Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dyno versus Syenthetic?

[6naline01]

I am not trying to start a war but I have invested a sizeable sum of $$$$ in my 2001. 5 so I want to protect my truck the very best way possible. I am needing advice from our outstanding technical membership of what is the best way possible to use the best lubrication for my beloved CTD.







Mike AKA 6naline01.

 

[fest3er]

... what is the best way possible to use the best lubrication for my beloved CTD. ...

And not wanting to start another oil war either, I'll point out several ways.

• use a premium dino oil and change it at the mfr's suggested mileage interval, and use Amsoil's new Ea filters (synthetic media that filters much better than most (if not all) other filters
• use Amsoil's synth lube and filters and at least double your oil change intervals
• use Amsoil's synth lube, bypass filtration system, filters, and oil analysis and don't drain

In general, any oil meeting the proper API specs should work well; a premium diesel lube will definitely work well. Filtration is as important, and probably more important that the quality of the lube; far fewer wear particles will remain in the lube when a top-of-the-line filter is used.



Whatever lube you choose, make sure it has a high Total Base Number (TBN) (in excess of 10-12 or so). A higher TBN means the oil will counteract acids longer. Acids are the primary cause of sludge buildup.



If you bought the truck used, consider running a can or two of engine flush in the oil to loosen and break up any sludge that is in the engine. There are specific instructions for doing this. Once the sludge (if any) is gone, you can safely switch to most any oil you want.

 

[SnoKing]

I run Amsoil 90 in the front and 140 in the rear diff, as I tow. Given that you have a BD EB, I assume that you tow also. I use Delo 400 15W40 and change it at 5K for normal around town. We are going on a 7-8K RV trip this fall and will change it at the start and again when we get home. I use an infrared heat gun to check hubs, tires and diff while RVing.



SNOKING

 

[WestTN]

Given that many 5. 9 Cummins egines have run over 1,000,000 miles on conventional oil, I suggest using that oil and spend the extra money on keeping the rest of the truck together.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Can't go wrong with Valvoline Premium Blue oil. It was spec'd by Cummins for their engines.

 

[6naline01]

Dyno versus synthetic

Thanks a bunch to all who replied.

Mike AKA 6naline01

 

[DeezelDood]

There are lots of posts on this subject. I read most of them.



a. Camp 1. Most "oil burners" are brand-loyal dino users (take your pick Delo, Rotella, Delvac) and change oil on average at 5,000-7500 miles. No problems at all. Billions of miles.



b. Camp 2. Amsoil users are a very loyal bunch. Most of them are using bypass filtration, oil analyses, and extended change intervals. I've read of some issues with some aftermarket bypass systems, but mostly positive feedback. I'm too chicken to go there while under warranty (if ever).



c. Camp 3. Other synthetics, using original in-line filter. I use the Fleetguard Stratopore. I just switched to Mobil 1 5w40 @ about 25k miles, long enough to run in my engine on dino oil (Delo400). There are other good brands, but I am a long time loyal Mobil 1 user. I'll report on my performance down line (ie mpg). I plan on running this oil to 10k miles as a matter of course. 10k oil analysis posts have been positive for synthetics in general. 10k is double my normal 5k interval, so the cost is just about a wash compared with dino oil. The engine turns over easier when cold. That is what you get with the 5w syn as compared to 15w dino. It's the main advantage of synthetic. Another is the turbo. Synthetics (PAO's) won't coke up at high temp as easily as dino oil. It may be simply preference, but I just feel better knowing that I have Mobil 1 in my crankcase.