Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Synthetic Engine Oil

[GJolicoeur]

I've got a 97 4X4 3500 5 spd with 177,000 miles on it. I've used Cummins Premium Blue in it since new and switched to the semi-synthetic and then the full synthetic when it came available after a 10,000 mile run-in.



I change the oil and filter every 5000.



I really like the 5W50 rating of the new Premium Blue. Covers all the bases for me in the winter climes here (temps to 0 deg. F) in the winter. Easy to start when I can't plug in. But it's price has doubled recently so my oil change costs (with filter) have gone from around $70 to $130.



Are there any 5W50 Synthetic oils certified for use in my Cummins that are a little cheaper?



I tow an 8000 pound trailer in the warm weather. Engine is stock.

Any suggestions?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Many guys running the more expensive synthetics are also using extended oil drain mileage to recover some of the added expense - *IF* that is what you would eventually do yourself, strongly consider also adding a good efficient bypass oil filter to help maintain the oil quality and keep contaminent levels down - there are several excellent brands of such filters available worth considering.

 

[cyborg]

I've been using Royal Purple from Jegs in everything from boats, jeeps, motorcycles and everything in between. Better MPG, long lasting, performance motors are the result.

I just got my CTD, but will be changing on a 5000 interval or what ever keeps my warranty intact.

I need to find out about oil sampling. From what I've heard the hot ticket is to sample your oils every 3k and change the oil on the recomendation of the analysis folk.

 

[Cooker]

The Premium Blue Extreme is a 5w40.



The most cost effective, easy to find, synthetic 5w40 diesel engine oil is Rotella T 5w40 at Walmart for $12. 84/gallon.



For these Group III synthetics I would not feel comfortable paying more than $15-$16 per gallon.



My personal choice is Perto Canada Duron Synthetic 5w40, but unless you live in a northern state it is pretty hard to find. The Rotella T or Delo are both decent choices.

 

[GJolicoeur]

Did you mean Petro Canada? Since I live in Canada - Petro's are all over the place. I'll definitely check into those.



Cooker, you're right about the PB Extreme being 5W40, my mistake. That Rotella T is a full synthetic? That's a great price compared to what I'm paying here in Canada. It's worth a trip over the border to find some - but I'll try local first to see if they even carry it.



Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Cooker]

If you can find the Petro Canada Duron Synthetic 5w40 I would look for that as your first choice. I do not imagine it would be that hard to find seeing you live in Canada In my opinion it is one of the best Group III 5w40 diesel engine oils available. Although as I said the Rotella, Delo, and PB Extreme are all good oils also. If you do not plan on extending the drain interval all that much I would probably shop based on availability and price. Any one of those would work equally as well, IMHO, in the short term.



FWIW - I can buy the PC Duron Syn. 5w40 here in Michigan for just over $14, in US funds, for a 4 liter container.

 

[RT66DOC]

Rotella T is full synthetic???

 

[Cooker]

Rotella T 5w40 Synthetic is a Group III synthetic.

 

[RT66DOC]

Thanks Cooker. I didn't know that.