I tried a search, but if you don't use the proper key words, search doesn't seem to work too good:-( So, are all Synthetic oils created equal? Is it worth buying Amsoil vs RedLine(?) vs Mobil1 vs Chevron Delo 400le Synthetic vs Shell Rotella T6(?) synthetic vs ???
What about oil filters?
Thanks, new to the Cummins.

 

not all oils are created equal, theres different groups of synthetics, some are "TRUE" pao and some are highly refined dino oils. bob the oil guy web site has the info your looking for.get ready to spend a few hours reading.

 

I'd say no as well, prefer my Amsoil. Check out Bob's site as mentioned and read, read....read. Lots of testing information out there, Amsoils site has lots of information on tests, what type of tests are performed etc. Not pushing it just know the site well and know it has good info to educate folks.

 

are you interested in extended drain intervals? That is where the economics of synth take hold. Yes, they are better oils - but very costly if you change every 3000k.
Their eao filters are superb - but not inexpensive if changed often.
How long do you typically keep your vehicles? If you trade in every 4 years or so, what's the point of using superior oils - doubtful that the next guy or dealer is going to pay you for it.

However, if you plan on extended oil drain intervals and/or keeping the vehicle a long time, then you will probably see a return on investment.

 

Unless u live in an extreme environment i dont c the justification for synthetics with regulag change intervals.

 

I went with cost versus how long I realisitcally think this truck will last.

Non-Synthetic Rotella 15-40 and a Fleetguard filter for me works just fine.

I do, however, run synthetics in the diffs and trans/transfercase since the change interval can be longer for my specific use.

 

I was going to switch my truck to Mobile1 on the next oil change. Any issues with that?

Hey sixlug! A local, and I have a buddy in Kalispell Ill be going to see soon. Small world.

 

I think you have gotten your answer, but please don't ask what oil is best! That opens up a useless, endless can of worms. Read up on oils, decide how you want to do it, and then do the most important part (in my opinion)- develop a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Routine maintenance is as important or more important than which oil you use, within reason. In other words, it doesn't matter what you use, if you abuse and don't maintain your truck.

 

I think this is the most practical maintenance plan, as well as application for synthetic uses.

Long run diesels don't usually wear out oiled components anyhow. Unless something bad like a run dry or overheat happens, the only significant wear occurs on the valve guides and seat surfaces, which oil has little to do with.

 

To answer your original question in short, no, all synthetic oils are not the same. And as mentioned, some "synthetics" are not even synthetic as one considers as "man made". So if you're truly concerned about that then I advise you to do your research. As for running synthetic in the engine.....I think the general consensus is that running synthetic in the engine is a waste of money unless you live in seriously cold climates or you plan on running oil samples and running the change out as long as possible. Then maybe, just maybe, you could end up even on cost. As for running synthetic in other drivetrain components.....that also will depending on what you use the truck for, the temps where you live, and how you drive. Its more a "to each is own" thing since there's plenty of Cummins out there will hundreds and hundreds of thousands of miles on them running plain old 15-40. The only thing I run synthetic in is the power steering and the rear differential.

 

Synthetics are also fantastic in high heat applications. I can't think of a higher heat area than the turbo bearings.

 

Yep, that's a good point, especially if one tends to shut down the engine before the turbo has cooled. Synthetic is supposed to resist coking a lot better than dino oils.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I live in AK and the truck sits outside all winter. Our winter temps can run from the -20F's to above freezing. Most of the driving is to work, about 11miles, then come back home, about 11miles. I just bought this truck, 2000 Ram 2500 with 200,000mi. on it. The previous owner claims he used "long life" Amsoil and changed oil only every 15,000mi or so. I personally don't like that. I don't see myself driving anymore than 15,000mi a year at the most, so I was thinking of a twice a year plan spring and fall. Somewhere around 5,000 mi or 7,500mi oil change intervals. I guess another question I would also have is how do you tell if a oil is a full synthetic or not when it says it is a synthetic? What about switching between full synthetic and normal Dino oil, like synthetic for winter and Dino for summer? Anyways, thanks again for the help.

 

In climates a little less severe than yours, I run 0W40 full Synthetic all year around and do 10,000 km drains. It used to be Esso XD3 but that has been replaced with Mobil1 Delvac. Cold starts are my concern as well as the detergent properties of Synthetic vs conventional oil. Pull a jug of 15W40 out of the box of your truck at -30 and see if thats something you feel provides lubrication to the engine.

The point about valve guide and other components not benefiting from Synthetic may be a little simplistic. The detergents and properties of the oil to adhere to the surface of the metal would provide some benefit.

 

The advice about using conventional oil is right on. Cummins endorses Valvoline PB. I am sure Delo or Rotella work well too, but not as high a TBN. especially in CJ formula. Proably a 10W-30 Diesel formula up there would work well, or even 5W-30, considering your light usage. I think changing oil & fluids according to Cummins spec is the way to go.
In the end , synthetics buy quicker flow in really cold weather. Plugging your truck in a few hours solves that.
Follow your service owners manual & sleep well. You will notice they ay synthtics are not mandatory and should be changed according to schedule. Sound advive in my opinion.