I was wondering if changing brands of engine oil would have any ill effects. I have been running valvoline blue 15w 40w since new and was thinking of switching too the shell rotella 15w 40w - it seems to be cheaper around here and alot of people seem to be using it. 18000 miles on truck now. Any oppinions are appericated. Thanks in advance.....
Tim

 

I had the dealer do 3 oil changes...did the last one myself and used Rotella 15W40. Truck's @ just over 18000 miles with about 200 miles since the change...nothing bad yet and I don't expect anything either.

 

I went to an oil seminar a few months back that was put on by an oil guru (this guy was impressive). I basically wanted the answer to the very question you asked. He basically said, as long as the oil meets the viscosity ratings for your conditions (tempurature) and if the oil meets or exceeds the API rating for diesel engines, then it's good for your truck. He also said to look on the back for certain tests that are performed on the specific oil. If they list the specific test done (e.g. a test number and title and standard) vs. some generic "test" that was done by some "company" or even one that lists no tests, then go with the one that lists in detail the tests that have been done. This is going to be the better oil. You can find these differences amongst oils produced by the same company. This is more specific to gasser engines though. I personally am using Chevron 15W-40 IsoSyn...it's what they're selling down at the local Cummins shop.

 

Shell Rotella is very good oil, i run it mainly because it's cheap(buy a case at BJ's Wholesale for 26 dollars). all my friends have ran it in their engines for years and years. as long as the oil meets the specifications, your good to go.

there have been polls on this site a few times, and it seems like 30-40% of the people here run Rotella T.

 

I'm going with the Valvoline Extreme synthetic that Cummins places sell. First of all, I've run the dog out of other trucks with Mobil 1. Secondly, I'd go with the Truck & SUV if ANYBODY here had it in my little town. Thirdly, when I settle on an oil, that's what the vehicle gets.

I am a licensed aircraft mechanic, although I haven't practiced in years, and the one factoid that I've carried forward, which may not even be right, is that synthetic oils are chemically incapable of forming sludge.

Shear strengths, viscosity, and such don't mean a lot to me. Is the oil rated for the service? Does the engine manufacturer recommend it? Is it appropriate for my climate? Can I run a synthetic? If every answer is yes, that's my decision.

 

Before you scrap the Blue, you might want to check if there are any Advanced Auto Parts in your area. They are usually cheaper than the Cummins shops on the price. Also, I used to run the Rotella and since I switched to the 15W40 Blue my engine runs a lot smoother and it stays cleaner a LOT longer. I know I wouldn't switch back again even if it does cost a bit more. Just my $.02

 

I have ran rotella, valvoline, mobil, and delo in mine no problems. Have not noticed any diff between any of them. The mobil may have seen a bit darker than the others at the oil change but pretty minimal.

 

I'm using Valvoline Prem Blue but I don't think it matters if you switch brands. As long as you change the oil at reasonable intervals and use a good quality product, they should all perform pretty much alike. Considering that there's not a significant amount of price difference between the brands of quality diesel oil, cost shouldn't matter too much.

 

LOL...CUMMINS DOES NOT RECOOMEND USE OF SYNTHETIC OR SYNTHETIC BLEND ENGINE OILS...
NOW WHAT?

 

Hi, newer WHITERAM,

How do figure? The owner's manual says only that synthetic oil must meet the same specifications as petroleum oil. (P. 293.)

This page

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...sp?product=113

says, among other things,

# Endorsed and recommended by Cummins Inc.
# Selected for use in the 2003 Dodge Cummins Lap of America field test
# Endorsed and recommended by Cummins for use in Dodge Ram Turbo Diesels

and Cummins Power South in Jacksonville sold it to me.

 

On this subject, I have 5k on my 2005 4x4. Just got my 421 from Geno's, loaded up on Rotella oil. I checked the oil for the first time in about 3k miles and MAN IS IT BLACK!!

I do make a lot of short trips in the truck. Is this really black oil normal? (First deisel engine I have ever owned)

 

I change my 03 on 5k mile intervals. I have about 42000k on it. At 5000 miles my oil is just a bit dark on the dipstick but not black ny no means. Older diesels would turn oil black after about 200 miles but that is not what I have experienced with my truck. When I change the oil, I get the engine warm and let it drain as long as 20 minutes to let it drip as much out as possible. This makes it a bit easier to do the filter as it is not as hot by then. I would change the oil like this. Drive it and check it often. If it starts showing that it's black I may take it to a dealer and ask them. I do not run syn. oils. All I have ran are conventional oils. Rotella, Valvoline, Chevron, and Mobil. The mobil did show a bit darker than the others but not much.

 

Heater, I am seeing the same thing with my 05'. My last trucks oil NEVER got this black. I have 12K on it now and have changed the oil 4 times to see if it clears up. Keeps getting black though. I use Chevron Delo 15w-40 and have had great success with this oil over the years in all my diesels.

No diesel smell in it and the level is staying the same, so I guess its oil analysis time.

Anybody else having this problem with very black motor oil w/short miles?

Also, does anyone have a recomendation for an auxillary filter? (Spinner type)

Thanks guys,

 

Yes black oil is common in a diesel motor so relax. I pick an oil & stick with it for the life of the motor. Different brands have different additives, all being good I just think by sticking to one brand you get better cleaning /sealing. Maybe the additives in one oil don,t bound with or break down the additives in a different brand of oil. Over time leaks or sludge may result. Shell Rotella is probably the most commonly used oil in class 8 trucks by owener operators & fleets. Synthetics last longer but if you don't have a oil analysis done you really don't know how long to run it. Miles run on one truck does not reflect what another will be able to run between changes. Climate/dust/pollen/moisture in the air/idle time/ rpm range all play a factor in oil break down. I use dino oil because I change it regularly. I pull the plug hot & usually let it drain over night.(Alway have) You should fill the new filter with oil too.

 

If you do it this way be sure you put 1 less quart in the crankcase.