Engine Oil

[JEvers]

Sorry for all the dumb questions, guys, but this is my first diesel.



Have a filter package coming from Geno's and picked up 24 quarts of Shell Rotella T at Walmart today.



Hope I bought the right oil. The owners manual says SAE API I-4/SH. The Rotella that I bought says API CI-4/SL. Is that still okay?

 

[Blakers]

Yes, that's one of the best oils going.



Blake

 

[LightmanE300]

Thats a decent, tried and true oil, but to say its one of the best is quite an exaggeration. There is no comparison of an oil like Rotella T to an oil like Delvac 1 or Amsoil Series 3000. However, I dont want to turn this thread into an oil war etc.



Regardless, Jevers, CI-4 is the best API spec for diesel oils at the moment, so you are in the right ballpark!! People have used rotella T for millions of miles. However some of us who are car nuts prefer the premium synthetics. Your call! Congrats on your new truck

 

[Dean Upson]

That's the same oil I use. I have had good luck with it for years.



Dean

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by LightmanE300

Thats a decent, tried and true oil, but to say its one of the best is quite an exaggeration. There is no comparison of an oil like Rotella T to an oil like Delvac 1 or Amsoil Series 3000.

Lightman is correct that Mobil Delvac synthetic is a "better" oil. But synthetic oil should not be used in the CTD until the engine is broken-in. It takes between 10-20K miles to brake them in, based on your usage. You will also find that many of the 1 million mile CTD owners used Rotella T 15w40. If you live in a very cold climate then the synthetic would be good to use in the winter after the CTD is pasted 20K miles.

 

[JEvers]

Yes, I agree with what you say about synthetics. Run Mobil 1 15w-50 in my race car and after 1000 runs the inside of the engine is spotless. Run Redline Synthetic in the AUDI Turbo Quattro as well. I've always preferred synthetic with turbocharged vehicles. I want to get about 20,000 to 25,000 miles on the Dodge before I change over. Thanks for the advice.

 

[adsharpe]

Hey - a friend runs Rotella in Powerjoke vans for FedEx. He sold the first van at over 300k after having replaced the sending unit (fuel) and has nearly 200k on van #2, another Powerjoke. So, if you can run a Powerjoke that far on Rotella without trouble a CTD should do at least 100k. (HaHa).



Change the oil and filter at reasonable intervals. A synthetic can't carry anymore soot than real oil.

 

[Parshal]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

You will also find that many of the 1 million mile CTD owners used Rotella T 15w40. If you live in a very cold climate then the synthetic would be good to use in the winter after the CTD is pasted 20K miles.

At what temperatures are people using 5w-40? How warm of a temperature would you not us 5w-40 and how cold of temperatures would you not use 15w-40?

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Parshal

At what temperatures are people using 5w-40? How warm of a temperature would you not us 5w-40 and how cold of temperatures would you not use 15w-40?

I have never heard of anything but a synthetic oil that was a 5W40 and with that range you could use it year round in any temperature. As long as it met the API spec. for your engine.

 

[Pit Bull]

Check out this site for oil and lube questions. www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

[LightmanE300]

Delvac 1 5w40 is good to -55F or something... I think you're safe... . and fine for as hot as it gets in the US. 5w-40 year round.



Adsharpe, synthetics may carry the same amount of soot as petro oil, however their additive packages don't break down nearly as quickly, allowing longer drain intervals, and the film strength/scuff protection(read engine wear) is also better on synthetics. Petro oils also leave sludge in the engine, and synthetics keep it clean.



I plan on running Delvac 1300 for 15K miles or so on my new truck to let it break in, and then switching to Delvac 1.

 

[BKunic]

Chevron Delo?

Another rookie here - I have ordered an '04 2500 but it won't be in until the middle of Sept. In the meantime, I'm doing my homework and the TDR is my primary source for that. My question is that I hear alot of folks here recommending the Shell Rotella. I was wondering how the Chevron Delo stacks up against the Rotella and others. I ask as the Delo is conveniently available at the local Costco, and being the lazy type...



Thanks in advance,



Bryan K

 

[Parshal]

Originally posted by LightmanE300

Delvac 1 5w40 is good to -55F or something... I think you're safe... . and fine for as hot as it gets in the US. 5w-40 year round.

I see in the owner's manual the 15w-40 is good to 0 F. How oftwn would the temperature need to be near that temp (or, slightly below) before you'd swap to 5w-40?

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: Chevron Delo?

Originally posted by BKunic

Another rookie here - I have ordered an '04 2500 but it won't be in until the middle of Sept. In the meantime, I'm doing my homework and the TDR is my primary source for that. My question is that I hear alot of folks here recommending the Shell Rotella. I was wondering how the Chevron Delo stacks up against the Rotella and others. I ask as the Delo is conveniently available at the local Costco, and being the lazy type...



Thanks in advance,



Bryan K

Bryan, 6 of one half dozen of the other. Some like Delo more.

 

[Dean Upson]

Rotella is widely available at Sam's , WallMart and just about every truckstop anywhere.



Dean

 

[Ladders]

Delo user here. Cant stand the "smell-a-tella" so the choice was easy. Nothing wrong with either/or. . just choice (and avail @ COSTCO).



SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[JLockhart]

Where is the best place to buy Delvac 1 5W-40? I'm thinking about changing to it in my VW TDI.

 

[AndyMan]

I'm sure you've all read it by now, but if you haven't check out the oil / anitfreeze article in the latest issue of TDR. It's a facinating read. The explanation of the API Ratings was fantastic.

 

[LightmanE300]

Jlockhart, both of my cars love D1. I get mine shipped to my door at www.avlube.com

 

[dieselpilot1969]

What ya'll think of royal purple?