I'm new to the forum as far as membership goes but have been reading as a guest for a couple years. I just purchased a 2006 Dodge 2500 Megacab w/ the cummins. This is my first diesel. My brother and several of my friends have had Dodge diesels for several years. In my area most run AMSOIL. My brother has ran AMSOIL since his first oil change at 3,000. He changes the AMSOIL once a year which varies from around 20,000 to 25,000 for him. He does not have a bypass filter on the truck to screen contaminates down even further,,,,,just running the AMSOIL full flow filter. He works for a heavy construction contractor and get oil analysis performed regularly. Lab results have always come back great.....matter of fact everyone states the oil is still within specs. I have heard this from a bunch of dodge cummins owners around my area but am suprised to see that most on this board prefer the dino oil. I'm just wandering why? The AMSOIL and filter change cost around $75 doit yourself. The dino oil and filter change are around $35+ doit yourself. Even if you run the the dino 7,500 miles between changes you are looking at 3 changes compared to 1 with AMSOIL which equates to $75 vs $105 not counting the value of your own time for the extra 2 changes . I am not an AMSOIL dealer nor is my brother, I'm just wandering what different reasons there are out there for those that use it and those that do not. I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on my new truck at 3,000 and it will be AMSOIL 15W-40 w/ the AMSOIL EAO filter.
Thanks,

 

I belive cummins recommends 20,000 miles on your motor before switching to synthetic. I've got about 11,000 more to go before I make the switch to Amsoil. Cant wait....

 

Do you know why Cummins recommends 20,000 miles Coparam4X4?

 

Cummins recommends that you not use synthetic motor oil during the break-in period of 5000-20,000 miles, based on the type of driving, to allow proper seating of the piston rings. Beyond that mileage it is OK to use synthetic oil.

http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...2180C4A8F00000

 

I Talked to my local Cummins shop (Not the Dodge Dealer) when I went in to get a new 7 micron fuel filter to throw under the back seat, and I asked them about the switch to synthetic. They said to not even worry about it. they have pulled the sleeves on the 5.9 at around 80k miles and the cross etching that comes on them new from the factory were still there. It wasn't even broken in yet and that was with factory Valvoline Premium dino oil from day one.

 

The Cummins 5.9 does not have sleeves. Rooster

 

What ROOSTER said.NO sleeves.Its a BORED block.Unless the vehicle was built with synthetic installed from day one I always have waited till 15 to 20k on any engine.Currently have a 2006 Merc.Gran Marguis 4.6 with 12k on it and still running dino in it.Maybe will change it over at 18k.Cummins has always stated to wait till 15 to 20k on their engines before going full syn.

 

Geico266,
Don't brag about your 205k. I had that many miles on the Chevy gasser that I just sold before I bought the Dodge. I'm not worried about what oil you use, I could care less. Just trying to get some opinions. Yes I have searched and read countless posts that usually started chasing a rabbit and never got back on the subject at hand. As far as the smart remark about getting more money for the truck telling the buyer I changed at 25,000 intervals,,,,yea, he will probably frown unitl I tell him it was AMSOIL I was using, then he will probably give me the bonus money.
I do appreciate the rest of you giving some valueable info and will probably wait until after at least the first couple oil changes before switching over.

 

I have been debating the switch as well. I know the properties of synthetic are wonderful, and I guess I just need to take the plunge!!

 

To try and get back on point . . . . . I've decided to run Amsoil (as soon as I hit 10K miles, changed with dino at 3K) for the following reasons:

1) I believe in their product . . not saying others aren't good, but I've had good experience with it.
2) Running synthetic certianly isn't going to hurt your engine. We all spend our hard earned money on other relatively pointless accessories, and then quibble over engine lubrication and filtration
3) Better cold weather starting
4) Perhaps better mileage, but I don't see it.
5) I have already installed the by-pass system . . . . should be able to go 25k - 30K miles easy (will do oil analysis). Some guys have over 200K on the same oil (I don't think I'm that confident . . . . yet)
6) less time spending changing oil . . . and for you tree huggers, it is better for the enviornment
7) It also helps promote world peace because it lower demand for oil in the world and keeps us from fighting over it (now you know how these topics get off point!)

My advice is just do what you feel comfortable with. These trucks are a huge investment . . . . you won't go wrong with running dino and changing it more often or going with the more intelligent choice . . . Amsoil

Let me know when you want to discuss the pros and cons of fuel additives
Welcome to the site!

 

My 2000 2500 dodge v10 still had the cross etchings in it too at 180000 miles but it had 1 cylender blow up.

 

The first thing is to change your oil. Some people don't even get that right. Next question is how often to change it. Then, what oil to use. I am the usual oil changing nut. Always have changed at 3,000 miles/3 months even with Mobil One Syntec. This is the first time I have tried Amsoil and I like it so far. 4-ball wear test are really good, so on and so forth. I don't feel bad at all pushing the oil changes to 8,000 miles/ 1 year. In my eyes the engine is the bulk of what you purchased so take care of it. If pushing the miles and time I see no problem with doing oil analysis to make sure everything is in check.

In a nut shell, Change your oil and use a high quality filter and a good quality oil (Rotella T, Dello 400, Mobil, Valv. Prem. Blue, Amsoil, etc.)

Just my .02 and it isn't worth much.

 

This is pretty poor advice from someone who has almost 4000 posts and should be viewed as a helpful and productive member who lends experience to newer members. I'm sure you could tell by the way his question was asked that fulldraw68 had a valid question-he's new to the board. Great to give your take on it, but remember-not everyone knows as much as you do!

 

I ran Amsoil in my previous truck (95 Powerstroke) and was very please with its performance. The main reason I ran Amsiol was to help protect the turbo. I wanted to prevent coke buildup on the turbo bearing that may occur with dino.

What affirmed my decision was when I pulled the valve covers off at about 100,000 miles to change the glow plugs. There was not a spec of carbon build up in the cover or anywhere on the top of the head. Looked factory fresh. I'll be changing to Amsoil as soon as I get about 10,000 on my CTD.

 

Allright ... Another Amsoil Sales Pitch!!!