I just brought a 2002 cummins

[Shields43]

Has anybody every put amso oil in a cummins before im wanting to know if i have to keep putting that in or can i swicth to something different

 

[Wayne M.]

Hello and welcome to the TDR forums. Amzoil is a company that makes synthetic lubricants for all vehicles. If you got the history on your truck, and it's had that oil exclusively since it was new, then perhaps it would be good to continue. Personally, I've had two Cummins powered trucks and I have never used a synthetic motor oil. I usually buy whatever is on sale. Often times it's Shell Rotella, or Mobil Delvac.

I have copied the text below from the TDR page I am linking here. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/firsthelp.htm There is a technical FAQ section you can click on there.

"Q Which engine oil do you recommend for my diesel?
A Many of you inquire about selecting the “best” for your truck. I hear a lot of questions like, “How about Mobil 1 or the Castrol
Syntec synthetic lubricants?” Good intentions, but these oils are not blended to meet the requirements of a diesel. The API
(American Petroleum Institute) “donut” rating for both oils is CD. Note the first letter “C” stands for compression engine (a diesel).
The “D” is the specification test the oil was tested at and was able to pass. The “D” specification was developed in 1952.
The most recent “C” or diesel specification is CI+4. In 2007 it changed again to CJ. Is the CJ specification better than CI+4? Good
question and Issue 54 through Issue 59 had a lengthy discussion on why CJ may not be better than CI+4. If you have a new
6. 7-liter HPCR engine, you will want to read about the CJ oil. Owners of trucks built prior to '07. 5 will want to continue with the
CI+4 oil . . . if you can find it. We revisited the lube oil story in TDR Issue 76. Join the TDR and read about the latest updates.
The oil also needs to also pass the API S (S stands for a spark/gasoline engine) category and current specification J. The S
classification is needed to address and prevent wear on the sliding camshaft tappets. "

What's more important in my opinion regarding oil changes is the oil filter itself. I have always used Fleetguard filters. Do not buy your filters at walmart. Definitely go out of your way on that, to get the right item.

Good luck with your RAM!

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome to TDR Shields43. I totally agree with Wayne M, which I find to be very good advise.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I like Amsoil because you can still get the Heavy Duty Diesel Oil, which is 15w40, in the pre-2007 CI-4+ specification http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ame.aspx
and I've felt in extreme climates or if you push the limits operating your truck the full synthetic is less likely than traditional oil to break down.

Wayne is right you do not want to put any old filter on there, Fleetguard's Stratapore line is a high quality proven synthetic filter. Never ever use a Fram!!

 

[saphelps]

Switching

Has anybody every put amso oil in a cummins before im wanting to know if i have to keep putting that in or can i swicth to something different

You may start using AMSOIL or stop using AMSOIL (i. e. switch) at any time. Regardless the oil you switch over to, a high quality filter is critical. In addition to Fleetguard, the Donaldson's would also be a good choice.