Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Synthetic Oil Question

[seagrave2001]

My last oil change I switched to Rotella 5w-40 synthetic & almost immediately noticed a difference in the truck as well as a fowl oil odor for the first 300 miles... well I went back to wal-mart where I got it before and they have no more on the shelf, but they do have the mobil 5w-40 synthetic at 19. 50 gallon and it says it meets all diesel certs for the cummins.



My question is would it be alright to switch to the mobil this time even though there would still be some rotella in the system... And if I go back to walmart again down the road and there out of that but have rotella would it hurt to go back to that?



Basically is it alright to switch oils?

 

[SCClockDr]

I get my synthetic (Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme) from Cummins Atlantic in Columbia, SC. They sell to me at wholesale ~$13. 90/gal. The same is available at my local NAPA for ~19. 50/gal. Advance Auto sells Valvoline Premium Blue 2000 (dino) for ~$9. 50/gal. Both are Cummins recommended.

 

[DSpencer]

My question is would it be alright to switch to the mobil this time even though there would still be some rotella in the system... And if I go back to walmart again down the road and there out of that but have rotella would it hurt to go back to that?



Basically is it alright to switch oils?

I would try and find a reliable supply of oil, maybe buying a case or two. The mobil suv is a better oil than the rotella 5-40 synthetic, the rotella is synthetic only in name but it is a good oil (I use it in my VW).

Oh, the answer is will it be alright to go back and forth with the oils mentioned? I wouldn't think it would hurt.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Rotella is noted by users to possess what you call a "foul odor" - but it IS a good oil. And there should be no problem switching oil brands if that is what you prefer - altho' a complete switch is advised over simply mixing 2 different brands in the same crankcase, due to significant differences in additive packages between refiners...

 

[DJW]

Reguarding MIXING Brand oils, some years ago major oil companies warned of doing that, in case some additives may not be compatable to others, also some engine oils will not mix, I've seen oil drained from hot crankcases where there was a flow INTERUPTED, then the remaining oil drained, however with todays oils perhaps that is not the case. If in doubt call an oil distributer they should be able to advise, after all that's their job. Scrum Down

 

[DKroa]

I"m an AMSOIL user and Independent dealer. I have had great result. Before switching I would run a engine oil flush before switching. I'm in Fleetwood, PA

 

[seagrave2001]

Which oil is a better oil... Rotella Syn or Mobil Syn? I've read that the mobile is not fully synthetic but meets qualifications for it...

 

[seagrave2001]

i meant i heard rotella is not fully syn... lol oops

 

[RustyJC]

Which oil is a better oil... Rotella Syn or Mobil Syn? I've read that the mobile is not fully synthetic but meets qualifications for it...

I believe you have it backwards. Rotella Synthetic is a Group 3 (severely hydrocracked hydrocarbon base stock) oil. Mobil Delvac 1 or Mobil 1 Truck & SUV is a Group 4 (PAO - polyalphaolefin base stock) oil. Of the 2, Mobil is the "true" synthetic as the term was defined before the courts were involved.



Rusty