Synthetic or Conventional?

[David Hoffman]

For a Cummins engine, and for maximum protection (not worried about the cost of oil) what is the preference? I'm new to a diesel engine, (but not to Dodge/RAM).

Thanks,

David

 

[gsbrockman]

Oh no.......you have just smacked a hornet’s nest!!!!!

Run what you like, just pay attention to the weight versus the temperature range. I run Delo 400 LE 5W40 Synthetic year round.

 

[David Hoffman]

View attachment 111680 Oh no.......you have just smacked a hornet’s nest!!!!!

Run what you like, just pay attention to the weight versus the temperature range. I run Delo 400 LE 5W40 Synthetic year round.

Can you switch back/forth between the two types? Old school words were... no, you cannot, but I think that is not the truth.

 

[gsbrockman]

There’s no reason whatsoever that would prohibit one from switching.

 

[Larry Sciblo]

I believe they come from the factory with the Rotella Non-Synthetic (Shell) T4 14-40W Triple Protection Heavy Duty Diesel Oil. Rotella markets the T5 as a Syn-Blend with so called improved fuel economy and better wear characteristics and flows bettr at colder temps. rated at -25" F. T6 is the Full-Synthetic, which offers all of the above and more, its cold temps are rated at -29" F.

Prices from Walmart (funny how they had all I needed for my oil change)
T4 - $13 per gallon
T5 - $16 per gallon
T6 - $22.50 per gallon

These guys on here know way more then I do. But I just changed my oil for the first time and went through this. I stayed with the T4 because I live in Arizona, where we thought it did not get too cold (lowest last month was 20' F) and I am a cheap SOB. Hope that helps.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Treat your truck right!

 

[gsbrockman]

Treat your truck right!

I was totally surprised at the length of time it took you to start cheerleading the AZZZZZ/OIL.

I guess I must have been mistreating my previous 2014 RAM 3500 then. It’s a miracle it made it to 362k WITHOUT AZZZZZZZ/OIL.

 

[Newsa]

There are many quality syntherics. You can get excellent deals on Triax fleet supreme 15w 40. I am completely impressed with Kendall Super D XA 15w 40.
I currently have Amsoil Dominator 20w 50 in mine.

Chevron's Delo Redline, and Schaeffers are all excellent. I've heard royal purple has had inconsistent quality control. So i will avoid them

 

[Cummins12V98]

Around 365k on my 98 12v running the good stuff. At least I don’t slam what others use.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I believe they come from the factory with the Rotella Non-Synthetic (Shell) T4 14-40W Triple Protection Heavy Duty Diesel Oil. ....

Nope, the engines come from the factory with 5-40 synthetic.

If a truck is delivered to Montana and run there in the winter, a Factory fill of what you mentioned would ruin the engine due to lack of lubrication.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Hey Cummins12V98 - in your pic, to the left and right of your funnel are yellow items - what are they?

 

[jhenderson]

Around 365k on my 98 12v running the good stuff. At least I don’t slam what others use.

No, but they have no vested interest in a particular brand.

 

[Cummins12V98]

No, but they have no vested interest in a particular brand.

My vested interest is excellent service from AMZ/OIL products minus ONE. I added a "DRY" conical air filter to my 98 12V. I then took my truck and RV to SoCal from WA. The truck performed poorly not keeping the previous speeds on the same grades. Popped the hood and the filter was crushed as it sucked into it's self. I then re installed the AFE!

I am sure the filter did a good job of filtration but did not have the air flow.

 

[kthaxton]

I have been absolutely and totally impressed with whatever oil I have ever used......because I've never had a oil-related failure, therefore these oils are the best ever. However, I will not share my list.

 

[SCOTTY088]

The proof is in the history, your Chevron Delo, Shell Rotella and Mobil Delvacs have millions upon millions of miles of proven performance history in the heavy truck markets... How can you argue with that?

 

[Newsa]

I have been absolutely and totally impressed with whatever oil I have ever used......because I've never had a oil-related failure, therefore these oils are the best ever. However, I will not share my list.

Failure is a pretty low bar.

 

[mpaulson]

Factory fill is Valvoline Premium Blue 5w-40 synthetic. The price I pay at my Local Cummins dealer is close enough to anywhere else, so I'm content. It's the endorsed spec from Cummins so I've got nothing to be concerned about and I do see -40 temps so it suits my needs.

 

[kthaxton]

Failure is a pretty low bar.

Totally missed what I was doing there.

 

[Newsa]

Factory fill is Valvoline Premium Blue 5w-40 synthetic. The price I pay at my Local Cummins dealer is close enough to anywhere else, so I'm content. It's the endorsed spec from Cummins so I've got nothing to be concerned about and I do see -40 temps so it suits my needs.

I would use 0w 40 if i saw -40 F or -40 C

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I would use 0w 40 if i saw -40 F or -40 C

OK, which one is it - Fahrenheit or Celsius?