extended oil change intervals

[VetAllen]

I was cruising through the Yamaha site and found an interesting thread from an (alleged) GM engineer that was discussing the potential benefits and limitation of extended oil change intervals, especially as it related to synthetics. I realize that this is a slippery slope on this forum as there are passionate advocates on both sides of the dino vs. synthetic fence. I was curious if there were any insights as to the validity of this infomation from the long time users of extended change intervals and some of the well informed petroleum gurus. Again, not trying to start any conflicts, I had just never heard of nor previously read any of this information.



http://p083.ezboard.com/ffjr1300ownersassociationfrm12.showMessage?topicID=536.topic

 

[flattracker]

Have run extended drains sucessfully for several years on diesel equipment with both synthetics and dino oil. With the introduction of CI4+ oils they have almost completely closed the gap on oil life between synthetic and dino HDEOs and have completely eliminated any financial advantage synthetics had over dino oil.

With that said there are a few qualifiers one you must run an analysis program are you are just shooting in the dark, two have never yet seen an analysis back to back on the same engine where synthetic had better wear numbers than the dino just because the oil last longer doesn't mean it lubricates better. Three if you are going to run a bypass filter use a spinner centrifuge it's the only one that will actually remove a substantial amount of the soot from the oil and are cost effective, are factory equipped on mack now and cummins has introduced one of their own on larger engines. Four cummins has a system where used oil is fed into the fuel system at a controlled rate and new oil is used for top up gives extremely long change intervals and keeps the additive pakage in the safe zone at all times. Now after all that the third generation cummins has an oil change interval of 15000 mi. on dino oil even doubling that is going to save you less that 1/2 cent per mi. unless you are running a fleet of 200 of these trucks what you save won't buy you a cup of starbucks coffee once a month.

 

[macdaddy]

Right on the money!!!!!!!

Have run extended drains sucessfully for several years on diesel equipment with both synthetics and dino oil. With the introduction of CI4+ oils they have almost completely closed the gap on oil life between synthetic and dino HDEOs and have completely eliminated any financial advantage synthetics had over dino oil.

With that said there are a few qualifiers one you must run an analysis program are you are just shooting in the dark, two have never yet seen an analysis back to back on the same engine where synthetic had better wear numbers than the dino just because the oil last longer doesn't mean it lubricates better. Three if you are going to run a bypass filter use a spinner centrifuge it's the only one that will actually remove a substantial amount of the soot from the oil and are cost effective, are factory equipped on mack now and cummins has introduced one of their own on larger engines. Four cummins has a system where used oil is fed into the fuel system at a controlled rate and new oil is used for top up gives extremely long change intervals and keeps the additive pakage in the safe zone at all times. Now after all that the third generation cummins has an oil change interval of 15000 mi. on dino oil even doubling that is going to save you less that 1/2 cent per mi. unless you are running a fleet of 200 of these trucks what you save won't buy you a cup of starbucks coffee once a month.

Right on flattracker

Synthetics are extremely stable lubricants and are great for high performance gasoline racing engines, and provide unmatched protection for the CTD engine when changed at normal intervals. However you stated quite well that unless you are willing to commit to a regular oil analysis program they only increase operating costs and do nothing else. When Chevron came out with the CI-4 rating that will be pretty much be the end for allot of diesel owners who do their research.



I do run synthetics in all my gas rigs. Amsoil for the 99 4. 7L V8, and my 03 Ford i know i know, F-150 V8.



No flame suits required.



Mac