good oil for the duramax?

blumax

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hi all, i have an 01 gmc with the 6.6 lb7 and was wondering the general thought is on what type[ i.e. brands ] of motor oil works the best in this type of engine. any and all input is greatly appreciated, thanx!!
 

Smokey73

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I don't own a duramax, and don't know much about them but I would assume that there isn't a big enough difference with them to constitute needing a special oil. Just like any other diesel, it's best to pick an oil, and stay with it. I think any of the major brands, Delo, Rotella Mobil, etc have got thier **** together, just pick one that's easy to come by and stay with it. Down here, we run 15w40 year round, I don't know if it would be any different up there. I've got a truck with over 400k on it and it's never seen anything but Delo 15w40 since the day it was new.
 

tbirdfiend281

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being from Wisconsin like you are, i would say for the summer running a 15w-40 rottella T oil would be fine,but i think with your very frigid winters, id run a thinner oil just to keep things running smoothly

i run rottella t 15w-40 and a royal purple oil filter
 

rebel_horseman

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I ran Rotella in my '01 Dmax (and all my diesels) and had no problems with the oil system. Whatever oil you choose, make sure is of the proper weight and an oil designed for a diesel engine. If you're wanting to go all out you can run Amsoil, or Mobil 1 synthetic. some say it's necessary, some say it's a waste of money.
 

MJ Synthetics

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I ran Rotella in my '01 Dmax (and all my diesels) and had no problems with the oil system. Whatever oil you choose, make sure is of the proper weight and an oil designed for a diesel engine. If you're wanting to go all out you can run Amsoil, or Mobil 1 synthetic. some say it's necessary, some say it's a waste of money.

Here is a little insight to the Synthetics role in the scheme of things. Synthetics while I would not consider them "necessary" is most cases I would in some cases ie: extreme cold temps (-20 or more for days on end) or extreme cold temps -20 quite often during a winter season (30-40 days) during the winter. Can you benefit from using synthetics in most cases? Yes.

I also consider them a very good option for those that want to extend oil change intervals (OCI) and save money on maintenance costs annually by doing so. Please don't forget about using a good quality filter when using synthetics. If your **** about having the best for your engine its a good option as Synthetics are more stable than conventional oils and suspend wear particles better and longer than conventional oils. The resistance to shearing (breaking down) in higher temps such as towing heavy loads or long distances with 5ers and heavier bumper pull types are far better than conventional oils.

While synthetics are not a must have for most individuals they can greatly extend the life of your engines, trans, rear ends and help extend OCI on all of the above components. If you really do the math of using synthetics and extended OCI you can save money on your annual maint. costs which will also save on your time spent doing said oil changes or paying somebody to do them and the amount waste oil to get rid of doing oil changes every 3-5k miles. Whats your time worth? ;Sweet

Synthetics are not for everybody. Do your homework and research and if you have questions about using them don't hesitate to ask it won't cost a dime to ask questions. It may cost you plenty to not ask and use the knowledge of the great folks here. I will try to give you the best information I have and can get to help you with your research. ;Sweet

One last point if you decide to use synthetics give me a shot at saving you money with Amsoil. Once again it won't cost a dime to compare what I have to offer you the member here to what you can get at the autoparts stores.

MJ
 

rebel_horseman

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I completely agree that synthetics are worth their price premium. I run Rotella in my engine simply because I'm stuck in my ways and change the oil every 5k. I've considered changing over but haven't taken the plunge yet. That said, I run Lucas full synthetic 5w-30 in the Getrag and Lucas full synthetic punkin juice out back. When I change them next, which hopefully shouldn't be too far away, I may try out the Amsoil products. I've heard a lot of good things about them.
 

TLBREWER

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I run Rotella 15W40 year round. Mostly because that's what I run in my IDI's and I want to keep it simple...one oil for all three. I will switch to synthetics at some point, but probably not until I install a bypass filter.

Tom
 

MJ Synthetics

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I run Rotella 15W40 year round. Mostly because that's what I run in my IDI's and I want to keep it simple...one oil for all three. I will switch to synthetics at some point, but probably not until I install a bypass filter.

Tom


Tom,

Duramax's really like the synthetics. In your sig it says you have 41k miles your next oil change is the time to switch not when you get a dual bypass. With the HP your running you should be using it now. Depending on your miles which seem to be low you could be changing oil once a year using synthetics and with my OB offer you wouldn't be paying much more than you pay now for an oil change. If down the road you decide to get the dual bypass it will be at dealer cost for the Amsoil dual bypass.
 

TLBREWER

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MJ

Thanks for the heads up. I'm actually at 54K now. I've been condsidering the switch pretty seriously lately. My last oil change two weeks ago I actually used the recommended GM diesel oil, which I believe is synthetic. I had it on-hand for some reason, but at that price I won't make it a habit. I may get back to you on that in about 5000 miles. The IDI's have been basically parked lately due to lack of use so I've only been maintaining the DMax.

I know you've probably answered this before, but if I switch to Amsoil, what can I stretch my oil changes out to. I don't pay any attention to the oil reminder. I just reset it everytime. I try to stick to between 5 and 6000 miles now. It doesn't get run hard...mostly highway. As far as hauling, I use it for equipment size (photography) not weight (less than 1000 lbs).

Tom
 
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ameristar1

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I've run Amsoil in everything for over ten years, and while I don't currently own a Duramax (I would like to experience 1 or 2), I use it in my 6.2 GM and the Powerstrokes that I used to have. If there was an engine that will make a fool out of petroleum based oil, the Powerstrokes are it. After switching over, the 7.3s idled much better, temperatures dropped substantially and the thermal loading was reduced. Not to mention being able to go 10-12k between changes really helped the bottom line. I lost the high pressure oil lines on one motor while doing 60-65mph fully loaded and after it got repaired, there was no increase in oil consumption or turbo damage.
 

blumax

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hi all , thanks for the input. i am currently running rotella and am considering the amsoil switch. i have been using mobil 1 in my 96 5.7 for 6 years along with a wix filter and have had very good luck with it, it just turned 225,000 miles and still running strong. i have considered the mobil 1 for the dmax, but still not sure, still doing my homework. i see and hear about amsoil alot but never see the cost of it, because after all, cost factor is part of the homework. thanx again to all!
 

MJ Synthetics

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hi all , thanks for the input. i am currently running rotella and am considering the amsoil switch. i have been using mobil 1 in my 96 5.7 for 6 years along with a wix filter and have had very good luck with it, it just turned 225,000 miles and still running strong. i have considered the mobil 1 for the dmax, but still not sure, still doing my homework. i see and hear about amsoil alot but never see the cost of it, because after all, cost factor is part of the homework. thanx again to all!

When ever your ready for costs pm me and I will quote you on what oils your looking for. ;Sweet

Remember when doing homework to factor in the amount of oil changes you do per year and what you time is worth for doing those oil changes. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much the cost is per year using Amsoil and extending your oil change intervals meaning less oil changes and less waste oil to deal with.
 

rebel_horseman

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Here's a PDF of a spreadsheet I made up to analyze the cost difference to run synthetic versus conventional in my wife's Z71. It's a little dated but it can give you a rough example of the potential savings. I'll work on a real spreadsheet that is customizable in a little while.
 

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