Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) another oil question

[ffken]

i cant find a straight answer. is valvoline premium blue 15w40 a synthetic blend or not? Is it to late to start using a full synthetic at 120k?

 

[ffken]

help?!?

 

[Alan Reagan]

Valvoline PB is a not synthetic blend. Premium Blue 2000 is a synthetic blend but has been replaced by Premium Blue Extreme. PB Extreme is labeled a full synthetic, however it is manufactured from organic stock. I don't think it's too late at 120K to change to synthetic. I changed over at about 80K with no problems.

 

[Cooker]

I agree. I wouldn't waste your money on the Premium Blue 2000 synthetic blend. The PB Extreme 5w40 is a decent oil and you can switch to that now without problems. It will help your cold weather starts significantly.

 

[aconnors]

I too switched to PB Extreme 5W40 and have had great winter starts with the orig. batteries.

Y2K auto 4X4

 

[jaybigboy34]

Is Rotella T not the way to go oil wise anymore?

 

[RowJ]

Synthetics

Switching to synthetics can be done anytime. I's not like it was 10-15 yrs ago. As long as your engine is in good condition and not burning oil - no problems. If it is using some oil, a high quality synthetic will tend to use more.

Also no problem mixing oils. Don't need to worry about getting it all out, etc.

I would recommend a full synthetic over a blended synthetic. You never know what percent is synthetic in a blended and there are no govt. guide lines requiring disclosure.

The "organic stock" synthetic base oils are less expensive and very good oils. The industry term is "unconventional base oil"and is about 95% as durable as a PAO (polyalphaolifin) type base oil (used by Amsoil and other high quality oil companys). Only significant difference is the Pour point (cold max) is 10 degrees higher- maybe minus 40 instead of minus 50; and the flash point (hot max) is 20 - 30 degrees lower - maybe 410 instead of 440.

If the price is right, the unconventional base oil synthetics are, IMHO, a good deal and are an honest 7,000 to 10,000 mile oil & filter change (depending on towing), which goes a long way towards justifying the added cost.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Good explanation and advice, RowJ. You are right on target with your comments. I don't run in the -40/-50 temps in the South, so pour point is not an issue here. With the PB Extreme, I do notice easier cranking on really cold mornings. Also, when I'm putting it in after an oil change on cold days, it pours better than non synthetic. The only downshot I've seen is that I seem to get a little more oil blow by out of the hose.

 

[DLGonzo]

Originally posted by jaybigboy34

Is Rotella T not the way to go oil wise anymore?

Sure it is. Synthetic is fine and my let you go a little longer inbetween oil changes, but you still have to change the filter. Even on Amsoil's web page they show that Rotella is just about as good with normal oil changes.



I wouldn't mind switching over just to not have to change my oil so much, but I'm sure I'd be fighting oil leaks, and I don't feel like changing seal right now.

 

[RowJ]

Jay__34

Nothing wrong with Rotella T; There is more than one right way to go!

I like synthetics just for the added protection if/when the oil gets really hot (300+ degrees). Because most of us don't have oil temp gauges, we don't know whats happening as it happens. I also like extended change intervals (10,000 miles - not long long term). I also like to run a 5w-30 wt and am only comfortable doing so with a high grade oil. 5w-30 gives me easier starts, better flow and a little better mileage.

I run a high grade oil filter (recommend either Baldwin or Amsoil) and leave it in for 10,000 miles.

You can run Rotella and change oil & filter at 5,000 miles and do equally well. IMHO, if towing, I would change more often; many don't but I would.

To me, frequent and high qualality oil changes are cheap insurance. What I'm focusing on is having a clean, smooth running engine at 200,000 + miles. Any system will work during the first 100,000 miles on a CTD, but what about latter on? Less expensive oils tend to form more Gum, Lacquor (sp?) and Carbon. These can build up and your engine may start talking back down the road.

 

[2ndgen2500]

rotella is not the BEST oil, but it is ok. i like synthetics, i personally run amsoil 15w40 HD Diesel oil, and in the could i would run Delvac 1, the bypass filter makes it worthwhile acheaving extended drain intervals to about 50k