Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) A few oil questions

[scz28]

I did my first oil change at a couple hundred miles and filled with Valvoline Premium Blue and a Stratapore.



My driving consists of 40/60 stop and go and freeway driving in Southern CA weather(basically always mild). I am not sure what oil I want to use and the change frequency. On our 97 Ram and 00 Excursion we have used this oil and done changes at 5000 miles but they see 90% freeway. THe Ram has 200K miles and no problems.



I have read a lot of the opinions here about the use of synthetic and they have worked well with our vehicles but I am not sure if the trucks won't have run just as well with other oils.



Anyone with similar driving habits or experience care to weigh in?

 

[TomGolden]

I personally used Delo 400 15W-40 dino oil for 65K miles in my old Ford 6. 9L diesel, and in my Ram from mile 1 - 30K, then switched to Amsoil synthetic. I have always changed oil and filter at 4500 - 5000 mile intervals, and done oil analysis with each change.



My *personal* opinion is that running any quality, diesel engine rated oil and the proper filter, combined with acceptable change intervals is absolutely good enough for any driving conditions. There are probably far more diesels of all varieties out there with 500K+ miles with no major engine overhauls that have run their entire lives on dino oil than synthetics.



Why did I switch to synthetics (everywhere, not just the engine)? I figured the extra cost of the synthetics was worth the added 1% (or whatever) increase in protection and extra peace of mind. There are many who feel the greatly increased cost does not justify the use of synthetics, and that is a perfectly valid opinion.



Ultimately, it's your truck and your money, so do what you feel most comfortable with and enjoy the Cummins experience



Tom

 

[TPlasek]

Friend has a 97 12 valver... 274,000 miles towing a 40ft goosenck most of the time, all on Delo 15w-40...