What Engine oil are you now using

[EricViviano]

You will get A LOT of opinions on this topic. My two cents:

Shell Rotella T4 15w-40 if your wallet is strapped
Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 if you can swing it

Good quality and cheap at your local Wal-mart

 

[JR]

That brings up another point. I was reading a Cummins Bulletin on engine oil for pre-DPF ISB’s and it stated that CK and CI oils were recommended, but CJ was only permitted. There was even a blurb stating that CK should be used anywhere CJ was originally spec’d

So it also appears that Cummins doesn’t like the CJ oil spec.

CES 20086 = CK
CES 20081 = CJ
CES 20078 = CI

CJ4 was around for 10+ years, I'm not aware of any oil related failures in this area where OEM intervals are followed. None of our equipment runs boutique oils, all cheap fleet spec stuff, and some of it under what I consider severe conditions. From my perspective It's hard to argue it was a "bad" oil.
Also remember many parts of the world still run heavy fuels up to 500ppm and oil specs like the 78 are still in use, and therefore recommended by Cummins. On the flip side where ULSD and equivalent is used the 86 has superceded the 81, hence my take on the "recommended" and "permitted" nomenclature.

 

[04blackcherry]

My truck seems to like the Delo400 CK-4. I am seeing at least a 40 mile increase per tank using it. When they say a 50% increase in wear protection, you have to scoff. I think I believe it now.

 

[AH64ID]

CJ4 was around for 10+ years, I'm not aware of any oil related failures in this area where OEM intervals are followed. None of our equipment runs boutique oils, all cheap fleet spec stuff, and some of it under what I consider severe conditions. From my perspective It's hard to argue it was a "bad" oil.
Also remember many parts of the world still run heavy fuels up to 500ppm and oil specs like the 78 are still in use, and therefore recommended by Cummins. On the flip side where ULSD and equivalent is used the 86 has superceded the 81, hence my take on the "recommended" and "permitted" nomenclature.

There may not have been many oil related failures, but I can tell you that from multiple conversations oil manufacturers and engine manufacturers did not like the CJ specs. It may not have been "bad" but it wasn't an improvement over CI.

It's a good thing that it's been superseded.

 

[JR]

Cummins didn't see the problems you speak of. 500 hrs or annual, same as CK4.
Personally I agree that CK4 is a better oil, but only for the same reason CJ4 was better than CI4. Technology, time, and testing make a big difference.

 

[AH64ID]

Cummins didn't see the problems you speak of. 500 hrs or annual, same as CK4.
Personally I agree that CK4 is a better oil, but only for the same reason CJ4 was better than CI4. Technology, time, and testing make a big difference.

I think you're the first person I've ever heard say CJ was better than CI... Cummins did have some issues with it, I'll have to see if I can re-find some of the stuff I've read. I've also had a couple conversations on the topic, so that could be where some of the info came from too.

At this point it's pretty moot point anyhow, as CJ oil is all but gone and CK has taken over. We'll just have to see how long CI lasts.. sure there are engines around that world that still fall into CI specs, but they can run CK oil... thou they might not get as long of OCI's with LSD vs ULSD. There are also oils manufactured around the world we don't get here.

 

[JR]

CJ4 was developed out of a necessity for emissions driven engines. It has long been proven every time you raise the engine Temp 10 degrees the rate of oil oxidation doubles. Where does engine (and oil temp) increase....EGR, regeneration, etc. CJ4 has twice the soot load capability of CI4. Even on pre emissions engines like the 5.9 it is easy to see how an engine could benefit from the added robustness of an oil like this. What does CI4 has an advantage over CJ4 aside from TBN which is completely moot with ULSD. Reduced ZDDP was an issue very early on but has been proven by many OEMs that it's no longer an issue with current AW additives.

 

[JR]

To better explain the picture above, .12 phos limit (zddp) of CI4 oil, .08 phos limit early CJ4 (conventional), .08 phos/ Antiwear additive combo on the right for later CJ4/CK4

 

[kewltrks]

I been using Valvoline 15 - 40 premium blue since new, Have not had any issues with it.

 

[Sidewayzz1969]

199,640..valvoline 15 40 premiuim bue,since new.

 

[Crunch]

And how about a twist: Who chose their oil based on how they use their truck, as opposed to which oil they trust, were recommended by someone, price, etc?

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I've been using Rotella dino 15w-40 in my 03. In fact, just picked up a case of 6 1-gallon jugs for $60 at my local BJ's warehouse club tonight.

 

[JR]

And how about a twist: Who chose their oil based on how they use their truck, as opposed to which oil they trust, were recommended by someone, price, etc?

I trust Cummins Engineering Standards.

 

[ofelas]

Oh yes, Cummins Engineering Standards.

The KDP & the 53 block come to mind.

As far as fluid standards, I recall when Cummins stated not too long ago - "no additives are recommended for ULSD".

Then last year, Diesel Kleen Power Service magically got the "C" badge on their containers, and Cummins endorsed them as "recommended additives".

I hope they're not going the way of the Green New Deal.

I trust Cummins Engineering Standards.

 

[JR]

Your first mistake is confusing engineering standards with endorsements.

 

[ofelas]

The KDP design & the 53 block were "endorsements" ?

Your first mistake is confusing engineering standards with endorsements.

 

[JR]

We are talking oil right?
The question was asked, how do you choose your oil, and my response was, if it's got the current CES (Cummins Engineering Standard) 20086 I'm good with it.

I should have also added *and* the correct viscosity.

As to the kdp and 53, Cummins owned the kdp but the block deal was largely out of their hands. Poor foundry molds - look at how many came out of there and other foundries with zero issues. They addressed both as they saw problems surface and improved upon the design. Every manufacturer has their failures, some more than others.
If one were to insist on a vehicle/engine that was *perfect* they'd be riding a horse. Believe me, them critters got issues too

 

[JR]

I've been using Rotella dino 15w-40 in my 03. In fact, just picked up a case of 6 1-gallon jugs for $60 at my local BJ's warehouse club tonight.

That's not a bad price!

For anyone that uses Mobil Delvac they often have rebates. A few months ago they didn't but I just checked and they have it back until the end of the year.

https://mobiloil.com/en/promotion/mobil-promotions/40-off-mobil-delvac


$6 off a gallon at participating locations, I just look for the sales at one of these locations and stock up. You can usually get them down to around $12 a gallon on sale, do the rebate online and it knocks it down to $6-$7 per gallon out of pocket. The rebate process is quick and easy. All done online (or you can mail it in if you choose).

 

[jgillott]

That's a really good deal. Thanks for the link.

 

[RVTRKN]

Whatever the dealer uses, is whats in my truck. My question is, open link. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/synthetic-or-dino-oil.265715/