Diesel lubricants/fluids/filters etc.

[RRushford]

I just purchased my first diesel and am in need of some help. I own a Dodge 2001, 1 ton, 3500, 4x4 dually. I am going to drain and replace all of the lubricants and fluids. I am looking for suggestions of what types and brands to use. Such things as oil/filter, fuel filter brand and type, trans. fluid/filter, differential grease, transfer case, and any other lubes/ fluids or filters that I may need in the truck. Any other suggestions for a new diesel owner would also be appreciated... ... . thanks

 

[kaptn]

Oil filter and fuel filter from Cummins. I believe you will start an oil war, I use Rotella oil, Mobil 1 synthetic in transmission. Good luck with your baby.

 

[Pit Bull]

Welcome to the TDR. Nice choice in trucks If your running a stock Dodge CTD, use Mopar or Fleetguard filters. I use Rotella T 15w40 in the engine. Use the Mopar recommended transmission fluid and change it based on the DC maintenance schle. Use Mobil 1 75w90 in the diffs. Use a good transmission fluid in the transfer case and change it every 15K. If you keep on top of your maintenance you will never have a failure caused by fluids.

 

[bmoeller]

I use Fleetgard filters, RotellaT engine oil. The trans. oil and diffs/t-case oil was changed right before I bought the truck so I don't know what they used there. Planning on changing the t-case and diff. fluid to Amsoil (dealer 2 miles from work) next time it gets changed.

 

[Rosco]

I use fleetguard filters and last oil change (which was first oil change in new truck) I used RotellaT. However I am going to switch to Delo 400 15w40 to see if it smells less than RosemellaT. I used Rotella in my other truck and it's a great oil it just smells a little which is characteristic of that particular oil. Take your pick because both of the above mentioned oils are very high quality.

 

[HC]

Fleetguard filters. LF3894 for the oil filter, accept no substitutes, I don't care what the guy behind the counter tells you. If you doubt this, call 1-9800-22FILTER and talk to Fleetguard experts.



Oil, I'm a synthetic user, but in Dino oils, I'd strongly look at Delo. Check this thread on the great Delo vs Rotella debate, and pay special attention to Lee Weber's post. As Lee said, either will "work", but look at the specs and decide for yourself which one is "better".



I'd also recommend a lubricity additive; get on the 'net and find some Stanadyne "Lubricity Formula" (one-half the cost per treatment of their "Performance Formula), or go with Power Service if that's what you can find.

 

[Hohn]

What HC said^^^



He took the words right out of my mouth.



I am synthetic guy too, but I currently use Delo. I will make up my mind later on whether to go syn or not after my CTD is broken in.



Stick with the Fleetguard stratopore filters (the one HC listed) there really is a difference.



HOHN

 

[Pit Bull]

Hohn and HC, I agree with you "But" Here is my deal. I drive 18K miles a year. I don't tow or haul. I keep my truck in the garage (don't even have to plug it in, in the winter). When I drive it, I drive country roads 25 miles at a stretch, average speed 60 mph, very very little stop and go traffic. After 5 years and around 90K miles of ownership I will trade for a new Truck. I use Rotella T 15w40 changed oil and filter at 1000 miles and 5000 miles. Will change from now on at 5000 mile interval. First change I installed a Fleetguard Stratopore, now I am running the Mopar filters. This keeps the 5 year 100K warranty in effect and is very cost effective (the dealer gives me a deal on the oil and filter changes and it keeps me tight with my excellant dealer). Like we have found in most of these lube threads, everyones circumstance is different so different solutions work.

 

[socal_rattler]

See my signature block for the fluids, filters, etc. I recommend.

 

[HC]

Pit Bull,

You knew from another thread that my relatively higher mileage per year influences some of my choices...



I agree, different answers are "right" for different folks. With lower mileage, I'd be running Dino too.



On the filters, you can use Fleetguard LF3894's if you want to with no harm to your warranty, because it is an "approved" filter per a Dodge TSB. It's TSB 09-004-01. A service writer might try to tell you otherwise, but with a TSB in hand you'd win that argument.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by HC

Pit Bull,

You knew from another thread that my relatively higher mileage per year influences some of my choices...



I agree, different answers are "right" for different folks. With lower mileage, I'd be running Dino too.



On the filters, you can use Fleetguard LF3894's if you want to with no harm to your warranty, because it is an "approved" filter per a Dodge TSB. It's TSB 09-004-01. A service writer might try to tell you otherwise, but with a TSB in hand you'd win that argument.

HC, I agree. I have some Stratopore's left from a Geno's purchase I made for my 2000. Figured I would have them put on every other oil change. I had the dealer use one on the 1K mile change. Used one of their Mopar on the 5K mile change will give them the Stratopore for the 10K mile change. Figure worst case would be I would have DC and Fleetguard pointing at each other and it is on the recommended list.

 

[Futures1]

Lubricants

Hi RR,

I have owned diesel powered vehicles since way back !! Currently have 3, the synthetics are taking over (after new veh break in since they often protect too well to allow proper break in),

My VW TDI A4 specifies synthetic, My MB has over 300 K on it, starts and runs like a top !! Dodge also approves it after breaking as well !! Most oil makers make a great oil if you purchase the proper Rating, (API CH4 or equivalent) and quality cost more at only at first ;o)

I recently purchased a 97 Dodge 2500 and will be changing over to 100% synthetic (after a good flushing), all of the info I seen by those who have done so seems to make it a no brainer. Check out some of the Amsoil user reports, and specs.

Mobil is another great one, but watch the API Service Rating !!

 

[Servis]

I have 87,000 miles on my 98 and I use the following:

Fleetguard AF25541 air filter

Fram 3976A oil filter ( make sure it ends in A)

Transmission Fluid ATF-4 ( change once a year)

Chrysler Corporation will stand behind all of the above items

I use Rotella 15w-40 ( change every 3,000 miles )



I hope this answers you questions