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Old 09-26-2011, 07:57 AM   #1
kramperD
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Synthetic oil or not?

I've read thru a previous post but it's a year or two old and wanted some updated comments. I've had the 08 F350 6.4 now for a year and ready to change oil again. Could some of you chime in again on your brand and whether you're continuing to use the synthetic oil or not? Thanks, D
 
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Old 09-26-2011, 08:09 AM   #2
SlickWillie
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No Ford here, but I've used the Rotella synthetic in both of the Duramaxs I've owned. On the 04 GMC, I would change the filter at 5K miles, then the oil at 10K. On the 09 Silverado, I change oil and filter when the DIC tells me it's time. Costs about the same as changing dino oil at 5K miles.
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Old 09-26-2011, 08:56 AM   #3
Delaine and Lindy
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I still haven't decided on the Synthetic Oils, the cost just isn't justified. I still use the Rotella 15/40 and have in every Diesel I have owned. I have the Oil changed when the DIC says to change it and the last was just over 9,000 miles and most miles was towing. I know there are several using the Synthetic. Most people change Oil to often, but thats my opinion. Good Luck on your Choice... Happy Trails....
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Old 09-26-2011, 09:20 AM   #4
8.1al
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There is no doubt that synthetic is better however, if you don't plan on keeping the truck for lots and lots of miles I don't think the extra cost is justified
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Old 09-26-2011, 10:00 AM   #5
kramperD
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I plan on keeping it for a long time.....has 79 almost 80,000 miles......just wasn't sure about the cost factor increase for the synthetic.....don't know if the previous owner used it or not. I used Rotella non-synthetic for my one and only change so far...but want to either change or stay the same in the long run.
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Old 09-26-2011, 10:08 AM   #6
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Castrol Syntec is one of the higher rated synthetic oils. It's available at Walmart and it's NOT expensive.
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Old 09-26-2011, 10:35 AM   #7
racerjoe
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i would ask someone with experience on these motors if switching at this time would be wise. There has been issues in the past for people that have went to synthetic oil only to have problems,due to the fact the previous owner did not take good care when it came to service. I think if the previous maintenance was good you should not have any problems. remember, we all take care of our equipment different.
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Old 09-26-2011, 01:58 PM   #8
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I switched my used 03 F250 at 60k and will never go back Rotella T6 5w-40 change interval has been kept to 5k miles. Cold starts are night and day different from Dino oil which was Rotella T Triple 15w-40. Always use Ford Filters at the same interval.
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Old 09-26-2011, 02:41 PM   #9
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I agree with 8.1 but I use Mobil 1 synthetic anyway. Be careful with your 6.4. With the DPF you have you can easily have 10% fuel in your oil or more, if you go 10000 miles between oil changes. I had 13% in mine and got rid of the DPF, problem solved.
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Old 09-26-2011, 04:15 PM   #10
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Lynwood - sent you PM. D
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Old 09-26-2011, 05:53 PM   #11
Illini Trekker
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Been talked about hear before as you stated, I vote yes. I use Rotella, Had change oil at 50per cent as On board CPU suggest but with Rotella I run up to 75 to 80per cent oil life. Plus much better Cold starts.
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Old 09-27-2011, 02:21 AM   #12
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I use Amsoil in my truck. Good stuff and recommended by many diesel mechanics. I have used synthetic oil in my RV (sob) since 1994, starting with Mobile 1. Highly recommend it.
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Old 09-27-2011, 04:26 AM   #13
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After nearly 50 years of driving and something over a million miles (combined DW and I), I have never had an engine fail. And never used anything but conventional oil. Can't see the need for synthetic.
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Old 09-27-2011, 07:49 AM   #14
Delaine and Lindy
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Ran OTR Pete's, Freightliners, Kenworths and Volvo's, with the Detroit 60 series and the Cummins, million mile power plants and used Rotella 15/40 and changed oil every 20,000 miles and oil was tested and never had any issues. I'm still using Rotella 15/40 and have never had a oil issue.... I just don't like the price of Synthetic oil vs Rotella 15/40. This issue is just a personal choice. I do also change oil per the DIC, on the Duramax and the Chevy Tahoe 5.3. And always change filters. The new 2011 gets many more miles on the Fuel filter vs the last 3500HD we owned?? Good Luck with your choice....
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Old 09-27-2011, 09:31 AM   #15
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I run Synthetic Rottella T in my Dodge.
I drive it about once a week when not towing the trailer.
According to Blackstone Lab analysis, its always tested good for a few more K miles versus the 8-10K I have on it when I change it annually and send a sample in. I've been running less than 8K since my last oil change OVER a year ago now and I plan to run to 10K before changing the Synthetic, per Lab advice.
I change my own oil and Filter so running the synthetic reduces that frequency and eases environmental impact...
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Old 09-27-2011, 01:11 PM   #16
duffy
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Engines are deisgined to leave dirt deposits in oil while operating, so if you change your oil on a regular basis that is the best for over all longjevity. SO WHY PAY MORE FOR SYNTHETIC OIL, If engines were to run synthetic they would come from the factory that way. Show me a diesel engine that specifiies synthetic oil for normal usage.
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Old 09-27-2011, 02:27 PM   #17
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duffy...only reason for me is "cold" start in below 0 degree weather. I KNOW it matters...
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Old 09-28-2011, 05:39 AM   #18
Pete Hanson
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Duffy, the owners manual for my Cummins lists both regular oil and synthetic oil specs. I switched to synthetic and got rewarded with slightly better mpg (2 - 3 mpg improvement)so I have been sticking with it. All the trade magazines and other documents I've read speak highly of synthetics so I made the switch about two years ago.
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Old 09-28-2011, 10:41 AM   #19
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Years ago a very good friend who is a mechanic told me something I haven't forgotten. He said that when you rebuild an engine you should run dino for a while to seat the rings before changing to synthetic. He said if you don't the rings won't seat. he says there simply isn't enough friction with the synthetic to seat the rings. Hmmmmm! That triggered a thought. If I want to reduce wear in my engine, synthetic might be a good choice. I've been running synthetic the last 25 years or so. I have no regrets. I'm running the T-6
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Old 09-28-2011, 11:18 AM   #20
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I don't know why but I do not trust the cpu when it comes to oil changes. IMHO I think if you use a Mobil1 filter and Mobil1 full synthetic you can go 10K oil changes-this is what I have been doing for a number of years. On regular dino I always went 5K-Never had a major motor problem either way.
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