Dieselcamper

I bought my truck used with 42,000 miles and have had the dealer do the last two oil changes. I'm now at 50,000 and am going to start changing my own oil. What is the best non-synthetic oil out there . I've heard Rotella , Valvoline Blue, Etc.
What does Cummins recommend.

HOHN

In terms of non-synthetics, it's probably a tie between DELO 400 and DELVAC 1300.

I'd run the Delvac. DELO is also very good-- but not as good in cold weather.

Rotella is also in the running, but the oil gurus at www.bobistheoilguy.com have made it clear that it doesn't seem to be in the running with DELO and DELVAC. Rotella is very popular, but oil analysis seems to show it's an inferior oil relative to the other two guys.

That said, a CYD will last a long time on even Rotella. So, Delvac 1300 or Delo 400 if you have them conveniently available, or Rotella if you must.

JMHO.

Justin

Clint

This is my first CTD, when I changed the oil I had the same questions as you. I went to my local walmart, and theyhad Rotella T Synthetic for a resonable price, so that's what i went with. I have read it's not a true synthetic, but I noticed much less niose when starting the truck, and just for that i may use it in the winter time. The stuff does stank tho, not stink, but stank, the smell went away after awhile, but uhggg.

I'm going to give Delo a try next, and after that I may try the Delvac. So many choices, least we don't have to change oil at 3000 miles.

Clint

bluebull

A few years back I done a flow test on Rotella T 10-30, Delo 400 15-40, delvac 1300 15-40.

I don't remember the exact numbers but at -8* F. the Delo 15-40 and Delvac 1300 15-40 flowed like three times faster then Rotella T 10-30 through a none pressurized orifice. The Rottela 10-30 was so thick it was scary. If you never have to worry about freezing temperatures than any of the 15-40 oils would be o.k.

Cummins recommends valvoline or any oil that has the recommended classification for that model year.

CoastalDav

RoSmella 15W-40 or Delo 15-40 is what you want to run if you don't want the unnatural oil. Delo is slightly darker than Rotella-T
and appears to be carboning up faster. Rotella is a lighter color and generally will be clean up through 4000 miles. If you tow alot it will be less.

You can pull your dip stick at 3500 miles and say, its still clean! It won't be dark in color. The clean is the Cummins. Its the oil color
that makes it look clean down the road. Rotella (RoSmella) has a crankcase vent odor. Smells like a Refinery at close range, if you know what I mean, until it gets some miles on it and the light ends flare off.

Both are good oils. You can't go wrong with either.

Dave

Buckshotmckee

Delo 15w40 or synthetic Mobil 1 4x4 15w40(formally known as Delvac). Also make sure you use a quality oil filter. I recommend Baldwin or Fleetguard.

TPilaske

I've used Delo 400 15-40 in mine since it's first oil change... It get's pretty cold up here and I never had any problems. I'm sure any of the previously mentioned oils will be fine.


Tony

neveragain

Why would you not want to use the synthetic? They take the heat better in the summer and the cold better in the winter? Just change the filter a couple of time instead of changing the oil! For it will still be good.

GSP

Im useing Delo. i did notice that rotela is ligter color doesnt look dirty. but glad to here its just the oil color.

Im changeing mine every 3000mi.

My truck had 97000 miles when I got it . So I am putting a qt of marvels in with the oil change. help clean the motor .

Idaho Guy

I run Rotella in mine. I'm pushing 4k miles on the current batch and the oil is still looking good - but it will be changed out shortly. I agree with what's already been said - get yourself a good filter (I run Fleetguard). For what it's worth, I've heard/read that our Cummins engines are notoriously easy on oil - but I don't have the thread handy right at the moment.

frank1981

A little off subject but if you are going to do your own oil changes make sure you get a good grease gun.. I have notice the front end parts in these trucks don't last long if you don't keep them greased on a regular basis. Just my two cents.


Frank

Hemi Cat

I generally use Delvac 1300. I've taken care of high mileage trucks with good results. Many Semi's go 1,000,000+ miles before major engine work. Yes make sure you grease it and check all fluid levels and monitor brakes. Add the coolant conditioner annually to avoid internal deterioration. Makes a big difference.
If you are new at this, I would suggest making a check list of all the service points so you don't miss one.

crobtex

Tell me more about the coolant conditioner.........

Thanks,

Hemi Cat

I get my conditioner from Wix or napa or car quest or fleet guard. The bottle has instructions on it. As a general rule I add it on initial fills and once a year. If you drive a lot of miles, there is a test kit with litnus papers to give you the exact ph with the exact amount to add for correct ph. Vehicles that keep it correct generally have clean rads internally, less head gasket problems, no erosion holes through the cyl walls, longer water pump life. In general, the cooling system performs the way it was designed for the service life of the vehicle. If you use std ethylene glycol coolant, you should change it arround 500,000 miles using conditioner, The extended life coolant will go 1,000,000 miles using conditioner. (according to Texico/Havoline) Good Luck


Howard

crobtex

Thanks,
I think I'll go by NAPA today and check it out.