What oil to use?

[JMarkos]

I have always taken my truck to the dealer for the oil changes but I think I am going to do it my self. I went to a cummins shop and got an oil filter, I was thinking of useing Delo 400. Any suggestions or input would be very helpful, thanks.

 

[Cooker]

This topic has been debated on the TDR over 1000 times by now, that's prolly no exageration.



Delo is the best conventional oil, IMO. From what others have posted in the past Delo and Rotella T seem to be the most widely used conventional oils. I don't like Rotella personally because of it rather high pour point, it's only -13. Here in MI the Rotella made the engine noticably louder during warmup than the Delo (BTW Delo's pour point is near -40).



Before any synthetic oil guys chime in here to try to tell you it's the best thing you can do and it will give you 20 MPG increase and the truck will run and last twice as long as you will prolly ever own it for.



Seriously though, I have no doubt synthetics are a better oil, but if you don't mind shorter oil change intervals and don't desire to use a synthetic oil for whatever reason, the Delo will treat your engine just fine for as long as you own your truck.



Depending on your driving style, short or long trips, most city or highway driving, change the Delo every 3500-6000 miles and you'll be set (some have run Delo out to 9,000 with good oil analysis results, but that was almost 100% highway miles).



FWIW - I drive 60/40 highway/city with a fair amout of short trips, and my oil analysis have always come back excellent with 3500 mile oil change intervals.



If you want to do some reading try a search and you'll get a ton of info to read.



My $. 02

-Ryan

 

[JMarkos]

Thanks for the info, I did a search for it and it worked, the first time it has worked for me.

 

[Big Jon]

I too like the Delo 400 15-40W. I had 300,000 miles on my '85 F250 with the 6. 9L International motor before I bade it farewell last month. Ran Delo in it changing it out every 3,000 - 3,500 miles like clockwork.



I've heard there is still some benefit to running synthetics (less wear, and slightly lower operating temperatures) and I'm toying with the idea of switching later on myself. If you plan on doing that, make sure your motor broken in before you start using synthetic. Some have reported the rings not seating properly if you switch too soon.



Jon

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have used Rotella 15W-40 in all my diesels up till i went to synthetics. You cant go wrong with Rotalla or any of the major oil companies

 

[jlhartak]

engine oils

I run synthetics (amsoil) in my Cummins; usually 10-15,000 miles. Although more expensive, with the longer change interval the actual cost is near or below conventional oil. Besides longer engine life and slightly better fuel economy I only have to mess with 10 quarts of used oil 1/3 to 1/4 as often! Less waste oil is good for everybody!

 

[Ted Constantine]

I run amsoil series 3000 5w30 with a dual bypass filter set up. I went to this because it was another thing that I could do to the truck. It is more for the novelty that I do anything to the truck, if I was not playing with it I would just do normal change interval. Any mileage increase is more than counteracted by my right foot but my dad does think it is quieter running and at startup. But there is still no way to sneak up on anyone



If you do go amsoil check out http://www.wwcd2.com/ for the group purchase.

 

[Neal Cassady]

Delo 400

Go with the Delo, it is a very good conventional oil.



Dave