Changing out the Dino Oil

[Inspector]

Folks:
I would like to hear oppions on just how many miles one should run dino oil before changing to synthetic. Jump in and don't hold back.
Denny

[jbplock]

Denny,

I believe as long as the oil - synthetic or dino - meets GM's specs it's good to go at any time. For the Duramax GM requires API certified (with the logo) 15w40 or 5W40 diesel oil with a CH-4 or CI-4 rating. I also remember reading some discussions of this same question in Dr. Lee's forum. IIRC he also stated that one could switch to synthetic at any time. When my truck was brand new I did three quick changes at 1kmile intervals to "flush" the engine before switching to synthetic. IMHO, you can also skip changing the oil filter for these initial quick-change intervals.


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[mdrag]

I agree with the comments by jbplock. I did two or three low mileage oil changes with dino oil before making the switch to Mobil Delvac 1 synthetic 5W-40.

A number of oil analysis reports from different forum members revealed high silicon levels for the first few oil changes, presumably due to 'dirt' and contaminants from the manufacturing process. It made sense to 'flush' with a few low mileage dino oil changes, before switching to the 'high dollar' synthetics. You can make the switch whenever you like.

I've read/heard from more than one source that modern engines can switch to synthetic oil at any time as long as the oil meets or exceeds the service requirements for that particular engine. High performance engines such as those found in Corvettes, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes (and others) come with factory fill synthetic.

[hd90rider]

When I decided to switch to syn. oil. I called the techs at Amsoil. They advised me to run the truck 15k befor changing to syn. oil. I took their advice,as they felt it gave the rings time to "seat in better".

[Tractor]

Hey there INSPECTOR guy.
I side with hd90rider. At our GM dealership, who also does Dodge warranty work. They have a dandy CUMMINS guy who me and T.J. have had work on the up grades on the 98 6.5. We have lots of respect for him. He told us to run my new dually for 15,000 miles or so before we switched to synthetic oil. And in that time work the engine to heat everything up, which you do when you pull your home away from home unit.
TRACTOR

[TJ]

It is in fact true that Corvettes come factory filled with Mobil 1. Why? It's all about marketing. Mobil 1 ingeniously donates oil to GM, who in return, recommends only Mobil 1 in these cars. Mobil 1 receives a great ROI (return on investment) and GM gets free oil. IMO, the V-8 diesels can have synthetic early on. I went about 6,000 miles on my engine. The inline Cummins commonly sees less RPM and has larger internal components to "season" before converting.

[ 10-11-2004, 08:13 PM: Message edited by: TJ ]

[Kennedy]

No problems with synthetic from new, BUT since I like to change the oil 2-3x in the first couple thousand miles, it isn't economically practical. Now if a guy plans to drive it 5-6k or more on the first change, then go for it!

[Inspector]

What do you guys think of Mobile 1 Truck and Suv 5W40?
Denny :rolleyes:

[jbplock]

Denny,

IMHO M1 Truck & SUV is one of the best 5W40 PAO based synthetics available. (As you probably know M1-1 Truck & SUV is re-badged Delvac-1). I've been running D-1 with good UOA results.

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[Inspector]

Oil change will be done tomorrow. Thanks for the comebacks.
Denny

[lookin2buy]

I'm just curious about how much does it cost for the average do-it yourselfer to change oil in the DMAX?

Also, if I were to run the Mobil-1 filter in the DMAX, would you guys suggest running Mobil-1 oil?

If I don't use mobil-1 oil, is there oil just for diesel motors out there, I've never really paid any attention.

(I don't have a DMAX yet, but still looking.) :cool:

[KenZ]

Brad,

"I'm just curious about how much does it cost for the average do-it yourselfer to change oil in the DMAX?"
10 quarts of oil $20 up depending on oil and about 10.00 for a filter. 15-20 min. change time.

"Also, if I were to run the Mobil-1 filter in the DMAX, would you guys suggest running Mobil-1 oil?"
NO

"If I don't use mobil-1 oil, is there oil just for diesel motors out there, I've never really paid any attention"
Yes, not only different brands specifically formulated for diesel engines, but also different viscosity oils--5w40, 15w 40 etc. Be sure to use a diesel oil rated as specified in the operator's manual. Like CI 15w40. Synthetic or dino is your choice. I like the synthetics, they have saved me (or my engine) more than once.

[KenZ]

Brad,

On the oil change, if you do it yourself, I may have left of a couple of important things. Get a good strong oil filter wrench and a fumoto valve helps also.---One time costs.

Ken

[lookin2buy]

KenZ-

Thanks for the info! I just got "The Diesel Page" book in the mail today and I've been reading through it since my fiancee walked in with the mail.

I just have one question, whats "a fumoto valve"?

[jbplock]

Brad,

The Fumoto Valve (http://www.fumotovalve.com/) replaces the oil drain plug. Very nice product... :cool:

https://ssl2.adhost.com/fumotovalve/graphics/valve2.JPG

They are available from Greg - LubeSpecialist.com (http://www.lubespecialist.com/product.php?code=fumotovalves&section=fumoto).

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[lookin2buy]

jbplock-

thanks a lot! I'll keep it in mind when i get my DMAX in the spring smile.gif