Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Synthetic Recommendation for a 12V

[roperteacher]

My mom has a 96 12V CTD with 101,000. Runs perfect. She only drives 3,000 a year maybe so I thought it would really help to switch it over to 100% synthetic motor oil. Was going to go with AMSOIL 15/40 HD synthetic. Would this be a good application? Thanks!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yep! That's what I run in my '98. I would recommend the 5w30 if you guys live in a cold climate, ie the northern states except Washington.

Vaughn

 

[roperteacher]

Thanks! Nope, she lives in Central Calif on the coast. Now it does have some mornings where it will get into the teens and 20's but nothing really lower. What is the fill capacity on this truck? 10 qts??? I am so used to 3rd gens... Thanks!

 

[Red Ram]

The best for your TRUCK

My mom has a 96 12V CTD with 101,000. Runs perfect. She only drives 3,000 a year maybe so I thought it would really help to switch it over to 100% synthetic motor oil. Was going to go with AMSOIL 15/40 HD synthetic. Would this be a good application? Thanks!

Go with the http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ame. aspx this the 15/40 you need PM me I will get you the deal you are looking forand more.

 

[CochranD]

Personally, I do have Amsoil 15w40 in my Outfit at this time , but I dont see the cost benefit for someone who doesnt do many miles . Other than (maybe) better protection, I think dino works good enough!

 

[HRDROKN]

Personally, I do have Amsoil 15w40 in my Outfit at this time , but I dont see the cost benefit for someone who doesnt do many miles . Other than (maybe) better protection, I think dino works good enough!

I would go with the synthetic... the base stock will be better able to handle the combustion by-products while it sits in the crankcase for a year.



Or maybe I should say that this is a charecteristic of PAO's.

 

[GOlsen]

Thanks! Nope, she lives in Central Calif on the coast. Now it does have some mornings where it will get into the teens and 20's but nothing really lower. What is the fill capacity on this truck? 10 qts??? I am so used to 3rd gens... Thanks!

Should be 12 qts.

 

[radixr]

Crankcase Capacity

It's 11 quarts including the filter.

 

[roperteacher]

Thanks everyone!! I am going to order the AMSOIL filter and 12 quarts of oil. Only 11 in the truck and one for a spare!!

 

[GOlsen]

Thanks everyone!! I am going to order the AMSOIL filter and 12 quarts of oil. Only 11 in the truck and one for a spare!!

Filling your filter will take a quart by itself. If you get 12, you should be right on the money. I went through exactly 3 gal when I changed my oil today.

 

[wildmanben]

Its 12 quarts with filter... .

 

[HRDROKN]

It seems that I can remember something about a difference in dipsticks between different years, thus some trucks taking more oil than others. Anyone remember that thread some 5 years back??? :-laf

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

It seems that I can remember something about a difference in dipsticks between different years, thus some trucks taking more oil than others. Anyone remember that thread some 5 years back??? :-laf

Sure do!!!

 

[TBartlett1]

Sounds like it's driven to church on Sunday, 3000 miles isn't much driving in a year. How often do you change the oil? Short trip driving is bad if the vehicle doesn't get warmed-up on occasion to drive the moisture out of the oil. Diesels are slow to warm-up so moisture can accumulate in the oil. If it was me I would say no due to the added cost. The only way to remove the moisture and contaminates is to change the oil frequently. I live in the North East and service diesels and autos and I'm a big believer in synthetics but when someone asks about using synthetics I ask them to describe their driving habits and the mileage they put on in a year. Sometimes I have to say no. Many people that use synthetics feel they can slam the hood for a year and forget it. Living in So Cal. chances are it will be Ok but is it worth it? What are you looking to gain?

 

[pwerwagn]

I remember that too. Mine only takes 11 with the filter. I buy 3 gal, pre fill the filter, put 10 more in, run it for a couple minutes and its dead on the fill line. It makes it nice, that way you have an extra quart after each change so you can add to it.



--Jef