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

[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.

[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.

[krsmitty]

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.

X2 on the Mobil. Usually cheapest at Walmart. If not Mobil, then the Walmart brand. As for filters...Wix or OEM, whatever I find the cheapest.

[Hoopy Frood]

X2 on the Mobil. Usually cheapest at Walmart. If not Mobil, then the Walmart brand. As for filters...Wix or OEM, whatever I find the cheapest.

The last 5 gallon bucket I bought at Wally World was $57, tough to beat that price. Heck, some of that stuff out there cost more for a quart than what I paid for a gallon.

[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

[COGrandDes]

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

I worked at several of the GM dealers many years ago but would never take my vehicle to them today for many reasons. The quality and talent is just not there like it used to be. I do all my own maintenance and even have given up "free" oil changes and maintenance to do things myself. My salesman was surprised when I told him in March that I would not be back to take advantage of my first free service on my new truck. Told them they would never see me again unless there was a warranty issue that needed to be fixed. Do the work yourself, save the money, and check things over rather than depending on others who don't really care about your vehicle.

I have used Rotella and Amsoil.....many good brands out there. Pick one and stay with it.