Tartarus

At the risk of starting an oil war (Noooooo!!!! : ), I'd like to ask if anyone has had experience with Valvoline's Premium Blue Extreme 5w-40.

I broke in the engine a couple of months ago (17K miles) and switched to a synthetic -- but Rotella Synthetic was the only stuff I could find (Wally World $12.98). I didn't like it. Sooted up and thinned out real fast, faster than the Delo dino I'd been running. Besides, it's a group 3 petroleum-based "half-synth" oil. Just my opinion -- I know others like it a lot, and that's FINE with me!!

I've found a dealer for the Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme, who'll sell it for $15.25/gallon. It's Cummins-endorsed, if that means anything, and Valvoline claims that the base stocks and additives are completely synthetic -- which seems to mean that it's not a group 3, but I'm not sure I believe it. Anyway, wondered if anyone's been using it.

MnTom

Go to Cummins and you can buy Valvoline Blue 15w40 for about $8.45 per gallon in a 5 gallon pail. I don't think Cummins quoted me that high for the extreme. My local Cummins shop told me that I didn't need the extreme for what I do. They said that the 15w40 would be a lot less costly in the long run. Besides, it is a great place to buy your filters too.
Tom

wood_n_soldier

I have been using the premium blue on the last two oil changes and I did not notice any difference if anything I'd say that the Rotella I used before was better. I have no fact to back this up just my personal opinions. I have also been considering and after reading through these forums will be switching to amsol (sp? ) full synthetic next time around.

HOHN

I have the PB extreme in the pan right now. It seems good enough, but I am not overly impressed. IN fact, I think the Delo dino oil was a little better, because the engine seemed happier with it in (ran a little quieter). However, the Delo is a 15w-40, and the PBX is a 5-40, so that's more likely to be the difference.

Group III components are allowed to be sold and labelled as "full synthetic" due to a legal ruling. So YES, the PBX IS a group III oil (just like the Rotella "full synthetic&quot.

One thing I can say about the 5-40 is that you get almost instant oil pressure-- even when it's in the single digits (haven't had colder yet here). But the same is also true of a 15-40, at least when comparing true synthetics to each other.

Since the pour points of synthetic 5-40 and 15-40 are so close to each others, there's not much to be gained IMHO by going with the lighter oil.

I have to say one thing in particular-- I think the reason I was disappointed with the PBX is that it was replacing Redline 15w-40. This sutff was INCREDIBLE. I picked up 1.5mpg average, and an additional 2 psi of peak boost (turbo spun more efficiently).

I switched to the valvoline because I balked at paying $30 a gallon for the Redline. I am SERIOUSLY considering going back to Redline or trying the Amsoil.

Is Delvac 1 a group IV?

I think the Valvoline is a good oil, especially for the money. But I can't say that's it's much better than regular Rotella or Delo. Except, of course, in cold weather. In THAT case, the PBX would have a clear edge over the rotella or delo.

JMHO,
Justin

Dr. Evil

Delvac 1 is definitely group 4 - and excellent oil !!

kamper

Howdy,
I have been using Premium Blue Syn 5-40w since last winter. It was suggested by Cummins tech line (Powermaster) because of Wyomings low temps in winter and at times I can't always plug in the block heater. IMO if cold weather it not a factor I would not spend the extra bucks. I have to admit that the single digit temperature starting difference is like night and day, cranking speed is definately increased. Last year my truck gave me grief (running 15-40w) when it got down around zero...it started but you had to cranked much longer than I liked. Even preheated mulitiple times. This winter it got down to 3 degrees about a month ago, cold enough that my 3 cylinder knock down activated, and started flawless, perheated only once. I had worked a double shift and my truck sat for 16 hours, so it was a good test. Now be aware that fuel can also be a huge factor for hard starts in zero temp. #2 diesels gell point is right around zero if uncontioned or unblended. I am running a hand mixed 50% mix of #1 & #2 right now so if I have any problems I can start looking at possible mechanical problems. But for right now it looks good. Cost has been right at $60 for 3 gal and a filter from Cummins. IMO it is worth the cost. Just my $0.02 Ken

Dr. Evil

Is the Premium Blue Extreme a group IV synthetic?

HOHN

pretty sure it's GroupIII.

jlh