Synthetic Oil Discussion Continues, yet again . . .

[Archive]

(I know everyone is weary of this synthetic oil and bypass filtration stuff, but please bear with me. . .)

An occasional motivator in my life is to get the biggest bang for the buck. Strolling through WalMart yesterday I discover 5-quart containers of Mobil-1 going for $14.99. Quick head math tells me I can fill my crankcase with synthetic oil for only $29.98. I checked the label and it's API for diesel is CF (or CF-2, CF-4 ?) which is one classification "behind" or "less" than the CG-4 of Rotella T, Delo 400, Prem Blue, Delvac1, & Amsoil.

Now, not being the oil expert, I wonder what "improved" or "better" characteristic CG oil has over CF? Like Amsoilman said, there are varying qualities of synthetic oil. Obviously there are more things to consider besides API classifications in determining what oil is best suited for your purposes and driving habits.

In cost-comparing, filling a crankcase with Amsoil runs at least $60, Delvac1 costs $50, but Mobil1 runs just $30.

Of course extended drain intervals & bypass filtration figure into this. The Mobil1 probably isn't engineered for extended drain intervals and is targeted at high performance gassers.

My intention to run synthetics is: 1)improved cold weather protection since I run a lot of short trips, 2) minimize internal deposits, etc. 3) improved protection when my Cummins receives some serious "BOMBification"! and 4) Save that green stuff!!

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Vaughn MacKenzie

1998 3/4T QC 4x4 Longbed, 24-valve 5-spd, White over Driftwood, Leather & Loaded, foglights, airdam, DeeZee Running Boards. 51,255 miles (11/17/99)


[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 11-18-1999).]