Synthetic Oil Discussion Continues, yet again . . .

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(I know everyone is weary of this synthetic oil and bypass filtration stuff, but please bear with me. . . )

An occasional motivator in my life is to get the biggest bang for the buck. Strolling through WalMart yesterday I discover 5-quart containers of Mobil-1 going for $14. 99. Quick head math tells me I can fill my crankcase with synthetic oil for only $29. 98. I checked the label and it's API for diesel is CF (or CF-2, CF-4 ?) which is one classification "behind" or "less" than the CG-4 of Rotella T, Delo 400, Prem Blue, Delvac1, & Amsoil.

Now, not being the oil expert, I wonder what "improved" or "better" characteristic CG oil has over CF? Like Amsoilman said, there are varying qualities of synthetic oil. Obviously there are more things to consider besides API classifications in determining what oil is best suited for your purposes and driving habits.

In cost-comparing, filling a crankcase with Amsoil runs at least $60, Delvac1 costs $50, but Mobil1 runs just $30.

Of course extended drain intervals & bypass filtration figure into this. The Mobil1 probably isn't engineered for extended drain intervals and is targeted at high performance gassers.

My intention to run synthetics is: 1)improved cold weather protection since I run a lot of short trips, 2) minimize internal deposits, etc. 3) improved protection when my Cummins receives some serious "BOMBification"! and 4) Save that green stuff!!

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Vaughn MacKenzie

1998 3/4T QC 4x4 Longbed, 24-valve 5-spd, White over Driftwood, Leather & Loaded, foglights, airdam, DeeZee Running Boards. 51,255 miles (11/17/99)


[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 11-18-1999). ]

 

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just tell me what oil these million mile cummins run??????????

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y2k on order (pick it up in may 2000), 2500 QC,SWB, 4x4, auto, SLT, black, camel leather, camper special, snowplow prep, tow package, rear sliding window, will have 35 inch mud tires asap, cost 34k.

 

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Vaughn,
Differences between API CH-4 and API CG-4 include more severe aeration and corrosiveness tests and new tests for volatility and shear stability.

API CH-4 performance benefits include the following.

Mack T- 8E tests for soot-related viscosity increase; prevents excessive viscosity under high-soot conditions and ensures oil flow to critical parts. API CH-4 oils are required to carry 4. 8 percent soot, compared to API CG-4 oils that only were required to carry 3. 8 percent soot.

Mack T- 9 test for ring, liner and bearing wear; ensures engine durability and long engine life. Ring, liner and bearing wear were not addressed in the API CG-4 rating.
Cummins M-11 test for crosshead wear. Filter plugging and sludge; prevents excessive valve train wear and ensures increased filter life and reduced engine deposits, all in high soot conditions. Engine manufactures experienced some field problems with excessive valve train wear with API CG-4 oils.

Roller Follower wear test; provides improved engine durability. The CH-4 limit is 33 percent more severe than was the CG-4 limit.

Sequence III E test for oil oxidation; prevents excessive viscosity increase due to high temperature oil oxidation and ensures oil flow to engine parts. The CH-4 pass/fail limit is more severe than that of the CG-4 oils.

Orbahn shear stability tests for viscosity loss due to polymer shearing; better maintenance of oil film for reduced wear.

The CH-4 shear stability requirement is more severe than that of CG-4 oils.

The CH-4 requirements were supposed to be in effect prior to 1 January 1998, but were held up due to test engine availability. They are in place at this time, however, the API is now looking at a higher requirement for Diesel engines, as the CH-4 is not doing the job they had intended. Look for a change in the next year or so.

Wayne
amsoilman



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94'SLT 4X4 AT/White in color. Factory Tow Hooks & Running Boards. Amsoil By-Pass filter, Amsoil Air cleaner,and all fluids are Amsoil.
BD exhaust Brake, BD Torque Lock, BD Torque Converter, Dr. Performance Stage II Injection Pump. Mag-Hytec Diff Cover,Isspro Pyro, Boost,Oil temp Gauges mounted in 3 Gauge post mount. One gauge monitors Engine Oil, Trans, Diff. Temps.

 

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Vaughn, Good observation regarding Mobil 1 vs. Delvac 1. I saw the same thing and emailed Mobil to get a straight answer. Forget asking the local distributor. Mobil tells me, even though Mobil 1 is a CF rated, and my 1995 Cummins only requires a CE rated oil, it isn't the best for diesels and here's why. Mobil 1 currently has a SJ, CF rating which covers all previous S ratings, but not all previous C ratings. Mobil 1 Delvac covers all preceding S and C ratings, thus making it the ideal for both gas and diesel. I tend to believe that rational. Also, Mobil 1 costs 3. 99 a quart here in WI and Delvac 1 costs 4. 30 a quart, though you can buy Mobil one by the gallon and save a litte. Go with the Delvac 1. It's worth a few pennies more. Extend your drain intervals to 7,500 miles, spend less time draining and disposing of 3 gallons of oil, and spend more time tinkering with other things that allow you to enjoy you truck more. My oil doesn't turn black until about 3,000 miles when using Delvac 1. At 3,500 miles, I change the filter only, (filling it with oil before installing it). Plus, with that 5w-40, the cold starting and oil flow is great. And you don't have to sacrafice that 40 weight rating for hot temps. No, I'm not a Mobil rep. As I stated before, I even put Delvac 1 in my wife's gas job SUV. BF

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1995 2x4, automatic, 3. 54 axle, Completely stock, just a toy passing all the gas slobs.

 

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Amsoilman & BF, thanks so much for your responses, you are helpful beyond expectation! It was the EXACT info I was looking for. Now I feel much better about spending a few more bucks to get the best stuff there is! Thanks again,

Vaughn

 

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Vaughn, as you know R. E. Powell has Delvac 1 - just FYI, they sell it in case lots only(4/1gal)@ $19. 48/gal = $77. 92 + $6. 00 city/state tax (which of course I didn't pay, being from the great state of Eastern Oregon).

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Built(Deer Hunter Model)Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors -

 

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Yup, I was just by there an hour ago for the 1st time. Did the one secretary have her big candle burning and smellin' the place up? I bought several quarts of Mobil 75W90 Synthetic Gear Lube for only $5. 41, didn't get the Delvac1 today. I'm changing out rear & front axle lubes.
We oghta go in on Delvac1 together next time, could split it up, & save me a few bucks on tax!

I got an application for the Pacific Pride card, will see if it can save me some $$ on fuel.

Later,
Vaughn

 

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10-4 on the candle - I'd be glad to save you the tax, actually I forgot the gear oil when I was there so I need to go back over and get some.

Only trouble is I'm not sure when that will happen, but I'll let you know the next time we go. Typically we're there at least once a month but not always. I noticed that Lithia bought out Roberts, ordered (and just received UPS today) my cab light kit so that's my next project.

Also new 255/85's and 2" Trailmaster lift in the next couple of weeks, so it's gonna be FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll sure buy that stuff for you if the timing works.

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Built(Deer Hunter Model)Brush Guard w/PIAA Pro 90's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors -