Synthetic oil

I have always, and will continue, to use synthetic oil in all my rigs.. Aside from new engine break-in.

On my diesel I want the better low temp and high temp/load protection. I have ran both dino and syn oils in my current truck. The synthetic build pressure faster on startup and maintains more pressure under load, meaning it handles the heat better. I have an aftermarket oil pressure gauge installed.

In my gas rigs I run synthetic for the extended drain intervals, and have used UOA to verify the longer intervals.

agesilaus wrote:
I used Amsol synthetic on my latest oil change thinking that I could get 10-12000 miles between changes. Only to find, after I bought it, that Amsol is now saying to change it when the truck says to change it. That's because of the regeneration system on new trucks loads up oil with soot. So based on that I'll probably switch back to synthetic blend or just non synthetic next time. Longer periods between changes may not be wise on the latest generation of diesels.

Regens load the oil with fuel more than soot.

The Diesel engines built since Jan 1 2007 are not capable of extended oil drain intervals with their emissions intact.

I use Shell Rotella T and get 14 K between changes by taking oil samples and going by Blackstone Oil Analysis. Used them since 1980s even on airplanes. Synthetic oils are a rip, if they weren't the FAA would approve them for use in Airplane Recips.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

Is it better: Cons:

Cost is twice as much as conventional oil per quart. However it lasts longer, so the actual cost increase is closer to 50 - 60 percent.

Flows easily, therefore not recommend for use on high mileage engines; nor do I recommend using it in new engines during the break-in period because it is so slippery and dramatically limits the wearing of new mating parts within the engine. This initial wearing of parts is what makes for proper engine break-in, sealing of piston rings, mating of camshafts and lifters, etc.

I've used Amsoil for years in my gasoline vehicles -- never owned a diesel. I've had excellent luck. I get high mileage from my engines and just change the oil annually. On my commuter, a '97 Cavalier, that was every 13 to 14,000 miles. It had 241,000 miles on it when I sold it, and it used a pint of oil every 4000 miles or so.

For my tow vehicle, an '03 Tundra V8, I'm changing it every 10,000 miles because when towing I won't use overdrive. It's using nothing between changes. I also use Amsoil ATF fluid and Amsoil 75-140 final drive oil in it and plan to change them every couple of years just because of the extra work load I'm putting on the truck. Maybe that's excessive, but I'm new to this towing game and just want to be sure ;)

FWIW, if you follow the manufacturer's recommendations on grade of oil and change intervals, I don't see the point. I've seen several cars and pickups with 300k on them running conventional oils. But if you can get your head wrapped around change the oil half to a third as often, I'm sold on Amsoil.

Go ahead. Then you can smile every time you think of all the dead dinosaurs your saving.

I guess you need to explain to me how Regens (DPF Cleaning) is getting soot into the crankcase, since the DPF is down stream in the exhaust system.
Now the older engines that Flooded the engine with raw fuel could result in fuel in the crankcase, but I fail to see how you're getting exhaust soot in there.
Now to the OP, I'm a firm believer in synthetic oil, but generally the first oil change and every oil change after. Not sure if it would be as great a benifit with your miles. Now if you live in the Cold North, synthetic is great for starting on those cold below zero mornings.

I used Amsol synthetic on my latest oil change thinking that I could get 10-12000 miles between changes. Only to find, after I bought it, that Amsol is now saying to change it when the truck says to change it. That's because of the regeneration system on new trucks loads up oil with soot. So based on that I'll probably switch back to synthetic blend or just non synthetic next time. Longer periods between changes may not be wise on the latest generation of diesels.

I need a neighbor like you. I could use your used oil and never have to buy any. :W

ScottG wrote:
The other thing that makes 3K mile changes out of date is the modern EFI and ign. systems. Because of these there is much less oil dilution and dirt.

Bingo... We also witnessed the gas engine longevity improved with electronic fuel injection.

I switched to synthetic when I started working with a chemical engineer who was a gear head, drove a BMW M3 and changed his oil every 15000 miles. I looked into the price difference, which to me was negligible, and figured if it was good enough for this gear head it was good enough for me. Yeah, I think synthetic is superior. But truthfully a car engine isn't subjected to conditions that would demand synthetic. But, it makes me feel better!

Assuming you don't have the infamous Hemi tick, I would stay with a name brand conventional oil with the latest API rating (API SN) and run 5k mile oil change intervals.