You're right - it's a matter of semantics. I was using "high sulfur" as a relative term meaning that our 500 ppm fuel is much higher in sulfur content than today's European diesel or the even more stringent limits on the ULSD coming to the US.
No argument there. As I said earlier, some of us have special applications that may not justify the use of synthetics - mine is such an application. As I noted, I use synthetics in our other 2 vehicles, so I understand and believe in their advantages in the service under which these 2 vehicles operate. With the extended change intervals of the 3rd generation engines, I'd be more interested in seeing what the nitration levels do with dino oil!

Rusty

 

sorry to change the subject - Lightman, wondering what brand of bypass filter are you running??

 

Dr evil - Amsoil dual remote bypass setup - although I ran an Oilguard on my TDI and liked it too, aside from a much messier filter change.

 

Rusty expressed the very concerns that I have read and been told - - too long in the crankcase. I am sorry I did not back up my statement - - however, if you re-read my post, "I" didn't make a statement, rather repeated what I had read and heard and asked questions. I could have elaborated much more thoroughly on the subject - - rather decided to ask opinions.

I, like Rusty, still only have 10,000 miles on my 1-1/2 year old truck. I am planning on hitting some miles shortly but I am not to the point of changing to syn - - too few miles. The point being made was I hear too many people say they run their syn for extended times without additional filtering, without testing, and without putting massive miles on the truck pulling heavy loads - - they just don't want to change oil as often. From all I have heard, that is the wrong reason to use syn.

But, hey, what do I know - - I am a math and physics guy, not a chemist. I just follow the guidelines and drive the sucker.

And, Lightman, you crazee Sarasota nut, I am sooooo glad you found your syn at your favorite store.

 

Fiver, you can run synthetic for a full year with your mileage and change once a year. The severe service drain interval for our trucks is 7500 miles between changes. Thats assuming you use oil that meets the basic requirements. A premium extended drain synthetic can easily do double that, even with all the towing you do. Our trucks make virtually no soot. But as they say to each his own. Whatever you feel comfy with. Since you take it to sunset dodge and they sell amsoil 15w40, I would just use that. If I weren't moving up north, I'd use the Amsoil 15w40, it's a LOT cheaper - about $15/gal shipped..and a group 4 synthetic.

FWIW Bob - the walmart that has it is on Lockwood/University

PS thanks for all the help setting up the RDS tank, it rocks.

 

It's also not very smart. I have a buddy who swears by synthetic, been running it in his '97 since 20k with oil analysis every 10k, Oilguard bypass. Twice in the over 200k now on the truck the analysis came back saying his Amsoil wasn't good to go. Additive package had been depleted.

 

Since you take it to sunset dodge and they sell amsoil 15w40, I would just use that. If I weren't moving up north, I'd use the Amsoil 15w40, it's a LOT cheaper - about $15/gal shipped..and a group 4 synthetic.

I'm not following you here? D1 because it's a 5W40 and that's what you would prefer in cold climates? Amsoil's other grade is 5W30, and that's more expensive too, right?

 

Infidel - not sure what type of engine config or issues your friend has, but 10k on synthetic normally wouldn't even require a bypass system on a stock Cummins. Not sure why he dirtied or ruined his oil twice but it's certainly an isolated event and NOT the norm...

Stevenknapp - My personal preference is 5w40 since i'm moving up north and hence d1. 5w40 really starts to show a lot more protection under 10F, where 15w40 really starts to fall off. If I were staying in the south, I'd definitely run the Amsoil 15w40. While the 15w40 isn't quite fortified with all the same goodies as the ridiculously expensive series 3000 5w30, I just dont like the thought of the thinner 30 weight oil.

 

Rusty - Thanks for the info on the technology behind Delo 400; I see a lot of it around hear in big accts (farms & const. companys)sold by an agressive distributor; in the $4.50 @ gal range, by the drum. Have tested it often and always been very impressed with that oil! Now know why. It is an excellent oil for the non-synthetic guys.

Lightman - I ran a test in my truck last yr - mid summer (we get 6 mos. of 90*+) between two, high quality, full synthetics. One 15w-40 and the other a 5w-30. Ran both for 8,000 miles on one Fleetguard filter.
15w-40 analysis came back in excellent shape with lots of life left in it (TBN = 8.4)
5w-30 analysis came back in excellent shape with lots of life left in it (TBN = 8.4)
Both started out at 12 TBN.
5w-30 actually ran a little cooler, 195* vs 200*, on average - which I attribute possibly to greater (faster) flow. One other advantage to the 5w-30 was approx. 1/2 mpg increase.

I proved, to my satisfaction that a high quality, synthetic, 30 wt oil works well in the CTD. If it worked well in my area, it could only be more advantageous in cooler climates. I now run it 10,000 miles between changes.
Note: I haul heavy but do not tow. Not sure I would use a 30 wt oil for heavy towing.
Rowland

 

Rjohnson , I would suspect you're talking about series 3000 5w30? I did run that oil for a while when I lived up north a few years back, and had good oil analysis results, but had fewer wear metals in the subsequent oil change that I used delvac 1 in. My guess was to attribute the lower wear to the extra thickness, due to the fact my engines were constantly under loads and run hard. When you compare viscosities at high engine temps, the 40 weight is a bit thicker. Granted this is 5w40 vs 5w30, and yours was 15w40 vs 5w30, not quite the same circumstances. .

First let me say I agree Rjohnson, a quality 5w30 synthetic should do fine in some applications, however the finer point is that everyone uses their vehicles in different circumstances. No oil is the 100% best choice for everyone. IMO, either the amsoil 15w40, or delvac 1 would be excellent choices for the majority of cummins owners.

 

Don't forget about another advantage to synthetic...cold temp flow !!!!

Leave any can of dino oil out in the cold overnight in less than 10 degree weather and try to pour it, you might as well put maple syrup in your crankcase.

I think for people up north it's the biggest reason to use it.

I have been using it for over 25 years starting with Synthoil in the plastic quart containers.

Ron W.

 

FWIW, I went to my local walmart, and while they did have some Mobil1 scattered about they didn't have any truck/SUV.

Maybe it hasn't made it up to ChiTown. Or maybe Walmarts around here just aren't what they are down south. I know even just 3hrs south of here they are much cleaner and better stocked.

 

Steven, I called like 8 stores and none had even heard of it, and then the one lady was like yep, we've got it. I didn't believe her so she went out and got the bottle and read it back to me. I was surprised. Might want to let your fingers do the walking

 

So it's just new, they should have it soon enough. Well, I've got a bit of time before I'll need it. Maybe it will be more commonplace by then. Or I'll just mail order it.

Not sure what dino oil to run during wear in. Maybe D400, or Cummins Blue if I can find it.

 

Steven, I believe spec wise Delo to be the best dino oil, however since Delvac1/Truck&SUV and Delvac 1300(dino) share a VERY similar additive chemistry, I decided to stay consistent with the Mobil product. In reality I dont think it will make much of a difference whatever you use, as long as it's a CI-4 rated diesel oil.

Also yes, the truck/suv product is just hitting stores now. If you don't have it now, you will soon. Walmart, autozone, discount/advance auto, etc will all carry it.