Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) which oil?

[ENepomuceno]

My buddy wants me to switch to AMSOIL.

He says less oil changes butreplace filter. There's also a double filter system

that can be added.

Are others running this and if so, how's the performance?

I currently use mopar from the dealer with a filter every 4500 miles, and

it runs me $45 and a half hour of my time. Is AMSOIL the way to go?

 

[PRyker]

Some people will tell you synthetics and bypass filtration is great protection and is a definate plus. Others will tell you that if it was needed Cummins would of engineered it like that and the stock full flow filter is more than plenty. The cost of synthetic, oil analysis and the bypass kit and filters is not going to be cheaper than doing what you are doing now for at least the first 20,000 miles.



I have chosen to run Amsoil and a bypass filter because it makes me feel better. That is really the best reason I can give cause I do believe Cummins designed the engine with adequate filtration. The thing is that I plan to own this truck until it falls apart and so spening a but more on synthetics, oil analysis and bypass filters makes sense to me in order to help prolong it's existance.



But do the math:



(2) Amsoil Bypass filters: $45. 00

Amsoil 15W40 synthetic (4 gallons): $62. 00

(5) Fleetgaurd Stratapore filters: $40. 00

(3) Oil Analysis: $60. 00

------------------------------------------------

Total for 30,000 miles: $207. 00



I run the above for 30,000 miles. I change the stratapores at 6,000 mile intervals. I put 4 gallons of oil cause you need more oil for initial fill with the bypass and then whenever you change out the stratapore / bypass you lose half a quart. I do oil analysis at 10,000 mile intervals.



Now depending on oil analysis you could run the same oil and only change filters for several thousand more miles but I am too anal and always overdo everything so that is what I do.



Now, you would have to buy a single bypass mount to be able to do this above. The cost for the BMK-11 mounting kit for our trucks is $120. 00. This does not include the filter. I would recommend the single bypass as it is simpler to install, causes less stress on the oil pump system and us easier to find a place to mount. I have heard of people with dual bypass mounts having oil pressure issues and problems with a loud hissing sound. I have none of those issues.



Compared to what you do now:



$45 for every 4500 miles



30,000/4500 = 6. 667



6. 667 x $45 = $300. 15



So it is a little less than $100 cheaper every 30,000 miles and you will get far better protection but it also means:



1. You do oil changes yourself

2. You follow out a plan and stick to it



I am glad I switched as I feel the protection is much better and as I said above I just feel better about it.



I hope this helps.



Phil

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

ON the other hand, any of the major dino oils (DELO, Rotella, etc) will easily go 32,000 miles or so in extended service, especially if a bypass oil filter is in use...



YOU DON'T *HAVE* TO USE A HIGH PRICED SYNTHETIC TO GO TO EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS!



Use a good grade dino oil in extended drain intervals instead of an expensive synthetic for even GREATER dollar savings, if that's your bag!



As a suggestion, try using the "search" feature on this board, using "oil" as the key word - THAT should keep you busy for a few days - and leave you even MORE confused than you are now...

 

[PRyker]

Gary is right and I agree 100%! Nothing wrong with dino oil. I just use Amsoil as it makes me feel better.



Phil

 

[MRose]

I use Amsoil in my bikes and swear by it and I was curious if anyone ever used Schaeffers diesel oil? Supposed to parifin based. We use it at work, over 150 light to heavy diesels with not one faliure, ever. Supposed to be good and was thinking about using it since the price is right.

 

[ENepomuceno]

Thanks for the info. I'll use the 'search' too.

$$ are definitely a big part of the equation, but I want my rig to last aswell.

My buddy runs amsoil on all his farm equipment,and they're

quarter million dollar machines. So, after more reading I'll see which

way I need to go. Thanks again guys.

 

[amsoilman]

Some people will tell you synthetics and bypass filtration is great protection and is a definate plus. Others will tell you that if it was needed Cummins would of engineered it like that and the stock full flow filter is more than plenty. The cost of synthetic, oil analysis and the bypass kit and filters is not going to be cheaper than doing what you are doing now for at least the first 20,000 miles.



I have chosen to run Amsoil and a bypass filter because it makes me feel better. That is really the best reason I can give cause I do believe Cummins designed the engine with adequate filtration. The thing is that I plan to own this truck until it falls apart and so spening a but more on synthetics, oil analysis and bypass filters makes sense to me in order to help prolong it's existance.



But do the math:



(2) Amsoil Bypass filters: $45. 00

Amsoil 15W40 synthetic (4 gallons): $62. 00

(5) Fleetgaurd Stratapore filters: $40. 00

(3) Oil Analysis: $60. 00

------------------------------------------------

Total for 30,000 miles: $207. 00



I run the above for 30,000 miles. I change the stratapores at 6,000 mile intervals. I put 4 gallons of oil cause you need more oil for initial fill with the bypass and then whenever you change out the stratapore / bypass you lose half a quart. I do oil analysis at 10,000 mile intervals.



Now depending on oil analysis you could run the same oil and only change filters for several thousand more miles but I am too anal and always overdo everything so that is what I do.



Now, you would have to buy a single bypass mount to be able to do this above. The cost for the BMK-11 mounting kit for our trucks is $120. 00. This does not include the filter. I would recommend the single bypass as it is simpler to install, causes less stress on the oil pump system and us easier to find a place to mount. I have heard of people with dual bypass mounts having oil pressure issues and problems with a loud hissing sound. I have none of those issues.



Compared to what you do now:



$45 for every 4500 miles



30,000/4500 = 6. 667



6. 667 x $45 = $300. 15



So it is a little less than $100 cheaper every 30,000 miles and you will get far better protection but it also means:



1. You do oil changes yourself

2. You follow out a plan and stick to it



I am glad I switched as I feel the protection is much better and as I said above I just feel better about it.



I hope this helps.



Phil

I go along with Phil, but I only change the "full-flow" (amsoil) filter when I change out the By-pass. Which means in 40,000 miles now on my truck, I have changed the "Full-Flow" filter 3 times since installing the oil and filtration system at 8,500 miles, so my total cost is a little less than Phil's. Total miles now on the oil is 31,500 miles.



Last oil analysis (12-4-2004) oil was still "suitable for continued use". I will now change both filters and continue running the oil.



There are some who think I'm out in the "woods", but I feel I have had enough experience (25 years) with the Amsoil oils and filters, that I am very comfortable doing what I do.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[WestTN]

Consider that there have been several trucks documented on this site that have gone over a million miles without engine problems. As I recall, one common factor was Shell Rotella T conventional oil. I can't see how to get a return on investment on synthetics. Of course I don't run in cold weather anymore. Extreme cold would be a plus point for synthetics.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"I use Amsoil in my bikes and swear by it and I was curious if anyone ever used Schaeffers diesel oil? Supposed to parifin based. "



I thought one of the biggest complaints against Pennzoil was the fact it was Parafin-based, causing lots of gum and varnish buildup?

 

[PRyker]

WestTN,



Do the math above... clearly there is a return if you do extended drain intervals and plan to keep the truck for a long time. It is common sense that less "bad stuff" in the oil results in a cleaner longer lasting engine. With that said and as I stated above it isn't for everyone. If it makes you "feel better" and you can afford the initial investment then go for it. If you think it is all hype then stick to Rotella and Stratapores. Either way you are fine.



Phil

 

[Bandit1]

i run delo 400 in my new motor, i have always heard that if there is some place that that is gonig to leak a syn oil will find it and drip, i dont want anymore drips. oil changes are cheap insurance to extent the life of the motor, i would rather change the oil every 3-4k than have this motor go bad. oil is cheap motors arent.

 

[PRyker]

i run delo 400 in my new motor, i have always heard that if there is some place that that is gonig to leak a syn oil will find it and drip, i dont want anymore drips. oil changes are cheap insurance to extent the life of the motor, i would rather change the oil every 3-4k than have this motor go bad. oil is cheap motors arent.

True. Now think how great that Delo would be if you were filtering down to 1 micron levels rather than the 10-15 microns that you currently do with the full flow. The original poster asked what we thought of bypass oil filters and Amsoil synthetics.



The fact that people have been convinced by marketing and the oil industry that more frequent oil changes are necessary is just proof as to how easy it is to sway public opinion without providing hard data.



Changing oil every 3000 miles is perfectly fine and your engine will go a long ways like that. I think it has a lot to do with the individual and how they view their transportation.



Here is a bit of a lesson I learned when I was a kid...



When I was a kid and my dad let me get my first rifle I was soooo excited. I kept that baby cleaned and oiled more than I ever needed to. One day I went hunting with some relatives and had a chance to shoot my uncles 30-30 Winchester. The gun was very tired looking and it was clear it had not had a cleaning in a long time. I asked my uncle why he never cleaned the gun and he told me that it was simply a tool and that there were more important things to use his time on then cleaning a tool that he used a few times a year. I thought to myself "self, why do you clean that gun so much? Sure would be better to just put it away when you get home and use it like a tool". As a kid my uncle changed my perception... I had an epiphany that my tool did not need a lot of attention and care.



Several months later my dad took me to the range and we went about setting up. He noticed that my 22 bolt action rifle that I had owned now for a few years was being neglected. I told him that my gun was just a tool and as long as it was sighted in and shot well it would be a fine and that cleaning was really a waste of time.



My dad then proceeded to explain to me that cleaning a gun was for much more than making it look better. He explained in detail to me how the rifle operated and why it needed to be taken care of. He told me that it was an extension of my own values and character and keeping it clean, oiled and in tip top shape would help me not only extend it's life but would act as a lesson on how to treat all of the posessions I had and would own in the future. "Take care of them and they will reward you with years of great service".



After we got home from the range I went to the job of cleaning that rifle up. I wanted to really make my dad proud of me. From that point forward I have applied that principle in many aspects of my life, relationships and career and it has served me well.



- End of lesson -



Why did I type all of that? Well, I believe that there are people that look at their truck as a tool. As long as I am doing the fundamental amount of maintenance and care then it will serve me well. There are also others who believe that some extra attention and care will pay out two fold down the road. I believe you will find that people who use bypass filtration, oil analysis and the like are in the latter group.



So, if you are going to own the truck for more than 100,000 miles? if yes, why not go the extra mile to keep it in tip top shape, if not, then oil changes every 3000 to 7500 miles is perfectly fine.



Whew. I am done!



Phil

 

[Bandit1]

I am glad you are done also i didnt need a lecture for merely posting another point of view, common sense will tell you that the more lubrication the better especially with an overfueled truck. All the extra fuel, soot and carbon must go somewhere and it is probably going into your oil, then it gets filtered out by the oil filter (wether you use oen or multiple). To each his own if you would rather change your oil or change a filter it is called freedom of choice. I DON'T need a lecture so if you dont like alternate point of view then don't reply back, and trust me I won't waste my valuable time again to try to provide another side to help a fellow CTD owner out. Now i am done.

 

[PRyker]

Bandit,



ummm... I think you really misunderstood my post. Not trying to give you a lecture at all. Actually agree with you that each person is different and we do what makes us feel better. Sorry for the confusion.



Phil

 

[Bandit1]

if you didnt mean that post as a lecture then i am sorry that i took it that way, my apologies to all.

 

[BTighe]

few months ago i ponied up the cash to change over to amsoil. i did a little more research and found that if i have a leak it will find it. i looked under the truck and found that i have a few small leaks. i didnt change over and after talking to cummins they said that my delo with be more than good enough for me. if i didnt have those leaks i would do it. maybe later.

 

[Herman8r]

Phil--I agree--there are people that are pro-active & the satification of changing their oil at every 3000 miles & sticking thier heads under the hood is therepy. The act of preventitive maintainance goes a long ways

 

[Sled Dog]

True. Now think how great that Delo would be if you were filtering down to 1 micron levels rather than the 10-15 microns that you currently do with the full flow. The original poster asked what we thought of bypass oil filters and Amsoil synthetics.



The fact that people have been convinced by marketing and the oil industry that more frequent oil changes are necessary is just proof as to how easy it is to sway public opinion without providing hard data.



Changing oil every 3000 miles is perfectly fine and your engine will go a long ways like that. I think it has a lot to do with the individual and how they view their transportation.



Here is a bit of a lesson I learned when I was a kid...



When I was a kid and my dad let me get my first rifle I was soooo excited. I kept that baby cleaned and oiled more than I ever needed to. One day I went hunting with some relatives and had a chance to shoot my uncles 30-30 Winchester. The gun was very tired looking and it was clear it had not had a cleaning in a long time. I asked my uncle why he never cleaned the gun and he told me that it was simply a tool and that there were more important things to use his time on then cleaning a tool that he used a few times a year. I thought to myself "self, why do you clean that gun so much? Sure would be better to just put it away when you get home and use it like a tool". As a kid my uncle changed my perception... I had an epiphany that my tool did not need a lot of attention and care.



Several months later my dad took me to the range and we went about setting up. He noticed that my 22 bolt action rifle that I had owned now for a few years was being neglected. I told him that my gun was just a tool and as long as it was sighted in and shot well it would be a fine and that cleaning was really a waste of time.



My dad then proceeded to explain to me that cleaning a gun was for much more than making it look better. He explained in detail to me how the rifle operated and why it needed to be taken care of. He told me that it was an extension of my own values and character and keeping it clean, oiled and in tip top shape would help me not only extend it's life but would act as a lesson on how to treat all of the posessions I had and would own in the future. "Take care of them and they will reward you with years of great service".



After we got home from the range I went to the job of cleaning that rifle up. I wanted to really make my dad proud of me. From that point forward I have applied that principle in many aspects of my life, relationships and career and it has served me well.



- End of lesson -



Why did I type all of that? Well, I believe that there are people that look at their truck as a tool. As long as I am doing the fundamental amount of maintenance and care then it will serve me well. There are also others who believe that some extra attention and care will pay out two fold down the road. I believe you will find that people who use bypass filtration, oil analysis and the like are in the latter group.



So, if you are going to own the truck for more than 100,000 miles? if yes, why not go the extra mile to keep it in tip top shape, if not, then oil changes every 3000 to 7500 miles is perfectly fine.



Whew. I am done!



Phil

Well said, thanks.