Now I'm confused... what oil?

**t22a80** · 02-16-2006, 04:38 AM

Hey guys,

I am going to bring my truck in for another oil change tonight. I now have 8k miles. I have been reading these threads about synthetic and regular. I have never run synthetic but was wondering if its worth it. I live in New Hampshire, and although its been a mild winter I read that synthetics start easier. I know the dealer only uses Mobil so I'd have to take the regular Mobil or Mobile 1. I'd use the highly rated chevron supreme but they don't use it at the dealer. What do you guys think?

Thanks.

**bbomar** · 02-16-2006, 04:49 AM

t22a80,
It really doesn't matter what type of oil you are currently using, you can change to syn any time you want, and you can use any type of syn you want. The best choices are Mobil1 or Amsoil. They rank the highest on most tests. They recommend to change it every 7500 miles, but I have seen test were they have run it with success up to 18000 miles, check google search and type in synthetic oil tests. Hopes this helps.

**bbomar** · 02-16-2006, 04:51 AM

Sorry, on those tests when they ran the oil to 18000 miles, they changed the filter every 5000, and topped off the oil if it was low.

jessefrank · 02-16-2006, 06:03 AM

It is kind of personal choice to run syn or non syn and also what brand. It is pretty well proven that synthetic is overall better than regular dino oil, and some brands are better than others. But if you change your oil every 3-4k miles the regular dino oil will be just fine and cost you less.

In cold weather it really depends on what weight oil you use as to what will "start up easier". Lower number is better the colder the climate. 5w or 0w oil is probably a good choice for cold climates with 10w being still OK to use. (BTW our trucks recommend 5w30 oil) Synthetics do provide better Dry start up protection though, as well as other benefits as improved gas mileage, better engine wear characteristics, don't break down as easy under heat/load and have better cleaning agents to break up sludge and grime.

Personally I use synthetic and still change it at no more than 4k miles. Some people run it for the extended intervals, but I don't like pushing my luck and I'd rather pay the little bit extra to know it is protected. I use Mobil 1. In my titan (2 oil changes so far) I've used M1 Extended Performance syn (15,000 mile) 5w30. After a while I noticed some valve train noise on start up as others have reported when using synthetics. I switched to M1 0W40 regular synthetic and haven't had any issues. I'll probably switch to 10w30 reg. syn for the summer months when the temps are a little higher.

-Jesse

**t22a80** · 02-16-2006, 06:15 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I woudlnt run it for much more than the normal 3k miles anyway. I have always tried to be good about changing it at 3k. If I could get a little more mileage I'd love that!

phlydude · 02-16-2006, 08:05 AM

If you are going to change it out @ 3K and you aren't using the truck heavily, then I would stick to good old dino oil. Synthetics are only cost effective if you extend the interval out beyond 5k miles.
It looks like you are taking your truck to the dealership for the oil change but for a small investment, you can buy some ramps and a oil pan and change it yourself quicker and cheaper than the dealership. Plus you know the job is done right instead of relying on some guy who could care less about your truck to change out the filter and make sure the drain plug is seating correctly and torqued down enough.

**t22a80** · 02-16-2006, 08:13 AM

I would do my own oil changes however, I live in New Hampshire, I don't own a garage and I don't feel like laying out in the snow to change my oil. I also have some other warrantee things that need to be fixed.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

**bbomar** · 02-16-2006, 08:15 AM

On changing your own oil. I have heard something about a drain plug crush washer that needs to be replaced each time. Not sure if this is true or not, as I am only getting ready to change my for the first time and the parts dept. at my dealer did'nt know what I was talking about. Any input from the TT vets?

helomech · 02-16-2006, 08:20 AM

There is no crush washer on my 05 oil pan. No leaks either.

Timster13 · 02-16-2006, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

There is no crush washer on my 05 oil pan. No leaks either.

A lot of times the crush washer is stuck to the drain plug. Trust me, you have one. Mine was stuck and it looks like they paint the pan after it is installed, so it looked to be part of the drain plug.

Look for a copper ridge on the drain plug. That is the crush washer. You can break it free with a tap of a screwdriver.

I went to the dealership to buy a few, and the service counter gave me a handful of them for free.

bestatchess · 02-16-2006, 08:28 AM

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...=11026-VK56DPK

phlydude · 02-16-2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t22a80

I would do my own oil changes however, I live in New Hampshire, I don't own a garage and I don't feel like laying out in the snow to change my oil. I also have some other warrantee things that need to be fixed.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I hear you there, the weather has been mild this winter and the days I needed to change the oil I've been lucky that it was in the 50's. I'll take that any day over 95 and 100% humidity

helomech · 02-16-2006, 08:36 AM

When I get my truck back from having the rear end replaced I will put a new one on.

**t22a80** · 02-16-2006, 08:45 AM

I've already had it changed once and I looked at everything when installing the PRG kit. I didn't see any leaks around the plug, I'm not sure if the dealer replaces it every time or not. I'll have to look on my receipt tonight. Looks like I might stick with the dino oil unless they offer 0w-40 in Mobil 1.

Timster13 · 02-16-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

When I get my truck back from having the rear end replaced I will put a new one on.

As long as it's not leaking, I wouldn't pull it apart just to change it. Wait until the next oil change. In fact, I remember seeing here somewhere that some people don't change them at all.

But, I change mine...