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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Synthetic oil

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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Dip Stick

Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) need oil pan help

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We have had an "oil war" on this forum in a long time. Let the battle begin. :-laf



BTW, I've used Valv. Premium Blue Extreme for over 120,000 miles, no problems. Great if you live in a cold climate.
 
Without doubt... the best synthetic available, hands down, is Mobil Delvac1 5W-40. :D There... thats the bomb I'm dropping on this war.



In all seriousness... I'd not hesitate to use the above oil or Amsoil synthetics for example. To get into an all out discussion as to "the best synthetic" is futile. There is no possible way for this to be determined without expensive lab testing and millions of real world test miles and tear downs. Most all the opinions you'll get are based on the fact that someone here uses "brand X synthetic"... and that their engine runs great and they've had no problems with "brand X synthetic"... therefore it's best.



However you'll also get owners who use "brand Z" 15W-40 conventional and they too can claim their engine runs great and they've had no problems using "brand Z" conventional oil.



Therefore... I'm saying a "best" oil does not exist because as far as I know... that fact has never been determined by anyone. Furthermore... what do you mean when you say "best"? Best price, best additive package, best cold weather crank-ability?



Imagine if this question was the basis of a court case. Think of all the testimony, discussion, expert witnesses, scientific data, eyewitness accounts. It would never end.
 
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I guess I should have really said, "all I have ever used is Shell Rotella 15W40 and I'm ready to take the leep to a synthetic and wanted to know if Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5W40 is a good one to use. Also, I like to hear about others preference( the oil war).
 
I have used Rotella T Synthetic in mine since 20k (now at 185K). Every oil analysis I've had done says it is very good and they say I can extend oil changes to 15K and then send in a new sample to see if I can go longer. I also use it in my motorcycle (after reading a series of tests done by one of the motorcycle organizations on best oils).
 
I guess I should have really said, "all I have ever used is Shell Rotella 15W40 and I'm ready to take the leep to a synthetic and wanted to know if Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5W40 is a good one to use. Also, I like to hear about others preference( the oil war).



That's what I did 70,000 ago... ... :-laf
 
Best Synthetic

I've used Rotella for 110000 mi. the first 21000 with reg. rotella, the rest with rotella syn. I've had no trouble, don't burn or loose a drop. Change it and the filter every 7500 mi. , and I think it's worth the cost. I thought about extending the oil changes to 15000 but don't want to take the chance.
 
My vote, based primarily on the fact it is blended for Cummins by Valvoline, would be Premium Blue Extreme... That product is cost-effective and unquestionably/undeniably satisfies the engine manufacturer's requirements while carrying a smaller price than the competing oils mentioned elsewhere in this thread... Rotella-T synthetic (purchased at Walmart) is also a fine choice.
 
Please be sure to double check the product information, as the site mentioned only states the oil exceed API SM/CF (but we are up to CJ-4 now) I am pretty sure CF is unsuitable for use in any of the HPCR engines...



Walt K.



http://www.schaefferoil.com/datapdf/9000.pdf See page #4



API Service Classifications CJ-4/CI-4/SM, CI-4 Plus

Global Specification DHD-1,



Like I said I've never used it. I started w/Prem Blue and switched to Rotella - I change every 3 - 4 k miles.
 
How do you decide which oil is "best"?



1. Cheapest?

2. Prettiest container?

3. Most vocal users?

4. Stays cleanest, longest, in use?

5. Keeps engine internals - valve covers, pan walls, etc. , cleanest?

6. Goes longest between maker's recommended change intervals?

7. Proven in actual typical usage, to deliver lowest wear numbers with oil analysis?

8. Easiest found and most commonly available.

9. My dad/brother/best friend uses it, and his engine is still running.

10. I get if free (I steal it!) from work.

11. The maker prints right on the container that it's the best there is - so it must really be true.



There are others as well - but for my money, #7 gets the nod - never been unhappy yet...
 
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