Synthetic Fluids
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Professional
Joined: Mar 2005
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Synthetic Fluids
I’ve seen this touched upon in a couple other threads but the conversation usually turned to which fluids are the best so here goes….
When could / should we think about changing to synthetic fluids?
I ask for a couple reasons and maybe anyone else would comment if they have seen anything similar.
The reason for the question is of course we know for a fact that the synthetics provide better lubrication and produce less heat and heat is one of our biggest enemies. The sooner we could switch the better. But, many have differing views on the break in period, making sure everything is seated etc.
The second reason is probably the main reason for my question. I’ve had my truck for about 2 months now and at around 3 ½-4 k’s I noticed the oil was black as could be. I was (over) due for the first change anyways so I didn’t think much of it although I did feel a bit guilty for waiting.
I check my oil and fluids faithfully. (about every other fill up - once a week but no less than ever other week).
I have yet to do a lot of towing and so far have only racked up about 800 miles (3-4000 lbs for <400miles each time).Ran it at varied speeds etc. all that stuff but never really got on it.
Now I’m sitting at 6 ½ k’s and once again the oil is BLACK. I’m due for another change of course at 7500 so the question remains.
Is it too soon to switch, and has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks again
When could / should we think about changing to synthetic fluids?
I ask for a couple reasons and maybe anyone else would comment if they have seen anything similar.
The reason for the question is of course we know for a fact that the synthetics provide better lubrication and produce less heat and heat is one of our biggest enemies. The sooner we could switch the better. But, many have differing views on the break in period, making sure everything is seated etc.
The second reason is probably the main reason for my question. I’ve had my truck for about 2 months now and at around 3 ½-4 k’s I noticed the oil was black as could be. I was (over) due for the first change anyways so I didn’t think much of it although I did feel a bit guilty for waiting.
I check my oil and fluids faithfully. (about every other fill up - once a week but no less than ever other week).
I have yet to do a lot of towing and so far have only racked up about 800 miles (3-4000 lbs for <400miles each time).Ran it at varied speeds etc. all that stuff but never really got on it.
Now I’m sitting at 6 ½ k’s and once again the oil is BLACK. I’m due for another change of course at 7500 so the question remains.
Is it too soon to switch, and has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks again
Professional
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 233
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From: New England
RE: Synthetic Fluids
Yes, my oil is usually black within days of a change. Yes it is too soon for synthetic. Save your money. Unless your looking for secondary filtration systems and extended change intervals, you're just spending twice as much for oil. Besides superior low temp viscocity, the benefits are not huge, and synthetic costs much more. The most ardent supporters of synthetic that I see on the diesel forums that I follow, are the people who sell it IMHO.
http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...2180C4A8F00000
http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...4A0004AC33EA57
http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...2180C4A8F00000
http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/p...4A0004AC33EA57
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: Synthetic Fluids
The factory fill on most fluids in the 03+ trucks is at least partially synthetic...ATF+4 is a low grade synthetic, the rears are definately synthetic...the engine is filled with dino, either rotella or valvoline from the factory too IIRC.
As for the engine, some things come to mind:
The 04.5+ trucks turn the oil black quickly because of the CTD emissions requirements...it will do this as long as you own it...mine is still turning the oil black within 500 miles of changing at 75k miles. I believe it is partially because of the "third squirt" injection event when the exhaust valve is open.
If you plan on using a synthetic engine oil, you might want to consider getting a bypass filter for your truck too to "polish" the oil clean...the factory filter is good to about 20 microns...a bypass is good for about 1 micron (or less depending on the filter). I got the pieces for an Amsoil bypass filter coming as we speak so I can extend my dino oil changes to 7500 miles. I ran 1 change to 7500 and it looked like sludge when I drained it...by pass filters only filter a small amount of oil...I think 6 quarts in 5 minutes, but it is continuous...it doesn't replace your factory FullFlow oil filter. Frantz is another good name bypass filter...
Additionally, if you run synthetic, you should ideally have oil analysis done to know when it is time to change your oil out...
steved
As for the engine, some things come to mind:
The 04.5+ trucks turn the oil black quickly because of the CTD emissions requirements...it will do this as long as you own it...mine is still turning the oil black within 500 miles of changing at 75k miles. I believe it is partially because of the "third squirt" injection event when the exhaust valve is open.
If you plan on using a synthetic engine oil, you might want to consider getting a bypass filter for your truck too to "polish" the oil clean...the factory filter is good to about 20 microns...a bypass is good for about 1 micron (or less depending on the filter). I got the pieces for an Amsoil bypass filter coming as we speak so I can extend my dino oil changes to 7500 miles. I ran 1 change to 7500 and it looked like sludge when I drained it...by pass filters only filter a small amount of oil...I think 6 quarts in 5 minutes, but it is continuous...it doesn't replace your factory FullFlow oil filter. Frantz is another good name bypass filter...
Additionally, if you run synthetic, you should ideally have oil analysis done to know when it is time to change your oil out...
steved
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
RE: Synthetic Fluids
I switched to Rotella synthetic on my last drain. 36K Also put a qt of Lucas Oil Stabilizer in there(not sure now if that will do any good), but my oil's starting to turn black with only 600 miles on it.
I ordered FS2500 Bypass Oil Filter from Filtration Solutions Worldwide. It just came in today so when I get it on and tested out I'll post an update.
[IMG]local://upfiles/31826/000D5945FF6947C392577B82B8CD8A52.jpg[/IMG]
I ordered FS2500 Bypass Oil Filter from Filtration Solutions Worldwide. It just came in today so when I get it on and tested out I'll post an update.
[IMG]local://upfiles/31826/000D5945FF6947C392577B82B8CD8A52.jpg[/IMG]
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
RE: Synthetic Fluids
I'm going to take it that you guys run desiels. No matter what fluid you put in there it is going to turn black rather quickly. Soot is what builds up from the type II oil fuel aka desiel. The blow by in the rings is what causes the oil to turn black so soon. Synthetic is rated for both desiel and gasoline. The label Meets CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4 and CF. All the requirements for all the new engines. It meets or exceeds it. It's worth it because it has higher detergents and it helps keep the engine clean. The lucas oil stabilizer really does work. It helps it really does. keeps the heads lubricated so it eliminates dry starts. On a 2003 Ford F-150 the oil pressure reaches it's peak a lot faster than conventional and he also picked up 4 psi.