change to synthetic oil or not?

[FrankA]

Just wondering if it's ok to change to synthetic oil after 46,000 miles on my 07' Ram diesel. If so, what name brand recommendations do you suggest? Thanks-

 

[BlackBullit]

That would be a perfect idea to go with synthetic oil. And the best money can buy is Amsoil.

 

[RBeard]

I have 225k miles on Royal Purple front to rear and couldn't be happier with the results.

 

[RikDavis]

i use Mobil Delvac 1 synthetic , 30 K oil changes with 7500 mile filter changes. Currently approaching 600 K on the 99 with no problems.
Not sure I would do it on a vehicle going normal mileage per year. I was hauling travel trailers and went to extended changes and synthetic so I didn't have some gorilla changing my oil on the road.

 

[KATOOM]

This is a much heated topic and usually turns into a full blown dispute. No matter, everyone has the choice to use synthetic in their motor or driveline at any time and at any interval. Synthetic and conventional lubricants are from the same petroleum base and are essentially the same product so are completely compatible.

Even though some people believe the fallacy, its not some space age miracle goo. Synthetics are merely the "best" stock obtained during the cracking process and usually contain their own proprietary recipe per the oil manufactures.

Under normal conditions the more uniform molecular structure of synthetic allows for easier flow patters in colder weather than conventional and also able to withstand hotter temperatures before coking and breakdown takes place. The only synthetics which are any different than the everyday stuff you know of are EXTREMELY expensive and is not the same stuff as you find on the auto part shelves. That even applies to AMSOIL as well.....

So again, if running synthetics makes you feel better then by all means, use it. But just note.....there are numerous trucks out on the road with more miles on them than most people will ever drive in their lifetime.....running on conventional lubricants.

 

[Shadrach]

I run 15w40 all year round. Although I don't use my truck much in the winter I use my Espar diesel fired engine heater and if it's real cold I also plug in my oil pan heaters. I have 2 - 100 watt stick on oil pan heaters that I glued to the bottom of the pan. Since I only do 2 oil changes a year why spend the extra money. I don't believe in doing extended oil changes just because you have some fancy oil in the pan. It still gets contaminated. Works for me.

My buddy who does use his truck daily also uses 15w40. We both use synthetics in the rest of the truck. David

 

[JR]

I don't know that it would be benefical to you. If you've owned the truck since new, you obviously don't put many miles on it (less than 6k a year avg).

As much as it sits, I'd use a good conventional oil and change annually to prevent any condensation from forming in the engine.

Edit: Oops, just realized this is an old thread, oh well.

 

[BLNRAY]

mobil 1 5w-40 in my 03,started synthetic at 30,000mi,now have 403,000mi.

 

[Grizzly]

Me, I'll stay with 15w40 dinosaur oil, Delo that is.

george