Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dino Oil

[BILLUA]

Gentlmen, please understand that I am not trying to bait anyone or start again the age old question of which is the best oil. .



Here goes, I am currently running 15w40 synthetic and usually do a filter change at 2500-3000 miles and oil change at 6,000 miles.

Although I like the thought of synthetics, I like the thought of changing the oil at 3,000 miles even better. So, I would like to know what oil has come back with the best analysis readings??

I have seen the Amsoil ads and it looks like Delo 400 15w40 is the way to go. Plus I can get 6 gallons of this at costco for

$28. 00!



Cheers, Bill

 

[lschultz]

Sounds like a good deal so go far it. Its your truck so use whatever you want in it.

 

[drag racer]

my opinion: for dino oil, you can't go wrong with Rotella T or Delo, and really don't need to look any further.

 

[Pit Bull]

Does anyone analyze dino oil at 3000 miles? I don't think you could have a problem even with your bombed truck changing oil and filter at 3000 miles. JMHO

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Synthetics, with regular filter changes and reasonable drain intervals seem to work well for some on this board - but while it isn't often mentioned, past tests have shown the the dino oils, using the same regular filter changes will ALSO perform well out to around 32,000 miles in "normal" vehicle operation - you don't have to use synthetics for extended drain intervals, if that is appealing to you.



As far as choosing a top dino oil, I personally prefer Delo 400 15-40 in my local climate due to test results in the past that gave it a slight edge in overall performance and protection over the competition - but all the top brands seem to do well, and these diesels will either outlast many of us, or get traded off LONG before they wear out, regardless of brand!

 

[gregdoerfler]

how about penzoil?

 

[RichB59]

Thinking of

changeing to syn oil. I use Delo400 now and do oil and filter at 3000. I wonder if going witha syn oil and changeing at 6000k oil and filter would give any added protection. I have a 92 Dakota 318 that has 150K I use castrol 20/50 now and it's still going strong. I started with 10/30 and then to 10/40 and now the 20/50 at 3000k intervals. it burns no oil. This is a hot climate and the 20/50 is good protection in my opinion. What has been said is true these trucks will outlast us old guys anyway you do it.



RichB

 

[sberrio]

Rotella 5W-40???

I normaly run Delo 15W-40. This winter I am thinking of switching to the Rotella 5w-40 synthetic. I am thinking this because I have a short trip to work (about 4 miles), and I heard the synthetic will be better for winter cold starts.

My question is, does running synthetic in the winter sound like a good idea???

thanks,

simon

 

[Chief USA]

I use John Deere 15W 40 Plus 50. I bought a 55 gallon drum. Comes out to about $1. 19 a quart that way. Alot of the truck drivers and trucking companys use this too.



Randy

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: Rotella 5W-40???

Originally posted by sberrio

I normaly run Delo 15W-40. This winter I am thinking of switching to the Rotella 5w-40 synthetic. I am thinking this because I have a short trip to work (about 4 miles), and I heard the synthetic will be better for winter cold starts.

My question is, does running synthetic in the winter sound like a good idea???

thanks,

simon

Makes a lot of sense for your application.

 

[CTabor]

I use John Deere plus 50 15 40 also.

 

[Rogue Ram]

Try this........

... ... . if cold environments worry you, buy a couple of quarts of whatever brand oil you are considering, pour them in a plastic punch cup, and stick them in your freezer.



For me, the two easiest to find oils are Delo and Rotella. Just for grins, I did this with both brands, using 15-40 weight... ... ... both are great oils, and I can get both for the same amount of $$, so when the Delo poured way better after being exposed to freezing temps overnight that's what I went with.



FWIW



Rogue

 

[fj40charles]

Go with a good 15W-40 dino oil. There are many trucks getting over 500K (over 1 million too) miles running Rotella T or Delo 400. IMHO, dino oil is more cost effective and "forces" you to look under the hood at regular intervals to inspect for any problems.



Charles

 

[pwr2tow]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

Synthetics, with regular filter changes and reasonable drain intervals seem to work well for some on this board - but while it isn't often mentioned, past tests have shown the the dino oils, using the same regular filter changes will ALSO perform well out to around 32,000 miles in "normal" vehicle operation - you don't have to use synthetics for extended drain intervals, if that is appealing to you.

Very good observation and excellent information.



Thanks you Gary.



Ron

 

[E7mack96]

my 2 cents

I am running Rotella 15w40 at a drain interval of 9,000 miles with excellent results. Total miles on truck is 47,773



at 9,003 miles (on this sample) on 10/02/2002 lab reported:



iron - 28

copper - 3

lead - 4

aluminum - 3

chromium - 1



and for those K & N disbelievers



silicon - 4

 

[monkeyman]

Valvoline Extreme Blue

I just broke in my engine on my 2002. 5, having used synthetics for over 30 years I have used them all. However Valvoline's Diesel Synthetic was certified and tested by Cummins. So if your engine under warranty goes and they try to blame the oil, they can't blame this oil.

Just my two cents worth. I paid $16. 00 gallon.

 

[Texas Diesel]

I get the Valvoline Pemium Blue synthetic (5w-40) for $11. 72 a gallon at Napa. It is fully API certified AND has the big blue Cummins logo on it, no other oil has Cummins endorsement on it.

I think you might be changing your oil / filter too often, when I used Delvac 1300 my oil analysis showed the oil did not need to be changed as often as I was doing it at 5,000 miles.

The ole Cummins will do 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles on dino lube and regular scheduled filter changes; exotic, high $ oils might be considered overkill . I only use the Valvoline because it is $4 a gallon more than the dino stuff.

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: my 2 cents

Originally posted by E7mack96

I am running Rotella 15w40 at a drain interval of 9,000 miles with excellent results. Total miles on truck is 47,773



at 9,003 miles (on this sample) on 10/02/2002 lab reported:

E7mack96, that is good information to know. I normally change mine using Rotella T 15w40 every 5,000 miles. This next change might come up this time the end of Feb. 2003. Since my truck won't fit in the garage and I don't want the dealer to change it I now feel I can let it go awhile till the weather is nice enough for me to crawal under it in March. I would still be under 9,000 miles waiting till March and nice weather to change. Truck is a daily driver no towing or hauling and I drive 18-20 miles highway one way to my destination, so these are easy miles on the oil.

Thanks

Dennis

 

[BILLUA]

Replies

Gentlemen, Thanks all for the replies! I believe I will go ahead and go with Delo 400 and do the first oil change at 5,000 miles, get it analyzed and go from there.



I think that it is healthy to have periodic threads on topics such as this just to get an update and fresh info on what everyone is finding out



Cheers, Bill