Amsoil series 3 5w30 vs. Delvac 1, Delvac 1300S??

[john2]

I'm a newbe with an oil question. I have just changed the OEM oil for my 2002 Duramax 2500HD (at 5000 miles) with OEM oil (free oil change). I want to put the best products I can in at the next change. The ones that seem to get a lot of good comments are Amsoil Series 3000 5w30 Heavy Duty diesel synthetic; Mobil Delvac1 ; Mobil Delvac 1300S. My application is for now and then towing a fiver (8K)and for general commuting along coast of Maine. Winters not that bad these days, 15 degrees F is about as bad as it gets and then only about 10 days. I want this truck to last a long time. The Amsoil 5w30 Series 3 has me concerned about GM warranty. In the manual they recommend 15w40 oil and 10w30 for cold applications and 5w40 for really cold climates. Would my GM warranty be at risk if I used Amsoil 5w30 Sereies 3? What is the best engine oil for my application that would give me the best lubrication over the long haul? Sorry for the long post?

[csimo]

I agree that Amsoil is not the right oil for the Duramax at 5w30. Amsoil may make some great products, but 5w30 is too light for our engines, and that's why GM says 15w40. You will have warranty problems if there were a mechanical engine problem and do you want to be the one fighting between GM and Amsoil? Use an oil rated for your vehicle.

The best oil I know of for a diesel is Mobil Delvac 1 15w40. I have used it and Redline 15w40 Synthetic Diesel oil. Both are great products. I understand that Shell has a synthetic version of their Rotella diesel oil out, and that should be good as well. Rotella has been a diesel "standard" for many years.

The bigger question is do you need synthetic oil at all? I pull a 12,000 pound 5th wheel on a regular basis and feel that I need the added thermal properties of a synthetic. If I was not hauling such a load I would not use synthetic.

I hope you're not trying to use synthetic oil to extend drain intervals! That just doesn't make sense.

Make sure that any oil you use has the API CH-4 rating and you'll be OK.

[ 06-15-2002: Message edited by: csimo ]</p>

[mackin]

john2,

Welcome ,

This time of the year, all though I know your summers are short in Maine...... You should run 15 W 40 . Amsoil does have and sell it. I run the HD Marine Duty Amsoil in that viscosity .......

Once your summer is over, and them freezing cold weather starts, as there is a GM bulletin out recommending a lower viscosity like 5w 30 , for the high oil pressure on cold start,80 psi plus ......I've pinned my needle when in Northern Vt this last winter,with 15W40....I just let it idle for awhile before taking off...... Stick with a good oil filter ...... I stick with the AC, or ISUZU filter ..... Good luck ......

MAC smile.gif

[ 06-23-2002: Message edited by: mackin ]</p>

[john2]

Thanks for the information guys. I don't intend to extend drain intervals beyond 7 K at most with a synthetic. With Delvac 1300s I would most likely change at 5 k. I thought that GM might give me a hard time if I went to 5w30 Amsoil. One of the Amsoil reps told me the Amsoil 15w40 Heavy Duty Diesel oil is considerably more viscus than conventional oil and that it might cause the pressure to go too high in the Duramax. He was recommending the 5w30 ("acts like a 40") series 3 for increased flow rate and better gas mileage. I certainly don't want to use it if I would run the risk of a problem with warranty?

[LanduytG]

If you are nervis about the Series 3000 5W-30 then use the Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine. You can run it for 7500 miles no sweat. If you run it that long the cost will be about the same as 2 dino changes.

I have not bought dino in a long time, can someone tell me what Delo 400 or something on that orer is running now days?

Greg

[LarryM]

Greg,

I can buy Delo 400 at Costco for 33 bux a case of 6 gallons. Same price for Rotella T at Sam's club. Plus tax of course!

I can buy Delo 400 bulk (bring your own container) for about 5.15 a gallon. Pump price, no additional tax.

[mark45678]

on new engines its important to change the oil to remove silica (fine abrasives) from the crank case. this holds true for all engines and the only way to do that is a drain and refill!!!!Many will add that some aftermarket air filter cause this problem to ! even the best oil filter cant remove stuff finer then 5~10 microns but draining it will! smile.gif mine was on its 5th oil change at 5K right or wrong that my way of doing things.

[GM Smitty]

Greg - I thought you were gonna jump all over the topic of 5W-30 for use in the Duramax. I'd like to know what you think. I run the Amsoil 5W-30 year round (I'm pretty sure you told me it was fine to do this). Do you think maybe it might be better to run the 15W-40 during the warmer months?

[wizkid]

I'm running the 15-40 amsoil diesel and marine. If you go with the thinner oil, your oil consumption will probably go up considerably.

I wish amsoil would come up with a 15-40 series 3000! If they did, I'd use it.

[Kennedy]

I'm coming up on 10,000 miles on my 5w30 Amsoil, and will be sampling again.

I will be sending a sample to US Oil and another to George Morrison to compare. At 6k things were just fine, but I missed the 8k sampling so I'll go to 10k and dump it.

[john2]

john....I read all that George Morrison had to say about Delvac 1300S and Delvac 1. I will be very interested in what he has to say about Series 3000 Amsoil 5w30. I would like to use series 3000 5W30 but I don't want to have to fight with GM (can you imagine who would win?) if something goes wrong with the engine and the owners manual clearly states not to use other than 15W40, (10W40 when cold). (5W40 when really, really cold ie. North Slope Alaska). Please post the results from your sample to George Morrison when that happens.

Thanks for everyones input.
john2

[GM Smitty]

I've been using Amsoil Series 3000 5W-30 since 1000 miles (now have 11,000 miles on her) with very little, if any oil consumption. I see no problems with oil pressure during summer months either. In fact, it's about the same as winter months. Greg L. initially suggested the 5W-30 to me, but when I read what GM suggested for the Duramax, I asked him if the 5W-30 would hurt anything. He told me it was fine and that the 5W-30 is used in many heavy duty diesel engines in all types of climates.. I trust this man, he seems to know a bit about the subject.

[mdrag]

cismo (or anyone else),

Can you provide information on the Mobil Delvac 1 in 15W-40 you referred to in your post? I thought Mobil Delvac 1 synthetic only came in 5W-40 weight? :confused:

www.mobil.com/mobil_lubes/onhighway/products_services/delvac1/index.html

It is my understanding that the Delvac 1 is a 5W-40 is due to it's high quality synthetic base. With my next change (currently running Delvac 1300) it is back to Delvac 1 synthetic all year round for me.

[john2]

To GM Smitty....... From what I've read the Amsoil series 3000 5w30 looks like the best oil to use. I would love to use it but don't want the problem with using viscosity outside of GM's recommendations hanging over my head. Has anyone been told by GM that it is OK to use Amsoil series 3000 5w40? I sent an e mail to GM tech support asking about using this product and they did not reply.

john2

[john2]

I meant Amsoil series 3000 5w30 not 5w40 in my above post.

john2

[Russ Denman]

I have 10K on my truck and changed to AMSOIL 5W-30 at 6,400 miles. I made a high speed unloaded round trip run from Albuqueque, NM to Portland, OR; about 2,800 miles. I have not added oil since the change and it appears to have only dropped half a notch since the oil change.

I am concerned about the AMSOIL Warranty. The AMSOIL dealer recommended the 5W-30 over the 15W-40. AMSOIL basically says they warranty their product to meet or exceed manufacturer's requirements provided the product used is for the required API Service and Viscosity. I know the Series 3000 has better high temp vicosity than dino but using it puts us out on a limb because 5W-30 is not recommended by GM and AMSOIL has an out.

[Zap]

I've been using Amsoil 5w30 in my truck and my brother

[GM Smitty]

Alright, this might be a silly question...but...how does GM know what viscosity oil you are using? Will they sample it? Or do they trust that you will tell them the truth?

[mackin]

GM Smitty ,

If your motor goes south they'll analyze it "FUR SURE",if they question it,say bearing failure...... If you plan on dumping 10 quarts of fresh stuff in before the hook comes, that might getting them a think'in too ....... Best would to follow manufacturer's recommendation, if your concerned ....... But your getting advice from someone who does walk on the different path, being a "JUICED " lunatic .......


Kinda fitting for this thread.....
Hey a new banner add www.avlube.com ....... Red , catches your eye ......
Hint,hint ....... (JK).........
;)


MAC :D

[ 06-17-2002: Message edited by: mackin ]</p>

[LanduytG]

GM Smitty
My first choice is the Series 3000 5W-30 and I would recommend it to anyone. But I will not hold a gun to anyones head., if they are not comfortable using a 30 weight then the next best choice is the 15W-40. About 75% of all my Duramax customers are using the 5W-30.

Greg

[Maverick]

I run Amsoil 3000 5w-30 in my truck (3500). I changed to this at 51,000 and changed it again (with Amsoil) at 58,000. Now it is going on 72,500. I pull regularly at 25 to 33K GCVW and am very pleased with the oil. It is going to the shop on Wed. for a fresh filter and oil change. All other boxes except the tranny are running Amsoil also.

[Louis_Young]

I have used 15W-40 Amsoil in my 2001 Duramax since the first oil change. I run the oil 6000 mile and change the filter only and then run the oil another 6000 miles and change oil and filter. I am very satisfied with the oil and the truck performance. I have yet to add any oil between changes. I also have a 1998 Yukon with over 100,000 mile on it using Amsoil in the same manner.

[wizkid]

I sent an email to AmsOil tech support, and there response was "AMSOIL AME 15W40" which is there Diesel and Marine synthetic oil.

w.kid

[Mike O.]

What is the best (spelled "c-h-e-a-p-e-s-t") online order source for Mobile Delvac 1? It's not available in my hometown.

[mdrag]

I had a hard time finding Mobil Delvac 1 locally. I found it at the Allison dealer when I was buying the spin on filters.

I also found Delvac 1 at www.avlube.com at a good price and I was very pleased with their service - I recently noticed AV Lubricants banner ad on TDP forums.

From the Mobil website, Delvac 1 FAQ's
http://www.mobil.com/mobil_lubes/onhighway/products_services/delvac1/faqs_content.html

This should answer most of the questions about Mobil Delvac 1.

11. WHY DOESN'T DELVAC 1 COME IN A 15W-40 VISCOSITY GRADE?

The synthetic base stock used in Delvac 1 naturally has better low-temperature flow characteristics than a conventional engine oil. This results in the SAE 5W grade, which provides easier starting and faster oil flow characteristics than an SAE 15W grade. With the excellent film strength of the synthetic-based stock, and the tuned additive package, we can offer the advantages of better low-temperature performance and improved fuel economy -- while also providing better lubrication protection at hot engine operating conditions than a conventional SAE 15W-40.


http://www.mobil.com/mobil_lubes/onhighway/products_services/delvac1/faqs_content.html#ques11


19. I AM USED TO RUNNING AN SAE 40 WEIGHT (OR 15W-40). CAN DELVAC 1 BE USED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR ALL 40 WEIGHT OILS?

"All 40 Weight Oils" is a very broad category. Delvac 1 can be used in engines that call for a 40 weight straight grade or multi-viscosity grade oil meeting API CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CF-2, CF or CE quality levels. Delvac 1 can be used in engines calling for Mack EO-M Plus, EO-M, EO-L Plus or EO-L and Cummins CES 20076. Delvac 1 can also be used in gasoline engines that call for an SJ, SH, SG or SF quality oil. That covers a lot of engines.

Delvac 1 is NOT the primary recommendation for Detroit Diesel two-stroke cycle engines (Series 53, 71, 92, 149) which require an SAE 40 mono-grade engine oil. Mobilgard 1 SHC or Mobil Delvac 1200 Super are designed specifically for these engines.

If you are not sure if Delvac 1 is appropriate for your application, call the Mobil Customer Response Center at 1-800-662-4525.

http://www.mobil.com/mobil_lubes/onhighway/products_services/delvac1/faqs_content.html#ques19


20. SINCE DELVAC 1 IS A 5W-40, WILL IT VOID WARRANTIES IF I USE IT?

No. Delvac 1, because of its high Viscosity Index (VI), provides a better protective film at higher temperatures than conventional SAE 40 weight oils, while remaining fluid at lower temperatures than a conventional SAE 15W weight oil. Mobil Delvac 1 meets all engine manufacturers' requirements where an API CH-4 oil is recommended.

http://www.mobil.com/mobil_lubes/onhighway/products_services/delvac1/faqs_content.html#ques20

:D

[george morrison]

I am (admittedly) very much biased towards Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40 primarily from years of experience with the product used in over the road fleet applications that I have worked with on a lube engineer capacity. In other words, if an engine or component failed, I had to go to the teardown and write up the cause of the failure, etc. OR write up the proof of performance that was yielded by using Delvac 1. Honestly, I have never written a catastrophic failure report; I have written many extraordinary life performance reports for fleet users. I have one fleet that I have worked with for 15 years that has been running Delvac 1 in its Cummins engines. The fleet has been doing 100,000 mile drain intervals, 50,000 mile oil filter change outs. At this point 70% of its fleet has over 1,000,000 miles on their engines and none of those engines have been opened up for any reason. Plus one very important point. In the 20 years they have been running Mobil Delvac 1 they have *never* lost a turbo. When I visit other trucking companies generally the first thing I have to step over when walking in the door is a skid of failed turbo chargers. Mineral base oils coke in super hot turbo charger bearings causing heat build-up and either the case cracks from heat or the bearing seizes. Synthetic oils simply do not coke, thus eliminating the #1 cause of turbocharger failures. Many times these failures take downstream components with it..
With respect to the Amsoil 3000 series 5W-30, I do not have any operational experience with the oil. GM/Duramax calls for a 40W CH-4 rated oil, however...
There is a full scale oil war ongoing on this very subject of Amsoil 5W-30 vs. Delvac 1 raging at the VW TDI site. One respected technician has evidenced that using the Amsoil 3000 5W-30 in the VW TDI engine results in unacceptably high measurable camshaft wear where Delvac 1 does not... There were comparative ferrographic oil analysis results showing some rather startling metallic wear components in the Amsoil 5W-30 engine vs. a pretty clean Delvac 1 engine, both with 100,000 miles on the engines. However, these are tappet/camshaft engines and not our Duramax.

My experience with Delvac 1 in fleets, reefer units, etc. has been that Delvac 1 provides unequalled performance when compared with any mineral based diesel engine oil.
The benefits of using an oil that flows freely to 60 below zero and does not thin with high operating temperatures, provides much higher heat transfer rates (cooler running), easier starts, better fuel mileage/better performance, etc. etc.
It is what I run in my 6.5TD, my Duramax and my daughter's VW TDI....

[john2]

George........I was hoping that you would make a comment. Thank you for the details. It makes it a lot easier to make a choice. I am going to go with the Delvac 1 as long as it does not affect my GM warranty for my 2002 Duramax. Am I understanding correctly the the (40) part of 5W40 is the weight that GM is concerned about? I feel quite touchy about doing anything that will risk my 100,000 GM warranty. Am I also understanding correctly that the Delvac 1 can be used year round? I am in Maine and the summer temps. are moderate.

[LanduytG]

Now if George would be so kind as to post the oil anaylsis report on his 6.5TD that was using Delvac 1. We could then post ours that has used the Amsoil 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine and you will see a big differance in results.
George as for Pete being a respected tech thats just a matter of opinion.
The Series 3000 5W-30 is not a good oil for the 6.5TD but as far as the Duamax goes it is and excellent choice. I have many customers on it and love it. But then if a person is leary about running a 30 weight then by all means use a 40 weight. The 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine is
a great oil and cost is about 25% less than Delvac.
Greg

[ 06-20-2002: Message edited by: LanduytG ]</p>

[LanduytG]

I guess I did have the analysis reports on Georges 6.5TD and My 6.5TD. George is using Delvac 1. His sample at 3000 miles was much worse than mine at 7500 miles.

George analysis http://pics.tdiclub.com/members/Drivbiwire/Ferrography%20files/Stake%20Body%20Ferrography%202.21.02.pdf

My analysis http://www.lubespecialist.com/analyzers.htm

Iron levels are 3 1/2 times higher.
Lead 6 times higher.
Aluminum is good half of mine.
Viscosity is just above the limit of a 40 weight, mine is in the lower part of the scale.
TBN not given but from other reports that I have seen it will be low I am sure of that.

Remember that I have 2 1/2 times more mile on my oil than he does on his.

George you need a good Amsoil air filter to get that silcon under control ;) I wonder if you might have a coolant leak with high soduim and boron? George uses the Oil Guard bypass filter and I have the Amsoil. Mine is chipped with timing advanced, not sure about Georges.

I am not trying to start a war he just trying to make sure that this thread is not one sided. Amsoil 15W-40 cost less but delivers more than the Delvac 1 5W-40 IMHO.

Greg

[ 06-20-2002: Message edited by: LanduytG ]</p>

[mdrag]

I started running synthetics in all of my vehicles in 1989 after buying a turbo gasser. Virtually every performance guru recommended synthetic engine oil due to the turbo coking issue mentioned by George Morrison, plus the superior overall oil performance synthetics offer. After using synthetics in the turbo gasser, I then switched in all of my vehicles ever since.

I planned to use synthetic oil in the Dmax mainly for this reason (coking). Even though the turbo bearing section in the Dmax is water cooled, that water flow stops when the engine is shut down. A few turbo vehicles continue to circulate water and/or oil through the turbo housing for for a short time period after engine shut down for this reason - but these are usually high dollar vehicles like some Porshe models...There were after market products sold to circulate water or oil through the turbo after shutting off the engine - I have not checked recently to see if they are still around.

As a side benefit of using Delvac 1, my Dmax ticking stopped immediately after swithcing to Delvac 1. Just to confirm my observation, the next change was with Delvac 1300 - and the ticking returned immediately and is still present after 1.5K miles on that oil. Very soon the Delvac 1 is going back in (all year round) and I'll see what happens to my ticking...I can live with the ticking, but would be pleased if this cures the tick for me in my truck - your mileage may vary...

Some may argue that synthetics are overkill in this application - and I can see their point. However, many forum members are turning up the wick (or 'JUICE' :D ) with various performance mods, and I'd sure feel more secure with a superior oil in the engine. Like the commercial says - You can pay a little now or pay a lot more later. ;)

[LanduytG]

mdrag
For the life of me I can't figure out way we spend $40k on a truck but want to use cheap oil. I was introduced to synthetics about 10 or 11 years ago in our big 800hp recip. air compressors. The carbon build up the petro was horriable. You use to have to change out valves once a year and it would be a 2 day job to do 12 valves. After switching to synthetic which was Mobile
:D we were able to go 3 or 4 years and no carbon build up at all. IMHO synthetics are the only way to go. I even use it in my lawn mower, it stays clean and never have to add. We want to spend big bucks on toys but be cheap on the maintenance.


Greg

[ 06-20-2002: Message edited by: LanduytG ]</p>

[Kennedy]

My $.02,

George's analysis looks like there may be some problems with the engine or filtration. He's been out so we havent had time to chat yet, but like Greg said it looks like there may be a seepage issue of coolant or something else going on. I doubt it is a lube issue.

For the record, one of the best analysis sheets I've seen on a 6.5 was from Scott Boelman running on good old Delo 400 IIRC...

[george morrison]

The oil analysis results for my 6.5TD did in fact reflect coolant contamination and enabled me to get the truck in the shop prior to catastrophic damage occurring so any analysis comparisons between this engine's results and another 6.5TD are not relevant. Two new heads are now on the engine. Additionally, as the ferrography and my comments indicated, this engine has been plagued by high soot since day one. The truck and I live in central Ohio and a virtual vacuuum with respect to knowledgeable 6.5TD technicians. The truck has been to 4 different dealerships in Central Ohio and returns the same each time with continued high soot and lackluster performance.
In other words, my 6.5TD's oil analysis should rather be used as the "worst case" standard with all its mechanical woes... :)
George Morrison, STLE CLS

[LanduytG]

George
After looking over our oil analysis report closing and doing some reading, I really do not think you had a coolant leak. Dexcool does not have sodium or boron in it. Plus the water was less than .1 and glycol was 0. Plus both samples have about the same amount of soduim and boron. But after doing some reading I see that Delvac 1 uses boron and soduim as an additive. Is your 6.5TD stock? 1.6 on soot would be high for a stock 6.5TD with only 3000 on the oil. The viscosity has me wondering as well, 18.5 and soot at only 1.6. My soot at 3.1 and viscosity at 13.3 which is pretty good concidering oxidation is 36.7. I pull regularly with my truck and I do not pussy foot around when doing so. I really don't think the Delvac is doing you a very good job. My be we should put Amsoil in it for 3000 miles and see the difference. ;)

[george morrison]

As I indicated in my previous post the engine did indeed have a low level coolant leak which at that level may not indicate the presence of water, etc. I ran a field glycol test on the oil and confirmed low level anti freeze presence in the oil. On engine tear-down both heads had hairline cracks.
This engine oil analysis is indeed a 'worst case' scenario illustrating the mechanical problems of being poorly timed, poorly tuned, and living in dust and dirt.
Texaco "long life" and other 'long life' coolants will still indicate high sodium and potassium even though the constituants are supposedly not used. I have 3 such alerts on my desk as I type this with all three engines using Texaco Long Life, all three high sodium and potassium and positive check for anti freeze/glycol contamination..
George Morrison, STLE CLS

[LanduytG]

George
If these additives are not being used in the Dexcool then how are they showing up?
Greg

[george morrison]

As to how elevated Sodium and Potassium are reflected in engine oil analysis for Dexcool. The constituents used in the coolant still report as same. As does the Mobil field glycol test kit, still the same. The glycol/AF contamination test is not run by analysis labs if the oil is within normal viscosity parameters; thus a high soot, elevated viscosity engine could have serious AF contamination and not show as AF in the oil analysis results as the lab would not normally run the test. The sodium/potassium report levels give a much more accurate early warning signal.

George Morrison

[GBurton]

Can one of you please put that in English? ;)

George

[letsgo]

As a bystander reading this debate and loving it, best out of ten, GREG 10, GEORGE 5.
now where do I buy Amsoil, what does it cost in the States, what would it cost in Toronto Canada.

GMC 2002 DURAMAX SLT, EX CAB, SHORT BOX, 2500 HD 4X4 AUTO.

[ 06-22-2002: Message edited by: letsgo ]</p>

[mackin]

george morrison ,

You ought to lay off your "SALT" in take .... LMAO .......
All right I know , Someone had to say it .......After all it reminds me of MORTON salt,when I read the post ........


MAC tongue.gif tongue.gif

[LanduytG]

letsgo
The Amsoil warehouse in in your backyard. It is also in Mississauga. But you can not drive up a get it. If you call me I can order it and you can pick it up and save shipping charges.

Greg

[george morrison]

Regarding Greg 10, George 5: it would be most interesting to do a "complete" engine oil analysis (including particle count, ferrography) comparison of Greg's Duramax running Amsoil 5W-30 (?) compared with my Duramax running Delvac 1 5W-40.
That is if the vehicles are in close proximity mileage-wise, etc.
Then we will eliminate the complications of verbage and for real numbers, actual photos of the innards of each engine can be examined. We can't write a thesis on this, I realize, but it would be some great, spirited discussion! :)
George Morrison, STLE CLS

[george morrison]

I just noticed that Greg does not own a Duramax so the comparison I suggested for the Delvac 1/Amsoil 5W-30 in the previous post cannot be accomplished. Irrespective, I will post my Duramax Delvac 1 results as soon as they are available, including spectrographic, Ferrography, particle counts for the next oil analysis. The spectro oil analyis results for the Duramax have been superb compared with my 6.5TD's results so it will be most interesting to see what the complete analysis shows.

[big dipper]

First, I would like to say that this is the longest thread (debate) I have ever seen on TDP and I am happy to see we are getting positive feed back from both sides without anyone flaring up or throwing stones.

Second, there are a few people here running the series 3000 amsoil and if George could let us know how many miles are on this cycle, we could find a comparable sample.

I for one have been running series 3000 for 5400mi. and I have 8200 on the truck. If my cycle is close I will be willing to do a sample. It would also be intersting to see one done for the 15-40 amsoil that had similar miles. I was also unsure of switching to the 5-30, so I am very curious to see the results here.

[wizkid]

This has been a great thread! I'm a show-me kind of a guy, and I'd like to see some long term (50-100K) results from both delvac and the 2 amsoils.

To that respect, I'm getting ready to put on my
amsoil bypass, and I haven't (as of yet) done an oil analysis. Which lab is the best lab to go through for this?
W.Kid

[john2]

It is awesome that all this valuable user information is being shared here. I too think it would be really great to see the sample results (side by side) from Delvac 1 , Amsoil 5W30 and Amsoil 15W40 from Duramaxes with similar cycles.

[Maverick]

My Duramax has 74,489 miles. I have been running Amsoil 5w-30 since 51,000. Previous to this I ran Rotella 15w-40. The last oil change was ran 15,000. I changed it on Wed. I did not sample as my kit is not here yet. I will sample, test, and post at the next change.

[LanduytG]

I would just like to say that it is not about winning as was posted earlier in the thread. I want people to have as much information as possible and then they can make the dission on what to use. I do that with all my customers, I let them know what is available, then give my opinion and let them dicide. If I have ever pressured anyone one way or the other I want to know about it, that is not a good way to do buisness.

George
What does the ferrography test cost? I would be willing to have it done on the 6.5TD.

Greg

[ulhpilot]

Cost being a factor, has anyone run Amsoil 15W-40 semi-synthetic in their DuraMax?

[LanduytG]

ulhpilot
Youare only talking .45 a quart difference between the semi synthetic and full synthetic, and less than that if bout in case or gallon quanitys.
Greg

[george morrison]

As for oil analysis kit sources. Avlube.com has spectrographic (regular oil analysis procedure) for $15 + UPS. In addition to the results, you also get me along with the results so we can discuss them in detail; the analysis results are numbers without meaning or relevance to your vehicle. In our post discussion you will then become expert in your results. I work for AV Lubricants.
Additionally, the end-all be-all analaysis including spectro, particle counts (where the oil is looked at and particle sizes are actually counted: this is of great value as spectro itself only looks at particles smaller than 5 microns; it can't see larger ones than that, including soot globules) and ferrography. Ferrography is where the oil is put on a slide and then exposed to an electromagnetic field which aligns the iron and steel components, enabling a highly trained technician to define the types of wear indicated, where the material may be coming from, if a failure is occuring, the type of failure; a BUNCH of information. Spectro oil analysis is excellent however it is like looking at your engine from a mile up in the air: ferrography is as tho you are inside your engine examining components, it is that complete. Ferrography is not done each oil analysis or even once a year; moreover for comparisons, for 100,000 mile checks, vehicle status checks, keep or trade checks, etc. Ferrographic analysis is $90 and also available on the avlube.com web site.
George Morrison, STLE CLS

[LanduytG]

wizkid
Oil Analyzers is about the best bang for the buck. If you look here http://www.lubespecialist.com/analyzers.htm this is what you get. Very easy to read and on the back of the report it tells you what it all means. I am not and expert at all and do not have the experience that George has but the lab techs are more than willing to help. Most labs charge extra for soot and TBN but with Oil Analyzers its included for the price of $14 that also includes postage to the lab. I have them on hand if you need one.
Greg

[ 06-23-2002: Message edited by: LanduytG ]</p>