Which oil is best

[BKeibler]

Shell Rotella T now has a full synthetic oil for diesels 5w-40. Ams oil also has a full synthetic oil for diesels. Wall mart carries the rotella t and it is less expensive than Ams oil. My question is which is better?? I have used Rotella T in the past but not synthetic. I am planning on switching over to full synthetic soon. Give me your input . This could be a good discussion in the TDR magizine. Let the holy war begin.

 

[24V-DSL]

Have you thought about doing a search? There's enough posts to last you a month. I notice you've been a member for almost four years.

 

[BKenny]

Im no oil expert but i just switched to Amsoil i figured the cost would even out. I won,t have to change my oil as often now and it gives me a beter peice of mind running it.

 

[redram]

I believe the Rotella T 'synthetic' is actually a further refined mineral oil known as a Group III baseoil. The mineral oil if further refined in a hydrocracking process. It is not quite as good as a PAO synthetic but approaches the performance at a less expensive price. That being said, the Shell Rotella is API Licensed while depending on which Amsoil product you are referring to - it may or may not be. If this is a concern for you, then you should use the Shell or consider another brand such as Royal Purple 15W40 which is also a synthetic and is API Licensed CI-4/SL.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

There may be something in the TDR issues listed below too??

Issue 37, Pages 104a-107a (The Shade Tree) This is a great guide for both new and current owners

of a Dodge Ram Truck.



Issue 39, Page100a-b (The Shade Tree) Joe Donnelly suggests going by the book when it comes to

this important issue.



Issue 40, Page 108c-d (Idle Clatter) TDR writer Jim Anderson answers several question concerning

various lubrication issues.



Issue 40, Page 159a-b (Product Showcase) Valvoline now produces Premium Blue Synthetic.



Issue 40, Page 107c-d (Idle Clatter) Here’s a case for doing regular oil sampling to evaluate potential

problems with your ride.

 

[chi440]

I think you will find most members in the 'dino' oil camp run - Rotella, Delo, Delvac etc

the 'synthetic' group will run Group IV - Amsoil, Mobil?(diesel syn) or the group III syn Rotella syn etc. .



During my experience - I have run the the 'dino' oils in mine with good results from Rotella, Delo, and Delvac.



All are fine oils - IMHO - they will all perform their function well for many thousands of miles - with a proper change schedule - based on your particular driving etc. .



Everybody will have their own preference



My personal preference - Chevron Delo



FWIW

 

[Hammer]

Oh Man an Oil Thread. .

Who has the popcorn all ready?... ..... Andy

 

[FourBarR]

im with you Hammer. oil wars are always fun.

 

[PRout]

We're not finding many stories of oil-related failures due to any of the brand names mentioned above. They all seem to work as long as they meet the spec.



When I did my first oil change on this truck, I called Cummins. The engineer said that any oil that meets the diesel spec, AND is 15/40 rated will work. He repeated that it must be 15/40, not 5/30.



Ill let you guys hammer out the weight differences, but Im going with it.



My preferences:



Synthetic: Amsoil 15/40

Non-Synthetic: Delo 15/40



Rotella can stink for the first 500 miles, but the oil works fine.

Some people think you can develop slow oil leaks with synthetic.



Ive run the three above including Valvoline Premium Blue that came in the motor from the factory and all worked fine.



Think Ill go back to the amsoil because synthetics handle the extreme temps a little better, and I catch myself shutting the motor down on the + side of 300* sometimes. Synthetic "might" handle that a little better.



Bottom line as said before: It all works if it meets spec.

 

[dlange]

Believe it or not. Many different brands of oil come off the same line at refineries.

 

[BKeibler]

Thanks for the info guys. First time using the web site, will use it more often since i am not diesel smart.

 

[Jgolden]

Might the ability of syn oils to penetrate into tighter clearance places (smaller molecule) be a problem with the KDP problem?

Snowing and cold here so letting my brain run away. I have popcorn made.