Oil Change Ordeals

[FAllen]

Hi Folks !



Hard to imagine a simple oil change would be such an endurance exercise.



With winter coming on I went to the local DC dealer today to get a change to 10W30 as recommended in the owner's manual. Dealer's oil change people say they only use 15W40.



I decided to then go to the local heavy truck shop Cummins, Detroit and Cat Service. Ask if they have 10W30 and LF3894 filters, they say affirmative on the 3894 according to their computer.



Good thing I brought the whole list of oil filter numbers with me on my Palm Pilot that I got of this site cause they don't have the LF3894's, and they can't find the Cummins 3937695 listed on their computer either.



Together we finally find a Fleetguard LF3552 in their parts department.



Next they put in 11 liters of Esso Protec Ultra 10W30 rated service SJ. Sheet on the Esso Protec 10W30, a premium mineral oil, states that can be used in light duty diesels requiring CF rating.



Can the oil experts tell me if the SJ-CF rated oil will damage the 24 Valve engine on my 99 2500?



Also, what is the difference in quality between the Stratopore, Cellulose and Microglass Fleetguard filters ?



Sorry for the long post.

 

[HC]

Can the oil experts tell me if the SJ-CF rated oil will damage the 24 Valve engine on my 99 2500?



Also, what is the difference in quality between the Stratopore, Cellulose and Microglass Fleetguard filters ?

The SJ-CF rated oil is OK for a light duty diesel, but does NOT meet the minimum requirements for our Cummins! It won't "damage" the engine immediately, but the wear rates will be higher than they should be. I recommend changing again soon.

The best Fleetguard filter for our trucks is the LF3894 (stratapore). I think the 3552 is acceptable, but, there are a few filters that should be used only on the earlier 12V trucks because the current 24V models run higher oil pressures. To be 100% sure, call Fleetguard Toll Free at 1-800-22Filter. They can also tell you the straight scoop on cellulose vs microglass vs Stratapore.



I see you're from North of the border; in the Esso line you should be able to find (or order) some ESSO XD-3* EXTRA which would be rated for the Cummins and is available in a variety of weights. You should be able to find more info on the different Esso products at http://www.imperialoil.com/products/fuels/lubes/index_lubes.html

I'm biased on this topic, but, if you have to start up without being plugged in all night, IMO you would be a good candidate to consider synthetic oil. I like Amsoil; if you want to stick to a bigger company name then Delvac 1 is good too and is available in Wal Marts in Canada. (Be sure to get Delvac 1 synthetic, not Delvac 1300 which is a non-synthetic. )

 

[FAllen]

Thanks HC for confirming my suspicions.



I went back to the Cummins Service shop today and had them replace the Esso Protec with the XD-3.



The corner of the Esso XD-3 package label highlights the API CH-4, Cummins 20076 and Mack EO-M standards.



I have a block heater and intend on using it for the season although I wouldn't need it here today, it's 60 F. Better weather that we had here at times this past summer



Thanks again



Fred