I own a 99 454 vortec with about 80000 miles on it and the previous and 1st owner was CAT in illinoi. The problem is the first couple times I changed the oil Ididn't have any problems but like the 3rd time I did I started the truck and it knocked lightly at an idle for a couple of days then went away ever since the i change the oil the knocking gets worse and stays for a few weeks but will eventually go away. It sounds like its coming from the lifters. I run MAX life valvoline synthetic blend with a quart of Lucas. One guy told me to run Rotella 15w40 because coming from CAT thats probably what they put in it. I live in Missouri so the winter get fairly cold with this oil do any damage in the winter? Or do Ihave a bigger problem starting? Any info will be appreciated..

I also run a WIX oil fiter.

Any leakdown from changing the oil should be gone within seconds of starting the engine.

Do you prefill the filter before installing it?

I personally wouldnt run that oil,,,,15-40,,,,especially in the winter

No I don't prefill the filter. It is a sidemount filter. The guy that told me to try it said to just let the truck warm up a bit when its cold before driving it. I ran 15w40 in a old 350 carberated engine and the only problem was it was hard to start. I thought maybe my oil pump but i have really good pressure at all temps.

that rotella 15-40 is good oil i ran it till i started gettin the john deere 5-40 synthetic at deems here in marshall

Good oil yes,,,, a lil thick for me in the winter,,,, especially on cold starts

And good pressure,,,,, sure,,,,, good flow may be another thing

I'm going to run seafoam through the engine oil. I was told to do this about 30 miles before an oil change. May be this will help the flow.

Substitute one quart of Marvel Mystery Oil in with the rest. I've personally witnessed it eliminate ticking lifters many times now.

Vernon