I remember reading a lot about which oil to use, whether it should be a detergent or not (non-detergent if I remember correctly) but can't seem to locate any of the threads with my searches. What kind of motor oil and filter is recommended for a 97? I think previously, I had used a 15w40. I am in the midwest (St Louis) and winter is finally relenting a bit (65 degrees today) so an oil change is in order. Give me your 2 cents please.

 

Oil threads are there. Sometimes just takes the correct search words.

You use a diesel rated meaning high detergent oil. CI-4 is the current American Petroleum Institute (API) rating.

The biggest opinion based threads center on mineral versus synthetic base oils. What is your preference?

 

I personally like Delo 400 15w-40, easy to find and cheap. Walmart and Costco even has it.

 

Thanks, I looked again and found a couple of threads. I am thinking higly of going synthetic with amsoil or some other type next time around. Right now I don't know enough about the pros and cons and if the milage on my engine makes a difference. This time I'll use the rotella T 15w40 with the mobile1 filter (that's what they had at the local autoparts store)

 

I've used Rotella T since the unit was new. I was going 15K between changes before the mods, but have now backed it down to 10K. Each oil will have its proponents and opponents, but from what I've gathered over the last 10 years the key is to stick with one type. If you use Rotella T for a while stick with it. Mobil 1 stick with it. Amsoil stick with it.

Also, send your oil out for analysis regularly.... http://www.blackstone-labs.com

 

I use Delo 400. I've heard you should stick with the same oil in an engine, that is why I've never tried synthetic. Plus, I change my oil often, between 3K-5K, which defeats the long drain interval advantage of synthetic. I keep the truck and the engine as clean as I can. I don't like black oil.

 

I prefer Mobil Delvac or rotella as second choice.

 

Since you're in St. Louis, the home of Schaeffer Oil, why not give them a try? Their #700 Supreme 7000 synthetic blend 15W-40 is a cost effective alternative to a full synthetic. They've also recently introduced a full synthetic 5W-40 diesel motor oil, supreme 9000, I believe. I'd like to try this stuff for next winter, and from what I hear, is priced right.

There's no sacrifice of quality on Schaeffer's products. I'm sure you'd like 'em.

Contributing my 2 cents. Regards

 

Rotella 15W 40,

Fleetguard Filters, every 5000 miles, Fuel filter every 10K.... works well for me, have nuttin but respect for delo though my ford used it for a while...

Tx

 

I use Rotella T 15w40 out of same bulk tank as the OTR trucks use. Oil change every 5000 w/new oil, fuel filter.

 

full synthetic amsoil isn't that much more than regular oil. i buy it by the case for $46 thats about $3.75 a quart

 

Doesn't Amsoil have a wierd viscosity like 5w30 for their diesel oil though? I don't really care to have it that light, I run Amsoil 3000 5w30 in the talon but I can't see running virtually the same thing in a diesel.

 

Amsoil has 15W40 Heavy duty diesel & marine oil, 15w40 synthetic blend, and 5w30 diesel oil

 

I realize this may go against the grain, but I don't necessarily believe that it is necessary to stick with one oil. I have purchased several used vehicles that I did not know what had been run in them.........changed them over to synthetic, or even occasionally found a real good sale on a brand I don't regularly run, and have never noticed any problems. In the old days, non-detergent oil was commonly used, and changing to a detergent oil would dissolve deposits and such on the rings and seals and could cause oil consumption and leakage......and I believe this is what generates the line of thinking "use one oil and stick with it". I very well could be wrong and I would like someone "in the know" to give better direction. Thanks.

Waylan

 

Sticking with one brand mostly means don't switch brands at every oil change. Problem you can run into is the ingredients in the additive package may not be compatible between certain brands.