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<TD class=text vAlign=top background="" bgColor=#fefefc>http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifHELP! I've a question for a tech. I bought a used '03 with 43,000 miles, and all I've been able to find out is that it's been serviced at a GM dealer, with GM fluids at the requried intervals. I want to switch to synthetic fluids when each of them need changing again. The oil will be first. I'm leaning to the Mobil Delvac 1; should as I be nervous about the Amsoil not being "certified" for CI-4 as some have stated on this board? Should I stick with 15w40? What oil filter should I use? Should I change the filter at a shorter interval than the oil? Are there any chances of any problems by switching to synthetic at this mileage, or would I be better off by just staying with the GM oil? So many questions, so few answers. Thanks


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Max,


When it goes to the dealership, I'll bet it doesn't get "GM" oil anyway, probably shell rotella- seems to be a favorite, and easy to find. Definately find API Certified CH-4 or CI-4.


I want to go with synthetic too. I'll probably go with the Mobil 1 Truck and SUV. As for the filter... I can't say which is best, but I'll be using the AC Delco.


Hope this helps.


Ed

Not sure about which oil filter is the best, but everyone seems to agree that the Fram is one you want to stay away from...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


I put the AC Delco on mine. I've seen others post about Baldwin, Wix, Purolator and a number of others. Try a few searches and you'll find lots of thoughts about filters.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif I'm editing my origional post,


This was a very heated topic at tdp, where the topic was about using Synthetic motor oil, Amsoil, Mobil 1, Shell Ret, and the others, and an after some reading, and fact finding regarding Amsoil not being certified with the CI-4 rating, there was no informal service notice or rebuttal from Amsoil on the satement on the forum, so it would be nice for a clarification on the certification.


This is not a reply to your origional question, basicly another question to support your's but to remind you that you need facts, and support of the information you get.


How do I know that someone is telling me facts vs selling me.....http://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gifEdited by: Bigwheel

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Question.gifAll the techs must be busy this weekend? I'm looking for some solid advice from someone who actually works on these motors and has been around them awhile. Thanks

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Question.gifAll the techs must be busy this weekend? I'm looking for some solid advice from someone who actually works on these motors and has been around them awhile. Thanks





Sorry I wasted your time trying to help you answer a question, I promise I won't do it again...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

No Tech but I should hope ALL opinions are good to hear .


But the only Issue that would arise with the Amsoil is IF you were to have a catastrophic failure and you were to Volunteer info or they were able to TEST the oil and found it not to be API starburst certified.


As long as you stay with the correct approved viscosity (5w 40 is)with API certified you have nothing to worry about.See the TSB forum for more info.


I run Mobil Delvac Synthetic year round.I also do not do extended drain intervals due to the sooting of my oil with the power enhancing I run.


Oil Filters AC Delco or the Champion (black Isuzu filter) are my choice .


Baldwin ,Wics and others are good choices and yes just say no to Fram as a oil filter .It has been shown to be very inferior in quality with the high pressure system and cold starts in the Duramax.





Mac

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Zeeb: I was in the wrong area, did not notice that this was ask the tech, and for that I am sorry to have replied to your question towards the Tech's. Thanks.


Bigwheel

Bigwheel,


I'm not a diesel tech, but I do have a substantial background in things mechanical relating to NHRA drag racing and aviation maintenance areas.


So I've asked a lot of questions here about my new Dmax and received a bunch of helpful input from all sorts of people with varying backgrounds. I've also picked up a lot of information about things I hadn't thought about asking. So I try to help point out answers to questions I've had or seen addressed in various places on the forum.


While the Dmax techs who post here are great people, they can't always be on top of every question posted here. There are also people here such as Mac, who have an extensive knowledge of these trucks based on their own experiences, and who try to help out in this section.


So don't worry too much about where you post a question. Yours certainly didn't bother me. As you get more familiar with the forum, you'll find it easier to figure out which area will get you the quickest response. If a question is really better asked in another area, the mods will usually move it for you so you've got a better chance at quick answers.


This is really a great forum with lots of helpful input from lots of people, I think you will enjoy it...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I agree with Zeeb. There are a lot of people on this forum with extensive experience in oil and filter selection. As a GM tech I would only recommend to you what GM recommends and if your oil doesn't have the proper rating, GM would not recommend you use it and could void your warranty if there was a situation.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Question.gifAll the techs must be busy this weekend? I'm looking for some solid advice from someone who actually works on these motors and has been around them awhile. Thanks





Sorry I wasted your time trying to help you answer a question, I promise I won't do it again...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ouch.gifI didn't mean to ruffle anybody's feathers Zeeb. Since this is all new to me, I need all the help I can get; yours and everyone else who is willing to offer. I asked the questions, and appreciate all who took the time to answer. I didn't mean to imply that unless one was a tech, his opinion somehow wasn't relevant. I simply thought that a tech might have a little more insight as to the pros and cons of switching to a synthetic at 43,000 miles, and since the synthetic "cleans", if it would mean more frequent filter changes between oil changes. From the recent tests on air filters, as well as comments on oil filters, it would seem that AC filters would be a good choice. How boring would life be if we all had the same opinions on everything; can we agree to disagree and can you accept my apologies? No harm was intended. Edited by: Black Max

Black Max,


I wouldn't worry too much about ruffled feathers. Just about everyone on this forum is good people. I don't feel like an idiot when I ask questions that these guys in the back of their minds must be saying, "Jeez, doesn't this guy have a clue?" Well, I don't, but what I'm trying to say is, everyone is here to help. Inline with Zeeb, whether they are GM certified or certified by the school of hard knocks, they certainly know their stuff. Just keep reading and you'll probably agree with me in the end. . . this is a great place with great people.


Dennis

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifThanks to all who took the time to help answer my questions, and a special thanks to dmaxallitech for humoring me, and putting my mind at ease! Glad I found this place.