Synthetic Lubes
Q: I have an '02 F-250 PowerStroke Diesel with 7000 miles, and I'm wondering if switching to synthetic oil is a good idea with this engine. I've received literature from Amsoil, and it sounds like it's the best thing since sliced bread. I don't know if it's worth it (for reliability, endurance, performance), because of the additional costs. Currently, I use Chevron Delco oil with a Motorcraft filter.
A: Ford Motor Company has no objections to the use of synthetic motor oil in the PowerStroke Diesel, and it won't have an effect on your warranty. As a matter of fact, Motorcraft produces a full synthetic motor oil. A major factor in the decision should be the future plans for the vehicle. If you don't typically keep a truck more than 10 years or so, and you're located in a moderate climate, synthetic motor oil and the additional expense may not make a lot of sense. You'll get plenty of miles out of a PowerStroke Diesel with the use of conventional oil as long as you stick to the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule. Some synthetic-oil manufacturers advertise how much further you can go between oil changes with the use of their product. This can steer you in the wrong direction. Synthetic motor oil maintains its viscosity under extreme temperatures, has superior lubrication properties, and will not sludge as easily as conventional, but it still gets dirty and should be changed just as often. There are also synthetic/conventional blends that give you a halfway option to reduce the expense along with the benefits of a full synthetic. It's a personal preference, but there's no significant need outside of high-performance applications, extreme climate, and industrial conditions, or if it's a vehicle that should get nothing but the best due to economical or emotional ties.
Tower or Towee
Q: I'm confused about how to tow an '02 Silverado 3500 4x4. The owner's manual is not clear. It says dolly towing is out, and the wording for 4x4 dinghy towing is even more unclear. The service director at my Chevy dealer says "flatbed only." This would be okay except that we carry a slide-in truck camper and the total height of the Silverado, truck camper, and flatbed tow truck will be about 15 feet and might cause problems with overpasses, power lines, and tree branches. Can you help sort this out for me? Is there a way to tow other than a flatbed?
A: Towing a 1-ton truck isn't a common question, but it does apply to a lot of other vehicles. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, "dinghy towing" means all four wheels on the ground; "dolly towing" is with two wheels on the ground and the other two up on a wheeled device known as a dolly. Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed using either method. The transmission is not designed to provide lubrication while being towed, but only while the engine is running and driving the transmission. Therefore, 2x4s should be towed with all four wheels off the ground on a flatbed. However, 4x4 vehicles can be towed by use of the dinghy or dolly method. Your Chevy owner's manual does permit towing a 4x4 as long as the transfer case is placed in the neutral position (consult your owner's manual for the appropriate neutral- engagement procedure). This will disengage the transmission from the driveshaft and eliminate potential damage from lack of lubrication. A way to eliminate any concern, and tow as you will with two- or four-wheel drive, is to disconnect the driveshaft at the front and/or rear axle and secure it to the chassis while being sure to use the proper towing equipment and not to exceed any of the towing-vehicle's limitations.