[flainn]

I was at the local Wal-Mart yesterday and happened to notice that the price for a five-gallon bucket of Rotella-T 15W-40 (non-synthetic) recently jumped from $57.00 to $69.00, or more than 21% !

I suppose it's because of what crude prices have been doing lately, but it was alarming to say the least.

I was wondering if you're seeing similar things. It might be a good time to stock up on oil and other petroleum-based products, since it's going to be a rough summer.

 

[CDX825]

Haven't had a chance to check lately but I'm sure prices have gone up. Stocking up would probably be a good idea. I watch for sales locally and buy when its on sale.

I also installed a bypass filter setup last year so I can extend my oil changes. Ive been sending samples to blackstone labs for analysis.

Even without a bypass filter you should be able to run atleast 7500 miles between oil changes. The whole 3000 miles thing is BS!

 

[WhiskeyBottle]

Hey Guys...I also use Rotella T 15w-40...it is still $10.99 a gallon here at my WallyWorld up in Port Angeles, WA. Diesel fuel is $4.10 with 3 cent discount. It does look like this summer will be pretty high on costs tho, especially fuel.

Yeah I use a 7.3 oil filter and usually go 10,000 miles between oil changes cuz my truck burns about a quart every 1200 to 1500 miles and so far my oil reports have been good. I used to go only 7500 miles between changes but extended it to 10,000 after I found out I could do it without any major probs. Besides my truck is old, but still runs good. Just waiting and hoping to get at least 1 to 2 more years out of her before I rebuild her also. After I get the 6.9 in the barn rebuilt I will rebuild this one.

WhiskeyBottle

 

[drinkypoo]

If you're not running biofuels or regularly running high temps for long periods you can probably push oil changes out. Either will ruin the oil faster.

 

[IDIABUSE]

prices are going up due to the increased quality of the oil. so higher prices are good. (SARCASM)
Now how much difference is regular Rotella compared to the more expensive synthetic oils?
The Synthetics are much easier now to purchase simply because the value is MORE.

$100 for 5 gallons of the best, and $70 for the most popular, high quantity, lower quality oil


Javier

 

[drinkypoo]

Delo on sale is a lot cheaper than any synthetic worth buying, even on sale. Even with the increased change period it's still cheaper. Synthetics are neato but so far you have yet to prove your point

 

[flainn]

If you're not running biofuels or regularly running high temps for long periods you can probably push oil changes out. Either will ruin the oil faster.

Can you give me some citations on biofuels affecting oil lifetime? I've done a lot of research in that area (own and operate a biofuels business) and this is the first I've ever heard that.

 

[arthurgoboom]

It appears the companies haven't forgotten about the price of other oil products this time. Last time fuels hit over $4 a gallon I was surprised to notice that lubricating oils didn't change price all that much. I think they forgot to price gouge on those too. Just shows the oil companies are getting smarter.

 

[kmorgan_260]

Haven't had a chance to check lately but I'm sure prices have gone up. Stocking up would probably be a good idea. I watch for sales locally and buy when its on sale.

I also installed a bypass filter setup last year so I can extend my oil changes. Ive been sending samples to blackstone labs for analysis.

Even without a bypass filter you should be able to run atleast 7500 miles between oil changes. The whole 3000 miles thing is BS!

How much does the lab charge for testing? The only place I have found locally charges $25 so I just change every 5K.

 

[NH2112]

Delo on sale is a lot cheaper than any synthetic worth buying, even on sale. Even with the increased change period it's still cheaper. Synthetics are neato but so far you have yet to prove your point

Yep, when I think about all the diesels out there that have run up 300K, 400K, 500K, or more on dino juice (my own is at possibly 353K, most likely 453K, and potentially even 553K, and I average 17mpg), I have to ask myself what exactly would synthetics have improved? I'm a firm believer for synthetics in the driveline, but don't see their value in the engine.

 

[drinkypoo]

Yep, when I think about all the diesels out there that have run up 300K, 400K, 500K, or more on dino juice (my own is at possibly 353K, most likely 453K, and potentially even 553K, and I average 17mpg), I have to ask myself what exactly would synthetics have improved? I'm a firm believer for synthetics in the driveline, but don't see their value in the engine.

I have 375k (only put 2k on myself) and my truck is ready to go RIGHT NOW, when I push the pedal it says RAAR. Delo came out of it and I put Delo in it. And when it comes out I put it through a sock and burn it Now I'm just chasing down small problem after small problem, so that I can fix them before they turn into big problems. I knew what I was getting into when I spent $1500 on a 4x4 turbo diesel, though. I'm learning fast.

 

[IDIABUSE]

AMSOIL PCO 15W40 is API certified and is only $23 Gallon.
That is the wholesale cost Retail cost would be $31 Gallon
I have personally used this blend in a 6.0 up to 22,000 miles no
oil change, when dumped the oil sample taken came back as oil
that was good for continued use. Used Oil Analysis is an option
One can use to plan longer engine life and save money when times
are tough.

Not a bad price for a top line oil that has long drain capabilities.

Javier

 

[IDIABUSE]

I have 375k (only put 2k on myself) and my truck is ready to go RIGHT NOW, when I push the pedal it says RAAR. Delo came out of it and I put Delo in it. And when it comes out I put it through a sock and burn it Now I'm just chasing down small problem after small problem, so that I can fix them before they turn into big problems. I knew what I was getting into when I spent $1500 on a 4x4 turbo diesel, though. I'm learning fast.

A sock is no way to filter anything you use as fuel if you expect long service life.
I also burn MO and I process it through 8 filters in all, the last one being a 2 micron Racor filter.
I have done the filter bags and pouring 5 gallon buckets over and over is not fun at all. It can also get real messy real quick.
I now process 50 gallons at one time and touch nothing other than connecting a battery to my pump.

**** luck with your truck...


Javier

 

[IDIABUSE]

How much does the lab charge for testing? The only place I have found locally charges $25 so I just change every 5K.

I pay only $17 for UOA that has Oxidation/Nitration results and the all important TBN result, necessary for long drain service information.
My Lab recommends 125 hrs or 7500 miles between analysis.
In the past I have stretched it much longer with good results.
15,000 miles between analysis reports also can be done.

So far the valuable data I get is worth every dollar year after year :read:

Javier

 

[drinkypoo]

When the oil comes out looking good I don't worry about it. It's a 1 micron sock so I would be staggered if anything more than 5 microns made it through. If the oil is ugly I just recycle it. I have too many other projects right now to work on an oil filter system, but it's on the list. Mostly I'm still looking for a good cheap pump, ha ha ha.

Why do you have 8 filters? What are they? Seems excessive. I would not think you would need more than about four, with two of them being cheaper, same-mesh versions of the filters that came after and being there to protect expensive filters from clogging.

 

[IDIABUSE]

When the oil comes out looking good I don't worry about it. It's a 1 micron sock so I would be staggered if anything more than 5 microns made it through. If the oil is ugly I just recycle it. I have too many other projects right now to work on an oil filter system, but it's on the list. Mostly I'm still looking for a good cheap pump, ha ha ha.

Why do you have 8 filters? What are they? Seems excessive. I would not think you would need more than about four, with two of them being cheaper, same-mesh versions of the filters that came after and being there to protect expensive filters from clogging.

My collection/storage tank "this tank only gets known good clean oils" has two cleanable 75/35 micron filters in series, then two 10 micron in series, I do this so it gravity feeds faster.
Then it goes into an upflow setup that I use to clean up any petrol I can find.
This is used to remove sediment, coolant, water, any large particles.
Then that upflows to a 20 micron filter into a mix tank, at the bottom of that tank I run a AMSOIL 2 micron NON BYPASS filter and a AMSOIL full flow filter that is 15 micron absolute, Had these on the shelf, why not use them, they should be able to clean 2500 gallons before changing.
I still also use a 2 micron Racor and circulate the 50 gallon drum 7 times before I put into my tank.
I also use desicant air breathers on my drums and collection tanks so no water or contaminates are sucked in as I pump oil in or out of my tanks.
Sounds like alot but if I get a batch of dirty nasty oil I know it will clean up and run perfect in my truck, so far no issues at all.

Javier