Any of the major oils work fairly well. It is more of a personal preference with most people. Like others, I have my preference.

 

Thanks everyone who responded to my oil choice inquiry. I just returned home from running the truck in the midwest and west coast for 2 weeks.

So true that ask 4 different O/Os their opinion about oil and I'll get 8 different opinions. Thank goodness I didn't ask this lively bunch about what engine everyone likes....LOL

Just an FYI about my truck and what the oil has been doing.....

1999 Pete 3406E 18sp 325 rear ends, 63 in sleeper.

7500 miles and the oil didn't move from the full mark.

Be safe...

Robert

 

Please don’t think I’m defending Speedco. I know for a fact that I have gotten bogus analysis results from them on occasion. The difference in analysis results could easily be explained by settling in the oil from one oil sample to another.

I wholly agree that results from and Speedco or other lube facility should always be looked at with at least some skepticism. A true lab is the best way to go by far.

 

Like all engine manufacturers, Cat has their own engine oil spec; currently, I believe it is ECF-1. Diesel oils are made for diesel engines... therefore, CAT, and Cummins, and DDC, and Volvo/Mack, etc, etc are all listed on the label somewhere... otherwise, you should assume this oil DOES NOT meet their minimum specs, because these are the people this oil is formulated for!!!

You will require API certification somewhere on the container; CJ-4 is the most current, and is required for post-07 engines. The API rating is "reverse compatible", so it also works fine for older engines. Your 3406E would require about a minimum of CG4 or CH4-rated oil. Make sure the API label is there.

Lastly, is the SAE viscosity rating; most NA OTR trucks use a 15w40 multi-grade oil, which is acceptable down to a 'given' ambient temperature. In COLD operating temperatures, a 10w30 (API C-rated) engine oil might be recommended for easier startability and cold flow.

BUT, the single, most important factor when purchasing engine oil... and filters! is price. You get what you pay for, right? If you want to buy "bargain" oil for you $60,000 powerplant, you best look the engine oil label over real well... and be wary of statements like; ""formulated to meet API CJ-4 specifications."" ... it should clearly state; MEETS API CJ-4, and any oil of reasonable quality will also list; meets volvo's..., meets cummins'..., meets ford's..., meet's cat's..., etc, etc.

If all of the above concerns are OK, and your engine 'consumes' oil more than expected (about a gallon between non-extended service intervals), I would try a different 'reputable' brand to see if it helps.

 

+1

:clap::clap::clap::clap:

 

If any are considering synthetic, you might want to take a look at Schaeffer's oil. I know it sounds obscure, but they traditionally only cater to larger outfits. They are not known for being on store shelves and they do not do the multi level marketing like Amsoil. They have been making lube products since 1839 so they are not some new kid on the block. www.schaefferoil.com

They have really good products at prices that are pretty competitive with everyone elses stuff. If you take a look at www.bobistheoilguy.com forums, you will find that this brand has been tested by a lot of people and has a real high recommendation.

I have been using Amsoil for quite a while, but with the test results and pricing, I am going to switch over to Shaeffer soon. One of the forum sponsers is a dealer and will get you any kind of schaeffer products you want at pretty good prices and if the the order amounts to $350 or more, the shipping is free.

Also, you can see some video files on Schaeffer on www.youtube.com Take a look at the engine teardown video. Pretty interesting.

 

Why do you use synthetic oil in your engine?

 

I guess because I am going for extended drain intervals since I am using bypass oil filtration. Synthetic flows better in colder weather, is less suseptable to high heat "cookoff", etc. Generally it also can help in the mpg area because it flows easier. It would take a science lecture, of sorts, to explain all the benefits of a synthetic. Just ask Eaton.... for their extended warranty protection of transmissions and rears, they require a synthetic oil be used. Why not do the same for an engine?

I am not advocating every one use synthetic. It all depends on the individual. But for me, I am more comfortable running synthetic. I have been using the stuff in everything I own down to my riding lawnmower for several years. My used oil analysis' look real good using synthetic.

I just put out the info on Schaeffer oil after doing a lot of research on the products just in case anyone here was running synthetic or considering it. If you are comfortable with standard oil drain intervals, then probably synthetic is not a good choice due to cost. But, even without a bypass filter, oil analysis will prove that you can extend standard drain intervals. With bypass, synthetic comes into its own. You can really extend the drain intervals to such a degree, that synthetic becomes actually cheaper to run than standard oil.

 

...because engines and transmissions are 2 completely different environments for a lubricant; why not use eaton syn trans fluid in your engine? The reasoning behind using synthetic in a trans or diff is no longer up for debate imo... the debate with syn in a powerplant environment where airborn contaminants, acids, combustion gasses, etc must be constantly kept under control is.

People using syn in extreme cold ambients have obvious flowability concerns, but unless your "OEM approved" extended drain intervals make up for the higher initial cost of the lube, your "cost per mile" figure will rise unnecessarily. Todays mineral oils are an extremely complex, high quality lubricant, and some of these brand name mineral oils are of better quality than some full synthetic lubes.

... I only ask the question because I'm usually curious if people buy syn due to "marketing" or if it is actually beneficial to their cpm.

 

I will agree that most of today's oil are pretty darn good products. However, they are Group II oils. Some synthetics (Rotella, Castrol, etc) are Group III, and a few are Group IV and V. I presently use a Group IV in ALL the components of the truck... engine, trans, rears, etc. The performance characteristics of a Group IV synthetic are heads and shoulders above a Group II dino oil. A Group III is just a highly refined Group II using a process called hydrocracking. It is not even allowed to be called a synthetic in most countries. But it is a nice marketing move in this country.

Cost effective... I would have to say yes. Of course, my extended drains are based on using bypass filtration and a good oil analysis program. If I only have to change my engine oil once a year (even if the UOA says oil is ok, I still go no farther than an annual change... just me), I would have to say it is cost effective. And with a solid record of oil quality thru analysis, I have no concerns with Cummins. Of the contaminants in the engine, that is what a good additive package in the oil is for. The bypass gets all the particulates and the additive package takes care of such contaminants as sulfaric acid and other nasties. The Used Oil Analysis shows how the additive package is holding up, the various metal counts, and other things to show if oil is still good. Plus, I can catch a potential problem with a component of the engine before it becomes a nightmare because the oil analysis will show the problem. In other words..... why change the oil if it is still good and clean?

Using a syn trans fluid in engine? Come on, you can't be serious. There is no comparison of a syn trans fluid and a syn engine oil. Kind of a rediculous comment.

I am not trying to convince anyone. If their mind is made up, so be it. I would contend that there is ample evidence of the benefits of synthetic use in the engine, and that it is equally "not up for debate" unlike you contend. My recommendation is that you go to www.bobistheoilguy.com and express your prowess and expertise in lubrication on that forum. Be sure to wear your cup, there are a lot of very knowledgable people there that work directly in the field and they will be happy to spar with ya.

I guess the only question I would pose to you is.... why are you wasting time worrying about what I use in my engine? Cummins doesn't seem to mind, I can't see why you are so concerned. I really could give a rip about what anyone else puts in their engine. I only brought the topic of synthetic up for those that are using it or are considering it. Of course, if you wish to start assuming my maintenance costs for me, your input will be important. I will never understand why some view oils almost like a religion and are bound and determined to make it an issue. And, of course, just as in religion, everyone is an expert in oils.