Switching Engine Oils - Opinions?

I’ve used them for 9 years. 15-40 semi synthetic 7000.

I like the sales rep, he came and visited in person.

Sample kits are $15 from their lab. Oil is now $900+ for a 30 gallon barrel, delivered to my door. I change my own.

I get their grease and fuel additives too, free delivery over $500.

I only change based on samples. Usually 30k to 40k miles. Sample every 10k. Usually the base number (acidity) is the reason for change. Sampling just lets me know if bearing/liner/piston/rings/injectors are an issue.

It may be more expensive oil, but slightly extended changes with sampling tamps down the extra cost.

I believe oil is oil - only the additive packages are different. Schaefer’s sells on molybdenum. I ain’t no chemist. I dunno.

Information above is based on a 2000 N-14, and a 1995 12.7 . Total miles 700,000.

 

Mine was factory filled with delo 10w-30, use 5w-40 deli XSP by the drum now.

 

So how far do you go thru intervals? (Oil changes)

 

Pay attention to detail.
How does the motor sound.
Oil consumption.
Gasket leaks.
Motor running hotter.
Taking longer to cool down.
Fuel economy.

I've seen 2 oils only drop temp 30* after sitting for 10 hours. One was semi and company replaced alot of cracked heads coming out of Phoenix.

The other was my car after a dealer Oil change. And sitting at work all day.

I recently drove a 2020 Cummins that got a new head at 175k. That motor sounded like a tank and dropped 1 quart after 2 weeks total usage.

People say oil is oil. And that's probably true. But the additives package. Is not the same.

 

Rotella in bulk is $27/gallon depending on your shop discount, so it’s really not that bad.

I get a 30 gallon drum. I like the rep, like the delivery, grease is good.