and I have for years with nothing but good results. Why - because of experiencing the "thickening" of regular oil in extreme cold weather back in Fargo, ND during college. Try pouring dino oil at -20F and then compare it to pouring synthetic. It is a night and day difference and one that I think is an important extra protection policy. I also run my vehicles longer between oil changes than some - I got at least 6000 in my gas vehicles and I plan to try to get to 10k in my diesel truck with synthetic. Doing this just means I am not crawling around on the floor of the garage as often and that is just fine by me! Good luck.

 

well, im due for a change, guess ill have to try it for myself.

 

I'm using Mystik JT8 semi-synth. blend 15/40. It hasn't gotten terribly cold here (mid-20s) this season yet. But, she has fired up nicely every morning. Price: $19 for 2gal container at Tractor Supply. That said, I will likely switch to Amsoil or Shell or Valvolyn full synthetic come spring time.