New GMC truck??? Rotella??

[crepitus]

i just got a new gmc sierra with the 5.3 v8. i want to change the oil today. it has about 1500 miles on it. is it ok to run synthetic rotella? can i switch now or should i wait more miles? Mobil 1 is to expensive so i am not going that route. its between this and regular conventional oil. what should i do?

 

[dave1251]

Conventional! Because unless there is a 10w30 or 5w30 rotella syn GM will say that 5W-40 does not meet GM 6094M.

 

[Titan]

crepitus (ooh...what a name...what a condition to have!), the POTENTIAL problem with using an HDEO is the higher zinc level in it that could possbily shorten the useful life of your catalytic converter.

 

[Blue99]

I think you're trying to solve a problem that isn't there!

Enjoy the benefits of the manufacturer's warranty and stick with a 5w30 or even 10w30.

As far as conventional oils, Havoline, Pennzoil, Castrol - pick your favorite. All should provide excellent results.

Enjoy your new ride!

 

[crepitus]

thanks for the suggestions. another question. the truck has an oil life monitor. should i go by that or change every 3-4k miles?

 

[Bryanccfshr]

THe oil life monitor has proven to be a safe way of determining OCI's.

 

[eddyzima]

i would do 1 or 2 3k oil changes before i let the olm take over. just to help get rid of the break in metals.

 

[Titan]

Use the OLM, or once a year, whichever comes first.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by crepitus:
i just got a new gmc sierra with the 5.3 v8. i want to change the oil today. it has about 1500 miles on it. is it ok to run synthetic rotella? can i switch now or should i wait more miles? Mobil 1 is to expensive so i am not going that route. its between this and regular conventional oil. what should i do?

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Stick with an oil that meets the fine print in the manufacturers warranty, there are plenty of good ones to choose from. There's no reason to give them an out if you have an engine problem.

An early oil change like you are doing is a good idea on a new engine, but next one you can do at a normal oil change interval.

If the oil life indicator tells you to run your oil too long for your tastes, pull an oil sample and get a used oil analysis with TBN. If the used oil analysis agrees with the oil life indicator, you will have learned something useful. If the used oil analysis doesn't agree with the oil life indicator, you will still get some idea at what indicated percent oil life remaining to change your oil.

GM oil life indicators are a good thing, but you may decide to change at some % other than 0% life remeining if you get some used oil analysis with TBN.