Just wondering of those of you that run synthetic oil (Amsoil, Rotella t-6, Mobile 1, etc.) how often are you changing it? I have heard the claims of the 25K oil changes with Amsoil but frankly that scares me even with extra filters that I think they recommend. I have always run Mobil 1 in all my gas motors with zero engine failures but did oil changes at the recommended intervals. With the volume of oil a diesel requires and how dirty/black diesel oil becomes almost instantly I am not sure if there is a definite advantage.

Any guidance is appreciated.

 

I've seen a few guys having their oil tested and going 20K+ on an oil change. Me and most other guys run synthetic and we still change at 5K. I run Schaefer and have been told at 5K to continue to run my oil. I just don't want to take that chance. I believe that most of us feel it's better to be safe then sorry. We all know these trucks can be temperamental, why push the limits. Just my 2 cents...

 

I run T-6 Rotella, no issues whatsoever. Even with my bypass filter setup I won't run more than 10k on an oil change (sampling at 5k and 7500) even if the results come back saying that the oil is still usable...which being synthetic it doesn't break down anywhere near as much as dino-oil. I know guys that are sitting at almost 50k since the last time their pan was empty (brother's '01 7.3 is sitting at 120k since it's last change...but that's like comparing a Pinto to a Mustang, 2 completely different animals). It is known that the 6.0 shears oil, from what I've heard/read it levels off around 30W (likely a point that the engine likes it).

I may just use the drag truck as the guinea pig for this...50k or so miles will be plenty of time to save up and build a 6.4 or 24v/CR. She'll even have some 1/4 mile abuse runs on her for an added durability test. Lol. I'll post again in this thread in 3-5 years LMAO!

 

5k miles here, no questions asked.

 

If your oil analysis comes back good, why not run 10K, especially on synthetic oils? I've had my Rotella dino-oil tested good at 10k, although I determined that to be the cut off mileage. I'm not saying to run that long, but I am asking why not if the test results are favorable?

 

My case is different from everyone else, I'm changing at 5k regardless as a preventative measure. If I ever have an issue where WVO starts making it to the bottom end of the motor, I need to catch it sooner than later, and an oil change is cheap insurance. If you don't have to pay for diesel, it seems like a pretty fair trade to just change it more often. I'm also driving my truck a lot less which means more sitting time, so I am happy changing it at 5k.

 

I change at 7500-10K intervals with Fram/OEM filters. 226k on the original injectors.