Switch to Synthetic 5w-30 at 76K Miles?

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I have a 96 2500 4x4 with almost 76K miles on it.

I have Rotella T in the engine now. God knows what the preveous owner put in it for it's first 72K miles of life.

At the MD/NJ/VA/DE GTG last week, someone (sorry, I'm real bad with names) suggested putting DELVAC 1 (5w-30) in it.

As I understand it, Cummins and Chrysler reccomend 15w-40.

Is there a problem switching to DELVAC 1 or Amsoil 5w-30 at this time in the engine's life? Will a good 5w-30 synthetic do the job OK?



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Gregor Switca
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96 2500 4x4 auto SLT.
99. 5 VW Jetta TDI
Nothing but diesel in my driveway.

 

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Switca,
Should not be a problem at all.
I would run Amsoil 15w-40 unless you put 30,000 miles or more a year on it. The fuel savings help with the extra cost for the 5w-30. If you don't run many miles, I don't see that the extra wear protection that you get with the 5w-30 is worth it.
I would also flush the engine to get the old stuff out.
Gene

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1997 Cummins Dodge 4x4 Bombed & Amsoiled. Amsoil Premiere Direct Jobber, Member of: NRA Business Alliance, GLTDR, WANTED: Wrecked Dodges.
www.awdist.com

 

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Switca,
I see no problem at all. I switched from a 15W-40 to the Amsoil Series 3000 5W-30 at 105,000, and I now have 129,000. I would do as MGM suggests however, and that is to use a good engine flush before installing to get the old crud, if any out.

Wayne

 

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I would let it drain over night too. I do this every oil change, and I get a little more (1-2 qts. ) out this way. I'm told it drains out of the fuel pump.
Every little bit helps. #ad

 

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I think draining overhight is an excellent idea. Not that any of us would take our truck to an instant oil change, but a lot of "sludge" is left in the crankcase because it is not left to drain long enough.

Yes on our truck it take a couple of hours to drain all of the oil from the fuel pump, but it is good to let the case drain that long too.

 

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Switca,

I had about 85,000 on mine when I switched to Amsoil 15W40. I didn't flush it but think it would have been a good idea.

Has worked fine. Also am using an Amsoil oil filter.

Now have over 100k.

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'98,3500,87,000 miles,12 valve,4x4,QCab,SLT,auto,3. 54,tow pkg,TST #8 plate (230/605),BD exhaust brake-presure lock-torque lock, heavy duty valve springs,transmission and pyro gauges pillar mounted,K&N filter,silencer ring removed,Draw-Tite brake controller,Reese 15K fifth wheel hitch,gooseneck hitch,14k fifth wheel,12k Sooner 4horse gooseneck,13K (when loaded) 24ft gooseneck flat bed, head up my butt cowboy crease in tail gate.
'96 Ford 250 4x4 Powerstroke

 

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For what it is worth I have been told to mix synthetic and regular oil 50/50 for one oil change 75/25 for the next and 100% synthetic after that. I was told that this was easier on the engine than a "flushing agent" and that the higher quantity of seal conditioners in the synthetic have time to work preventing the leaking that can occur when switching. This info from a synthetic oil dealer/oil analysis company.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S