Rotella/Amsoil Synthetic?

[HTRDDSL]

I just rolled over the 1200 mile mark on my 08truck and was considering an oil change. Let me know if you think it's too early but what I was really wondering was if it's too early to use synthetic oil in my engine. I don't think it is but I've heard a few differing opinions. I'd like to get some advice from some of the people in here. Also what is the best brand to use? I know it's probably been discussed before but I couldn't find anything in previous posts. Thanks.

 

[CHPMustang]

Don did your Ford Dealer offer you a first oil change free of charge? As for synthetic I'd say rock on but I'd definitely touch base with a Master Tech from Ford to get his/her 2 cents to be safe.

 

[F350DRW1]

Not too early for the first change as you'll get all the dust, metal, etc. out of the engine. The Rotella "Synthetic" is a good quality oil for the money. You'll find mentions of Schaffers, Amsoil, Red line, etc. All pricey, all good stuff. Its really up to you and your wallet.

 

[bushpilot]

change the oil thats whats MOST important...get those early wear/metals
outta the engine...

then consider what youre trying to really achieve w/ synthetic vs dino...
if youre gonna continue to change your oil & filters at 5k intervals then
the ADDED cost of the synthetic isnt worth it (in my mind).

to justify the 3x cost of synthetic, for me, i EXPECT to get at least 3x
the mileage from it (and im not willing to run my oil 15k w/out a change
of the filter & oil....truth of the matter is id personally want 20-25k miles
per oil/filter change if i were gonna go the the expense of synthetic.

remember one of the IMPORTANT benefits of an oil & filter change is
that youre REMOVING impurities (metals, coolant, fuel etc) when you
drain that oil & change the filter thats trapped the garbage.

if youre gonna go sythetic then i HIGHLY recommend that you periodically
SAMPLE the oil to determine whats in the oil and if the oil is falling out of
spec <lower flash point, viscosity reduction, etc>

im not a huge fan of the synthetics...but i DO run 'em where fluid isnt
often changed (rear ends & trannies) and in all my motorcycles (which
dont see a LOT of uses....these days)

 

[HTRDDSL]

Thanks guys. When I drove Police cars we always used synthetics and the longevity of the engine was unreal. I will ask the shop foreman at the dealer. He's always looked after my vehicle and treated me great.

 

[bushpilot]

your shop forman probably thinks its a pain to change oil...
get some oil samples tested on a regular basis...its quite possible that
you might be able to SAFELY go 10k miles (using conventional oil)
in the 2008 trucks !

are you gonna be able to run 30 or 50k using synthetics ? youll need
to do at least that just to break even (equaling what the same cost
as conventional oil) !

get your 1st sample tested...and you see the early wear metals that are
in the DRAINED <old oil>....draining oil removes impurities and metals
that the filter isnt catching...i wouldnt want metals floating around
in my engine & oil for 50k miles...

check out this CURRENT thread on the subject...and what others are
discovering too: http://www.superdutydiesel.com/forums/99-7-3l-powerstroke-engine-drivetrain/12255-oil.html

 

[HTRDDSL]

Thanks much Bushpilot. Your obviously someone who researches his stuff before making a decision.

 

[bushpilot]

Thanks much Bushpilot. Your obviously someone who researches his stuff before making a decision.

not saying im right...just that i cant see an additional benefit for
the added cost !

and yeah i do research...drives my wife nuts.

 

[catch03]

i have ran rotella syntheic for years the most bang for the buck i have not ever used oil with this stuff now delo royal purple and amsoil i have used a little between changes aproxx 1-2 qts

 

[JSPulliam21]

If you want a full synthetic, then Rotella is not the way to go. It is not a true synthetic, but Amsoil, Redline, and Royal Purple are. Rotella Syn is a very good oil, though.