Diesel, oil, and additives

[Frank A. Wilson]

Having recently inherited a ‘98.5 24 valve 3500 4x4 dually, with just over 100k miles. I haven’t even changed the oil yet. Is there a best brand of diesel fuel to use? Best brand of oil? Any additives to the diesel or oil I should add to maintain a health truck? All suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Be well,
Drive safely,
frank

 

[NIsaacs]

I recommend you change "all" the fluids. Brand is mostly a personal choice. I use what is on sale for oil, just be sure it is diesel engine rated. Mild climate, 15w/40 is good, cold climate 5w/40 synthetic. Be aware, synthetic is about double the price. Napa has 15w/40 on sale, for $14.49 this month. I use mostly Napa Gold filters.

Diesel fuel is all about the same, stay with a popular station. Be advised, some locals have more than one choice at the pump. Here you have one choice. #2 summer and blended in the winter. I don't use any additives in the fuel or oil. 366k miles on my '01, same oem VP pump. Keep the fuel tank half full minimum.

 

[Frank A. Wilson]

I recommend you change "all" the fluids. Brand is mostly a personal choice. I use what is on sale for oil, just be sure it is diesel engine rated. Mild climate, 15w/40 is good, cold climate 5w/40 synthetic. Be aware, synthetic is about double the price. Napa has 15w/40 on sale, for $14.49 this month. I use mostly Napa Gold filters.

Diesel fuel is all about the same, stay with a popular station. Be advised, some locals have more than one choice at the pump. Here you have one choice. #2 summer and blended in the winter. I don't use any additives in the fuel or oil. 366k miles on my '01, same oem VP pump. Keep the fuel tank half full minimum.

Thank you. Sounds like very good advice.

 

[petersonj]

I agree with what @NIsaacs is saying. I have never used any fuel additives or used a particular engine oil or engine oil filter. I live in eastern Oregon and I use a blended fuel (#1 and #2 diesel) during the winter from a local reputable supplier.

My truck has logged 374,000 miles with 283,000 miles currently on a second VP44. The first one failed at 87,000 miles and was covered under warranty. Since you have reached the 100,000 mile mark on what I am assuming is the original VP44, you may have a good pump that will be trouble free for years and miles to come.

- John

 

[Frank A. Wilson]

I agree with what @NIsaacs is saying. I have never used any fuel additives or used a particular engine oil or engine oil filter. I live in eastern Oregon and I use a blended fuel (#1 and #2 diesel) during the winter from a local reputable supplier.
Thanks much. I’m in Spokane, weather and dust similar to yours. I’ll do
My truck has logged 374,000 miles with 283,000 miles currently on a second VP44. The first one failed at 87,000 miles and was covered under warranty. Since you have reached the 100,000 mile mark on what I am assuming is the original VP44, you may have a good pump that will be trouble free for years and miles to come.

- John

 

[Frank A. Wilson]

Thanks much. I live in Spokane, Wa. Whether not unlike yours. I won’t fix something that’s not broken.

 

[GAmes]

Unlike John I do have a preference for the engine oil filter. Nothing less than a synthetic filter media. TDR71_LubeOilFiltration.pdf

 

[AH64ID]

Unlike John I do have a preference for the engine oil filter. Nothing less than a synthetic filter media. TDR71_LubeOilFiltration.pdf

Agreed. Any old oil is probably just fine, but not all filters are crated equal.

My preference is the Donaldson DBL7349, but I would run a Stratopre if I couldn’t get the Donaldson.

I’m personally picky on oil, but also realize these engines don’t really care about the oil as long as you change it when you should.

 

[Cummins12V98]

^^^^^ So why not the AMZ/OIL filter. Sounds like it's improved and was better than the StrataPore.

 

[AH64ID]

^^^^^ So why not the AMZ/OIL filter. Sounds like it's improved and was better than the StrataPore.

Availability and price. The Amsoil is a great filter, but if I need something in a bind the Stratapore is likely easiest to obtain.

It’s not improved, the rating dropped.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Of the three what is the best rated filter?

 

[AH64ID]

Of the three what is the best rated filter?

The Donaldson.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Thanks, I guess it will be the Donaldson from now on since both are made in Mexico!

 

[Diesel Gunner]

I recently stopped at a Texaco station and noticed, after I had started fueling that I was filling with B20. If I remember correctly, Cummins does not approve the use of B20 in these engines.

 

[endoscott]

I never had any problems with B20 in a 2014. Used it lots of times. Doesn't mean you won't.

 

[brucejohnson]

Cummins has approved B20 for most of their engines built from 2002 to present.

http://productiongenerators.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Cummins-Biodiesel-stance-Apr-075.pdf

California's mandate, as you have noted, has been extensively tested with various combinations for lubricants and other "ingredients" to produce a reasonably clean (for now) product. Not sure how your 2001.5 fits in, but I have not read any issues. Mostly positive comments online.
I have concern at one place I get diesel (Not CA, but a wanna be CA state) that has "Up to 10% Ethanol" stickers on the diesel pumps. Again, from what I have read, that mixture has sufficient additives to clean up the emissions and lubricate everything under the sun.

 

[GAmes]

I use B20 whenever I can find it. It is lower cost than the B5 (west coast states mandate all diesel be at least B5) and hasn't caused me any problems. It is lower cost because the gov't subsidizes Bio-diesel. It is kind of getting some tax money back.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

I use B20 whenever I can find it. It is lower cost than the B5 (west coast states mandate all diesel be at least B5) and hasn't caused me any problems. It is lower cost because the gov't subsidizes Bio-diesel. It is kind of getting some tax money back.

?
Perhaps, paying for a feeling of getting something back.

 

[AH64ID]

Cummins has approved B20 for most of their engines built from 2002 to present.

http://productiongenerators.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Cummins-Biodiesel-stance-Apr-075.pdf

California's mandate, as you have noted, has been extensively tested with various combinations for lubricants and other "ingredients" to produce a reasonably clean (for now) product. Not sure how your 2001.5 fits in, but I have not read any issues. Mostly positive comments online.
I have concern at one place I get diesel (Not CA, but a wanna be CA state) that has "Up to 10% Ethanol" stickers on the diesel pumps. Again, from what I have read, that mixture has sufficient additives to clean up the emissions and lubricate everything under the sun.

Cummins might have, but Dodge/Ram did not start that early.

The early 3rd gens could add a second fuel filter, Mopar Severe Duty Filter Kit, to get B20 compatibility.

Pretty sure it wasn’t until 2013 that they came from the factory with the ability to run B20 as a factory approved fuel. Even then the owners manual is still ambiguous is 2023.

I’ve used it with horrible results (winter), and fantastic results (summer). I’m not opposed to it, but don’t search it out.

 

[GAmes]

?
Perhaps, paying for a feeling of getting something back.

When a fill-up saves me over $20 and I receive the same power and mileage. Yup, getting something back.