Oil & Fuel Hey Guys, I need help with engine oil!

[JerryG]

I use Mobil Delvac synthetic 5w-40 year around.

That's what I have used for a while and really like it except the bottle says Mobil One Turbo Diesel Truck. It is easier to get that way where I live than with the Delvac label.

 

[Lockport]

Here is the link for Mobil1 10W-30 synthetic oil (Great in the winter!) and if you will note the fourth 'bulleted' line "Requirements for Diesel Powered Vehicles where an API CF or API CD is Recommended".

 

[Old School]

A "must"?

That would be news to a lot of folks.

In my book YES.

Notice I didn't specify brand or weight preference. "To each his own".

I'm not going to knock you for what your using but let me ask you this:

1. Why do jet engine and turbo prop aircraft only run synthetic?

2. Why do Corvette's, Dodge Viper's, BMW's, Mercedes and a host of other high end, high performance cars come from the factory with synthetic and recommend or require synthetic to meet their extended drain interval requirements?

3. Why doesn't conventional oil promote a change interval of say 15,000 or even 10,000 miles?

4. Why does your vehicle start better at -20F with synthetic?

I could keep going but I believe you get the idea. I'm not trying to belittle, but instead present some facts to think about. Thirty plus years experience, training and study lead me to my conclusion. I'm sure you were just being Facetious.

 

[cp1969]

My point was that it can't be a "must" because a lot of people don't do it. A "must" would be, "You MUST put fuel in your tractor if you want to use it." That is a "must."

Therefore, it has to be an "option" because many, like me, have opted not to.

 

[Bird]

We've had an ample supply of arguments in the past as to the importance of using synthetic oil, so let's please don't rehash that again. Yes, as Old School says, synthetics have some advantages and yes, as cp1969 says, it's not a "must". It's up to the individual to decide whether the advantages of the synthetic are worth the extra cost.

 

[Old School]

Bird, I couldn't agree more.

Apparently there was one word, "must", in my original post that was found to be offensive.

I come to the forum to get ideas, some help and share some thoughts, analyzing other peoples posts isn't one of them.


P.S. What's the speed of the power turbine if the compressor turbine is at idle?
Any idea CP1969?

 

[ndnparts]

CAT and Cummins do show oil change intervals at around 15,000 miles or one year (whichever is first) in their diesel engines, without any requirement for using synthetic oils. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with synthetics, but most major trucking companies do not use them in the engine because of cost from 'frequent' oil changes, yet they run millions of miles. Stan

In my book YES.

Notice I didn't specify brand or weight preference. "To each his own".

I'm not going to knock you for what your using but let me ask you this:

1. Why do jet engine and turbo prop aircraft only run synthetic?

2. Why do Corvette's, Dodge Viper's, BMW's, Mercedes and a host of other high end, high performance cars come from the factory with synthetic and recommend or require synthetic to meet their extended drain interval requirements?

3. Why doesn't conventional oil promote a change interval of say 15,000 or even 10,000 miles?

4. Why does your vehicle start better at -20F with synthetic?

I could keep going but I believe you get the idea. I'm not trying to belittle, but instead present some facts to think about. Thirty plus years experience, training and study lead me to my conclusion. I'm sure you were just being Facetious.

 

[Old School]

CAT and Cummins do show oil change intervals at around 15,000 miles or one year (whichever is first) in their diesel engines, without any requirement for using synthetic oils. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with synthetics, but most major trucking companies do not use them in the engine because of cost from 'frequent' oil changes, yet they run millions of miles. Stan

ndnparts that's a excellent point!

In my initial post you will find a reference to filters. Take a look at the filters used on CAT and Cummins, more than likely it's made by Donaldson Corp, maker of some of the best filter you can buy, and is four times the size of a regular filter, has a efficiency rating two to three times that of your car. Also the volume of oil held in those engines is greater so the same oil takes longer to be cycled back through the motor. This is one of the reasons the over the road semi doesn't need to change its oil as often.

 

[Scrounger]

I run 15w40 only. That's also what I was told to use by the dealer. Never had an issue.

Since everyone from Nazareth is correct, I have to agree with drtydeeds.

 

[Harry c]

Old School]

2. Why do Corvette's, Dodge Viper's, BMW's, Mercedes and a host of other high end, high performance cars come from the factory with synthetic and recommend or require synthetic to meet their extended drain interval requirements?

If I'm not mistaken, no Mercedes comes from the factory with synthetic anymore. In fact, they don't even come with new oil! I believe they are using re-refined used oil in every car! GREEN and all you know.

In my initial post you will find a reference to filters. Take a look at the filters used on CAT and Cummins, more than likely it's made by Donaldson Corp, maker of some of the best filter you can buy, and is four times the size of a regular filter, has a efficiency rating two to three times that of your car.

My apologies, and not that it's a big deal, but Cummins uses filters produced by their Cummins Fleetguard division. They manufacture filters for Cummins and many other engines. They have quite a large manufacturing plant in Cookeville,TN maybe elsewhere as well.

 

[ndnparts]

You are exactly correct! When talking trucks or motorhomes, people often comment on the maintenence cost difference between diesel and gas. The gas engine uses 6 quarts and a $6 oil filter that you change every 3,000 miles in rough service. The truck diesel engine takes 6 gallons of oil and a $20 oil filter and at least one diesel filter (usually 2) at around the same cost each, but is changed at 15,000 miles. The actual cost difference is not significant unless you drive just a few miles and resort to the annual oil change at something like 5,000 miles, in which case the gas engine was far cheaper to maintain. Point is, you can certainly get good life from petroleum oils, but you do need to examine your usage to figure out what fits your needs. Stan

ndnparts that's a excellent point!

In my initial post you will find a reference to filters. Take a look at the filters used on CAT and Cummins, more than likely it's made by Donaldson Corp, maker of some of the best filter you can buy, and is four times the size of a regular filter, has a efficiency rating two to three times that of your car. Also the volume of oil held in those engines is greater so the same oil takes longer to be cycled back through the motor. This is one of the reasons the over the road semi doesn't need to change its oil as often.

 

[ihookem]

I just put in Mobil 1 5w40 diesel today. I started my Kubota with 15w40 regular oil yesterday and it didn't turn over very fast at all. It almost didn't start. This is why I went to 5w synthetic. It should help. It was about 7 or 8 degrees when I started it. I also had it run very hot in summer under a load so this might help too. I hear synthetics run cooler so we'll see. I figure my 7510 takes 3.2 quarts. It only cost me 12 bucks more for an oil change with synthetic once a year. Not much ( a dollar a month) Also, what filter only catches 38% of the dirt? Fram? I used Fram in my last two Ford 300 6cyl and ran the 86 for 213k and my 96 to 225k and neither burned more than a quart between changes of 6-8k mi. You are in "da Up!" so get some good thin oil for winter. We all know an engine wears out more the first 2 seconds it's running. Later, Steve.

 

[Old School]

ihookem,

Some of the auto parts stores used to cut open new oil filters for customers to compare till the suppliers put the pressure on them to discontinue that practice. Take a good look at the picture on the oil filter box, does it show metal or cardboard holding the end of the paper filter together? The information is out there for everyone to see and probably one of the easiest places to go and find out more is the Amsoil website. Gran tit there is some bias, but there is also a wealth of very good information. There are many many more but you have to hunt the web to find it.

 

[ihookem]

Old school , I hear ya! I am using Amsoil in my desel pickup now with Amsoil air and oil filters. When I ran cheap gas motors I didn't care, but I wan't my diesels to last as long I possible. I live 15 mi. north west of Westbend I might be close to you. Later Steve.