If switching to LE 8800, do I need to wait?

[PUFF00]

I’m thinking of switching to LE 8800. Do I need to wait until the engine is broken-in like I would if I went with synthetic oil?

------------------
2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[Sled Puller]

Nope. Run it.
Gene

 

[DocStressor]

I don't know, Gene. LE uses a conventional base stock(group II, I believe), but they have a very robust additive package with a proprietary anti-friction and EP cocktail. Since nobody has ever been able to find out what they actually use in their joy juice, I'd be a little cautious about recommending LE 8800 for a new engine. Most synthetic manufactures say that it is ok to use their product right away, but Cummins says to wait until 10K. The LE product is likely to be initially at least as good at inhibiting wear as a good synthetic. Whether it can hold up as long is another issue. But Puff might find that it takes an extra long time for his rings to seal starting out with a premium lube regardless of the base oil. I wouldn't experiment with my own truck until it was fully broken in with Delo 400, Rotella, PB, or equivalent CH-4 conventional oil.

------------------
1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags,Reese Titan V hitch, Mag-Hytec differential cover with Amsoil 2000 75W-90 lube, Amsoil air filter

 

[PUFF00]

I think I'll wait until at least 10K, just to be safe. I'm towing a good bit, so 10K might be fine. Once I get 10K, I'll see how I feel about it.

I wonder if there is any way of actually knowing if the engine has fully broken-in?

------------------
2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[Skunk]

Puff -

Go with the LE now. The 8800 is a 100% paraffinic base oil - not a synthetic, and its additive is Monolec, a well proven wear reducing additive. The oil is recommended by Cummins, as it exceeds their specs. If you have any second thoughts, go to www.le-inc.com.


------------------
Y2K Quad Cab SWB 4X4, White (aka: The "Iceberg"), Auto, 4. 10, Leather, Loaded, Line-X, KNAACK Crossbox, Smittybilt Nerfs, BFG 295/75-16's, DC Bug Guard, Rancho 9000's.

 

[PUFF00]

Here is my concern:

I’ve read that you should wait until the truck is broken-in before using synthetic oils because the increased lubricity of the synthetic oil will not allow rings to seat, etc. Now if the LE is much better than “reguar” oil (Delo 400 is what I’m using) then shouldn’t there be the same concern with the LE?


------------------
2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

[This message has been edited by PUFF (edited 04-19-2001). ]

 

[Dane]

Leave the factory oil in till 5k on the odo and your rings will be seated just fine. I did this and then switched to the LE8800. My truck burns very little oil and the HO runs like a bat out of hell with no mods #ad


------------------
2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

[DocStressor]

Yeah, I think 5K would be ok also. Your rings should be seated and worn in enough by then. I just had the same concern as Puff. It is the anti-friction additives, not the base stock that would be the issue. What is great for the long haul can prolong the break in process. I've used synthetics in all my gassers since new and found that they don't fully break in (determined by fuel mileage and performance) until 30-40K. If I had to do it over, I would have used conventional oil for the first 5K or so.

------------------
1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags,Reese Titan V hitch, Mag-Hytec differential cover with Amsoil 2000 75W-90 lube, Amsoil air filter