Engine oil

[DeeBee]

Hi All, About to service my 2017 Laramie Ecodiesel at 30000 miles after being quoted $1200 by dealer in Morehead City NC. I'm trying to decide which oil brand. I understand the need to meet API specs and 5w40 viscosity grade. I see mention of several oils e.g. Shell Rotella T6 but never see Pennzoil platinum mentioned. This is the oil the dealer used in previous services in NC and NYS. Anyone have any thoughts ? Thanks

 

[1shadowsabre]

Use the Rotella T6

 

[John]

Rotella T6 5W40. I mention 5W40 because Rotella now has 15W40 available in the T6 synthetic formula.

 

[Bookmaker]

I’ve noticed that current T6 no longer specifies FCA spec MS-10902. Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme does, plus it is endorsed by Cummins and has more zinc, higher TBN, and higher HTHS. It meets every spec listed in the FCA Diesel Supplement. I’ll be switching to the Valvoline for my next oil change.

Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme

 

[TC Diesel]

Endorsed By Cummins is just marketing Money. Stay with T6 5/40w

 

[Bookmaker]

For anyone concerned about the bottom end bearings, the Valvoline has more zinc and HTHS of 4.0, which beats beats T6 with its HTHS of 3.8. Valvoline’s TBN of 11 beats T6 TBN of 10.

Both are fine but the Valvoline has better specs and lists MS-10902. T6 no longer lists the Mopar spec referenced in the RAM Diesel Supplement.

 

[TC Diesel]

Bookmaker, Please provide some OAs on Valvoline, It takes more than whats marketed. What's in the Bottle counts....

I like high levels of Zinc for Dsl, But it needs to be offset by high levels of Mag and Moly, TBN in most cases is for longer term service.

I've seen engine with 500K+ running T6 look new, Not so with Valvoline Blue, That being said Valovline may have changed and is more refined and that additive package changed, Until I see live OAs T6 is my preferred Lube for Dsl.

 

[Bookmaker]

I’ll be glad to share my OAs as I collect them. In the meantime uses whatever pleases you. Cheers.

 

[TC Diesel]

Awesome, I look forward to the OAs, maybe the results will change My mind on Valvoline.

 

[GearHead]

I too prefer the T6 in 5W-40, however I have used Valvoline products for many years in other vehicles. Still use bulk 5W-30 synthetic in the shop. My OA's have been very satisfactory and yet by comparing OA's for the Valvoline product may change my mind as to my choice of Diesel oil as well. On another comment the Rotella 15W-40 is notated T5 if I am not mistaken.

 

[CAVEMANN]

I maintained an Ambulance fleet for nearly 14 years, I used Delo 400 15w-40 exclusively, one of those units had over 600k on it when I retired, I think it finally got retired too, I would bet that it had around a million miles on it, Ford E350 with 7.3 Powerstroke, 1 set of injectors, IPR, FPR, GLOW PLUGS, HPOP, and under valve cover harnesses. Pollution laws killed that motor and the best international could come up with was the 6.0 liter, what a joke that motor was, I was glad to hear that Ford was finally gonna design their own diesel when they came up with the 6.7.

 

[Ecopete]

I too prefer the T6 in 5W-40, however I have used Valvoline products for many years in other vehicles. Still use bulk 5W-30 synthetic in the shop. My OA's have been very satisfactory and yet by comparing OA's for the Valvoline product may change my mind as to my choice of Diesel oil as well. On another comment the Rotella 15W-40 is notated T5 if I am not mistaken.

I think you are mistaken!
At least in Canada it's also T6

 

[CAVEMANN]

T5 & T6 are both available in 15w-40, difference is classification. T5 is rated for older spec diesels. T6 should be backwards compatable.

 

[GearHead]

I have only seen it available as 5W-40 but I see that it is also available in 15W-40 as well, it just hasn't hit the shelves here in the lower 48.

 

[njoconnor]

It may be too early for this question, but here goes: the oil specc'd by the owner's manual for my just acquired 2020 EcoD carries an API SN requirement. Local dealer showed me a quart of Pennzoil Euro Blend ("Made from Natural Gas"), and said this is what they've been told to use. I've got 10+ qts of Rotella T-6 left from my 2014, and it seemed to like the Rotella (I also use Rotella T5 in my 72 Fiat spider, due to the flat tappets needing the extra zinc). I can't find anything that says the 2020 can use CK/CJ-4 spec , found on the T-6. So...use the T-6 for the first oil change, or switch to the Pennzoil and find somewhere else (the Fiat? ) to use the T-6?

 

[GearHead]

It may be too early for this question, but here goes: the oil specc'd by the owner's manual for my just acquired 2020 EcoD carries an API SN requirement. Local dealer showed me a quart of Pennzoil Euro Blend ("Made from Natural Gas"), and said this is what they've been told to use. I've got 10+ qts of Rotella T-6 left from my 2014, and it seemed to like the Rotella (I also use Rotella T5 in my 72 Fiat spider, due to the flat tappets needing the extra zinc). I can't find anything that says the 2020 can use CK/CJ-4 spec , found on the T-6. So...use the T-6 for the first oil change, or switch to the Pennzoil and find somewhere else (the Fiat? ) to use the T-6?

I would continue to use the Rotella T6. Although I have not read any recommendation for the 2020 eco. The SN rating is for automotive engines with a smaller ZDDP package and is insufficient for diesel engine use. The Euro Blend in 5w-30 was removed from use by FCA in 2016.
Like you my 2014 and my wife's 2015 Jeep love Rotella T6 to the point of running smoother.

 

[njoconnor]

Cracked open the 2 inch pile o' manuals (well...actually cranked up Adobe and opened the pdf's...), and inside the Diesel Supplement for the 2020 Ecodiesel reads the following:

"We recommend you use 5W-40 synthetic engine oil such as
Mopar or Shell Rotella that meets FCA Material Standard
MS-10902 and the API SN engine oil category is required."

So, yeah, T-6 it is. Just have to adapt to the new 8.5qt capacity instead of the 10.5qt; and the new higher cost filters. Still cheaper than the dealer.

Speaking of....they reminded me I get my first oil change free. I declined with the 14, and started doing my own right away. About 18 months ago, the tone ring/crank positioner blew on the 14, and while it was in the shop, I had the dealer perform the then-due oil change. Next oil change after that, I was shocked to find the filter cartridge creased/bent inside the housing; I suspect the oil dude didn't know about snapping it into the housing, and just tossed it in the housing and cranked on the cap. I've got 9900 miles to think about this; opinions on "free" vs DIY welcome.

Off to drive it some more...and smile.....

Neil

 

[Bookmaker]

Except that T6 does not list SN or MS-10902 on the bottle anymore.

 

[CAVEMANN]

VALVOLINE PREMIUM BLUE EXTREME meets all requirements for fca MS-10902 & CUMMINS CES 20086, I'll probably start switching over after my next oil change. It' about $66 on amazon.

 

[njoconnor]

Yeah, Bookmaker, I noticed that...and deeper in the diesel supplement it specifies either MOPAR or Pennzoil Euro with the SN designator. Sigh. Like I said, I have a few months to consider the issue, so we'll see what changes the Fiat deities direct over that time. Thanks for the Valvoline tip, Cavemann. I also noticed Mobil's DELVEC carried the SN rating.