New Chevy 6.6L LML engine -- what oil?

[9C1_guy]

I purchased an '11 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6L diesel engine (LML). I will be using this mostly for towing and hauling, with several trips between N. Cal and S. Cal over the coming months. So, mostly freeway driving with lots of long trips and at least one steep grade along the way (the grapevine, north of LA) The truck will not see much, if any, cold weather use. Mostly SoCal weather.

I know little about diesels as this is the first one I've ever owned. I'm busy doing my research on maintenance, etc. and thought I'd ask the folks here for their recommendations on what oil regimen to start with. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time (at least 10 years), so would like to institute good engine hygiene up front. Manufacturer recommends 5w30.

Suggestions, recommendations? Thanks.

 

[Whizbanger]

I don't have a recommendation, but I believe the LML takes 5w-40 not 5w30.

 

[Gene K]

If it is indeed 5W40 then I would suggest Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic. Most Walmart's carry it making it easy to get. Its usually in gallon jugs.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Run almost any HDEO in the correct viscosity. I use 15w40 in my 09 Dmax and it loves it.

Follow the OLM, and it will outlast us all!

 

[daman]

Congratulations on the new truck and great choice!, but like stated above almost any HDEO in the correct viscosity will do that truck just fine,if your going to be extending the interval synthetic is the way to go.

 

[4x4chevydude]

5w30 doesnt seem like it would be a good fit for your application...go with a Delo 15w40 or Shell Rotella 15w40 it will give you some good oil for towing and whatnot

 

[Lead Shoes]

I would start it on a strict diet of Rotella t6 5w40 synthetic to ensure the engine out lives at least 2 Honda's.

 

[9C1_guy]

Thanks for all the replies. I actually pick up the truck this weekend, so I haven't had a chance to read the manual yet. Another board said the recommended oil was 5w30, but I will obviously double check before the first change.

Also, from other posts on the board, I believe Wix and Bosch oil filters are generally well-regarded for passenger cars. Do those recommendations extend into diesel trucks as well?

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
I would start it on a strict diet of Rotella t6 5w40 synthetic to ensure the engine out lives at least 2 Honda's.

Any small lawn mower engine like a briggs,or a HONDA...will run a long time sure,put that engine in a severe high HP/TQ towing conditions and see how it does for longevity.

 

[9C1_guy]

Also, doing some research on some of the other diesel boards, the Rotella oil doesn't seem to have the best reputation. Specifically, there are concerns with the amount it foams. ( example) Granted, the biggest concerns seem to be around the ford engines, but the duramax LML engine has the same basic direct injection design.

Any comments on Chevron Delo 400 oil? Or Amsoil?

[EDIT] Or Royal Purple?

 

[SteveSRT8]

We are big Amsoil fans. If you're following the OLM Amsoil is a good choice.

If you change early you're wasting money.

 

[Smokefan1977]

Delvac or 6T in 5-40 flavor

 

[Lead Shoes]

Originally Posted By: daman
Originally Posted By: Brenden
I would start it on a strict diet of Rotella t6 5w40 synthetic to ensure the engine out lives at least 2 Honda's.

Any small lawn mower engine like a briggs,or a HONDA...will run a long time sure,put that engine in a severe high HP/TQ towing conditions and see how it does for longevity.


I am talking about the 4 cyl Honda's, and the average lawn mower has 20hp, a Honda has 120hp = not in the same category, and even after 20 years of use, the lawn mower will have seen less than 4000 miles when mowing a 2 acre lawn once a week

.

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
Originally Posted By: daman
Originally Posted By: Brenden
I would start it on a strict diet of Rotella t6 5w40 synthetic to ensure the engine out lives at least 2 Honda's.

Any small lawn mower engine like a briggs,or a HONDA...will run a long time sure,put that engine in a severe high HP/TQ towing conditions and see how it does for longevity.


I am talking about the 4 cyl Honda's, and the average lawn mower has 20hp, a Honda has 120hp, and even after 20 years of use has seen less than 4000 miles when mowing a 2 acre lawn once a week

.


I know you are!!

 

[Lead Shoes]

Hating on Honda's must be the thing this week

Now back on topic, I have never seen anyone on here complain about Rotella t6 5w40 foaming up..

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
Hating on Honda's must be the thing this week

Negitive....

But who made this complement about GM's?

"I would start it on a strict diet of Rotella t6 5w40 synthetic to ensure the engine out lives at least 2 Honda's .

but yes BOT.....

 

[Ken2]

Originally Posted By: 9C1_guy
Also, doing some research on some of the other diesel boards, the Rotella oil doesn't seem to have the best reputation. Specifically, there are concerns with the amount it foams. ( example) Granted, the biggest concerns seem to be around the ford engines, but the duramax LML engine has the same basic direct injection design.

Any comments on Chevron Delo 400 oil? Or Amsoil?

[EDIT] Or Royal Purple?
That link goes to comments that are ten years old. All the oils have changed since than, as have all the newer engines.

Shell's Rotella is OK. Nothing wrong with it, and nothing special about it. Chevron Delo 400 is also very good. As are the similar products from ConocoPhillips, Castrol, Valvoline, and all the major brands. Unless you have a reason to use synthetic oil, don't buy it. There are good reasons, but if you don't have one, don't spend the money. I think Amsoil is excellent, over hyped, and over priced. I don't know how good Royal Purple is, and definitely over priced and over hyped.

By the way, neither the current Ford diesels nor the GM Duramax use the same injection system the older International Powerstrokes in Fords used back in that day. Those older systems used the engine oil as hydraulic oil to operate the fuel injection pumps. Foaming shut them down. I do not know if the Rotella ten years ago actually foamed or if there was some other reasons for any problems. 2011 Rotella does not foam.

 

[The motor guy]

Unless they changed something for this new model. The duramax uses 15w40 petroleum oil. So delo400LE, shell rotella, mobil delvac and valvoline will all do just fine in your engine. No need to spend 3x as much on synthetic. Make sure it is diesel oil rated at API CJ-4 Like ken2 said rotella foams in the powerstroke due to to HEUI injection system used. I think they probably fixed that now. It is not a problem in a common rail diesel like yours.

 

[m37charlie]

There are only 2 reasons to use synthetic oil, i.e. 5W40, in your engine:
1) Exposure to very low temperatures for startup, below +5 F.
Even this can be mitigated by and oil pan heater (NOT just a block heater!) Unlikely, living in SoCal.
2) Plans for extended oil change intervals. Un-necessary when living in the US with wide availability of good oil and places to change it, unless you are planning over-the-road trucker type mileage accumulations like 5-10000 miles/month.

Charlie
PS: I'm using synthetic for both reasons...plus the mfg recommends it specifically with OCI = 1200 hrs ~ 45000 miles

 

[MrHorspwer]

Taken directly from the Duramax owners manual supplement in the glovebox of a 2011 Silverado:

Quote:
Oils designated as API CJ-4 are required for the vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Petroleum Institute (API) designations, such as API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality.

SAE 15w40 is best for the vehicle. When it is very cold, below 18°C (0°F), use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10w30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50.


Seems pretty clear to me: A CJ-4 15W40 is what you should be using unless you're operating at less than 0 F.