Hey all. I run Shell Rotella 15W40. During the colder months I am looking into putting Shell 5W40 synthetic in the truck, and then switching back to 15W40.
I don't believe this will be a problem, but would like to check with the experts.

Also..... what kind of milage would one run the synthetic for?

Thanx guys.

Max owner I think if you search this site you will find these people have givin some of the most top info available to anybody in the views of oil and change intervals. search and you will find all that you can handle.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gifI think that most here would agree on the benefits of using synthetic exclusively; something you might want to consider. And so as not to switch brands, and according to the manual, you should be able to safely use the 5W40 all year long. It sounds like you can make your oil change interval whatever you feel comfortable with as long as it's within the limits outlined in the manual. I just changed over to the Mobil 1 Truck & Suv, and I'm thinking about 7500 miles for me. But I'm also open to suggestions. Edited by: Black Max

I just swithced over to Synthetic and I am happy with it so far.. My oil change was just shy of 6500 miles, I usually wait longer but decided to go ahead and do it as I was changing the fuel filter too...

O.K. guys. Thanx. I did a search bur didn't find much. Search may not have covered earlier posts (beyond two months earlier) I'm lookin to get through Dec-maybe Mar. Milage may or may not be a factor.

Max


Up there where you are I would run the syn year around. I run syn 15/40 and did a sample check at 5k and all looked good so I will go farther this change and see how it looks. Ill spin a filter on at 7500 and do a sample to see if I can go 10k. You being in cold country I think The 5/40 would be perfect year around. my 2 pennieshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


Genohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

Hey Geno, I already spent your two pennies and it didn't get me much!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Max,


I personally use Delo 400 Multigrade 15/40 year round here in colorado even in the winter. I can't say that using synthetic oil is a bad thing though, I think you should be fine with running the 5/40 all year but depending on what kind of towing you do during the summer you may want the added protection of the 15/40......If you want more pennies ask Geno, I'm all out.

So is Shell Rotella Syn any good?Cause the mobil 1 is a little steep for me..but if it will help any..then i'll spend the extra $20

I ain't getting into a whitch is better battle. Personally I feel any major brand you can't go wrong. My self I just prefer a syn oil, Even that crap IBDEMAX'IN is running is run in a lot of the big rigs that go a million miles. Just keep it changed when it is time (sampling is best way to be sure) and your truck will be good to you. As far as Shell syn goes I would not be afraid to put it in any engine even mine. Go for it.


Genohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

I've been thinking about switching over to Rotella synthetic too, since it's pretty unusual to not get a few (or quite a few) below zero mornings here in Ohio during the winter. I've done some searches on bobistheoilguy.com forums, but have never gotten a very conclusive answer. Many say that a synthetic oil isn't worth the extra money & you'd be better off just doing more frequent dino oil changes, unless you need the 5W rating for cold climates. One thing I have noticed though is that most recommend to change your filter early during the initial synthetic oil change, say around 2-3k miles into the change, since a synthetic will loosen up any sludge & deposits that have collected in your engine over the miles, & could plug your filter. I have no idea how accurate that is, but it certainly can't hurt anything.

I'm hoping that once I switch over to synthetic, I can run the entire 100% of my oil life monitor on that oil change, but only after I run an oil analysis or two. I might have to run Delvac 1 or M1 truck & suv to feel comfortable with that, though!

My two pennies are gone now, too!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Hey Geno, I already spent your two pennies and it didn't get me much!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Max,


I personally use Delo 400 Multigrade 15/40 year round here in colorado even in the winter. I can't say that using synthetic oil is a bad thing though, I think you should be fine with running the 5/40 all year but depending on what kind of towing you do during the summer you may want the added protection of the 15/40......If you want more pennies ask Geno, I'm all out.





It's my understanding that 15W40 and 5W40 would essentially be the same 40W once the oil has warmed up to operating temperature, so even towing in hot weather would be OK with the 5W40 as long as the engine was at it's normal operating temperature. It would also seem reasonable that once the engine has warmed, that the rest of the running gear would also be ready for the increased demands of towing. Just my opinion.

I agree with the above (Black Max) I looked into going exclusively synthetic. At three times the cost and only two and a half times the milage, I decided against. But I was looking at Amsoil stuff. Still waiting to hear back from two transport truck shops on pricing for Rotella 5 40. I get my mineral 15 40 from one of these two shops. Their prices are the best I have found in my area.

Also, if you guys would quit spending your two cents and give it to me, I may have some sense. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

It's my understanding that 15W40 and 5W40 would essentially be the same 40W once the oil has warmed up to operating temperature, so even towing in hot weather would be OK with the 5W40 as long as the engine was at it's normal operating temperature. It would also seem reasonable that once the engine has warmed, that the rest of the running gear would also be ready for the increased demands of towing. Just my opinion.





I agree !!





I have bee running Delvac1 in mine since 10k. Dealer did the first for me free at 5k.


My changes are at 10,000. Did a sample at 16,000, all was good within specs. Changed at 20,000 along with all spin on's.


Pulled a sample at 25,000, all was good. Changed at 30,000 along with all spin on's.


Stopped doing samples and will go with Oil and all spin on filter changes (Fuel, Oil, Allison) at 10k intervals.

I just switched over to MOBIL 1300 15W-40. regular Dyno Oil.


I bought my WIX filters online at Filter1........and Walmart had the 1300 for $5.88/gallon.


Loaded up the shopping cart too.


Last truck went 270K miles, 3K oil/filter changes, regular DYNO OIL 5W-30 in the winter and 10W-40 in the summer. Never a problem and did valve seals at 170K and the motor was spotless to say the least.


As far as I know it is well over 300K miles now and still going strong, all with a K&N air filter and the Filter LID turned upside down for that 1960's - 4 barrel effect.


IMHO the frequency in which I change my oil and the amount of soot I get from the power added does not warrant the Extra $$$$ for the synthetic oil for me.


Those that run stock and pull heavy loads in extreme cold or heat, well then I can see the benifit of synthetic.........


Again, to each their own.


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gifNY

Tony,

I respect your opinion and have to agree with it. But, (and there is always a "but") what's your opinion on going to synthetics for those running stock with light load use for the only reason of trying to extend oil change interval's?

Owning 2 vehicles, 2 ATV's, a boat, a riding tractor mower, two push mowers and a farm tractor - seems like all I do is change oils!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif

Sko


Correct you can run syn oil longer but that is not the main reason. Syn oil is a lot slicker and a lot better for cold winter starts there fore I feel your engine will give you less trouble and last longer. That is another 2 pennies worth.


Genohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

Thats what I am looking for. Cold weather starts. Through the colder months I just drive. No towing.

As I said, synthetic is not for everyone...........at least for me not in my 2002 GMC as it is currently running Mobil 1300 dino oil.


If I was stock and drove in a lot of city like stop and go driving and was in extreme cold or heat I might have switched. The only valid argument for me to switch would be for cold weather starts, but I have never had an issue in the past and go by what has worked for my driving.


The wife though has different driving requirements than I do:


I actually did switch my wife's 2003 Tahoe over at 15K miles to 5W-30 Mobil-1 synthetic oil and the differentials now are running Mobil-1 75W-90 synthetic too.


The trans. in the Tahoe will be next to get swapped as soon as I secure the Mobil-1 fluid to swap it out to synthetic as well as my new Suncoast transmission in my 2002 which has to be done before winter here in CT.


The reason I finally went with a synthetic in the Tahoe is that it get's started and shut-off a lot http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif. The wife runs the kid's everywhere in it and she does a 100+ mile a day commute with it 3-4 days a week in the winter with a lot of stop and go traffic , so I wanted a little more than just dino oil and will still swap the filter out every 3K.
I will see if I can get at least 9K oil change intervals out of it with topping off for the filters.


I am still contemplating running 5W-40 synthetic in our Passat Wagon because of the commuter miles the wife drives, but at 100K miles am wondering if it's worth the added expense...........


I guess you need to assess your own situation and decide based on what you want to do first, for me it seems that depending on the current usage for each vehicle I can support the synthetic argument, but for other reasons I cannot. I know I'll probably take a few lumps for this but at $20/gallaon for Delvac-1 and a filter it can be a $70/oil change.


Since I avg. 15K miles a years if I were to go with 5K changes it will cost me $210/year, with dino I get the change done for $5.88/gallon for Mobil 1300 oil,


so that works out to be $24.00/change and for the same $210 spent I can get almost 9 complete oil changes.


That works out to 1667 miles per oil change.


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifNY


Edited by: GMC-2002-Dmax

Cost is my main deterent from running year round. But engines have lasted for alot of miles before synthetic.

I went back to a Kenworth dealership, where I was hoping to get a quote on a case of Rotella 5 40. The guy behind the counter said that synthetic would void the warranty in my baby diesel. Talked to the shop forman at my dealership, and he said "I have not seen anything in writing to say synthetic will void the warranty" He told me to keep the receipts for oil and filters, for proof of maintenance.
The freightliner dealership is still waiting to hear back, from their supplier.

... The guy behind the counter said that synthetic would void the warranty in my baby diesel.

Check you Diesel Supplement Manual... GM requires 15W40 or 5W40 with a CH-4/CI-4 rating. It doesn't matter if it's Synthetic or DINO... just has to meet the spec... (you can also start using synthetic at day one if you want to ... no need to wait)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif Edited by: jbplock

I have been using the Rotella synthetic since about 10K miles and it is fine. Here in VT I had no problems starting, with no block heater plugged in, with overnight temperatures in the -15F range.

... The guy behind the counter said that synthetic would void the warranty in my baby diesel.

Check you Diesel Supplement Manual... GM requires 15W40 or 5W40 with a CH-4/CI-4 rating. It doesn't matter if it's Synthetic or DINO... just has to meet the spec... (you can also start using synthetic at day one if you want to ... no need to wait)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif


I was under the impression that synthetic oil should be used only after an initial "break in" period with regular oil to insure that parts wear in and seals swell sufficiently to seal properly. ???

I was under the impression that synthetic oil should be used only after an initial "break in" period with regular oil to insure that parts wear in and seals swell sufficiently to seal properly. ???

corvettes and other high performance cars come from the factory with synthetic oil. Guess they "break in" on the synthetic oil http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Jim

...I was under the impression that synthetic oil should be used only after an initial "break in" period*with regular oil to insure that parts wear in and seals swell sufficiently to seal properly. ???

Unless the Manufacturer say's wait (GM does not), and the Oil (dino or synthetic) meets the requirements you can use synthetic in a new engine. IMHO, the only reason to wait would be if you are doing quick short interval oil changes to flush a new engine .. better to use lower cost dino before switching to synthetic. As jholly pointed out these engines are run pretty hard on a test stand before they leave the factory.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif Edited by: jbplock

The guy at the Kenworth dealership talked to a guy on the parts counter at my home dealership. Where the "void warranty" came from.
Now just waiting to hear how much it will cost. Will more than likely be worth it.
First winter I had my truck, went up north to Orillia. Went down to -23C. Started the truck. Growled a bit. But seemed to start well. Let it run for 10-15 minutes before going anywhere.
Just concerned what the long term wear will be like.

Sounds like I'm wrong........again. Next thing you know, someone will be claiming that the earth is round.

No ah, she's a flatah.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Guess the 20k I just put on the amsoil 15-40 synthetic diesel is too much? I have dual filters.

I use Omega 3 fish oil, don't want the Max to get cholesterol.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Boy, you guys have some wierd stuff down there.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif

Stupid question time - I went to two local Walmarts with intentions of buying Mobil 1 synthetic oil for the D/A. Both stores only carried the Mobil 1 Truck / SUV in 5W 40 weight and I was looking for 15W 40. When I asked the clerk if there was any 15W 40 he had no idea what I was talking about. I also had the same problem finding it at the local Murray's. Does it come in the 15W 40????

Thanks!!

If you want to use Mobile 1 truck/suv then 5W-40 is all you will get. That is good oil and will work well.





Greg

Thanks for the reply. I assume that other synthetic brands make the 15W40 though??

Thanks for the reply. I assume that other synthetic brands make the 15W40 though??

Rotella-t syn is 5W-40, I think Amsoil makes 15W-40 and
Royal Purple makes a 15-40.

Jim

Stupid question time - I went to two local Walmarts with intentions of buying Mobil 1 synthetic oil for the D/A. Both stores only carried the Mobil 1 Truck / SUV in 5W 40 weight and I was looking for 15W 40. When I asked the clerk if there was any 15W 40 he had no idea what I was talking about. I also had the same problem finding it at the local Murray's. Does it come in the 15W 40????

Thanks!!





That I know of, Mobil Delvac1 only comes in 5w-40 which will work fine in your diesel as it does in mine and many others on this forum.


If you have trouble finding it just go to your local Auto Parts store and ask them to order you a case in. Most will be more than happy to and will get it to you by that afternoon or the next day.


I did this at a local O'Reillys and ended up paying only $19.95 a gallon. They even carried my filter in the AC brand, but it was behind the counter for some reason???

Thanks for the help!

Amsoil has both 5W-40 AND 15W-40. I don't believe that Syn is any slicker, it still has the same lubricating properties that a dino has, they just last longer!

Well..... I will run 5W40 Shell Rotella. Up here the two places I went to didn't have a listing in their books for 5 40. Had a definite quote for $24.05 CDN. The other place kinda sorta thought $16.30 per 4 litre (one gal) jug. Might run it for 12000 klms (8000 miles) No filter change in between. 16000 klm would be too much I think. May not even see that high of milage, durring November to March-ish. Could switch back to mineral oil at that time of year.

I just switched to Schaefferf's 7000 15-40 Blend and the truck seems to run smoother. There isn't any significant change in oil pessure either. I first heard about this oil a few months ago from a friend(full time camper) and he swears by it, said he gets better mileage and his truck runs a lot smoother. I couldn't find the Scaeffer's around here at the time and stuck with my Valvoline Blue and then people started to talk about it on the forum. I emaild Scaeffer's home office and after a few days a local representative contacted me by phone( he doesn't have a computer ). He's a retied Mobil engineer and after talking to him I decided to change to the Scaeffer's oil. Only have about 200 miles on the change so its to early for to say for sure how good I think it is, but at $11.72 a gallon itss a good deal( my opinion) .Used tthe Mobil I filter to. Wil do an oil analysis at 4k and 8K to see if a longer change interval is feasiable.

Up here, we don't have access to the stuff you guys do. And ordering from stateside adds to the cost, quite significantly.

Amsoil comes from either the Toronto or Edmonton warehouse for you guys.

Greg

Thanx Greg. I looked into Amsoil stuff and it was quite expensive. I did some figuring and it was three times as much, but only lasted about two and a half times the milage as mineral oil.
I expect to run synthetic for one oil change cycle. Nov till March-ish. The cost should be worth it for cold starts.