I'm thinkiing about changing the brand/type of engine oil in my '06 Ram 2500 quad cab auto with 37k miles. Originally, the truck was a daily driver. At about 18 months/15kmiles, I got a 2nd vehcile Since then the truck is always garaged and is only driven about every 4-6 weeks for towing a 9k fiver RV. The only short trips it is used on is during a camping trip.
I originally planned to keep this truck 12-15 years. But now I'm hoping to get a new truck in 2015. I have taken very good care of this truck and done about all I can for maintaining it's longevity. At 15k miles, I switched to Amsoil CI-4 rated 15w40 full synthetic diesel oil, Donaldson ELF spin-on fillter, and an FS-2500 oil by-pass filter.
Since then, I have changed the oil/filters once a year which puts about 6k miles p/year on the oil.
The last oil/filter change was 18 months ago at which time I had the previous oil analyzed by Blackstone. The report was excellent saying that the oil could continue to be used. Eight months ago, I changed just the filters. I plan to change the oil/filters in December and do another analysis. That will be the 2 year/10k mile mark for ths same oil. Again, the Blackstone report being the reason for keeping the oil in till the 2 year mark.
With the above in mind, I had planned to stick to my 2 year oil change interval, yearly filter changes, continue with Amsoil, and an annual oil anaylasis.
I'm wondering if it would be just as cost effective to change the oil/filters once a year with a cheaper oil like Mobil 1 or another quality, easily available oil.
Also, on the subject of of Mobil 1 - it is 5w40 and is cj-4 rated. Should I stick to a CI rated oil AND a 15w40 weiight oil? I live in Florida and do not use the truck for short trips.
I'm sure there will be alot of opinions on this one. I'm all ears. Thanks in advance for the input. phillip

 

Since your truck is always garage, and out of the weather/moisture, I would continue what your doing so far. The tests are proof your doing the right thing. I would stick with the "newest" rated oil, only because of the newer regulations on fuel and emissions.

I believe it all comes down to how it makes you feel, and how much are you willing to spend? I would personally feel better to keep using amsoil, 5000 mile oil changes, and normal filter/bypass filter changes.

Your talking about a $6000-8000 engine, and a measely $80 syn oil change every couple years.

Also since you plan to keep it another 5 years, you might as well keep with your current plan.

This is my opinion, so don't take it wrong. I have nothing against syn's. I've ran it, but I can't justify the costs. I have the observation that if a semi truck runs regular Rotella 15w-40 and has a million miles, I'm good with plain dino oil in my truck. Syn's have there applications, I ok with them in extreme cold and hot environments.

But I'm not giving my hard workn money to the oil gods what its worth.
I've got over 130k on Rotella in both trucks, I'm happy and has never failed me Everyone has there own opinions on oil, brands, types.

Honestly they are all good, they all work well, or they wouldn't be in business.

If I were you, I would switch back to Rotella, keep normal filter and bypass filter changes, and keep doing the Oil tests. I bet you find same wear indicators, and everything else close to the same, you may be surprised at what you find. Then save that money for your vacation

 

"I would stick with the "I" rated oil, only because of the newer regulations on fuel and emissions."

Another brilliantly messed up statement that has no validity..

As most major manufacturers (rotella, delvac, delo) are phasing out CI oils, we're not going to have much choice but to use CJ.

Since the adoption of ULSD in this country, CI oil has no advantage... do your research.... CJ is the future and performing excellently..

 

Sorry, your correct J is the newest. I just got it backwards, my bad. Yes, its the only thing you can buy now.

 

Oh, I don't follow ratings anymore, if it says rotella diesel 15w-40 at walmart I'm good. I've seen already 3 different ratings of oil in the last 10 years, got better things to worry about...

 

yeah me too... too many people on this forum are caught up in old ways of thinking with old variables, they can't seem to get over CI oils.. everyone else is moving ahead with CJ4...

 

you can not go wrong with rotella, delvac or delo.

 

You have basically two goals: 1. Good vehicle maint, and 2. save money.

Oil: Sine you don't drive it much, the best oil for the dollar is whichever good dino oil is on sale at Wally World. Delo, Premium Blue, etc. The expensive Amsoil stuff costs 3-4 times as much, and provides no additional benifit.

Filter: Fleetguard, $23 at Geno's. Change it once a year.

Oil Analysis: Now $25, + TBN charge. Do it once at the end of the year to see how the cheaper oil held up. After that, do it every 2-3 years.

A simple program like that will give you the same end result, and probably cut your costs in about 1/2.

 

I have had excellent oil analysies with Mobil 1 under difficult conditions. I would say that it is a good alternative to Amsoil and could fit well in your situation.

 

You can get the LF16035 at a cummins shop for about 12 bucks for 25 microns. Baldwins are 30 microns and run about 5.50. I would run a good CJ-4 (rotella, delvac, PM, Delo etc) and either of the above filters...change them based on UOAs.

 

For those interested: I contacted Amsoil and they do still have a Heavy Duty Synthetic 15w40 CI-4 diesel oil that is NOT approved for the 2007.5 and after emission laden trucks. pcm

 

CI-4 is better for the older trucks pre 07.5, better protection. Its bad enough we have to deal with ULSD.

I don't see many ppl mention this brand, but I have been using it now since I can readily get it at Napa. Texaco Ursa 15-40 CI-4, price is similar to rotella and the smell is stronger and sweeter. I would definitely recommend it.

 

no need to shy away from CJ oils in a pre-2007 truck folks, do your research! for on-road driven trucks using ULSD, anyway....

the "better protection" myth has been busted.. CJ oils are returning excellent UOA's...

 

CI rated oil is still available, and will continue to be. Personally, I dont like the CJ oil and will continue to use CI. I do not like the reduction on zinc on the CJ stuff. Its just a preference..

 

With LSD going the way of the dino on and off road CI has no advantages to CJ-4. I like CJ-4 oils cause they are designed to handle far more soot and that is what seems to limit most OCIs....