Forum Discussion

Mile_High's avatar
Mile_High
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017

Cummins ISL Oil recommendation

Getting ready for my first service, and I see the shop offers standard oil, semi synthetic, or full synthetic. Terrific :)

Any idea what would be the best oil for the ISL that operates as a vacationer with periods of storage >120 days and may operate in weather >120 F or <0 F?

Previously my Ford diesels were always serviced by Ford and I never paid attention to what they put in as they were always still under warranty.

24 Replies

  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    20 years ago I researched this at a shop that rebuilt million mile truck engines. They said that engines using Dell 400 were amazingly clean and those using Shell Rotello T had a slight amount of buildup. Since I often let my heavy equipment sit for extended periods I went with Shell R T in the hopes the buildup would help protect the engine from corrosion.

    No way would I pay for synthetic if I changed the oil every year which I do not and I only use Shell RT which I change every 15,000 miles.
  • I love Supertech oil and they do sell Diesel oil. They are packaged either by mobil or shell. I've never had a problem using it and would suggest it to anybody. Much cheaper at walmart.
  • Many reasonable choices.

    Shell Rotella T 15-40 and Delo 400 15-40 are popular choices and are available at Walmarts, etc.

    You will not wear out that engine in an RV, so worrying about whether a special (read that expensive) oil extends engine life from 800,000 miles to 1 million miles is not really relevant.

    If you have some special circumstance such as pulling a 10,000 pound trailer through the mountains in the summer, that may warrant other considerations.