2004.5 Dodge Ram Cummins

[Firemedic15]

Greetings;

I just purchased a one owner 2004.5 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins and had a question I was hoping the group might be able to help with. The carfax report I received indicates that every single oil and filter change up to this point had been completed at Dodge/Ram dealers. Mileage currently sits at 227,000. My question is does anyone know if the dealers typically use one type/brand of oil? Maybe the Cummins recommended Valvoline Premium Blue? In my previous Cummins rigs I’ve historically used Rotella t4, t5, or t6 with a fleetguard filter. I realize these aren’t very particular on oil but the rig runs like a top and if I can stick with what it’s had all or most of it’s life then why not? Oh and before anyone asks I have tried calling a few dealers so far and haven’t got any answer yet. One hung up on me twice, one I was on hold for 20 minutes, and the third apparently is no longer in business. Just thought I’d ask here before I dig any deeper. Appreciate the input and help.

 

[fantastic]

Greetings;

I just purchased a one owner 2004.5 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9 Cummins and had a question I was hoping the group might be able to help with. The carfax report I received indicates that every single oil and filter change up to this point had been completed at Dodge/Ram dealers. Mileage currently sits at 227,000. My question is does anyone know if the dealers typically use one type/brand of oil? Maybe the Cummins recommended Valvoline Premium Blue? In my previous Cummins rigs I’ve historically used Rotella t4, t5, or t6 with a fleetguard filter. I realize these aren’t very particular on oil but the rig runs like a top and if I can stick with what it’s had all or most of it’s life then why not? Oh and before anyone asks I have tried calling a few dealers so far and haven’t got any answer yet. One hung up on me twice, one I was on hold for 20 minutes, and the third apparently is no longer in business. Just thought I’d ask here before I dig any deeper. Appreciate the input and help.

Sounds like those dealers are best avoided for any information. Cummins has a quite common spec'd oil & Rotella is excellent option since it is readily available just about everywhere. I will point out the newest oil on the market for our HD trucks is Super Tech 15w-40 Full Synthetic. It's $15.xx gallon at WM.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...-ck-4-sn-full-synthetic-hdeo-voa-w-pc.382561/

I also regularly update a list of HDEO VOA that you can look around for ideas on brands that may or may not spec for Cummins.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/voa-diesel-oil-database.362789/

 

[Furious]

Not all dealers use the same oil so it is impossible to say for sure, best bet is to pick a good oil that meets the specifications and stick to it going forward since you don't have record on what was used.

 

[Bighorn2500]

Totally depends on who gets the Mopar contract to provide the 275 gallon bulk tote.

When FCA took control they had ties to Shell oils so it became Rotella. Before that can't remember who exactly, it may have been Valvoline.

Be happy they kept good records, the Mopar MO-285 is a really a rebranded Fleetguard LF3972 so you know it had OE standard filtration.

The act of changing the oil regularly is far more important that what brand may or may not have been used in my opinion.

 

[Firemedic15]

Totally depends on who gets the Mopar contract to provide the 275 gallon bulk tote.

When FCA took control they had ties to Shell oils so it became Rotella. Before that can't remember who exactly, it may have been Valvoline.

Be happy they kept good records, the Mopar MO-285 is a really a rebranded Fleetguard LF3972 so you know it had OE standard filtration.

The act of changing the oil regularly is far more important that what brand may or may not have been used in my opinion.

Agreed, I am very pleased that regular changes were present throughout it’s life thus far. Since new; oil and filter changes every 3-5k miles without exception.

 

[cptbarkey]

Your plan with Rotella sounds fine, and Fleetguard's engineering for its filters is top notch.

Trying to backtrace what oil was used is a wild goose chase, if its running, its fine.