Delo or Rotella

I use the Schaeffer's 7000 synthetic blend as well. My samples looks good at 30,000 and probably could take it on out to 40,000 based on the TBN/TBA ratio, but the engine is starting to use a little oil by 30,000 so I go ahead and change it out. The metal wear numbers are better with Schaeffer. When you factor in the free oil sample kits, the specials like a free case of grease, and free shipping.... kind of hard to beat that deal with any brand.

One advantage that I like about doing my own services is that I know it is done right. The lube shops utilize the least experienced techs around and will sometimes miss things. Doing it myself I save money, and make sure that every fitting gets some grease and that even my self adjusting brakes are indeed adjusted properly. Plus, when you add that I will never go more than two weeks without also doing the grease again, that saves even more. I also lift the front of the truck and grease the king pin bushings with the load off the front. Better way to grease them. And you can give the underside a good inspection and catch things that an inexperienced tech will often overlook. After all, it isn't his truck or truck payment. He will do just what he needs to do.

Bypass filters are a good idea for most. I used a bypass at one time, but did not get the results I hoped for. The metal wear numbers weren't any better and the oil TBN package went down at the same rate (but then it wasn't the Gulf Coast filter where you have to put in 2-3 gallons of makeup oil each time you change the bypass filter). Soot was lower. But since I have disabled the EGR on my ISX, soot is not as big an issue as it is for others. The return on investment ratio didn't impress me in using a bypass. If I was running a log truck, cement truck, or dump truck in nasty environments, then a bypass would be a must. But for my OTR work, I didn't get that great of results for the cost.

Regarding adding something like Lucas, do a read of the test results they did at the Bob Is The Oil Guy website. I have never seen any benefit using oil additives. And with modern oil formulations, I would be worried about a conflict with the oil's additive package it already has. Some swear by the stuff.

 

Good post Cowpie... I am Shaeffer user also ( 9000 ) OPS bypass filter is not as effective as i hoped. Spinner 2 was choice " b " wished i had tried it instead. i think it could be more effective on soot and wear metals and cheaper.

Did your mpg go up disconnecting EGR ? have many friends with ISX. all are " afraid " to disconnect EGR. looking for info to relay

 

My mpg went up by an average of 1 mpg. I was struggling to average 6.3-6.5 but after disabling the EGR I have consistently averaged 7.3-7.5. That is pump to pump averages. The computer, which is way off, shows average around 8mpg. I am running a 2006 International 9400i with the ISX. I only get 1 fault code. No CEL, No derate of the engine. Engine runs smoother, less soot buildup around stack tips between washings, engine never gets above 190-195F on a warm day with AC on and pulling a hill with a heavy load. Fan cycles far less frequently. Oil Samples are better.... not a major improvement, but wear metals and soot levels are down some. For those that would tend to lose sleep over doing this, I checked with Gary are Pittsburgh Power regarding this and he said will cause no problem and probably the best thing anyone could do to the ISX. But, obviously due to government issues, he could not recommend it. I have had the EGR disabled for about 3 months. Just wish I had figured this out sooner. I wasn't the first to do it, so can't take credit for an original idea. Have heard, though, that this will only work on the EGR ISX engines without the DPF. The electronics involved with the DPF will cause the ECM to have a cramp and throw CEL and codes all over the place if you disable the EGR. Not sure of this. Seems to work well with pre-07 emissions ISX engines.

 

The only time I used Lucas my mileage dropped noticeably. If I remember right I dumped the oil at 9000 miles in order to get my MPGs back up.

 

I use Schaeffers as well. Order it from a factory rep. out of St. Louis, MO & yeah free shipping with an order of $300 or over. They also have an additive that you can put in when you change the oil that takes the overall spec's back to a CI-4+ if you do not have a DPF system. Worth looking into these guys if you haven't before.

 

The only thing hat Lucas Oil Treat does is thicken up the oil. In a older motor (or abused motor) this could be a gain to get a few extra miles out of it. But with a motor that is in spec Lucas will actually do more harm by costing mpg, hp/tq, and maybe even excessive oil pump wear. I have to admit that I did run Lucas in my '99 Detroit before I sold it. The motor had 750,000 original miles when I bought it and was still going strong at 998,000 when I traded the truck off. When I first put Lucas in the motor oil the oil pressure went up about 5psi.

 

Rotella in my M11 and the Navistar in my F-350.

 

been using lucas oil since 99' over 1.3 mil mi & not inframe yet. gear train still good. 2 gal at oil change. does reduce soot out of stack, & other benefit's. i.m.o. of course. use lucas fuel treat also. fill davco 328 fuel filt with lucas, the rest in the tanks. always saw a improvment in m.p.g. 11.1 det ser 60.

 

Do you simply go to the Schaeffers site to place an order, or you have to deal with an area rep? Local lawn mower shop sells the stuff, I purchase the fuel treatment from owner, but I think he tacks on a $ markup on Schaeffers products.
Something curious about the fuel treatment, during the "big" cold snap, (19 degrees F. here in so. LA, one day); I grabbed an unopened gallon of the fuel treatment, then noticed as I began pouring it into the tanks of my truck, it seemed to be close to gelling, thick, heavy, color streaks, slow pouring. Has anyone ever noticed this, or did I possibly get a bad jug?

I know people that have used Lucas (both fuel, and oil treatment) religiously, but personally I don't think alot of their products. As previously stated, the oil treat just thickens your oil, why not simply use higher viscosity oil? My dad purchased a 1998 Pete (3406E/550HP) from a friend who purchased it new, and drove it himself, (hauling grain) claimed he added one gallon of Lucas # every oil change, and used Rotella. Dad drove that truck for about a year, hauling grain, used Delvac oil, with no Lucas. His fuel mileage was approx .3 mpg better pulling bigger hopper trailer (102" vs 96") which meant bigger gross weight.
No not scientific; different oils, different drivers, etc., but I think the Lucas thickened oil is somewhat at fault.
As to the Lucas fuel treatment, I THINK there is a section comparing fuel treatments on the previously mentioned "Bob is the oil guy" web site. Wherever I found it, I had even printed it out to show people how low Lucas fuel treatment was rated. It does have some value, but there are lots better treatments out there; (according to the comparison).

 

yeah could part be psychological too. you put stuff in to get better result's, so you drive to get the better result's. I have ring's that are worn. when I use lucas, it reduces black smoke a lot. it also use's less oil between changes. after driving over 11 years & over 1.3 mil, everyone tell's me just keep doing what you have been doing, maint wise. most det gear trains will not last 1.3 mil. what I'm told. my gear train checked 6 months ago. good shape. I see it more personal.. I don't smoke, dont buy or drink cold drinks, dont eat at truck stop's. I pack a cooler full of nothing but raw fruit & raw vegie's , so the money I don't spend on what I think is really a waste of money I spend on lucas.