not happy with Delo 400 sde

[savage54]

Since my last oil change, I've notice more valve train noise, since I have used Delo 400 sde. Its getting close to changing the oil again ,and I'm thinking of going to rotella t4 15W40, instead of the Delo 400 CK-4/SN.I was reading that since the DELO 400 is labeled SAE SERVICE CK-4 /SN, that it my have less of the good stuff for are older engines,since it has SN in the SAE SERVICE, intended more for the newer vehicle emission engines ,than the rotella t4 15W40, which is labeled SAE SERVICE CK-4.If I go with rotella t4 15w40. Should I find a additive with ZDDP to use with the rotella? I have a bottle of Lucas TB ZINC-PLUS, that I use on my older vehicle,with flat tappet cams.

 

[DVolk]

Delo has two different formulas ,they have the synthetic version , I don't use that . The Wal-Mart brand oil and Napa brand oil is Deli I have no issues , I don use the synthetic versions at all

 

[JR]

I personally think you are overthinking this. Delo has been an exceptional oil. The CK4/SN scare was brought on by Ford because in their limited testing deemed the lower phos numbers "may" cause increased wear. Keep in mind their engine design is nothing like the ISB. Cummins says as long as an oil meets CES (Cummins Engineering Standards) 20086 you have nothing to worry about. Here is the approved registry from Cummins that requires extensive ISB and ISM specific testing - some of which were NOT required for the CES20081 (CJ4) approval. IMO, the CK4 is a superior oil over the CJ4 spec.

click here

If you are at all concerned, have an oil analysis performed. Cheap insurance and something you should do periodically anyway to monitor your vitals.

 

[savage54]

Hey , JR maybe I am over thinking it. I have all ways used Delo 400 in my 97 dodge and have been very happy with it. It just seems this last oil change,the engine sounded different( valve train noise).The truck only has 117,626 miles on it, and my dad had the valves adjusted 90,000 miles when he had it.So I assume now most of the new oil, not synthetic is the same Delo, rotella,Mobil Delvac ,etc.What is your opinion about using a additive to boost the ZDDP, or is it a waist of money. Thanks Dave

 

[JR]

Yes, most oils are very close in performance and capability...the formulas May differ in small amounts but in the end they all have the same tests and criteria to adhere to.

I'd be looking at other causes if you are hearing valve train noise, even though it's only been ~ 30k miles since your valves were adjusted it may be worth the time to pop the valve cover and run through them real quick. Any other changes you've seen? Increase in blow by, etc.?

 

[NIsaacs]

It just seems this last oil change,the engine sounded different( valve train noise). Thanks Dave

How can you hear the valve train noise over the clatter of the injector/injector line pulse?

Is your hood to firewall seal in place and in good shape? When my 24v gets noisy, mine is out of place, after I put it back all is well again, until the next time.

Nick

 

[Michaelsloft]

How can you hear the valve train noise over the clatter of the injector/injector line pulse?

Is your hood to firewall seal in place and in good shape? When my 24v gets noisy, mine is out of place, after I put it back all is well again, until the next time.

Nick

X2 on the firewall seal. Have had this happen a few times over the years.

 

[MLee]

I was having oil seepage around seals, after changing to the newer C-4. It has stopped now and I am just keeping a close eye on the ground when parked, with the C-4 stuff. With the 12 valve it doesn't sound much different on mine.

 

[Tuesdak]

X2 to JR's advice to get an oil sample and continue to do so.

I run the Lucas TB ZINC-PLUS as I put in a aftermarket camshaft with 110# valve springs and HD pushrods. Further looking at a bunch of torn up Cummins camshafts at the engine rebuild shop... I used 2 bottles per the directions on 3 gal of oil for break in, but, UOA indicated the zinc levels were extreme high. So it does as advertised, but, 1 bottle is enough after break in.

Other oils like Amsoil Marine is worth a consideration vs. the added cost of the Lucas to modern EPA oil.

 

[Regcabguy]

How can you hear the valve train noise over the clatter of the injector/injector line pulse?

Is your hood to firewall seal in place and in good shape? When my 24v gets noisy, mine is out of place, after I put it back all is well again, until the next time.

Nick

My 24v clattered from day one until I sold it.

 

[savage54]

My 24v clattered from day one until I sold it.

I've learned through the years of driving semi(37 years), you get used to how they drive and sound. I think you learn when their off. My dodge seems Little off since I changed the oil . I'm going to check the value clearance per JR, then start it to see if the sound is still their. It may just be my hearing is off being a truck driver for so many years ,I'm starting to lose some hearing, and tone:{.

 

[NIsaacs]

I've learned through the years of driving semi(37 years), you get used to how they drive and sound. I think you learn when their off. My dodge seems Little off since I changed the oil . I'm going to check the value clearance per JR, then start it to see if the sound is still their. It may just be my hearing is off being a truck driver for so many years ,I'm starting to lose some hearing, and tone:{.

I am like you, if my engine farts, I will smell it

I think you are premature on blaming the Delo, coincidence maybe? The simple test would be to change the oil to whatever oil, then if the noise is still present, start other trouble shooting. Engine oil (brand) damage is very rare. Keep us posted.

Nick

 

[NIsaacs]

30k miles since your valves were adjusted it may be worth the time to pop the valve cover and run through them real quick.

You mean 6 covers? After reading this thread again I may have keyed in on the oil more so than the noise. If there is valve train noise changing oil is probably not going to help. Maybe it is as simple as an adjuster coming loose. Valve train noise is also rare and usually caused by something mechanical.

Nick

 

[moparguy]

I've been a Delo fan for the past 20 years. Started the 95 out on Valvoline Cummins Premium Blue, then switched. I too always believed that Delo was among the best oils for our trucks and the oil analysis/comparsion we (TDR) ran a few years ago supported that opinion as well as the analysis I used to do.

However times have changed, check this out https://pqiablog.com/2017-motor-oil-samples-tested/. You have to click on one of the bottles to get the results of it's test. According to this study several oils now have more zinc and phosphorus. Rotella wears Delo out as does the Motorcraft oil.

I'm thinking I'll just start buying 5 gal. buckets of Traveller oil at Tractor Supply and stop thinking about oil. This is a test of Traveller 15w40, http://www.pqiadata.org/Travellers15W40.html. It compairs very well with Rotella.

 

[JR]

Moparguy, your comparing CK4 (Delo and Rotella) to CJ4 (Travellers) so it isn't exactly a direct comparison. I don't know if or when Travellers will make the jump to CK4 but I have to imagine the reason they haven't yet is because the CK4 test criteria is significantly harder to get. There are new ISB/ISM specific tests that were added to the CK4 test
I'd run a CK4 oil over a CJ4 regardless of brand.

 

[DVolk]

You could always add some Lucas oil additives or rerunning Valvoline Premium Blue Cummins recommended oil

 

[Thor]

I have always been happy with Valvoline Primium Blue. It's conventional oil and recommended by Cummins.

 

[Killer223]

Mobil delvac mx f2 it’s the old CI oil. Great looking stuff, there’s a reason they started producing the older oils again..

 

[JR]

The one word that needs to be remembered when stating that Premium Blue is recommended by Cummins is the first on every label.

"ENDORSED and recommended"


The first definition of "endorsed" per Webster's dictionary is such -
to write on the back of; especially : to sign one's name as payee on the back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face

I think it's no incident this word is used in conjunction with "recommended" :-laf

On the flip side, any oil that carries the CES20081 or (preferably) CES20086 is APPROVED
by Cummins.

 

[Michaelsloft]

The one word that needs to be remembered when stating that Premium Blue is recommended by Cummins is the first on every label.

"ENDORSED and recommended"


The first definition of "endorsed" per Webster's dictionary is such -
to write on the back of; especially : to sign one's name as payee on the back of (a check) in order to obtain the cash or credit represented on the face

I think it's no incident this word is used in conjunction with "recommended" :-laf

On the flip side, any oil that carries the CES20081 or (preferably) CES20086 is APPROVED
by Cummins.

All very good points here!