Amsoil in a Duramax

[Tom4310]

I did a search through the forums and didn't find anything on this so forgive me if this is a repeat. I am running Amsoil 15-40 HDD Synthetic in my JD4310 and am happy with the results. My Duramax calls for 15-40 so I assume I can run 15-40 HDD synthetic in it also. The winters here are cold, not by NE standards, but down to the single digits routinely. I would like to know if anybody has an opinion on running the Amsoil 5-30 HDD synthetic in my Duramax. Is this overkill, will the 15-40 syn work well for my temps? I looked at the ratings and GMC recommends 10-30 for colder climates. Is the 5-30 syn/HDD too thin? It is about $100 for 2-1/2 gallons of Amsoil 5-30 HDD synthetic. Right now, it costs $50 per oil change every 5000 miles at the dealer. I suspect I could go 10,000 miles on the synthetic with a new filter at 5000 miles and call it even. Thanks , Tom

 

[gsxr1100]

the 15w-40 HDD has a pour point of like -47 and the Series 3000 5w30 is like -60 F. So the real pumping temp is -27 F and -40 respectfully. This is worst case.

I have used the 15w40 HDD i my old powerstroke and did over 12K drains; and the results were great. I still use 15w-40 hdd in my BX22 and works fine. Doing oil test in 1 month.

The series 3000 is to have the best add pkg out there but I do not think it its needed (in most cases). If you do an oil test and some areas are low, then I would switch; but I do not think that would happen.

Both oils are group 4 and 5 and both are a good choice.

 

[Tom4310]

gsxr1100
Thanks for the reply. I figured you would have input as you know more about oil than most here. I switched to the Amsoil for my JD because I want it to last a very long timeand it is a big investment. The duramax gets more of a workout than the JD so I figured I would splurge on it also. It really isn't a huge cost increase, mainly the cost of a WIX filter at 5000 miles. I have not done an oil test but will have the tractor tested soon and the duramax done before and after the switch. thanks again, Tom

 

[SeymourBota]

Spend the $$ to become an Amsoil preferred customer for one year. Towards the end of the year, you can always stock up at a discount and not need to order more for a long while.

 

[Tom4310]

What is involved in that? I spent about $100 on 15-40HDD for my JD last month.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I would recommend sticking with a 40w rather than a 30w for the Duramax. I've used the Amsoil, and the 5w30 is a tad light for cushioning the shock load of a diesel. I now run Mobil Delvac 1 5w40 year round.

The preferred customer plan is a good idea if you use a fair bit of Amsoil product.

 

[gsxr1100]

Wait a minute here. You are trying to say that their Series 3000 will provide less shock load support? Have you ever looked at ZDDP (Moly, Calcium, Zinc, Phosphorus) in there oil compared to others? How about viscosity, four ball etc or even Noack Volatility (over 16 on Delvac)? So you went to Delvac? Hmm, Last I know, the oil results of Delvac were way below that of Series 3000. Delvac is not even a PAO based oil here.

Not trying to start a war here & you gotta do what you have to do; but the two oils do not even compare in protection here.

 

[quickervicar]

I'm with Gixxer. The Series 3000 is crazy-watery when you look at it in the container, but run the tests & it far surpasses anything out there. It kind of messes with your head (how can something so thin protect so well?) I've run it in my TDI for years at 20,000mi. intervals (filters @ 5,000) and it is still beautiful inside. Ran it in our F-350 7.3L Powerstroke during the winter months @ 20,000 intervals. Cold starting was improved--especially below 0 deg. (thanks to the HEUI injection system needing oil pressure to squirt the fuel /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif).

Stick with whatever GM recommends. If they say to use a 10W-30 the Series 3000 is a great choice. If they say 15W-40 then go with that. Do not be afraid of long drain intervals. It will save you a ton of money in the long-run. Use oil analysis if you need the peace of mind.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

My statements were based on spectro and ferrographic analysis results using this oil. The only problem is comparing the two as we changed to Predictive Maintenance for our lab midstream.

I ran an interim change with Delo 400, and then went to Delvac 1 and haven't looked back...

I'm a dealer for Amsoil (isn't everybody) but am open minded in my choice of oils based on the insight of my friend George at www.avlube.com and his wealth of knowledge/experience. As for the 4 ball test that Amsoil likes to use, I am told that this test more closely assimilates the sliding action of a hypoid gear than any force in an engine.

I'm far from an oil expert in terms of PAO, esters, etc. All I know is that my truck runs at 500+ RWHP, and over 1000 lb/ft of TQ at the wheels, and Delvac 1 at 7-8k intervals is doing the job better than the Amsoil 5w30 did back when I was in the low 300HP range...

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">You are trying to say that their Series 3000 will provide less shock load support? Have you ever looked at ZDDP (Moly, Calcium, Zinc, Phosphorus) in there oil compared to others? </font>
I believe all he did was survey some Internet oil discussion groups. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif