Duramax Engine Oil

[TsnTexas]

Another question about the Chevy Duramax Diesel. I'm going to start doing my own oil changes and of course there's a variety of synthetic 15W-40 choices out there. Our trips always include towing around or through Texas which has been brutally hot in recent years. What brand of oil and filters are you guys using these days? Appreciate your advice.

[FlyStar]

So far used GM dealers to do this work. But would like to do my own as well when warranty period expires.

[Redapple63]

So far used GM dealers to do this work. But would like to do my own as well when warranty period expires.

Ditto. One difference though. I have no plans to take over maint of my truck. Totally ok using the “dealer oil”

Bill

[Hoopy Frood]

I've used Rotella 1300 Super 15W-40 in both of our Dodges. I've tried a couple other brands, but the best results, according to Blackstone Labs anyway, is with the Rotella. As a bonus, it's also just about the cheapest. Win, Win.

Wow, I don't know where my mind is. It's Mobil Delvac 1300 Super. Doh.

[TsnTexas]

Ditto. One difference though. I have no plans to take over maint of my truck. Totally ok using the “dealer oil”

Bill

Exactly as I did, under warranty I take it to the dealer. I've owned three Chevy Trucks, this being my first diesel, and have used three different dealers for oil changes. My experience hasn't been great. Even though they tell you it's all computerized and your vin is scanned which automatically sets the system to deliver the right oil in the right amount, I've seen them over fill and under fill and even leave the plug finger tight. It all boils down to the guy in the oil change department and what kind of day he's having. Do it yourself and you know it's done right. I've heard mention of Rotella and Mobile 1 Delvac and figured you guys who have been running diesels for awhile would have some insight.

[huntindog]

I do not let the dealer do oil changes any more. I had "free" changges on my last truck. They screwed things up so bad it wasn't worth the trouble. Use an impact wrench to install the drain plug (stripped it impact on the plastic skid/air dam, crushed it. New truck has freebies..... No thanks

[Redapple63]

I do not let the dealer do oil changes any more. I had "free" changges on my last truck. They screwed things up so bad it wasn't worth the trouble. Use an impact wrench to install the drain plug (stripped it impact on the plastic skid/air dam, crushed it. New truck has freebies..... No thanks

I completely understand this. I too have had dealer issues. Each dealership has so many diesel techs. I have made it a point to reach out and talk to them. I also have changed dealerships from my purchasing one as they were a high volume push them through dealer. I am satisfied with my dealer and the relationship I have with the service guy and the mechanics.

Bill

[timlisajax]

Another question about the Chevy Duramax Diesel. I'm going to start doing my own oil changes and of course there's a variety of synthetic 15W-40 choices out there. Our trips always include towing around or through Texas which has been brutally hot in recent years. What brand of oil and filters are you guys using these days? Appreciate your advice.

I have used Shell Rotella !5-40 T-4 since day 1 without any concerns. And yes, I have always done my own oil changes. There are lots of good filters out there - and some not so good. FWIT I have always been partial to Baldwin or Wix filters.

[TsnTexas]

I have used Shell Rotella !5-40 T-4 since day 1 without any concerns. And yes, I have always done my own oil changes. There are lots of good filters out there - and some not so good. FWIT I have always been partial to Baldwin or Wix filters.

I have noticed that Rotella is usually the only diesel choice at most of the auto parts stores in west Texas where we frequently travel. Have been told “it’s what everybody uses around here” so I’ll take your advice and will go with Rotella. Partly because you never know when you're gonna need that extra quart and the fact that it's obviously considered to be a great engine oil.
Thanks again!

[Riverbug]

If you haven't seen some of the YouTube videos from Project Farm, check them out. He tests anything and everything and has a number of them on various oils, including Rotella.