Synthetic oil and filters

[Grizzly]

I have a brand new Dodge/Cummins and at some time I know that I want to switch to synthetic oil. The question is at how many miles should I do this? Second question is what is the best oil, fuel and air filter for a CTD? My last truck was a 95 Dodge/Cummins with a 5 speed std. I changed oil and oil filter every 5000 miles. I used Delo 15W40 oil and Fram oil filters. I recharged the K&N air filter every other oil change and I changed the fuel filter with a Balwin filter every other oil change. I never had a problem the engine nor the truck. Grizzly

 

[jwilliams3]

Dont use FRAM. Use Fleetgaurd oil filters.



Oil, well... I'll leave that up to everyone else.

 

[mberry]

Definitely don't use Fram. Fleetguard Stratapore oil & fuel filter is one of the best if not the best. Synthetic oil usage opinions range across the board. From as many as brand new of the lot to 20K miles before changing over. Most people would say 10K is a good place to change over to synthetic and that's about what I did.



Also, keep in mind that Mopar branded oil, fuel, and I believe air filters from the dealers are all Fleetguard products rebadged and twice the price of Fleetguard products.



Do your research on this board to make a determination of what you want to use to filter your air, but take most people's advice on here and stay away from K&N for your air filtration. AFE is a great filter but use your best judgement and make up your own mind.



Delo 400 is a great oil and I think you could go 7500 miles with it if you aren't towing. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it is API CI4 rated or better and you will be fine.

 

[CBrittan]

Agreed. I use only Fleetguard Stratapore filters, both fuel and oil. My engine loves Mobil Delvac 1 full synthetic 5w40.

 

[gsbrockman]

Definitely use the Fleetguard products. If you have a Freightliner dealer in your area, see them about a group purchase (maybe 6 oil filters/6 fuel filters) and you can get them as cheap as Geno's Garage with no shipping. Cummins' website prefers customers wait until the 20k milestone before using synthetics... I started around the 21k mile mark with 5W40 Rotella Full Synthetic and Fleetguard LF16035 oil filters & FS19579 fuel filters. As for the air filters, if you're gonna stay stock, use the Fleetguards... if you're gonna go with an intake, use the AFE with Pro*Guard 7.

Greg

 

[klenger]

Geno's has the 4/2/1 kit, which IMHO, is a great way to buy the filters. It comes with 4 oil filters, 2 fuel filters, and 1 air filter. Based on 7500 oil chane interval, the kit is good for 30,000 miles. Just add your favorite oil.



See http://198.104.149.53/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=1180&CATID=1 for details.

 

[jimnance]

I have a brand new Dodge/Cummins and at some time I know that I want to switch to synthetic oil. The question is at how many miles should I do this? Second question is what is the best oil, fuel and air filter for a CTD? My last truck was a 95 Dodge/Cummins with a 5 speed std. I changed oil and oil filter every 5000 miles. I used Delo 15W40 oil and Fram oil filters. I recharged the K&N air filter every other oil change and I changed the fuel filter with a Balwin filter every other oil change. I never had a problem the engine nor the truck. Grizzly

If you got good service with your old oil change service, why change a good thing???? I agree about the Fram filters as a potential problem, but Delo 15-40 is a fine oil. We use it in all our Class 8 trucks and have seen excellent service with it.



No disrespect for synthetics. They are fine oils, just a bit expensive.

 

[DPKetchum]

I waited till 15k to use Amsoil 15w40. I use fleetguard oil filters from Geno's

 

[DGFoster]

I have a question,will the oil filters from a 2nd gen truck work on a 3rd gen?



Didnt want to start another thread to ask. . Thanks

 

[klenger]

Yes, the 2nd gen filters will work on a 3rd gen. The new filters have flutes on the end cap for removal with a filter wrench. Use up your old filters, and then buy the new ones after that.

 

[DGFoster]

Ok thanks a million