Oil Type

[coxfmly]

Hello, I own a 84 suburban with a 6.2 and a banks turbo. I use the truck for towing our 5000 lb. trailer.It is equiped with 4.10 and a turbo 400.

I have owned the truck for a little more than a yr. It is very reliable and have no worries even with 135k on it.

Would you recommend using synthetic oil. If so what would you recommend for the engine and rear end? If this is the way to go would my oil change interval go up or?
I currently change the oil every 3000k and use a K&N oil filter.

Would anyone know of a truck club that caters to diesels in Southern California?
Unfortunately it seems like the Diesel guys are all back east.


Thanks

[Dieselboy]

I use Delo 15w-40 in the engine with 2500-3000 mile drain intervals. I wouldn't spend extra for synthetic since you're going to have to drain at the same interval as if you were using dino juice. Eight quarts of oil with a regular filter can only handle so much soot, and synthetic has no advantage over Delo or Rotella in that regard. As for a filter, I prefer Napa 1794 since it is a good re-badged two quart Wix filter.

For the diffs, I like Mystik 85w-140. It's advertised as high temp and is rated for hypoid gears. Good stuff.

[john8662]

Welcome to The Diesel Page forums!

First off, what brand and weight oil are you running now? For other opinions and a wealth of information on this subject feel free to do a search. The search link is located near the top of each forum page underneath the ad banners on the pages. Within the search you'll find previous posts about oil and many other interesting reads.

My opinion, I use the dino oil, I prefer Delo 15W40 for use all year. I change my oil every 2500 to 3000 miles, and I feel that the interval shouldn't be extended. Even if you were to switch to synthetic you wouldn't see any gain, you would see more expensive oil changes. Because even if you ran synthetic, you would still change the oil every 3k miles, this is mainly due to the soot that gets into the oil.

For the rear-end, I would use synthetic gear oil, because this is a place that seldom sees oil changes, or sees extended drain times, Most people here one the forum prefer Amsoil, I agree with that opinion.

[moondoggie]

Good Day!

I run Rotella 5W-40 Synthetic & change at normal intervals. I use this oil because it's the 1st synthetic that I could get (temporarily) for < $3/qt - When my daughter worked at WalMart, I got her 10% employee discount. Now I pay a little more than $3/qt, but it has other advantages for me. I run it in everything, so I only have to stock one oil instead of the four I used to stock. I like the idea that, at least with our gassers, if the oil change goes a little over (not that I would ever allow that to happen ;) ) it really doesn't matter.

I don't think my engines will necessarily last any longer because I'm using synthetic, but they certainly won't wear out quicker, & I get the above-listed advantages.

Blessings!

Brian Johnson, #5044

[dieselbegreat]

I buy the cheapest 15W-40 Universal Motor Oil I can find, usually stocking up when I see low priced sales. I use only genuine AC filters (PF-1218?) and change every 3000 miles or so.

[coxfmly]

I am currently using Rotella T 15/40 and have used Delo 400 15/40 in the past. Since it seems that the cost doesn't justify the use, which one of these oils should I stay with?
Also, It was mentioned an alternate type of oil filter. I am currently paying around $15 per unit. Is the other mentioned filter cheaper in price yet just as good a quality?
Thanks again...

[NH2112]

I picked up 12 AC 2-quart filters on eBay for $66, shipping included. I've also picked up Baldwin B7s and Wix 33136 equivalent fuel filters (some Luberfiner, some Purolator, all marked Stanadyne on the back just like Wix) for a very good price.

[shamanie]

I use Mobil 1 full synth SUV and Truck for gas or Diesel. Meets all specs for diesel. and the appropriate mobil filter.


Here is a link decribing it.

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_Truck_SUV_5W-40.asp

[ 01-11-2005, 06:40 PM: Message edited by: shamanie ]