Questions about oil etc.

[Rocket]

I just bought a 2003 Ram CTD with 14k miles and was wondering if I could start using synthetic oil yet. What oil would you recommend (dyno or synthetic)? I did some searches and the threads regarding my year truck are pretty old.



Also should I get an AirDog now?

 

[Wingate]

If you feel that you need synthetic... . go for it.

 

[BGlidewell]

My Zo6 came from the factory with mobile1 in the crankcase. Synthetic got a bad reputation early on for causing leaks but the formula was changed and is now compatible with seals. It's good oil because it can generally handle more heat and still maintain lubricity. Questions about oil generate a lot of POO. (Personal Opinion Oooooo. )

I would buy what you think you need based on the demands you anticipate and the costs. I would also keep an especially close eye on the dip stick for the next 5000 miles and work that engine hard.

 

[jelag]

Over the past 20 years I've owned at least 12 Pick-ups that I used in a small business and I'd run them for 450-500K miles before we sold them... All were Dodges and Fords... And there we're a few larger trucks besides the pickups... At times we were changing oil in each truck every month... We were buying it by the drum... Never once with all those trucks and all those miles... Did we have a failure... I can remember 1 cam shaft and some injectors...

For us the synthetic oil wasn't worth the cost it was that simple... But we used a full synthetic grease in bearings, u-joints because we could see the additional life from that grease... .

Had either Dodge/Cummins & Ford expected that quality of oil they have set that for a standard... I personally feel that good maintenance practices that meet or exceed factory recommendations is more important...

Just my thoughts. .

 

[BIGNASTY]

over the past 20 years i've owned at least 12 pick-ups that i used in a small business and i'd run them for 450-500k miles before we sold them... All were dodges and fords... And there we're a few larger trucks besides the pickups... At times we were changing oil in each truck every month... We were buying it by the drum... Never once with all those trucks and all those miles... Did we have a failure... I can remember 1 cam shaft and some injectors...

For us the synthetic oil wasn't worth the cost it was that simple... But we used a full synthetic grease in bearings, u-joints because we could see the additional life from that grease... .

Had either dodge/cummins & ford expected that quality of oil they have set that for a standard... I personally feel that good maintenance practices that meet or exceed factory recommendations is more important...

Just my thoughts. .

... ... ..... x2... ... .....

 

[Rocket]

Ok, the thing that confuses me is back when I had a 03 in 03 I used Rotella, now there is Rotella triple etc. What is a good dyno oil that is compatible with my 03 not a choked up 6. 7

 

[Wingate]

Just pick whatever brand you like... All of it is CJ rated so its designed for the newer emissions engines, not our older 5. 9L engines. Mobil Delvac and Delo are good oils... Ive heard and read that Walmart Supertech is also... I currently have approx. 50-60 gallons of CI+ rated oil for my 5. 9L and my S. I. L. 7. 3L PSD... when I have to switch to the CJ stuff, I will be adding an 8 oz can of Camshaft and Lifter assembly lubricant.
I have never been a fan of Rotella or any synthetic DEO... but that is just a personal opinion.

 

[Rocket]

Just pick whatever brand you like... All of it is CJ rated so its designed for the newer emissions engines, not our older 5. 9L engines. Mobil Delvac and Delo are good oils... Ive heard and read that Walmart Supertech is also... I currently have approx. 50-60 gallons of CI+ rated oil for my 5. 9L and my S. I. L. 7. 3L PSD... when I have to switch to the CJ stuff, I will be adding an 8 oz can of Camshaft and Lifter assembly lubricant.

I have never been a fan of Rotella or any synthetic DEO... but that is just a personal opinion.

What cam/lifter lube would you use? Is there a thread here discussing the use of that with our engines? Thanks Wingate!

 

[BGlidewell]

another thought. Synthetic oil does not cause the "dirty sock" smell conventional oil does in my truck.

 

[rscurtis]

I use Amsoil Series 3000 5/30 in my signature truck. I change it every 18-20K miles with a filter change half-way. Oil consumption is so small I can't really measure it. Last time I had the oil sampled, it could go much further than I'm running it. You have the same clean burning engine, so you may as well take advantage of it. The 305 engine does not contaminate the oil with soot and fuel like the newer engines do.

 

[NavyDood]

Rocket... . For your oil question, what are your intentions and what will your driving habits be like? Do you want to do extended OCI's or are you a feel good oil change kinda guy of every 5000 miles (or what ever mileage you pick) because that's what your pappy used to do?"

 

[Rocket]

A lot of driving in the suburbs/cityish. If you are familiar with Fairfax County next door to DC.

Regarding the OCI I may be compelled to change it every 5000 to 7500. To be honest Id rather use a non synthetic since my truck has so few miles. But I will be honest, I don't know that much about the different oils, intervals etc.

What do you guys think about this oil? http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ame. aspx

 

[rscurtis]

That's another good choice, and it still has the CI rating. I use it in my old Mercedes, but I don't leave the oil in for 18K miles, it wouldn't come out through the drain plug.

 

[DZink24]

a 2003 w/ 14,ooo miles?? wow!

 

[TBusclas]

Some may cringe but that's what I have in my signature truck right now with about 28,000 on the oil with the Amsoil by-pass system in my signature. Last sample back from Blackstone said to go another 3000 and sample again. Can't remember the specifics right now at work but nothing up significantly higher from the first sample. The only thing really starting to change is the TBN as the oil gets older is starting to decline. Not sure how much longer it will go or what the bottom line number will be for an oil and filter change. Wifes Yukon running Amsoil 10W30 and filter gets changed every 10,000. The synthetics are pricey and won't pencil out unless you extend your changes. If I were changing every 5 to 7500 miles in the truck I would probably go back to Rotella.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Since my Cummins will go 1 million plus miles with dino, I really don't care about making it last longer with synthetic though I will use it everyplace else.

 

[HDR]

I use Rotella because I can pick up a 6 gallon case at Sam's Club for 74 Dollars. I like to change my oil every 7000 miles. I have 102k on my truck with the stock trans!

 

[BGlidewell]

more than you wanted to know about engine oils:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

 

[Wingate]

i am going to use Caterpillar cam and lifter lubricant... it is a small 8 oz. can that is supplied with all slipper type camshafts that are purchased from Cat. It can be purchased seperately. .

I do not believe it has ever been tested by anyone on here... but I have used it in many applications myself and am thoroughly convinced that it will help.

 

[BK]

For the winter I use the Synthetic mobile 1 5/40 . . for summer I use Castrol 15/40
In the cold winters I can hear how much easier the engine turns over with the syn 5/40.