Motor oil

[ToddGeisler]

I did a search and couldn't find any similar results so here we go.

I bought a new 2015 Ram back before Thanksgiving. First oil change is coming up here soon and need some info before that time comes.

I previously had a 2003 Dodge Ram and used Mopar or Fleetguard filters along with Shell Rotella T 14w-40 oil.

Given the new truck has emissions equipment I wanted to make sure there weren't any specific oils to use. I checked the owners manual and it looks like Mopar recommends a 5w-40 synthetic in cold weather temps and 15w-40 regular oil in more normal temps.

So my first question is, what oil does this truck have from the factory?

I live in Maryland so we see a wide variety of temps from a low of zero in the winter to upwards of 100 in the hottest summer days.

I intend to stay with the same oil filters and also Rotella T oil.

I just need to figure out if I should stick with the 15w-40 dino oil or a synthetic. I know Rotella has a 5w-40 synthetic, don't remember if they have a 15w-40 synthetic or not.

thanks
Todd

 

[jus2shy]

You're pretty much guaranteed to be Dino oil at 15W-40, while 5W-40 guarantees synthetic in the world of diesel oils. Just run whatever bares the CES20081 rating (Shell Rotella does) and follow the recommendation of 5W for below 0 degree temp possibilities or 15W if you're going to remain over 0 degrees. I personally run 5W because I don't want to think about it. Also, in HD vehicles, Cummins recommend 10W-30 (of course a diesel type of oil, not regular 10W-30 passenger car motor oil) oil in some commercial implementations of the ISB. So I wouldn't be too worried about going 5W or 15W. Seeing the winter you guys had recently, I personally would run 5W all year around. Seems like Winter forgot the Pacific North West this year.

 

[ToddGeisler]

Given the choice I would prefer switching to a synthetic (ran 15w-40 triple Rotella T before), but was unsure if the 5w-40 would be an issue towing in the hot summer months.

 

[sag2]

Factory fill is synthetic.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I will be running AMZ/OIL 15-40 100% synthetic in my new RAM.

 

[ARedmon]

I own a 2014 RAM 3500 diesel. I was told it was filled with 5W-40 synthetic at the factory. I knew that my 2005 RAM diesel was filled with 15W-40 conventional at the factory, so I wanted to know if there was some reason the new trucks "needed" to use synthetic. I contacted both RAM and Cummins engineers by email with my questions. Here is what I found out: Beginning with the 2014 RAM HDs, the factory fill is Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5W-40, a synthetic (Cummins has a contract with Valvoline). They told me that the ONLY reason was because a lot of their trucks were sold in the cold northern states and Canada, so they decided to start them with the synthetic to prevent any issues with the new trucks in extremely cold weather. BUT, if you live where it rarely gets below 0 Fahrenheit, they have no problem recommending 15W-40 Conventional oil. Your owners manual will reflect that. It says above 0, 15W-40 Conventional is recommended, below 0, 5W-40 Synthetic is recommended. FCA has a contract with Pennzoil to supply both packaged Mopar MaxPro and dealer bulk oil supplies, so your Mopar MaxPro 15W-40 Diesel oil IS Shell Rotella T. Your dealer bulk oil is Pennzoil or Shell Rotella. My main question to the engineers was: Because 5W-40 synthetic is now factory fill, does that mean you recommend a synthetic continue to be used? Their answer was emphatically NO. The owners manual is exactly correct. A spec 15W-40 Conventional oil is fine. The 5W-40 synthetic is recommended for extreme cold of below 0.

 

[ToddGeisler]

Thanks for all the information, real good stuff to know.

I have no problem using either, but wonder if there is any noticeable fuel mileage difference between 5w-40 synthetic and 15w-40 conventional oil?

 

[AnOldBiker]

I own a 2014 RAM 3500 diesel. I was told it was filled with 5W-40 synthetic at the factory. I knew that my 2005 RAM diesel was filled with 15W-40 conventional at the factory, so I wanted to know if there was some reason the new trucks "needed" to use synthetic. I contacted both RAM and Cummins engineers by email with my questions. Here is what I found out: Beginning with the 2014 RAM HDs, the factory fill is Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5W-40, a synthetic (Cummins has a contract with Valvoline). They told me that the ONLY reason was because a lot of their trucks were sold in the cold northern states and Canada, so they decided to start them with the synthetic to prevent any issues with the new trucks in extremely cold weather. BUT, if you live where it rarely gets below 0 Fahrenheit, they have no problem recommending 15W-40 Conventional oil. Your owners manual will reflect that. It says above 0, 15W-40 Conventional is recommended, below 0, 5W-40 Synthetic is recommended. FCA has a contract with Pennzoil to supply both packaged Mopar MaxPro and dealer bulk oil supplies, so your Mopar MaxPro 15W-40 Diesel oil IS Shell Rotella T. Your dealer bulk oil is Pennzoil or Shell Rotella. My main question to the engineers was: Because 5W-40 synthetic is now factory fill, does that mean you recommend a synthetic continue to be used? Their answer was emphatically NO. The owners manual is exactly correct. A spec 15W-40 Conventional oil is fine. The 5W-40 synthetic is recommended for extreme cold of below 0.

A couple of years a go I called Cummins and as stated above, this is the information given to me. But they added that if you keep using Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5W-40, you can add another 5k to each oil change. I'm not sure if I like this, but this is what was told to be.

 

[ARedmon]

Jim, the engineers didn't mention any extended oil change intervals to me but, admittedly, I didn't specifically ask about that. The owner's manual, though, does say NOT to extend oil change intervals with a synthetic!

 

[AnOldBiker]

I was on a phone call over their 800# and that's what THEY said to me. But I would like to mention, THEY SAID. I don't have that in writing. And it was stated with Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme 5W-40. They use this in all engine leaving the facility, so they must have a contract with Valvoline. And a phone conversation isn't proof with warrantee work. Like I said, I'm not sure if I like that. I believe if someone is doing constant lab checks on their oil, then I'd feel comfortable with the extended mileage. If they are not, then I wouldn't highly recommend not going past what is in print from the manufacture.

Like the old saying, 'One Must Protect Yourself'.

 

[Bug Out]

I used to use 15w40 Rotella every 5k on my previous 3 Cummins. Now that I'm changing the oil at over 10K, I use the 5w40 syn oil as the cost is almost the same with 10K+ oil changes vs 5K with dino 15w40. I figure its got to be a bit better oil and it came from cummins with 5w40syn oil too.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Bug Out are you in cold weather all the time? I thought 15-40 was recommended for normal temps?

My manual says above 0 degrees use 15-40 below use 5-40 synthetic.

 

[AnOldBiker]

Here's another thought of the difference between the 15w-40 and 5w-40 thoughts. I normally use the 5w-40 full sync oil year round, even though I don't live in the upper states where winter weather can be like living in a deep freeze. This is due to the fact that during the year, since I retired, I might never know where I might be. When I retired, I moved from Sunny Southern California, and I now live in Tennessee where lately our weather has been as low as -7* in the winter (for short periods of time) then swing to the high 50's* for a day or two and drop again. In the summers it can be in the high 90's with tons of humility.

The wife and I might get an urge to see the grandkids or visit friends and hit the road. Going through the southern states and returning though the upper states during who knows what month of the year. Trying to make each years route different to see this wonderful country. In the last several years we have been through every weather conditions possible.

Now with the 5w-40 temperature range, I never worry what will come and have never had a problem with oil. My yearly lab reports from Blackstone have been good. Also the cost of oil (full Sync only) is the same when I buy it whether it would have been the 15w-40 or the 5w-40, or even the 0w-40 (if I wanted to use that). And I'm fully protected.

I'm also going the extended oil change route for max mileage, but that might not be appropriate for this thread.

 

[Bug Out]

Cummins12V98, in Az it really wasnt needed. Now that I'm in cooler weather, -7 this morning etc, its needed.

 

[jus2shy]

Just to reinforce what people are saying, here's the owner's manual for reference. I run 5W-40 because I may run up to the cascades or Montana/Wyoming for fun, maybe I'll stay west of the Cascades. I just never know and don't want to think about oil viscosity.:

#ad

 

[ARedmon]

Well, you certainly can't go wrong using the 5W-40 Synthetic. I just don't go to the expense here in the South because those below 0 temps are rare. The main thing, I believe, is follow the owner's manual, especially if your truck is still under warranty!

 

[tony1461571]

Cummins12V98
I have always used amsoil how often will you change your oil using amsoil.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Cummins12V98
I have always used amsoil how often will you change your oil using amsoil.

On my 98 I would run it 10K with filter at 5K.

On my 11 I changed when the computer said to. Usually close to the 7,500 mile mark.

On the new 15 I assume it will be well over 10. If I keep the 15 past warranty I will change per oil analysis.

 

[tony1461571]

On my 98 I would run it 10K with filter at 5K.

On my 11 I changed when the computer said to. Usually close to the 7,500 mile mark.

On the new 15 I assume it will be well over 10. If I keep the 15 past warranty I will change per oil analysis.

For me that sound funny. I had my 98.5 for about 16 to 17 years and but for the wreck I still would. My 2014 I have just over 8k still no message about changing the oil I like amsoil I sell it I just want to get good use from the oil I was planning on doing oil analysis. This is my first experience with the new cummins so I'm not sure of a lot of things with maintenance I will use amsoil front to back top to bottom I know how well it protects. Any wisdom will be appreciated. How often does it regenerate. I don't know what to look for. If I may ask how old are you and where are you from I'm 62 Washington IL near Peoria.

 

[Cummins12V98]

For me that sound funny. I had my 98.5 for about 16 to 17 years and but for the wreck I still would. My 2014 I have just over 8k still no message about changing the oil I like amsoil I sell it I just want to get good use from the oil I was planning on doing oil analysis. This is my first experience with the new cummins so I'm not sure of a lot of things with maintenance I will use amsoil front to back top to bottom I know how well it protects. Any wisdom will be appreciated. How often does it regenerate. I don't know what to look for. If I may ask how old are you and where are you from I'm 62 Washington IL near Peoria.

What "sounded funny" ?

I am 57, my Dad is the first AMZ/OIL dealer in WA State. Notice how I spell it?????