15w40 versus 5w40

[SlyBones]

Only interested in fully synthetic oils. Was interested in maybe using the 5w40 Rotella or the Delo 400. I have found the Rotella at Walmart. Have not found the Delo 400 5w40 synthetic at any local stores yet.



What I was thinking about was strictly cold weather startups. Most mornings here are around 30-40 range. With dip into 20's once in a while. However when we go to the mountains skiing * snowshoeing, 15-25 could be a likely startup with 0 being the lowest I have seen over many years at the pass. -- Here there are no plug ins at the parking lot. Its run the heater grids twice and fire.



The Rotella T costs over a buck per quart over what I can get Amsoil 15w40 HDD for. Dont know the costs of Delo 400. And Amsoil 5w-30 being the most expensive so far. I change every 7500mi and dont plan on long extended drains.



Looking for fully synthetics only, designed for our diesels, in the proper weight for my weather conditions, at the best price.

 

[LSMITH]

Delvac 1 5W-40 from Mobil is about $19 a gallon around here and is in the same class of synthetics that the Amsoil is. It is a totally man made base stock where the Rotella and Delo are both a super refined dino oil that classifies as a synthetic. I have heard that the Delo 5W40 is about $15 a gallon but I have not found it yet either, the Rotella 5W-40 is about $19 a gallon here. Personally I would not even consider the Rotella at the same price as the Delvac 1. Hope this helps.

 

[illflem]

I'm using Delo 5w-40 this winter for the first time so far so good. I have a source for around $10/ga though. Would be afraid of the A stuff due to potential leaks and no API certification. If I lived where you do I'd just use 15w-40 all year...

 

[SlyBones]

Did not know that about the Delo and Rotella. Last time I priced Amsoil it was 15. 35 gal for the 15w40. Walmart had Rotella at 18. 88. Did not see any Delvac on the shelf yet. At around $19 I would condider it, if there is a good reason to step up to the 5w oil.



illflem, Looks like we were typing at the same time. I currently have Amsoil throughout. I have no leak problems, so I am not worried. Also dont really care about the API thing. At $10 gal I would be interested in a source for the Delo.

 

[illflem]

Fred, if you are using Amsoil with good results I'd just keep on using it. Check with a Chevron distributor in Seattle for prices on the Delo. I get my Delo 5w-40 in Missoula, shipping it anywhere about doubles the price...



Still think you can stick with 15-40 year round especially if it's Amsoil.

 

[JohnE]

Bones;



I'll second Bill on sticking with the synthetic 15W-40 for year around usage. You already use AMSOIL and are comfortable with that. Why start shopping? I believe John (T) went back to the 15W-40 after trying the 5W-30. If I still lived in the Puget Sound region 15W-40 would be my first choice.

Most synthetic 15W-? oil specs beat dino 10W-? oil specs. The Cummins recommends 10W-30 for winter grade oil. Do not confuse winter with Arctic recommended 5W synthetic.

I love the winter performance of the 5W-30 as I live in solid winter/Arctic and that alone justifies the cost. I just found a source for Delvac 5W-40 and will change over once the Amsoil is gone.



No trying to start a flame war, but the Amsoil without an API seal beats Mobil 1 API certified oil in my wife's Mommy Van.



My 2 reale

-John

 

[SlyBones]

Illflem,



Thanks. The NAPA guy today gave me the location of the local chevron distributor. -- lately with all the trips to the mountains, I have been thinking about those cold weather starts.



In general I dont notice much difference in how fast the oil pressure gauge comes up whether its 35 or 75. There may be a difference, I would agree, but it does not seem very noticable. However those few 15* starts ( maybe 3 total this winter ) I have made when no plug in was available, did show noticable slower rise in the oil pressure gauge. So these got me thinking maybe I should ask around here and see what people think.



John,

Thanks. I guess that answers my question about the 5w issue.

 

[DEZLPWR]

Fred,

How long ago did you price the Amsoil? The cheapest I have found has been $19. 90/gal for the Amsoil 15w40. The Amsoil 5w30 is $30/gal! I'm paying $20/gal for my Mobil1 5w40... I gotta have that API seal though. hehe

 

[Cooker]

Although I don't know too much about the climate out your way, I think I would still have to agree with the others. If you are happy with Amsoil 15w40, I'd stick with it. At 15 degrees unplugged, I don't think you are doing the truck too much of a favor switching to 5w40 synthetic from a 15w40 synthetic. Especially since you are only seeing this scenario occassionally.



If you are still thinking you'd like to try something differnt, like the others I'd recommend the Delvac 1 5w40.



As LSMITH stated the Delo 5w40 syn and Rotella 5w40 syn are not "true" synthetics. They are severly hydrocracked dino oils, also referred to as group III oils, that the courts have ruled have undergone enough change to be classified as synthetic. I'm not saying group III oils are bad, just that they are different synthetics than the Amsoils, Delvac 1, and the Royal Purples.



My $. 02,

Ryan

 

[illflem]

Fred, I wouldn't be too concerned about a few cold start ups especially if are just parking for the day. After a cruise up Stevens or Snoqualmie your oil will stay pretty fluid for several hours and engine parts coated. If you were to park for several days that would be a different story...

 

[DavidD]

Just my 2 cents worth. I have used the amsoil 15-40 HDD&M for the last 2 1/2 years with great results. I got tired of oil analysis every changed cause it was always good. I run the oil 7500 to 8500 mi. and the analysis says i could go much futher< I guess i just like to change the oil, makes me feel good. I finally put the 5-30 Amsoil 2000 in this last change and I cannot tell a dif. Last 400mi round trip I may have gotten a little better milage but not much. Temps range weekly herer from 45 to 6 or 7. I have had the 15-40 down to -3 last winter in northeast Nevada with no problems. If i live in your climate of wash. I think I would stick with the 15-40. Also I think I payed $15 a gal. for the amsoil last batch. Dave