Oil changes often?

Discussion in 'Intermodal Trucking Forum' started by Imani100, Aug 14, 2020.

  1. 8withaV

    8withaV Bobtail Member

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    I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what motor oil to use in my 2017 Volvo VNL 670 with the D13 engine. I've been using Shell Rotella T4 10W-30 for a while and I like it. I've been hearing some good things about Shell Rotella T6 synthetic and wanted to give it a try. The only problem is, shell only sells the t6 in 5W-40, 15W-40 and 0W-40. So in my case, which grade should I use for the best performance and best mpg.
    Thanks
     
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  3. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    What oil does the manufacturer suggest? Don't decide what oil to put in your engine based on what some internet smart guy tells you.
     
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  4. 8withaV

    8withaV Bobtail Member

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    Volvo recommends 10w30 which is what I'm using now, but I know a few people use a different grade of t6. I just don't know what grade they use.
     
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  5. Socal Xpress

    Socal Xpress Road Train Member

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    Since 400k I have used Rotella T6 5w-40. Think a couple of others use the same oil.
     
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  6. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If T4 lubricates it fine, why worry?
     
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  7. MTN Boomer

    MTN Boomer Road Train Member

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    Lucas seems to increase the oil pressure, A driver I know claims he puts 2 gallons in, he usually gets million on his engine
     
  8. 8withaV

    8withaV Bobtail Member

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    I heard some good things about using a synthetic like better mpg, easier cold starts, longer oil change intervals and it protects the engine from excessive wear. I do all my oil changes myself, it'll end up costing $100 more for synthetic so if it's beneficial why not give it a try.
     
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  9. MM71

    MM71 Heavy Load Member

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    Rotella T4 is $12.47 a gallon at my walmart. 5w40 T6 is $18.88 ... free delivery so I do not have to haul it.

    After break in I changed from conventional to synthetic in my ol yellow 2WS. I bumped from 4 weeks 12,000 mile changes, to 6 week 18,000 mile changes. Oil samples with both came back as good oil. Little higher soot on the 18k change. I would burn about a half gallon by 10k with the T4. The T6 doesnt really burn any.

    With the interval change I figure I am money ahead at the end of the year. Better is fewer oil changes to perform ;)

    Out in AZ during the summer I would lose 10 plus lbs of oil pressure with t4 when the temps were high. T6 may drop the needle 3 or 4lbs. Have yet to run cold weather. But I idle, so no cold starts.
     
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  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    18,000 on t6?

    I’m getting an average of 28,000 for trucks without bypass system.

    With a bypass system, I am getting an average of 38,000.
     
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  11. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    If you read his last sentence it says he idle’s so he is right to be changing it sooner. Mileage is the end all say all in oil changes. For those of us the idle a lot for ether comfort or PTO work you should be changing oil based on hours.
     
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